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What is an aerobic septic system
Thinking of installing a septic system for your home but not sure which one to use — anaerobic or aerobic? Septic systems are of two kinds, depending on the microbes they use to break down the waste material. They are either anaerobic or aerobic. Both offer unique advantages, but many homeowners prefer aerobic septic systems — and for good reasons.
So, what is an aerobic septic system? An aerobic septic system is one that uses aerobic bacteria to digest solid waste. Aerobic bacteria are those that require oxygen to survive and process organic waste matter that passes through a septic system.
In contrast, anaerobic septic system uses anaerobic bacteria — that is, bacteria that do not need oxygen. Keep reading to find out more about aerobic septic systems, how they work, and the main benefits.
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What is an aerobic septic system?
Simply put, an aerobic septic system (also referred as an aerobic treatment system) uses an aerobic method for breaking down sewages. In other words, an aerobic septic system is a septic system that relies on an aerobic procedure rather than anaerobic procedure. What this basically means is that the microbes in the aerobic septic system require oxygen to thrive and do the all-important work of breaking down the waste.
Generally, aerobic septic systems are commonly used in those areas where drains are uncommon. An aerobic septic system can be used by a single family or by a small group of houses.
So, why would someone want to use an aerobic septic system in place of an anaerobic unit?
Well, there are many reasons, and we will look at them all in our last section. However, the biggest advantage of an aerobic septic system is that it generates high-quality secondary sewage, which can be used for the purpose of surface irrigation.
Oxygen is injected inside the processing septic tank, which boosts the natural bacterial activity. Certain aerobic septic tank units might also come with a separate pre-treatment tank as well as a final treatment tank. The latter includes disinfection which further lowers the pathogen levels, making the treated wastewater safe for spraying over a ground surface.
Aerobic septic systems are likely to be a right choice for houses that have poor soil conditions or houses that are close to the surface water since such houses are more sensitive to contamination from nutrients present in sewage. These units may also be a good option if you live in an area where the water table is too high.
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How does an aerobic septic system works?
Aerobic septic systems are more efficient than their anaerobic counterparts in breaking down waste. These systems include an aerator, which is a device for circulating bubbles in an aerobic wastewater tank. This regular supply of additional oxygen gives aerobic microbes a stable environment, as a result of which they are able to digest solid waste more efficiently than anaerobic microbes.
You can say that the aerator speeds up the process of breaking down solid waste by injecting oxygen. The oxygen in turn promotes the growth of microbes, and the greater their concentration, the faster the waste matter will be digested.
The following processes work together in an aerobic septic unit to release high-quality effluent.
- Pre-Treatment: This is where solid is separated from the waste water.
- Aeration Chamber: An air compressor or blower makes sure that the air mixes with wastewater. This is an important step because it increases the concentration of aerobic bacteria, which leads to faster and more efficient digestion of solids present in the wastewater
- Disinfection: The wastewater leaving an aerobic septic unit is treated in this step usually with the help of chlorine, but you can also use bleach or UV light or some other disinfectant, before it enters the septic tank pump.
- Final Treatment Disposal: Finally, the wastewater is dispersed into the drainage area.
Why you should consider an aerobic septic system?
Here are the most important reasons for considering aerobic septic systems:
- Offers Better Level of Treatment
With an aerobic septic system, you receive cleaner treated wastewater. This in turn means the chances of groundwater contamination is less. While this is a great benefit to have for everyone who wants to install a septic tank, it is a must-have feature for all those living in areas with a high water table. If you are located in such an area, installing an aerobic septic system will help you avoid water pollution.
- Environmental friendly
When you opt for an aerobic septic system, you can recycle the water your household flushes down the drain to water your backyard or lawn. So, if you are someone who wants to go green, an aerobic septic system is a solid option. Simply put, aerobic septic tanks are environmental friendly.
- Breaks down waste matter faster
Compared to anaerobic septic systems, aerobic ones break down waste matter more quickly. This helps avoid a buildup of solid waste inside the septic tank, which means you will have to pump the tank less frequently.
- Saves money
Because aerobic septic systems treat the wastewater inside the septic tank, the drain field requires fewer repairs.
- Appropriate for all kinds of land
Aerobic septic tanks are suitable for all kinds of land, even an area with high groundwater. The same, however, cannot be said of anaerobic septic tanks.
Keep in mind that while aerobic septic tanks offer several advantages, you must follow the best septic tank practices to prolong their lifespan and minimize the chances of their breaking down. Therefore, do not flush chemicals and medicines down the drain or overload the tank by sending more wastewater that it is designed to handle. Lastly, if your aerobic septic tank develops an issue, contact your local repair service without delay.
