on-sITE WASTE WATER SYSTEMS
What is a Septic System?
A conventional septic system includes a septic tank and a drainfield. A drainfield is sometimes referred to as a leaching bed, an absorption field, or a tile field. The septic tank is a buried watertight container made from concrete, polyethylene, or fibreglass.
The size of the septic tank will depend on the size of the house. Usually septic tank size depends on the number of bedrooms in the house but it is also important to factor in the number of household users. Older tanks are usually smaller than a newer tank which means that it is even more important for members of the household to conserve water if an older septic system is in place so that the system does not get overloaded. There may be one or two compartments in the tank depending on the age of the tank.
What are the different types of on-site systems?
- A septic tank and disposal field ("Type 1" treatment).
- A small mechanical biological packaged treatment plant and disposal field ("Type 2" treatment).
- Advanced mechanical-biological packaged treatment plant ("Type 3" treatment).
- Holding tank for pump and haul.
