Most people are familiar with the conventional septic system. Depending on the landscape of the area, occasionally the traditional tank and field don’t work. On those occasions, landowners will have to use an alternative septic system. The first indicator that you might need to switch systems is unusual water pooling in your backyard or drain field. If you notice any unusual water you should call your local Greater Syracuse plumber immediately.
These other systems can accommodate other sewer line plumbing, treat wastewater, and dispose of it properly.
Raised Bed (Mound) Septic Tank Systems
A raised bed drain field (sometimes called a mound) is just like what it sounds. When there is not enough space for a full drain field sometimes the best option is to build up. The mound is raised above the natural soil with a specific sand fill material. Within the sand is a gravel bed with a network of pipes. The water pumped through the pipes is released in controlled doses throughout the bed. Drainage around the mound is very important to make sure your system works properly.
Aerobic Treatment Systems (ATS)
Aerobic systems are basically small-scale sewage treatment systems. It’s similar to the septic tank system but uses an aerobic (more air and oxygen) process. These systems are generally found in rural areas and can be used for a single residence or for a small group of homes. The effluent (the wastewater) that the ATS produces is of higher quality than the traditional systems. This allows greater flexibility in placing the leach field as well as cutting the required size of the field in half.
Waterless Systems
In developing countries or people who are looking to go the eco-friendly route, some people are choosing to go waterless. What does this mean exactly? Instead of using a septic tank, you are basically using your toilet like a compost bin. Some of the toilets have a remote system that drops the waste down a chute to a compost bin. The bin is in a crawlspace somewhere below or outside the home. Not interested in composting? There are also incinerating toilets that will burn your waste to ash.
If you have any questions about any of these alternative septic systems or about your traditional system, we at Mr. Rooter Plumbing can easily answer any questions you have. If you’re in the local Greater Syracuse area, feel free to give us a call or schedule an appointment online.
FAQs
Mound systems are the most popular alternative but require lots of space. Sand filter systems and aerobic treatment systems are great for small properties. A septic pro should assess your soil conditions and lot to design and construct a well-working system for your specific site.
What is the best alternative to a septic system? ›
Mound systems are the most popular alternative but require lots of space. Sand filter systems and aerobic treatment systems are great for small properties. A septic pro should assess your soil conditions and lot to design and construct a well-working system for your specific site.
What is the best type of septic system to install? ›
Aerobic systems are perfect residential septic systems that offer one of the best solutions. Authorized installers of top aerobic systems such as Jet Systems can install aerobic septic systems using a careful layout and quality materials that ensure worry-free operation.
What is the most efficient septic system? ›
Aerobic Treatment Unit
An aerobic septic system is incredibly efficient at managing waste and can be one of the best options available, though it isn't the least expensive option.
What is the most advanced septic system? ›
Aerobic/Advanced treatment units (ATUs)
The ATU is arguably the most commonly implemented advanced septic system and it primarily uses oxygen for the advanced treatment of wastewater. By adding oxygen, ATUs break down the organic matter and thereby reduce the nutrient loading and pathogens.
What is the newest septic system? ›
GO GREEN. NextGen Septic technology is the future of eco-friendly wastewater management. It prevents pollution associated with traditional septic, protects and maintains groundwater levels, and with the advanced system, produces reusable, clean water for non-consumption applications.
What is the longest lasting septic system? ›
Concrete septic tanks have the longest lifespan out of any septic tank material. While they are more expensive and sometimes difficult to install, it is for a good reason. A properly designed and installed concrete septic tank can last for anywhere from 40 years and beyond.
What is the cheapest septic system to install? ›
The cheapest option is a plastic septic tank, which typically cost $500–$2,500. These tanks are generally lighter, easier to install, and resistant to water corrosion. However, they are also more vulnerable to damage during installation.
What is the most expensive type of septic system? ›
There are three main types of septic systems: aerobic, anaerobic, and conventional. Aerobic systems are the most expensive, costing around $8000 to install. Anaerobic systems are less expensive, costing around $4000 to install.
What septic system takes up the least amount of space? ›
The septic system recirculates effluent through the textile before pumping it out to the leach field. Geotextiles can retain more water than sand or peat, so systems that use this material require less space to treat an equal amount of effluent. This makes a geotextile system a good choice if you're short on space.
Contact a licensed septic pumper for the appropriate pumping frequency for your system. This chart provides estimates for pumping frequency; for example, if you have a 1,000-gallon tank with 4 people living at your home, you will need to pump your tank approximately once every 2 ½ years.
How often should a 500 gallon septic tank be pumped? ›
Family of 2, 500-gallon tank – pump every 2.5 years. Family of 3, 1000-gallon tank – pump every 4 years. Family of 5, 1000-gallon tank – pump every 2 years. Family of 5, 1500-gallon tank – pump every 3.5 years.
Why would I need a mound septic system? ›
To protect public health and water quality, non-standard systems are often used in areas where standard systems cannot assure safe sewage treatment. A mound system is one type of non-standard system which provides: Dosing and resting cycles. Uniform distribution of effluent.
Can a septic tank last 100 years? ›
Septic tanks are commonly constructed from polyethylene plastic, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, or precast concrete. Concrete is a solid, rust-proof option that can last decades and sometimes even up to 100 years.
How often should a 300 gallon septic tank be pumped? ›
A family of four will fill the 300-gallon storage volume of a 1,000-gallon septic tank in about 1.5 years. By making adjustments in this analysis for adults working outside of the home a third of the time and children going to school, it is easy to conclude that a septic tank should be pumped every two to three years.
What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 septic systems? ›
The main difference between a Type 1 and a Type 2 septic system is that a Type 2 septic system includes an additional secondary wastewater treatment stage. As with a Type 1 system, the anaerobic bacteria break down the solids in the oxygen-free septic tank.
What is the cheapest septic option? ›
The cheapest option is a plastic septic tank, which typically cost $500–$2,500.
How to live without a septic system? ›
Alternative toilet systems, from composting to incinerating units, make this possible. Composting toilets use little or no water, run on batteries or electricity, and can be self-contained or connected to a separate composting system. Envirolet offers three stand-alone, waterless models.
Is it bad to not use a septic system? ›
Some of the older septic systems may even benefit from non-use by allowing some of the biomat, which is a biological clogging layer in the leachfield, to naturally break down and the soils rejuvenate.
Which is better for the environment sewer or septic? ›
One major advantage of septic systems is that they are environmentally friendly when properly maintained. Septic systems require far less infrastructure than city sewers. Plus, they use less energy than municipal treatment plants and rarely rely on chemicals to remove wastewater pollutants.
