How Does an Aerobic Septic System Compare to the Conventional Septic System?

Conventional Tanks

Conventional septic systems are also known as anaerobic systems. These are the ones many homeowners prefer to use. They are much simpler than aerobic systems. The mechanism of this system is that when the waste arrives at the septic tank, the solids settle to the bottom, which generates sludge. Then, materials like fats, oils, and greases float to the top of your septic tank and form the scum layer. Finally, the bacteria in the tank will next degrade particles and let them into the drain field. These systems are anaerobic, meaning that there is little or no oxygen dissolved in the water. The benefits of this system are that they require less septic tank cleaning and that they don’t need electricity in order to work. On the other hand, these tanks may not be working effectively in certain sensitive areas or at specific soil types.

Aerobic Tanks

Aerobic septic systems are more sophisticated compared to traditional ones. They are divided into three compartments: a waste tank, a treatment plant, and a pump tank. In the first destination, the waste tank, once the water that contains the solid passes through, moves into another compartment, dividing the waste into two layers, like you would see in a traditional septic system. However, in this case, instead of flowing to a drain field, it goes to a treatment plant. In the treatment plan, oxygen is pumped into the tank to form bubbles, which are required for aerobic bacteria to thrive. After this, the waste is then sent to the pump tank and treated with chlorine before being sent to a drain field where it can be absorbed by the soil. This system provides a higher level of treatment and is suitable if you are living in an area that doesn’t support traditional septic tanks. They are also more environmentally friendly and require less space. On the other hand, it may initially cost more to install compared to a traditional tank and may need more septic tank pumping.