Aerobic Septic Systems

This is for informational purposes only - We do not sell, install or service systems.

Aerobic Septic Systems

Aerobic septic systems are systems that use mechanical parts to treat wastewater and emit treated wastewater into the absorption field. Aerobic systems use aerobic bacteria that require pumped air to live, versus the oxygen depleted environment required for anaerobic bacteria.

Aerobic systems usually consist of a trash tank, aerobic treatment unit, disinfectant chamber, pump tank, and an absorption field. The trash tank works like a typical septic tank for a conventional septic system. The trash tank takes in wastewater and allows it to separate into three distinct layers: scum layer on top, liquid effluent in the middle, and sludge bottom layer. The liquid effluent flows through T-shaped baffles to the aerobic treatment unit.

The aerobic treatment unit is the component that uses aerobic bacteria to treat the liquid effluent. Pumped air provides an oxygen rich environment where the aerobic bacteria can thrive and break down harmful pathogens in the liquid effluent. This pumped air requires mechanical parts and electricity to operate.

The liquid effluent that flows from the aerobic treatment unit moves to the disinfectant chamber. Chlorine, bleach, ultraviolet irradiation or other disinfectant methods further treat the effluent before is flows to the pump tank.

The pump tank typically has a series of floats to determine when the liquid effluent needs to be pumped out. If the liquid effluent reaches to high of a level an alarm notifies that maintenance is needed.  The liquid effluent is typically dispersed through spray heads onto the absorption field. This liquid effluent is safe to be sprayed because it has undergone multiple levels of treatment.

Advantages to using an aerobic septic system are

• Produces a high quality effluent
• Can be installed in soils and areas (such as high water table zones) that conventional systems cannot

Disadvantages include:

• Higher cost of operation and maintenance
• More frequent maintenance and pumping needed
• Electricity needed for operation