Five Types of Septic Systems
Gravity
One of the first types of septic systems use gravity to drain wastewater from the tank into a series of trenches. Because this system works using gravity, the drainage field must be below the level of the septic tank. Also, the bottom of the trenches must be three or four feet above the water table. This soil above the water table is used to treat the wastewater before it returns to the environment.
Pressure Distribution
One of the next types of septic systems uses pressure distribution. This system has a pump that distributes wastewater evenly throughout the drainage field. The pump tank holds wastewater until a certain point before it releases it into the drainage field. Pressure distribution systems are normally used when there is not enough soil depth to accommodate gravity-based systems.
Sand Filter
Sand filter systems are also one of the most common types of septic systems. This system uses sand between the pump tank and the drainage field. The sand is used to treat the wastewater before it enters the field. These types of septic systems are used when there is very shallow soil. Treating the wastewater with sand makes up for the lack of soil that would normally be used to treat the waste.
Mound
One of the next types of septic systems is the mound design. This system is also used when the soil isn’t deep enough for a traditional system. These types of septic systems have a sand-filled mound raised over the natural soil above a drainage field. The wastewater is treated as it travels through the sand and into the natural soil.
Aerobic
One of the more unconventional types of septic systems is the aerobic design. The system is equipped with a watertight tank that has an aeration chamber. Waste is broken down by bacteria in the aeration chamber. These systems are capable of producing cleaner wastewater, so they are commonly used in sensitive environments.
These are some of the different types of septic systems. One of the most common types uses gravity to drain wastewater from the tank into a series of trenches. There are also aerobic systems that use bacteria to break down the sewage. These types of septic systems are commonly used in sensitive environments.
