Aerobic septic systems are becoming more and more popular in modern America, with the number of people using them increasing by as much as 20 percent each year. However, not everyone has heard of these septic systems, and they might need a little bit of information before they decide whether or not to switch to aerobic septic systems.
So what are the advantages and disadvantages of aerobic septic systems?
Advantages
Aerobic septic systems have a lot of advantages over conventional systems. They’re less expensive to install, and they don’t require a power source or electricity.
They also offer some other benefits:
- They can help reduce odors from your system. This is because aerobic systems use natural processes to break down waste instead of relying on chemicals.
- They can produce less waste than conventional systems. In fact, in some cases, they produce no waste at all!
Disadvantages
Like most things, aerobic septic systems do have some disadvantages:
- They require more maintenance than conventional systems do because there are several moving parts that need to be cleaned regularly. You’ll also need to add oxygen periodically to keep the bacteria working properly.
- If something goes wrong with your aerobic system (such as an electrical issue), it could take longer than usual to fix it due to the nature of the system itself (you might need an electrician).
Is an aerobic septic better than a conventional one?
Aerobic and conventional septic systems both use bacteria to break down waste. In an aerobic septic system, the bacteria are oxygen-dependent, so they need to be in contact with air. In a conventional system, the bacteria are oxygen-independent and can work without contact with air. This means that an aerobic septic tank works best when it’s located above ground level, so there’s more space for air to circulate in and around the tank.
How long do aerobic septic tanks last?
In general, aerobic septic systems last between 15 and 20 years before they need to be replaced but it depends on several factors, including:
- The size of the tank
- What type of material the tank is made of
- How much wastewater your home produces. For example, a small home with only two people living in it will have less wastewater than a large family with three or four people living in it.
Can you put toilet paper in an aerobic septic system?
Yes. But it is recommended to use only one ply of toilet paper per use. Double-plying can cause problems with the disintegration process; it also creates more waste because it’s thicker than single-ply material.
Choose recycled toilet paper if available in your area (it often has a blue label). Recycled products break down faster than nonrecycled materials in septic systems because they have less lignin and cellulose — natural fibers found in wood pulp — which are very difficult for microorganisms to digest.
In need of Aerobic Septic System Maintenance? Call Mullin Septic in Broken Arrow, OK.
If you’re looking for septic tank cleaning or aerobic septic system maintenance in Broken Arrow, OK, look no further than Mullin Septic.
To find out why we’re the best choice for aeration, de-clogging, pumping, or whatever else septic needs you may have, call us today at (918) 922-7867.