Overwhelmed by the choice available when it comes to the types of septic tank systems?
Conducting research, and improving your understanding of the different types of septic tanks is important for homeowners, property buyers, and professionals operating as inspectors.
For those asking ‘what are the different types of septic tanks’, the simple answer is; there’s a lot!
A comprehensive list of the types of septic tanks can include conventional gravity septic systems, pressure distribution septic systems, aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs), mound septic systems, chamber septic systems, recirculating sand filter systems and peat moss septic systems.
Let’s identify each of those.
Conventional gravity septic systems
The most common type of septic system, it uses the natural force of gravity to treat household wastewater efficiently. Wastewater flows from a property into a septic tank and, once it enters, solids settle and the clarified liquid exits through an outlet pipe. The distribution box then directs effluent to drainfield pipes to undergo further treatment and gradually infiltrate into the surrounding soil, where natural processes remove any remaining impurities.
Pressure distribution septic systems
This type of septic system is a great alternative to conventional gravity flow systems because it operates effectively in locations where soil conditions can cause problems. This system employs pressure distribution, which ensures that the effluent is distributed more evenly across the soil dispersal area throughout the day. This is regarded as one of the best types of septic tank system because it enhances treatment efficiency and removes nutrients effectively.
Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs)
Among the different types of septic tank, aerobic treatment units are also an option. This is a small-scale sewage system that uses an aerobic method for digestion instead of the typical anaerobic process employed by others. This type of sewage system takes solids and separates them from the wastewater. Next, forced air will mix with the wastewater in a process that supports aerobic bacterial growth and ensures the digestion of solids. Further treatment on the effluent may also occur, using chlorine or ultraviolet light. Once this process is complete, the treated effluent is distributed onto the drainfield. This type of sewage system produces high-quality secondary wastewater that can be sterilised and used for surface irrigation.
Mound septic systems
The mound septic system is useful in cases where environmental and soil issues are rife. For example, perhaps there is shallow soil depth or poor soil structure. It’s comprised of a constructed sand and gravel mound over soil and possibly porous bedrock. The effluent is passed through the distribution pipes within the mound in specific amounts at low pressure. It will then make its way through the layers of sand and gravel within the mound before reaching the soil, where contaminants will then be removed.
Chamber septic systems
Chamber septic systems are designed to handle wastewater from homes built on sites with specific challenges such as areas with a high water table or poor soil conditions. They rely on interconnected chambers which are comprised of pipes which allow effluent to flow through them before being released into the soil for additional treatment.
Recirculating sand filter systems
These systems are an updated version of the traditional, single-pass open sand filter as they eliminate the issue of foul odours emerging. This is achieved by a process of recirculation whereby the effluent is subjected to increased oxygen before being distributed.
Peat moss septic systems
Peat moss septic systems employ natural, renewable, and sustainable materials in the form of peat moss to cope with wastewater. Like most traditional septic systems, the peat moss septic system uses a septic tank. However, the process of treating the wastewater differs slightly as it makes its way through peat moss before being distributed into the soil.
Choosing the right system for your property
The expert team at OMDI understands the importance of choosing the right septic tank system for your property.
We can guide you through the process, taking into account factors like soil type and conditions, the size and location of your property, and also the budget you have to spend
Our staff appreciate that it can feel overwhelming to know which solution is best given the range of septic tank types available.
However, informed by decades of experience operating in the sector, our specialist design, installation, and maintenance services for domestic and commercial properties across the UK can be tailored to any circumstances.
If you want to know more about the types of septic tank systems, check out our range of septic tanks by calling us on 01977 800 418, or emailing us at enquiries@omdi.co.uk
