Conventional Septic System
About
These underground pipe and gravel, septic panels, or stone infiltration systems have existed for decades. These systems include a septic tank, piping, and a filtration material in a trench or bed drainfield configuration.
Pro's
- All system components are underground.
- Effluent can be gravity fed or pumped to drainfield.
- System has very little moving parts if any.
Con's
- These systems cannot be installed in all soils.
(Cannot be installed in soils where the water table is high, and/or in rocky soils.)
- Can be expensive to install in some soils.
(Clay soils)
Low Pressure Dosing (LPD)
About
LPD's have been used an alternative to conventional septic system in certain soils. These systems use a low-pressure pump to pump effluent to the underground drainfield.
Pro's
- More cost effective than a conventional system in certain soils.
- Can be installed uphill from the tank.
- Can be installed in trench or bed type drainfields.
Con's
- Require certain materials to cover the drainfield.
- Require a pump to transfer effluent wastewater to the drainfield.
- Has an alarm panel.
Mound (LPD's)
About
Mounds are constructed of gravel and/or sand over suitable soil and potentially porous bedrock. Wastewater or effluent exiting the tank flows to the mound in a network of distribution pipes sitting on gravel controlled by a pump at low pressure.
Pro's
- Mounds can be installed in some soils where ground water is present.
- Mounds can prevent wastewater effluent from reaching groundwater or running off in some soils.
Con's
- Mounds can be an eye sore, as they are as the name implies a mound on top of the native soil.
- Mounds have a pump to distribute effluent to the leach field.
- Has an alarm panel.
Aerobic Spray Septic Systems
About
An aerobic treatment system (ATS) or aerobic septic system, uses an aerobic process for digestion rather than just the anaerobic process used in septic systems. These systems inject oxygen into sewage waste stimulating the growth of aerobic bacteria, which break down and filter the wastewater and solids. Aerobic spray septic system use chlorine in liquid or tablet form, to neutralize any odors or bacteria in the pump tank before spraying through the sprinkler heads.
Pro's
- Aerobic bacteria typically break down household waste faster than anaerobic bacteria.
- Aerobic systems generally produce cleaner effluent and can be installed in environmentally delicate locations, areas with high water tables and other sensitive soils.
Con's
- Aerobic spray systems use electric pumps to circulate air through the sewage, so the site must have electricity to properly break down the waste.
- Aerobic systems must have ongoing maintenance for the life of the system.
- Aerobic systems must file a maintenance affidavit with the county for public records.
- Aerobic spray system spray disinfected effluent on top of the ground
Aerobic Drip Septic Systems
About
Aerobic drip septic systems are usually installed under 6" - 8" of soil and are an in the ground alternative for an aerobic septic system.
Pro's
- Aerobic bacteria typically break down household waste faster than anaerobic bacteria.
- Aerobic systems generally produce cleaner effluent and can be installed in environmentally delicate locations, areas with high water tables and other sensitive soils.
- Drip systems are covered with soil
Con's
- Aerobic spray systems use electric pumps to circulate air through the sewage, so the site must have electricity to properly break down the waste.
- Aerobic systems must have ongoing maintenance for the life of the system.
- Aerobic systems must file a maintenance affidavit with the county for public records.