As a new homeowner, I can tell you that things aren't always as simple as they appear. I started thinking about it a few years ago, and I realized that there were some serious problems with our plumbing system. We had issues with drains working correctly and toilets flushing like they should, so I started focusing more heavily on understanding the basics of our plumbing system. Within a few short months the entire system was operating more fluidly because of a few changes that I made, so I wanted to create a blog all about my journey. Check out these articles to learn more about the plumbing basics.
Understanding Plumbing Basics
A Basic Overview Of The Six Different Types Of Septic Systems You Can Install
Jorge Alexander
When it comes to septic systems, they are not all created the same. The term septic system is commonly used to describe six different septic processes. Before having a new septic system installed in your home, it is helpful to know the six different septic systems you can have installed in your home. Knowing these terms will help you identify what type of system you have right now and what type of system you want to install.
Septic System Type #1: Closed
With a closed septic system, there is no drain field. The wastewater is broken down and cleaned within the septic tank, and everything is pumped out of the septic tank – the slug, the scum, and the wastewater. Wastewater never leaves the tank.
Septic System Type #2: Mound
With a mound system, the drain field is actually built above the ground. Instead of the drain field being built into the ground, like it is typically done, extra soil is added and used to create a drain system that is above the normal surface of the ground. This is useful in areas with high water tables and with poor soil permeability.
Septic System Type #3: Sand Filter
A sand filter system is another solution when the water table is too high and the quality of soil is not that great. With a sand system, a drain field is created using sand. The system is created above ground and then buried in dirt to hide the system. The sand is placed above the soil in order to allow enough space for the wastewater to be properly filtered before meeting the groundwater.
Septic System Type #4: Pressure
A pressure septic system relies on the use of pressure to pump the clean wastewater out of the tank and into the drain field. Pressure-based systems are popular because the pressure distribution water ensures the wastewater is evenly distributed throughout the drain field.
Septic System Type #5: Aerobic
With an aerobic system, oxygen is adding into the septic tank. The result is that when the wastewater leaves your septic system, it is significantly cleaner already, resulting in less of a need for a traditional drain field setup.
Septic System Type #6: Gravity
Gravity systems are really common types of septic systems because they are positioned so that gravity forces the wastewater through the septic system and into the drain field. Gravity septic tanks require a height difference between your home, septic tank, and drain field. These systems also require good soil as well. The installation of gravity systems depends on the geography of your home.
Talk to your septic system installation technician to figure out the best system for your home. The type of septic system that is appropriate for your home is based on the layout of your property, the depth of the water table, and the type of soil on your property.
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