Pros and Cons of Aerobic Septic Systems

Aerobic septic systems are a modern alternative to traditional septic systems, using oxygen-loving bacteria to break down waste more efficiently. They feature an aeration process, which involves the pumping of air into the tank to create an environment for the bacteria to thrive. This process results in highly effective treatment of wastewater, producing cleaner effluent that can be safely discharged or even reused for irrigation purposes. One of the key advantages of aerobic septic systems is their suitability for properties with limited space or challenging soil conditions.

However, it’s important to consider the potential cons of aerobic septic systems. While they offer superior waste treatment, they generally come with higher installation and maintenance costs compared to traditional systems. Additionally, these systems rely on electricity to operate, which can be a consideration for homeowners in areas prone to power outages or those looking to reduce their reliance on electricity.

When it comes to choosing a septic system for your home, one of the popular options you might come across is the aerobic septic system. These systems are known for their efficiency and ability to treat wastewater effectively. However, like any system, they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. This detailed review will help you understand the pros and cons of aerobic septic systems so you can make an informed decision for your home.

Understanding Aerobic Septic Systems

Before evaluating the pros and cons of aerobic septic systems, it’s important to grasp the fundamental nature of this system. In contrast to traditional septic systems which rely on anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that do not require oxygen) to decompose waste, aerobic septic systems utilize aerobic bacteria (bacteria that require oxygen).

This means that the system incorporates an aeration process, wherein air is actively introduced into the tank to facilitate the proliferation of these oxygen-dependent bacteria. These aerobic bacteria are particularly adept at breaking down organic matter, making them more efficient in the decomposition process.

There are many types of aerobic treatment systems

Fixed-film or Continuous Flow, Suspended Growth Aerobic Systems (CFSGAS) are the two most common designs for small scale aerobic systems. Both types of small-scale aerobic systems use similar pretreatment, effluent management and aeration.

Fix film systems

The fixed film system uses a porous material that provides support for the biofilm which digests waste materials in wastewater. The designs of fixed film systems are varied, but they fall into two main categories. (Some systems combine the methods). In the first system, the media is moved in relation to the wastewater to alternately expose the film to air and immerse it.

The second method uses a fixed medium and changes the wastewater flow to alternately submerge and expose the film to air. Both systems require that the biomass is exposed to wastewater as well as air in order for aerobic digestion to take place. Films can be created from any porous material that is suitable, including formed plastics or Peat Moss.

The simplest systems rely on stationary media and intermittent gravity-driven wastewater flow for periodic exposure of air and wastewater. The rotating bio contactor is a common moving medium system. It uses disks that rotate slowly on a vertical shaft. The shaft is rotated at one to two revolutions a minute, with nearly 40 percent of disks submerged.

Aerobic systems with continuous flow and suspended growth

As the name suggests, the CFSGAS system is designed for continuous flow and does not produce a film of bacteria, but instead relies on the bacteria that are suspended in wastewater. An air pump is used to provide the suspension and oxygenation. It pumps air into the aeration tank, causing the water to be constantly stirred. Some systems that are designed to deal with wastewater with higher levels of biomass may include a medium for promoting fixed-film bacterial growth.

Portable or retrofit aerobic systems

This is a class of product that can be used to remediate biologically failed and failing anaerobic distribution systems by retrofitting the existing system with an aerobic feature. The aerobic remediation product class is used to restore biologically failing and failed anaerobic systems. It does this by reducing the Biochemical Oxygen Demand and Total suspended Solids of the effluent.

This reduces BOD5 as well as TSS, which reverses any bio-mat that has been developed. The bio-mat is digested by effluents with high levels of dissolved oxygen, aerobic bacteria and flow into the distribution component.

Composting toilets

These systems treat the waste as a moist solid, not in liquid suspension. They are used to separate urine feces during treatment. The systems separate feces and urine to keep the moisture level in the system at the right amount. The clivus multirum is an example of a toilet that composts. It consists of a chamber with a sloped wall to separate urine from feces, and also a fan for ventilation.

The feces and urine are broken down independently by bacteria and arthropods. The treatment times are long. A minimum of one year is required between solid waste removals. During the process, the volume of solid waste decreases by 90%, and the majority of it turns into carbon dioxide and water. The long treatment times in an inhospitable environment in the chamber eliminate pathogens from waste.

Advantages of Aerobic Septic Systems

1. Enhanced Waste Treatment

Aerobic septic systems offer a significant advantage in the treatment of wastewater compared to traditional systems due to their enhanced efficacy. By introducing oxygen, these systems accelerate the breakdown of organic matter, resulting in a more thorough treatment process and producing cleaner effluent. As a result, the treated water is of superior quality and can be safely discharged into the environment or utilized for irrigation, demonstrating the versatile and environmentally friendly nature of aerobic septic systems.

2. Smaller Drain Fields

The effluent produced by an aerobic system undergoes a higher level of treatment, resulting in a cleaner quality of water being released into the drain field. As a result of this advanced treatment, the area required for the drain field can be smaller compared to that of a traditional system. This is especially advantageous for properties with limited space or for those situated in areas with challenging soil conditions that may not effectively support a larger drain field.

3. Environmentally Friendly

The aerobic septic system employs a superior treatment process that introduces oxygen into the system to facilitate the breakdown of waste. This method results in cleaner effluent, reducing the risk of contaminating groundwater and nearby water bodies. As a result, aerobic systems are recognized as a more environmentally friendly option compared to traditional septic systems.

4. Suitable for Challenging Locations

Aerobic systems are versatile and can be used in locations where traditional septic systems might fail. This includes areas with high groundwater tables, shallow soil depths, or rocky terrains. Their advanced treatment capabilities allow them to perform well under these challenging conditions.

5. Faster Processing Time

Aerobic systems typically process waste more quickly than anaerobic systems. This faster breakdown can be advantageous in homes with high water usage or those that generate a lot of wastewater, ensuring the system keeps up with demand.

Disadvantages of Aerobic Septic Systems

1. Higher Initial Costs

One of the significant drawbacks of aerobic septic systems is their higher initial cost. The additional components, such as air pumps and electrical controls, make these systems more expensive to install compared to traditional septic systems. Homeowners need to be prepared for this upfront investment.

2. Increased Maintenance Requirements

While aerobic septic systems offer many benefits, they also require more maintenance. The mechanical components, such as air pumps and timers, need regular servicing to ensure they function correctly. Additionally, the system requires periodic inspections to monitor bacterial activity and sludge levels, which can add to the overall maintenance cost.

3. Dependence on Electricity

Aerobic septic systems rely on electricity to power the aeration process. This means that during power outages, the system might not function optimally, leading to potential issues. Homeowners in areas prone to frequent power cuts need to consider this factor and may need a backup power source.

4. Potential for Mechanical Failures

With more mechanical parts than traditional systems, aerobic septic systems have a higher risk of mechanical failures. Components like air pumps and timers can malfunction or break down, leading to costly repairs. Regular maintenance can mitigate some of these risks, but it’s still a point to consider.

5. Higher Operating Costs

The need for electricity and regular maintenance means that operating an aerobic septic system can be more expensive over time. Homeowners should factor in these ongoing costs when deciding if an aerobic system is the right choice for them.

Making the Decision

When deciding whether an aerobic septic system is right for your home, consider the specific needs and conditions of your property. If you have a smaller lot, challenging soil conditions, or environmental concerns, the benefits might outweigh the drawbacks. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a lower-cost, lower-maintenance solution, a traditional septic system might be more suitable.

The Aerobic Septic System Process

The aerobic septic system is generally divided into the following phases.

• The pre-treatment phase is used to remove unwanted substances and large solids.
• The aerobic bacteria that digest the biological wastes are aerated.
• The settling stage is where solids that have not been digested settle. The resulting sludge must be removed periodically from the system.
• Stage of disinfection, in which chloride, or a similar disinfectant, is added to the water. This produces an antiseptic. The UV option exposes the water to ultraviolet light in a UV unit.

It is only necessary if the effluent must be sterile, for example, if it is to be distributed aboveground. The most common disinfectant is Calcium Hypochlorite tablets, specially designed for waste treatment. These tablets should break down rapidly in the sunlight. The tablets are designed to break down quickly in sunlight.

The ATS is a living eco-system that contains microbes which digest wastes in water. Excessive amounts of items like bleach and antibacterials will damage this environment, reducing the effectiveness of the treatment.

Also read: Pros and Cons of Adjustable Beds: An In-Depth Review

Conclusion

After thorough consideration, it can be noted that aerobic septic systems offer a multitude of advantages. These include but are not limited to superior waste treatment capabilities, allowing for smaller drain fields, and environmental benefits. However, it is important to take into account that these benefits are accompanied by higher initial and operating costs, increased maintenance requirements, and a reliance on electricity. By meticulously assessing the advantages and disadvantages of aerobic septic systems, one can effectively determine the most suitable septic solution for their residence.

This my in-depth review of the pros and cons of aerobic septic systems aims to equip you with the knowledge required to make a well-informed decision. Whether your focus lies on the advanced treatment capabilities and environmental advantages, or if you are primarily concerned with the associated costs and maintenance, a thorough understanding of these factors will assist you in selecting the ideal system to meet your specific requirements.

Note: That most of these pros and cons were detected while I was personally working on the aerobic septic systems, although other findings was from research and the help of AI.