Types of Septic Systems

Septic systems are used in rural or other areas where there’s no standard sewer system. While they operate according to several universal principles, there are several different septic system styles.

Lakeland Septic Company of Lakeland, FL, would like to share a little about the most common type of septic system serving our area, along with a few less-common types of systems you might hear about or need at one point.

The Basic Septic System

The type of septic system that serves most rural homes is made up of several parts.

Piping

Pipes carry waste from all home drains to the septic tank.

Septic Tank

The tank is an underground container that receives waste from the pipes. Solids sink to the bottom of the tank and are eventually cleaned out, while liquids move to an adjacent drain field.

Drain Field

In a standard drain field, liquids from the tank are processed and sent into adjacent soil.

Lift Station

On properties where effluent must travel from lower to higher elevations, a lift station pump is required.

Other Types of Septic and Drain Field Systems

Chamber System

Chamber systems, or “gravelless” drain fields, are gaining popularity as alternatives to the standard gravel system. Operated with a series of connected chambers, they can be made with recycled materials and are often cleaner for the environment.

Drip Distribution System

These systems send effluent to the drain field on a preset schedule. A large dose tank is usually placed between the septic tank and the drain field to help deliver. Electrical power is often also required to run the system.

Mound Systems

Ideal in areas with shallow soil or high groundwater, mound septic systems are sand mounds with a drain field trench. Effluent is filtered by the sand before moving out to adjacent soil. Mound systems need more maintenance than most other system types.

Recirculating Sand Filter System

These systems can be built above or below the ground. Effluent moves from the septic tank to a pump chamber that sends it to the sand filter. Recirculating systems are good in areas with high water tables and on land that’s close to large bodies of water.

Evapotranspiration System

In evapotranspiration septic systems, the base of the drain field is covered with a waterproof lining that keeps waste material from moving into the soil. The effluent then evaporates into the air.

What You Need to Know About Modern Septic Systems

It’s not important that you understand all the science and design behind every type of septic system. What’s important is that you know how to use and maintain your own system.

Septic Tank Pumping

If you have a septic tank, it needs to be pumped out on a regular schedule. Every three to five years is typical for most tanks.

Septic System Inspections

All septic systems should be inspected once a year. Inspections cover the septic tank, drain field, lift station, piping and all other parts of the system.

Don’t Put Junk into Drains

Avoid adding chemicals, paper towels, feminine products, hair, grease and other foreign items to your toilets and drains. This material can cause septic systems to back up and suffer damage.

Keep your Septic System in Top Shape

Lakeland Septic is ready year-round to help with tank pumping, septic inspections, repair services and complete septic system installations.

Reach us by phone or get in touch by using our handy contact form.