Types of Septic Systems

Choose the Right Septic System for Your Property

Benke Septic Systems installs and maintains an array of septic systems, from the traditional gravel and leaching chambers your grandparents knew to modern aerobic systems that let you use wastewater to irrigate your lawn.

Take a look at the septic systems available and then give us a call at (210) 688-3268 to discuss which one is right for you.

Conventional Gravel and Leaching Chambers

Traditionally, septic systems have used gravity to move septic waste from your house to a collection tank in your yard, where it slowly decomposes.

As more waste comes in, the liquids are displaced into the drain field pipes or a leaching chamber and is absorbed and treated by microbes naturally occurring in the soil.

These proven systems are cost effective and easy to maintain, but they can only be used in sites approved by a licensed on-site evaluator or sanitarian.

Low-Pressure Dosing Systems Feature a Pump

Low-pressure dosing (LPD) systems use the basic elements of a traditional septic system but add a pump tank that uses low pressure to slowly and equally distributes the sewage water into shallow trenches.

LPD systems require more maintenance and are more expensive than traditional systems, but they work in some sites where a conventional system will not.

Evapotranspiration Takes Advantage of Large Spaces

If you have space for a drain field some three or four times larger than a conventional setup, an evapotranspiration system can be useful. In this system, the wastewater is disposed of by a combination of plant life, such as grasses and trees, and evaporation.

Because they are expensive and take a lot of space, they aren't often seen locally.

Aerboic Systems Use Spray and Drip Irrigation

Because of the size of today's home lots and the kinds of soil found in the northwest area of San Antonio, aerobic septic systems are a viable and cost-effective option. However, they must be designed by an engineer or sanitarian.

Basically a scaled-down sewer treatment plant, aerobic systems transform raw sewage into a clear, odorless effluent that - while not potable - is clean enough to be sprayed on your lawn.

Most systems consist of a trash tank, a treatment tanks, and a pump tank.

• Trash tank - This is where sewage flows from your house and is stored, allowing the solids to slowly decompose. At the same time, the sewage water flows to the next tank, which is where the aerobic action takes place.
• Treatment tank - The liquid sewage is introduced to diffused oxygen through a small compressor and naturally occurring microbes eat the organic and inorganic matter. The end result is an almost clear, almost odorless effluent that is lightly chlorinated and then sprayed onto your yard.
• Pump tank - After your yard is watered, the effluent flows into the final pump tank, where it is again stored until it can be safely discharged, which is usually done at night.

By law, these complex systems must be continually maintained by a licensed provider and be properly inspected and tested to ensure they are environmentally safe.

Although more expensive that conventional systems, they're a good alternative when other systems cannot be used.