Five Differences Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Systems

If you are looking into septic tank installation in Canyon Lake, TX, it is good to know your options. New property owners, especially those who are accustomed to living on the grid, often believe any septic system will do. However, there are traits unique to aerobic septic systems that may make this a better choice for your property. Here are five differences between aerobic and anaerobic septic systems:

  • Presence of oxygen: The primary difference between the two systems is how they use (or do not use) oxygen. Anaerobic systems operate underground with either low or no levels of oxygen, and any bacteria colonies must have the capability of surviving without it. Aerobic tanks are also kept underground, but an aerator ensures a constant supply of oxygen. This allows bacteria that require oxygen to survive and thrive in these systems.
  • Bacteria types: As mentioned above, some bacteria strains can survive without oxygen, while others cannot. However, those that thrive on oxygen work better in septic systems. Aerobic bacteria are less vulnerable to household chemicals and break down human waste more efficiently than anaerobic bacteria. But you have to be careful with what you flush if you choose an aerobic septic system. Aerobic bacteria have less ability to break down inorganic solids, and that can lead to clogs. If you believe that will be an issue, choose an anaerobic system knowing there will be some efficiency costs.
  • Drain field size: The drain field is a significant part of any septic system. It receives partially-treated water for further treatment and distribution through the soil. Aerobic bacteria breaks down more organic waste, so aerobic septic systems do not require a large drain field. This can be important if your property is smaller or is not optimal for a drain field.
  • Expense: Aerobic systems are more expensive to maintain than anaerobic systems. They require additional mechanical parts, and this means more repairs and maintenance. You will notice your electricity bills increase to run that equipment. There are benefits, like a cleaner, more efficient septic system.
  • Alarm: Aerobic systems contain an alarm to alert homeowners to any issues. This will allow you to address the problem that caused the system to enter into an alarm. Undetected septic problems escalate quickly, and an alarm is often considered vital. Anaerobic systems do not contain an alarm, so you will not know anything is wrong until it is bad (and the results of your septic tank rise to the surface). Since this allows you to address problems early and avoid massive repair or replacement costs, many customers consider the maintenance costs of aerobic systems well worth it.

Countryside Construction Inc. offers septic systems installation services, including aerobic septic systems in Canyon Lake, TX. We can help you find the best system for your land and your construction layout. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation with our experts.

Common Problems That Occur with Aerobic Septic Systems

Do you use an aerobic treatment system in Canyon Lake, TX? Perhaps you are about to purchase or move into a property that uses an aerobic septic system. If you are new to this type of septic system, it is important that you understand that they are very different from standard septic systems, and they come with their own unique potential problems.

If you hire a trained and licensed professional for regular aerobic septic system maintenance, then you probably will not have anything to worry about with your system. That said, problems can still occur, so it is important that you be made aware of them. After all, you can only prevent or fix a problem once you know it exists!

Here is an overview of some of the most common problems that might come up with your aerobic treatment system in Canyon Lake, TX:

Do you suspect something is wrong with your septic system, but aren’t sure what it is? We are here to help! Give Countryside Construction Inc. a call, and we will send someone to help you with your aerobic treatment system in Canyon Lake, TX. We look forward to assisting you soon!

How an Aerobic Septic System in Canyon Lake, TX Works

Water is a precious resource, and it is essential to maintain the quality of the water that enters into rivers, streams, lakes and groundwater reservoirs. To prevent contaminants and pollutants from seeping into water sources, and to increase public health and safety, wastewater processing and treatment is important. One type of water treatment system that a lot of home and business owners rely on is an aerobic septic system in Canyon Lake, TX. This system is designed to treat water as effectively as municipal treatment systems using several types of bacteria.

Basics of aerobic treatment system

An aerobic treatment system utilizes natural bacteria to break down waste and treat water. When bacteria are exposed to waste, they reproduce rapidly to quickly eat away at waste and purify the water. Using aerobic treatment systems, wastewater can be purified enough to be used to water landscaping. The four primary types of bacteria that are used in aerobic septic systems are bacillus, mycobacterium tuberculosis, nocardia and lactobacillus.

Here’s a closer look at how these systems work:

Get help with your aerobic septic system in Canyon Lake, TX

You can find out more about how an aerobic septic system in Canyon Lake, TX works and whether this is a good option for your needs by giving Countryside Construction Inc. a call. Since 1981, our team has been providing a wide range of septic system services to commercial and residential customers in the area. From septic system installation to regular maintenance and repairs, our team is equipped to handle comprehensive septic system services that are designed to meet your specific needs. Give us a call to schedule a consultation and get a service quote!

What You Should Know About Aerobic Septic Systems in Canyon Lake, TX

Aerobic septic systems differ from your standard septic systems in that they introduce oxygen into the process. Conventional systems only use the septic tank to separate out the greases, fats and solids, whereas aerobic systems push oxygen into the system to allow aerobic bacteria and microbes to go to work on cleaning the wastewater.

What exactly makes this so beneficial, and what else do you need to know about aerobic septic systems in Canyon Lake, TX? Here’s some information to consider.

Why you might opt for an aerobic septic system

There are a variety of situations in which you might decide to go with an aerobic septic system rather than a standard anaerobic tank.

The biggest reason is that aerobic septic systems clean the wastewater better than a standard system. Aerobic bacteria do a much better job than anaerobic bacteria of cleaning the wastewater to the fullest extent, and it does so more quickly. This means that the water that seeps out into the drain field after it’s gone through the system is going to be cleaner.
What makes this so important? After all, the wastewater still needs to get filtered even more after it’s been pushed out into the drain field, right?

Well, if you have a high water table on your property, or if your septic system is located anywhere near a well or an aquifer, there’s a much greater potential for contaminating that water if you have a standard septic system than if you have an aerobic septic system. Because the water from an aerobic septic system comes out into the drain field much cleaner, you don’t have to worry quite as much about the effects it could potentially have on water surrounding your property.
In addition, a higher water table on your property could also result in a conventional gravity system malfunctioning, which could force sewage back on to your property. With an aerobic treatment unit, this isn’t going to be an issue you have to concern yourself with.

What to know about switching to aerobic

Now, if you’re interested in switching from a conventional system to an aerobic system (as people are doing in increasingly large numbers all across the United States), you do need to be aware of the differences in how the systems are installed and designed, and not just the differences in how they operate. Aerobic septic systems have more parts than conventional systems because they need electrical components, pumps and compressors to be able to introduce air into the system and allow the aerobic bacteria to do its job.

The systems work in much the same way aside from the introduction of air—the entire purpose is to separate the water from the solids and to send the treated water back out into a nearby drain field for further filtering.

For more information about the differences between aerobic and conventional septic systems and what you should know about aerobic septic systems in Canyon Lake, TX, contact the experts at Countryside Construction Inc. today.

Switching from a Conventional to an Aerobic Septic System in Canyon Lake, TX

The regulations for conventional septic systems across the United States have been changing, and more changes are on the horizon. For owners of this system, this has made it an ideal time to switch from a conventional system to an aerobic septic system in Canyon Lake, TX.

But what exactly should one know before making this change? What are the differences that exist between aerobic and conventional systems, and why bother converting in the first place? Here’s some information you should consider.

Differences between conventional and aerobic septic systems

Here are a few examples of some of the primary differences that exist between common septic systems and the newer aerobic septic systems:

There is a variety of reasons why people have been switching from conventional to aerobic systems in greater numbers than ever before. A big impetus can be changes in permitting requirements that essentially leave property owners with no other choice. However, drain field conditions are another factor. Considering aerobic treatment provides a better level of treatment that can preserve the drain field for longer, it can make more sense for many people to opt for that type of system if they want to reduce their need for drain field maintenance.

Aerobic septic systems also do a better job of protecting the environment. For people who like to be more environmentally conscious, this is a big benefit to consider.

Finally, a closer proximity of the system to drinking wells and aquifers may also necessitate the use of aerobic systems, which result in cleaner water passing into the drain field and a lower potential for contamination of the water sources on your property.
For more information about why you might consider switching from a conventional to an aerobic septic system in Canyon Lake, TX, contact Countryside Construction Inc. today.