All Types of Septic Systems
Due to a variety of reasons, septic system design and size might vary greatly from your neighbourhood to across the country. Household size, soil type, site slope, lot size, closeness to sensitive water bodies, weather conditions, and even municipal restrictions are all considerations to consider.
The 10 most popular types of septic systems are shown below.
- Septic Tank
- Conventional System
- Chamber System
- Drip Distribution System
- Aerobic Treatment Unit
- Mound Systems
- Recirculating Sand Filter System
- Evapotranspiration System
- Constructed Wetland System
- Cluster / Community System
Different Types of Septic Systems
Here, the different types of septic tank systems are as follows.
1. Septic Tank
The most typical small-scale decentralised treatment unit for grey and blackwater from cistern or pour-flush toilets is a septic tank. It essentially functions as a sedimentation tank. It might be rectangular or cylindrical in form.
Septic tanks are generally used for wastewater with a high proportion of settleable particles, such as household effluent, but they may also be used for other wastewater with comparable characteristics. Heavy particles sink to the bottom of the tank when liquid runs through it, while scum, primarily oil and grease, floats to the top.
Solids that sink to the bottom deteriorate anaerobically over time. However, because the rate of buildup outpaces the rate of decomposition, the collected sludge and scum must be removed on a regular basis. Septic tank effluent must be distributed using a Soak Pit, evapo-transpiration mound, or Leach Field, or transferred to another treatment technology using a Solids-Free Sewer, simplified sewer, or solids-free sewer.
Constructed wetlands with horizontal or vertical flow are ideal for secondary treatment, such as surface flow. Sludge must be emptied and treated on a regular basis in order to be safely disposed of or reused. It can be dried in settling or thickening ponds, as well as in planted or unplanted drying beds.
If the sludge is dried or composted, it can be used as an useful nutrient-rich soil supplement in agriculture. There are also numerous innovative methods for making fertiliser from sludge.
2. Conventional System
A septic tank plus a trench or bed subsurface wastewater infiltration system form a decentralised wastewater treatment system (drainfield). A single-family house or small company generally has a conventional septic system installed.
The gravel/stone drainfield is an old design that has been around for a long time. The term alludes to the drainfield’s creation.
The wastewater is routed from the septic tank to a shallow underground stone or gravel trench in this arrangement. The trench is subsequently covered with a geofabric or similar material to keep sand, dirt, and other pollutants out of the clean stone.
When the effluent reaches the soil below the gravel/stone trench, it filters through the stone and is treated further by bacteria. Gravel/stone systems have a big overall footprint and may not be appropriate for all types of residential sites or situations.
When space is at a premium, conventional sewage treatment systems (also known as mechanical treatment systems) are used. They are more expensive to develop and operate since they are mechanical, as opposed to natural treatment systems like lagoons, which require more acreage.
While conventional sewage treatment systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes, four of the most popular are described here. In South and Southeast Asia, each of the systems listed below may treat sewage to fulfil government discharge standards.
- Activated sludge
- Sequencing batch reactor
- Trickling filter
- Rotating biological contactor
3. Chamber System
Gravelless drainfields have been widely utilised in several states for over 30 years and have replaced gravel systems as a standard technology. Open-bottom chambers, fabric-wrapped tubes, and synthetic materials like expanded polystyrene media are just a few examples.
Gravelless systems may be made from of recycled materials, resulting in a considerable reduction in carbon emissions. The chamber system is an example of a gravelless system. As an alternative to the gravel/stone method, the chamber system can be used.
The major benefit of the chamber system is the simplicity with which it can be delivered and constructed. They’re also ideal for regions with high groundwater tables, where the amount of influent to the septic system varies, where gravel is rare, or where alternative technologies like plastic chambers are easily accessible.
This system is made up of a number of interconnected chambers. The earth is piled up around and above the rooms. Wastewater is transported from the septic tank to the chambers through pipes. The wastewater comes into touch with the soil in the chambers.
The wastewater is treated by microbes that live on or near the soil.
4. Drip Distribution System
Drip distribution is an effluent dispersal method that may be utilised in a variety of drain fields. Because the drip laterals are put into the top 6 to 12 inches of soil, the drip distribution system does not require a big mound of dirt. The drip distribution system’s drawback is that it necessitates the installation of a big dosage tank after the septic tank to facilitate the scheduled dose delivery of wastewater to the drip absorption region.
This method requires additional components, such as electrical power, which adds to the cost and requires more maintenance.
Pre-treated wastewater is sent to a soil treatment site through drip distribution, where it gives nutrients and moisture to plants. The pre-treated effluent “drips” from tubing at regular intervals, allowing a little amount of wastewater to irrigate a vast vegetative area with a small amount of wastewater.
Topsoil with plants is ideal because it optimises sewage treatment while reducing the danger of untreated water moving fast through the soil.
Drip distribution is frequently utilised in regions where traditional trenches are difficult to build, such as steep slopes and densely wooded areas. It’s also utilised in locations like resorts and golf courses that only function during the summer months.
After a pretreatment system, such as an aerobic treatment unit or a sand filter, drip distribution systems are frequently employed.
5. Aerobic Treatment Unit
Many of the same procedures as a municipal sewage plant are used in Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs), although on a smaller scale. The oxygen is injected into the treatment tank via an aerobic system.
The increased oxygen boosts natural bacterial activity in the system, which helps to treat nutrients in the effluent further. To further minimise pathogen levels, some aerobic systems include a pre-treatment tank and a final treatment tank with disinfection.
The system has the advantage of being able to be employed in homes with smaller lots, poor soil conditions, places with a high water table, or homes located near a surface water body that is susceptible to contamination by nutrients in wastewater effluent. ATUs must be serviced on a regular basis during their lifetime.
6. Mound Systems
In regions with shallow soil depth, heavy groundwater, or shallow bedrock, mound systems are a possibility. A drainfield trench is built into the sand mound. The septic tank’s effluent runs to a pump chamber, where it is dosed and pushed to the mound.
The wastewater is treated as it flows into the trench and filters through the sand before being dispersed into the native soil. While mound systems might be a viable option for specific soil conditions, they can take up a lot of space and need to be maintained on a regular basis.
The primary goal of a mound system is to offer sufficient treatment to the natural environment in order to create effluent that is comparable to, or better than, that produced by a typical onsite disposal system. Mounds are sand filters that are pressure-dosed and discharge directly into natural soil. They are installed above the soil surface and are intended to overcome site constraints such as:
- Soils with low or high permeability.
- Over creviced or porous bedrock, a thin layer of soil is applied.
- The presence of a high water table
7. Recirculating Sand Filter System
Above-ground or below-ground sand filter systems are available. The septic tank’s effluent is pumped to a pump chamber. After that, it’s pumped to the sand filter. The sand filter is usually made of PVC or a concrete box filled with sand.
Effluent is pumped through the pipes at the top of the filter at a low pressure. As the wastewater leaves the pipelines and filters through the sand, it is treated. After that, the treated wastewater is dumped into a drainfield.
Sand filters provide a high level of nutrient treatment and are ideal for areas with high water tables or near proximity to bodies of water, but they are more expensive than a traditional septic system.
8. Evapotranspiration System
Drainfields in evapotranspiration systems are unique. A waterproof material is used to line the drainfield of the evapotranspiration system. After entering the drainfield, the effluent evaporates into the atmosphere.
The wastewater never filters into the soil and never reaches groundwater, unlike conventional septic system designs. Only certain climatic conditions make evapotranspiration systems useful. The climate must be arid, with plenty of heat and light.
These systems perform well in shallow soil, but they are vulnerable to failure if it rains or snows excessively.
9. Constructed Wetland System
The treatment mechanisms in a manmade wetland are similar to those seen in natural wetlands. The wetland cell receives waste water from the septic tank. The wastewater then flows into the media, where pathogens and nutrients are removed by bacteria, plants, and other media.
The wetland cell is normally made up of an impermeable liner, gravel and sand fill, and appropriate wetland plants that can survive in a constantly saturated environment. Gravity flow or pressure distribution can be used in a wetland system.
As wastewater travels through the wetland, it may escape and flow into a drainfield, where it will be treated further before being absorbed into the soil.
10. Cluster / Community System
A decentralised wastewater treatment system that gathers wastewater from two or more residences or buildings and transports it to a treatment and dispersal system installed on a suitable site near the dwellings or structures under some kind of shared ownership.
Cluster systems are widespread in regions like rural subdivisions. Cluster wastewater systems can handle anywhere from a few to a lot of connections. Smaller cluster systems that serve a few buildings resemble onsite systems, whereas big cluster systems that serve hundreds of buildings resemble centralised systems.
Although surface discharge or water reuse are also used, cluster systems primarily disperse wastewater through subsurface dispersal systems.
Health departments approve smaller cluster systems, whereas state environmental protection departments approve bigger cluster systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Types of Septic Tank Systems
- Anaerobic Septic System: Anaerobic systems are a common choice for many homeowners because they don’t require additional power or chemicals. An anaerobic system contains bacteria that do not need oxygen to survive.
- Aerobic Septic System: Unlike anaerobic systems, aerobic systems use bacteria that do require oxygen to survive. Oxygen is pumped into the tank to activate the bacteria, which then feed on solid waste. Aerobic systems work well where the soil isn’t favorable for other systems and the groundwater table is high.
- Gravity Septic System: A gravity septic system uses gravity for filtration and water flow. They need to be installed on a gentle slope to enable water flow without a pump.
- Conventional Septic System: The conventional septic system consists of a septic tank and a trench that acts as a drain field. The trench is constructed on stone or gravel and allows water to pass through. To prevent sand or dirt from contaminating the clean soil, geofabric is installed on top of the trench. A conventional septic system needs a large space to operate.
- Mound Septic System: If your groundwater is close to the surface, a mound septic system is the best choice. A sand mound is constructed on the septic system area to pump wastewater from the tank into the mound in small quantities. The sand then filters the water before it gets into the soil and groundwater.
- Chamber Septic System: Chamber septic systems have recently become a popular choice. They’re similar to conventional systems, except plastic chambers are used in the drain field instead of gravel. These are easier to construct and have a smaller carbon footprint.
Septic Tank Filter Replacement
Septic tank effluent filters are designed to protect secondary treatment systems from being plugged up with solids discharging from the septic tank. We carry a full line of filters for both gravity flow systems and also for pressurized systems.
Old Types of Septic Systems
- Septic Tank.
- Conventional System.
- Chamber System.
- Drip Distribution System.
- Aerobic Treatment Unit.
- Mound Systems.
- Recirculating Sand Filter System.
- Evapotranspiration System.Septic Tank.
Conventional Septic Tank
A conventional septic system is typically installed at a single-family home or small business. The gravel/stone drainfield is a design that has existed for decades.
Septic Mound System Maintenance
Maintenance of mound septic system
- if you haven’t connected your mound septic system with observation pipes, it is suggested that you install them immediately.
- encourage routine inspections of the dosing chamber through an observation tube.
- the dosing chamber and septic tank must be evacuated within every 3-5 years.
Types of Septic Systems
Here, the Different types of wastewater disposal systems are as follows.
- Septic Tank
- Conventional System
- Chamber System
- Drip Distribution System
- Aerobic Treatment Unit
- Mound Systems
- Recirculating Sand Filter System
- Evapotranspiration System
- Constructed Wetland System
- Cluster / Community System
Chamber Type Septic System
This type of system consists of a series of connected chambers. The area around and above the chambers is filled with soil. Pipes carry wastewater from the septic tank to the chambers. In the chambers, the wastewater comes into contact with the soil. Microbes on or near the soil treat the effluent.
Engineered Septic System
The local health department may require an engineered septic system when the soil or ground water conditions are not ideal. They can also be required when the field is located uphill from the home. Most engineered systems include a pressure distribution, or pumping, system.
Types of Sewer Systems for Homes
The three types of sewers are sanitary sewers, storm sewers, and combined sewers. All three of these sewer systems play important roles in ensuring that the waste we produce is transported and treated properly.
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Suggested Read –
- All About of Constructed Wetland | What Is Constructed Wetland | Types of Constructed Wetlands | Constructed Wetland Septic System Cost
- What Is a Community Septic System | Community Septic System Cost | Advantages & Disadvantages of Community Septic System
- What Is Chamber Septic System | How Much Does a Chamber Septic System Cost | Chamber Septic System Maintenance
- Alternative Septic Systems | What Are Alternative Septic Systems | Types of Alternative Septic Systems
- Concrete Septic Tank Repair | Types of Damage Found at Concrete Septic Tanks | How to Convert a Concrete Septic Tank for Other Uses
