If you live in a rural area where a centralized sewer system isn’t available, you’ll need to install a septic system on your property to get rid of your wastewater. However, there’s more than one type of system to choose from. Choosing the right one for your home will depend on several factors, such as your household size, lot dimensions, and soil quality. Here’s a closer look at your options.

Conventional System

A conventional septic system comes with a septic tank and drain field. The system depends on gravity to send the wastewater to the drain field, then sometimes uses a pump to transfer wastewater effluent to the drain field. The drain field itself consists of trenches that are up to 3 feet underground; they contain perforated plastic pipes and gravel or alternative materials to create a void space and allow wastewater to feed back into the soil.

A conventional system requires soil with a lower water table, so it can’t be installed in areas that are shallow or get too saturated with water. This septic system is the least inexpensive to install and doesn’t require as much maintenance as other setups.

Aerobic Wastewater Treatment System

An aerobic wastewater treatment system is like a smaller version of a municipal sewage plant. The system injects oxygen into the treatment tank through a pump or through air contact over a filter medium, which increases the natural bacteria consumption. Although this process sounds like it requires a lot of equipment, these systems are ideal for small lots because it doesn’t require as much space for a drain field.

Aerobic systems are environmentally friendly and effective in poor soil conditions, so they work well in rural areas that don’t have access to a sewer system. Though this system poses less risk of groundwater contamination, homeowners must undergo yearly inspections and reporting and pay a fee to the county

If you’re looking to install a septic system on your property, turn to the professionals at American On Site in Clackamas County, OR. They have been in business for 15 years and have earned a reputation for providing quality septic tank installation and maintenance services. For more information about their services, call (503) 829-7600 for the Molalla office or (503) 538-8808 for the Newberg office. You can also visit their website.