Septic systems are an important part of many households, providing a reliable means of wastewater management. Understanding the different types of septic systems available is essential for making an educated decision when it comes to installation and maintenance.

The most common type of septic system is a conventional gravity system. In this system, wastewater flows from the home through pipes into a tank which is buried underground. The tank separates solid waste from liquid waste, and the liquid then flows out through perforated pipes into a drain field where it eventually infiltrates into the ground. This type of system requires regular upkeep, including pumping and inspection every three to five years.

A second type of septic system is the pressure distribution system. This system utilizes pumps and tanks that are installed at higher elevations than conventional gravity systems. Wastewater is pushed through the pipes at higher pressures than those used in traditional systems, allowing for more efficient treatment with less water loss during filtration processes. This results in better drainage and fewer blockages over time due to more uniform dispersal across larger areas. Furthermore, pressure distribution systems require less frequent maintenance as compared to their gravity counterparts due to their superior efficiency in distributing wastewater across larger surfaces area with minimal effort required from homeowners or inspectors.

In addition to these two types of septic systems, there exists one other option: aerobic treatment units (ATU). Unlike other methods which rely on natural bacteria in order to break down organic matter within wastewater, ATUs use oxygen-rich air or oxygen-producing chemicals to speed up biological decomposition processes within tanks located aboveground or near surface level depending on local ordinances and regulations. These units also require less frequent maintenance than both pressure distribution and gravity systems since they run independently without relying on natural bacterial colonies present in soil beneath them for proper functioning .

Overall, understanding different types of septic systems is critical for making informed decisions regarding installation and maintenance requirements for any given property or situation. Gravity systems offer reliable but intensive upkeep whereas pressure distribution systems provide greater efficiency without as much manual labor needed by owners or inspectors alike; finally ATUs offer faster decomposition rates thanks to artificial oxygenation but come with additional costs associated with energy consumption over time .