If you’re building a home, you have many decisions that need to be made—over everything from the layout to the fixtures. However, one topic deserving of extra consideration is whether to install a traditional or aerobic system for your septic waste. They both remove fecal matter from your house but do so in different ways. The guide below explores what makes them each unique.

Standard Systems

Standard septic systems are built with two main pipes. They come with an underground tank that holds solid and liquid waste from your house. The solid waste travels to the bottom of the tank and the liquids rise to the top.

Oxygen-hating bacteria in the tank break down the wastes, producing cleaner wastewater that gets pushed out and released into a drain field. Because these units are simpler than aerobic systems, they’re generally less expensive to install and maintain. However, for a conventional septic system to work, the soil must be able to absorb water. The land also needs to have at least a slight slope; otherwise, the wastewater won’t be able to move out into the septic field.

Aerobic Systems

Aerobic systems consist of three tanks and require oxygen to keep the bacteria inside of them alive, relying on a tool called an “aerator” to insert this gas into the tank. These bacteria break down human waste better than those in a traditional system. Because they can treat a larger amount of wastewater before it gets to the absorption field, the groundwater will be less likely to get contaminated. However, they require more frequent maintenance. Typically, this system should be serviced every three months by a professional.

Whether you want a traditional septic tank or an aerobic system, turn to the professionals at G & M Tank Co. in Purcell, OK. Serving area residents for 45 years, they also install storm shelters for peace of mind in the face of Oklahoma’s many tornadoes. For more information about their services, visit their website. Call (405) 527-5342 with questions.