Types of Septic Tank Systems - Which one is right for you?

Hycura is renowned for their high-grade, effective, and user-friendly septic system cleaning agents. The legendary performances of their many products have helped make Hycura one of the most sought-after companies in the industry, for commercial and residential septic system maintenance alike. Here, the famously environmentally-conscious company helps explain the difference between several types of septic systems. This is information that every home and commercial property owner should know!

For the majority of buildings in the US and Canada, there are three main types of “onsite” systems:

Standard Gravity Systems

Depending on the natural flow of the terrain surrounding a building, one may be able to install a standard gravity system. As the name implies, this septic system relies on the natural pull of gravity to perform the majority of its work. The flow of waste and waste water into this particular model pushes out clear effluent (liquid waste or sewage, discharged into a river or the sea) at its outlet. Placing a filter on the tank’s outlet protects the system’s drain field from various particles that may clog and/or damage it as a result of the flow. 

This system is commonly found, and highly important to maintain.

Standard Pumping Systems

When the system’s drain field is not downhill from the septic tank, a pumping device is put into use. This pump is operated by a control panel that may activate it (a) based on need, (b) when the tank’s effluent reaches a particular level, and (c) on a timed schedule. A notable advantage of this model? It “delivers wastewater to the drain field in small, uniform doses throughout the day,” which contributes favorably to the future growth of treatment organisms

Advanced Treatment Systems

Certain sites, lots, or buildings may not be eligible for the “standard” systems described above. A building may be deemed unsuitable for a variety of reasons; often, a site is generally not equipped with a conventionally-sized drain field, though poor soils on the lot and “environmentally-sensitive areas” surrounding the building can all be equally responsible. When this is the case, a specialized treatment system is needed. Alternately known as “advanced” or “secondary” systems, a specialized model and its treatment organisms require a sizable amount of oxygen to perform their work. In older, municipal, and less energy-efficient systems, this influx of oxygen is supplied by “blowers” and other machinery continuously “aerate[ing] the liquid effluent.” Fortunately, a more efficient and much more stable option was developed, wherein the effluent is lightly “trickled over a bed of porous material” known as a media filter.

The main issue with all septic tank systems is the need to digest and liquefy the accumulated bio solids or sludge. Each system without proper treatment will need to be ‘pumped’ at a high cost for the manual removal or will experience partial or complete septic failure.

For assistance treating, cleaning, and repairing any one of these septic systems, or with questions about the system on any existing property, simply contact Hycura today. www.Hycura.com