Types of Septic Systems

Aerobic Septic System

Aerobic treatment units are becoming popular over traditional septic tanks for their efficiency and eco-friendliness.

The primary difference between ATUs and traditional septic tanks lies in the process used to treat wastewater. ATUs employ an aerobic process, which leads to a higher quality of effluent as compared to traditional septic tanks.

The ATU system comprises a septic tank, followed by an aeration chamber and a final settling chamber. After this, the effluent is piped to a drainfield or leach field for further treatment and dispersal into the surrounding soil.

Concrete Aerobic Septic Tank

Aerobic Air Pump and Alarm Control Panel

Installing an aerobic septic system for your home offers several advantages, including:

– reinforced concrete construction
– high-quality effluent production,
– low maintenance cost,
– suitability for correcting failing systems,
– user-friendly one-piece construction,
– easy access to every component,
– no wearing out of moving parts including control box,
– simple mechanical timers,
– adaptability to various soil conditions.

Consequently, ATUs are rapidly gaining popularity in residential and commercial applications.

Leaching chambers are a wastewater treatment system that can be used as an alternative to the traditional gravel/stone system. They consist of trenches or beds, with one or more distribution pipes or open-bottomed plastic chambers installed in suitable soils.

The primary advantage of the chamber system is that it is easier to deliver and construct, making it well-suited for areas with high groundwater tables, where gravel is scarce, or where other technologies such as plastic chambers are readily available. Effluent flows out of the septic tank and is distributed into the soil through the leaching chamber system for final treatment and disposal.

Poly Infiltrator Septic Tank using Poly Leachfield Infiltrator Chamber

Traffic-rated septic tank using Poly Leachfield Infiltrator Chamber

Chamber Septic System

A conventional septic system is a popular sewage treatment for homes and small businesses. It has three main parts: a septic tank that separates solid and liquid waste, a distribution box that regulates the flow of the effluent into the drainfield, and a network of perforated pipes in gravel-filled trenches that allows the effluent to infiltrate the soil.

The drain field consists of a trench of stone or gravel that has been used for decades. A geofabric or similar material is placed on top of the trench to prevent sand, dirt, and other contaminants from entering the clean stone. This design provides a cost-effective and efficient way to treat wastewater on-site.

Poly Infiltrator Septic Tank using gravel and pipes as drainfield

Traffic-rated septic tank using Gravel and Perforated Pipes Drainfield

Conventional Septic Systems

Poly or plastic infiltrator chambers are typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is a strong and durable material that can withstand heavy loads and resist corrosion.

A traffic-rated septic tank with poly infiltrator chambers is a commonly installed septic system in Hawaii, particularly in Maui. This type of septic system is designed to handle heavy traffic loads, making it suitable for use in commercial and industrial settings, as well as high-traffic residential areas.

The process of installing a traffic-rated tank with poly infiltrator chambers typically involves several steps.

1. The site is evaluated to ensure it meets necessary requirements.
2. Obtain the necessary permits and approvals from local authorities.
3. Excavate the area where the tank and chambers will be placed.
4. Install the traffic-rated tank and poly infiltrator chambers.