Aerobic wastewater systems are an alternative to conventional septic systems, and in many settings aerobic systems are the superior choice. This is particularly true in and around the greater Houston area, as the region’s high water table and unstable soils pose challenges for septic professionals, and these challenges sometimes make conventional septic systems more difficult to install.
What is an Aerobic Wastewater System?
Aerobic systems are more flexible than their conventional septic system counterparts. In fact, you can think of them as a scaled down version of a full wastewater treatment facility. This type of system can be installed in many areas where a conventional system isn’t viable. That’s due to aerobic system design, which includes the following components:
- A pretreatment trash tank – The trash tank functions much like the septic tank in a conventional septic system. Specifically, it serves as a holding chamber for solid effluent (sludge) which settles to the bottom of the tank over time. Liquid waste (scum) separates out of the solid waste as it sits in this pretreatment tank. The scum and pretreated wastewater moves to the next chamber as it separates out.
Every few years, the pretreatment tank should be pumped out to remove all accumulated solids. This will prevent leaks, clogs or backflows. - The aeration chamber – The aeration chamber is the heart of the aerobic system and what distinguishes it from a conventional septic system. The aeration chamber takes untreated liquid waste and injects it with air fed to it via a surface-mounted air pump. The point here is to deliver oxygen to aerobic bacteria inhabiting the aeration chamber and wastewater. By providing the aerobic bacteria with oxygen, they can feed and process the waste faster and with greater efficiency. The result is a higher quality wastewater that is then directed to the system’s next chamber.
- The clarifier – In most aerobic systems, the clarifier is a second part of the aeration chamber, but it has a distinct purpose. Its job is to recirculate solids back into the aeration chamber, leading to repeated passes through the aeration tank and additional exposure to aerobic bacteria. The clarifier therefore separates solid and liquid wastes further before the wastewater is sent to the final chamber.
- The pump tank and disinfectant unit – The last stop for the waste is the pump tank. As it flows through the pump tank, the waste is disinfected using one of a few methods. The most common are tablets (chlorine) and UV disinfection.
Once the waste is treated in this way, it is pumped to an outlet system for disposal. Sprinkler systems are a standard option in this regard.
Why are Aerobic Systems Replacing Conventional Septic Systems in Many Applications?
When setting up a property’s wastewater system, the choice often comes down to either a septic system or an aerobic system. This is true for every type of property (residential, commercial, industrial). Whether you’re installing wastewater systems for a small single family home or a massive industrial complex, you’ll have to choose between a conventional septic system or an aerobic system. For many property owners, the ideal choice is an aerobic system. Here are the benefits of an aerobic system:
- A better fit for Houston’s topography – The Houston area sits around sea level, and its soils features large areas of unstable, clay-rich soils. This makes large underground installations a challenge to manage. Aerobic systems are more compact than conventional septic systems, as they require a smaller pretreatment tank to operate. ATUs are not designed to hold onto waste solids as long, so they require a smaller physical footprint to function. In areas where it’s difficult to install underground, this is an advantage.
- Better effluent quality – Given Houston’s higher water table and proximity to large bodies of water, it’s critical for property owners to adhere to local wastewater standards and ordinances. Since aerobic systems treat waste more thoroughly, they are able to meet stringent wastewater quality standards imposed by local authorities.
- Minimal odor – Aerobic systems are less prone to giving off that recognizable sewage stench as opposed to conventional septic systems. Aerobic bacteria breaks down odor-causing effluent more thoroughly, so people visiting your property aren’t put off by the odor. If first impressions are important for your home or business, aerobic systems help make a better one.
Choose an Expert to Install Your Aerobic System
Aerobic treatment systems offer significant benefits to property owners. They produce minimal odor, can fit into tighter spaces and can meet the toughest environmental standards. However, like all septic systems, they must be expertly installed and properly maintained to prevent early failure.
If you’re setting up a wastewater system for your property, partner with a company that has experience working with leading septic technologies and experience working in your area. In the greater Houston area, that means experience installing aerobic systems for a variety of properties.
