As you know, septic systems are utilized in areas where households cannot get access to a sewage system. These days, there is a myriad of septic system designs to choose from and the aerobic septic system is one of them. This is a system that makes use of the process or aeration that makes the digestion of waste products much faster than the old or traditional septic systems do.
It is already common knowledge that bacteria is used by septic systems to breakdown the wastes that your household produces. This dramatically reduces the amount of pathogens in the resulting effluent when it is finally released into the surrounding environment. There are anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria are those that thrive and function in an environment that is oxygen-free. They are what you can find in the usual septic systems. On the other hand, aerobic bacteria are those that need oxygen to proliferate and function. It is said that the aerobic bacteria are much more efficient and effective in treating the wastewater before it gets distributed into the surrounding area.
Having aerobic bacteria helps in treating your everyday wastewater but how could you possibly have them when you have anaerobic bacteria in your tank? How do you aerate your septic tank? With the use of a blower or an air compressor, air is forced into the tank of your septic system. The air that you have introduced into the tank gets mixed up with the wastewater and the solid wastes. What just happened is the tank’s aeration. The additional air or oxygen has provided more sustenance to the aerobic bacteria that are already present there to efficiently digest the waste at about a rate twenty times faster than the older systems. The undigested solid wastes or the sludge settle at the bottom of the tank. Other systems have a chamber where the wastes are pretreated so that the solid wastes (grease, toilet paper) can be separated to avoid clogging up the system.
It is already widely known that the drain field is where the final treatment of the wastewater takes place. This is where the aerobic bacteria digests solid waste generated by the home. The idea is to ensure the digested effluent reaches the groundwater or water table. If your property cannot accommodate a drain field, aerobic septic system would be another option. With the help of the aeration system, sewage generated by the home would be properly digested and you will not be a hazard to the surrounding body of water or the public drinking water supply.
The treated water from the aerobic septic system can be used for irrigation or flushing toilets. This way, you can also save water and really take advantage of the recycled water that you have in your own property. Aerated septic systems are a great alternative to conventional septic systems because of the aggressive action of the aerobic bacteria. The resulting treated wastewater will be much cleaner and much more usable. The diffuser that you use manages the airflow. The gases that come out are odor-free and the removal of the solid wastes is even more enhanced.
Like any other system, there are certain set-backs to having an aerobic septic system. Aerating your septic system requires electricity because of the pump and the compressor. This results in a higher electricity expense but if you use a solar septic tank aerator, you will never have to pay for the electric bill. You could also encounter problems with the components if the septic system that should be repaired immediately and frequently as part of its maintenance.
You can purchase one of the aerobic septic systems as a whole or just have your present septic system retro fitted with additional components to be an aerobic system. You can just add the pump and the compressor. It is always best to seek the assistance of septic professionals so that you will be sure to keep in compliance with all state and local building code.
