Different Types of Septic Tanks and Septic Systems

If you live off-grid or in a rural area, then your home is probably NOT connected to some centralized sewer system. Instead, you are left to figure out the waste and wastewater treatment on your own. Fortunately, you are not alone. Around 20 percent of households rely on some sort of on-site waste treatment facility. For most of those households, the solution is a septic system. There are many types of septic systems to choose from though. In this article brought to you by Septic Pumping of Raleigh, we will review some of the options. If you are looking for septic pumping or septic tank cleaning in Raleigh, feel free to call us today. We are happy to schedule an appointment or arrange an urgent dispatch.

Conventional Septic System

The conventional septic system has been used for decades and consists of a septic tank as well as a drain field. The septic tank portion is mostly the same for all septic systems. It houses vital bacteria that breaks down solid waste into space-saving sludge. The wastewater, meanwhile, readily moves through the septic tank and into the drain field. Here is where things get different.

In a conventional septic system, the drain field is a shallow underground trench of stone or gravel. Generally, a layer of geofabric is placed on top of the trench to prevent soil and dirt from entering the clean stone. The wastewater is treated as it filters through the stones or gravel and the soil below the trench. These drain fields can take up a lot of space and might not be suitable for all residential properties.

Chamber System

Chamber systems have been used for a few decades and are slowly replacing the current conventional septic system. The septic tank portion of a chamber system is identical to that in the conventional septic system. Where they differ is the drain field.

While the conventional septic system’s drain field is a shallow underground trench of stone or gravel, the chamber system is without gravel. Instead, it consists of a series of connected chambers which are covered with soil. The wastewater in the chambers comes into contact with the soil for treatment. These are well-suited for areas with high groundwater tables.

Drip Distribution System

A drip distribution system contains an extra component: a large dose tank between the septic tank and drain field. In this system, the wastewater is released in pretreated, timed deliveries. Since the wastewater is released in small amounts, it is usually treated more thoroughly and is safer for areas with groundwater. The disadvantage is it requires the installation of the dosage tank as well as electricity to run.

Aerobic Treatment Unit

The aerobic treatment unit uses many of the same processes as a municipal sewage plant, but on a smaller scale. This system is injected with air and oxygen to increase bacterial activity. The result is better treatment and higher quality wastewater that can be distributed to a smaller drain field. Therefore, these are ideal for homes with smaller lots, poor soil conditions, or high water table. These must be maintained more carefully and regularly though!