Here at Clark Septic, we know everything there is to know about septic systems: how to install them, how to maintain them, and how they work. We believe that understanding how your septic system works will allow you to spot potential problems earlier and help you keep your tank in better working condition overall. There are two main mechanisms by which septic systems work: aerobic and anaerobic. Most people are familiar with anaerobic systems, as they are the more common variety, so in this article, we will explain how aerobic septic systems work in order to help you keep yours in good shape.
The word “aerobic” refers to the amount of oxygen being introduced into a system. In an anaerobic septic system, there is little to no oxygen dissolved in the water. This means that the bacteria that break down septic waste have to work to create their own oxygen, which can cause the breakdown process to take longer. In aerobic septic systems, on the other hand, oxygen is periodically introduced to let the bacteria break down waste more easily.
An aerobic septic system has three main compartments. The first one is a trash trap, where solid waste sinks to the bottom, allowing fluids to pass through into the next compartment, the aeration chamber. In the aeration chamber, oxygen is mechanically introduced to jumpstart the breakdown of suspended waste particles. After the aeration chamber, water passes through a clarifier and into a pump tank, where it is ultimately released to go to a further treatment facility. Though water from both models of septic system will likely need further treatment, the accelerated breakdown process leads to water that is much cleaner and clearer than that from an anaerobic system.
We at Clark Septic hope that this information has been helpful to you. If you are having problems with your septic system, either aerobic or not, don’t hesitate to give us a call.