Septic install | Design | Maintenance
Wastewater Solutions
The Texas Hill Country can be a tough area to design and install wastewater systems. This is why WSM Enterprises offers a range of options for both residential and commercial locations.
Conventional Septic Systems, Anaerobic Septic Systems and Aerobic Septic Systems are the main options, but what does each of these mean?
understanding septic systems
Conventional
A conventional septic system is a wastewater treatment system that consists of a septic tank and a drainfield. It's a common system for single-family homes and small businesses.
Conventional septic systems are usually the least expensive option for on-site wastewater disposal. They require relatively little maintenance, but the septic tank should be pumped every 3–5 years to remove sludge and prevent overflow. The average lifespan of a septic system is 15–40 years, but it can last longer if properly maintained.
Aerobic
An aerobic septic system works by injecting oxygen into wastewater within a treatment tank, which allows aerobic bacteria to rapidly break down organic waste, resulting in a cleaner effluent compared to traditional septic systems due to the enhanced bacterial activity fueled by the added oxygen; this process typically involves a pre-treatment tank to separate solids, an aeration chamber where air is introduced, and a final settling tank before the treated water is dispersed into the soil, often through a spray irrigation system.
Anaerobic
Anaerobic
An anaerobic septic system uses bacteria that don't require oxygen to break down solid waste in wastewater:
Which System do I Need?
Conventional Systems
Here's how a conventional septic system works:
1. Septic tankWastewater flows from the house into a buried, watertight tank made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. The tank separates the wastewater into three layers:
- Scum: The top layer, made of grease, oils, and floatables
- Sludge: The bottom layer, made of solids and waste that cannot float
- Effluent: The middle layer, which flows out of the tank into the drainfield
2. DrainfieldThe wastewater flows from the septic tank into a shallow, covered trench filled with gravel or stone. The wastewater filters through the gravel and is further treated by microbes in the soil. The soil also removes harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients.
Anaerobic Systems
Here's how an anaerobic septic system works:
1. Wastewater collectionWastewater from your home enters the septic tank, which can be above or underground.
2. SeparationSolid waste sinks to the bottom, liquid waste floats to the top, and grey water is suspended in the middle.
3. BreakdownAnaerobic bacteria break down the solid waste.
4. FiltrationWastewater flows into a drain field or leach field, where it filters into the soil through holes in underground pipes.
5. PumpingThe septic tank needs to be pumped every 3–5 years to remove solids that the bacteria can't break down.
Aerobic Systems
Here's how an anaerobic septic system works:
- Oxygen is key:Unlike traditional septic systems that rely on anaerobic bacteria, aerobic systems actively add oxygen to the wastewater, enabling faster and more efficient waste breakdown by oxygen-loving bacteria.
- Multi-chamber system:Most aerobic systems consist of multiple chambers, including a pre-treatment tank to remove large solids, an aeration chamber where oxygen is injected, and a settling tank to separate remaining solids.
- Effluent quality:Due to the enhanced treatment process, aerobic systems produce a cleaner effluent, making them suitable for areas with sensitive groundwater or limited soil percolation.
- Maintenance requirements:Aerobic systems generally require more frequent maintenance compared to traditional septic systems, including regular inspections and pump-outs to maintain proper bacterial activity.
How it works step-by-step:
1. Wastewater enters:Wastewater flows from the house into a pre-treatment tank where large solids settle out.
2. Aeration chamber:The partially treated wastewater then enters the aeration chamber where an air pump introduces oxygen, stimulating the growth of aerobic bacteria.
3. Bacterial breakdown:Aerobic bacteria actively consume organic matter in the wastewater, breaking it down into simpler compounds.
4. Settling tank:The treated wastewater moves to a settling tank where any remaining solids settle to the bottom.
5. Disinfection (optional):Some systems may include a disinfection stage, like adding chlorine, to further purify the effluent before discharge.
6. Distribution:The treated wastewater is then distributed into the soil through a leach field or spray irrigation system.