Need To Install A Septic Tank? Know Your Options
Posted on: 30 November 2019
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If you are looking to have a septic tank installed on your property, you may not be aware that there are actually a few different types of septic tanks. Here are the basics of what you need to know about septic tank installation so that you can make a more informed decision.
Gravity System Tank
What makes a gravity septic tank unique is that it just has three main parts. There is the septic tank itself, the drainfield, and the soil that surrounds the drainfield. When you use water in your home, it all flows into the septic tank. The heavy solid materials will settle along the bottom, and lighter solid materials will float towards the top.
Between them is what is known as effluent, and that will transfer to a second chamber of the septic tank. When that chamber becomes full, the liquid then leaves the septic tanks and exits through the drainfield. The drainfield typically consists of three pipes where the effluent flows through each in equal amounts. The effluent then escapes the pipes through small holes and is absorbed into the soil.
Pressurized Septic Tank
A pressurized septic tank is very similar to a gravity system, except that there is an additional tank that the effluent flows into that is known as the pump tank. This system typically operates with a pump that uses a float to know when to trigger it. When the effluent levels get too high, the float triggers the pump and moves the effluent to the drain field. Other variations of this system do not require a float at all. Instead, they pump out the effluent on a set schedule.
The main difference with this type of septic tank is that it does require electricity to run the pump, as opposed to the gravity system which does not. This can make it problematic to use water in your home if you do not know when the power is going to come back on.
Mound Septic Tank
The mound variation of the septic tank is used when there is not enough natural soil to create a drain field. This system is often used in conjunction with a pressurized system since the effluent needs to be moved upward to the top of a mound. The effluent will then travel downward into plenty of soil thanks to the mound and keep your plumbing working smoothly.
Reach out to a septic tank installation company to help decide what kind of septic tank you need.