In Arizona, approximately one in five homeowners uses a septic system to treat and dispose of wastewater.
Needless to say, there are a lot of septic systems in the state! But did you know that they probably aren’t all the same?
There are more than 20 types of septic systems approved in Arizona. Each one is appropriate for different factors, such as certain soil depths. The best choice, as you can imagine, will depend on your property.
Let’s explore some of the most common options:
CONVENTIONAL SEPTIC SYSTEMS
A majority of homeowners are most familiar with this kind of septic system. Also known as a standard or basic system, this option uses a septic tank and drainfield. Wastewater from your home enters the tank, where the sludge (solids) and liquids separate. The “good” bacteria in your tank also work to degrade the sludge.
The liquid is pushed out of the tank with gravity or a pump. From there, it enters underground perforated pipes in the drainfield (or leach field). The liquid seeps into the surrounding soil, where bacteria further purify the water.
As for the sludge in the tank? This will naturally accumulate over time, so it’s important to get regular pumpings. This will ensure that the waste doesn’t back up into your home or flow into the drainfield.
ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC SYSTEMS
Standard septic systems are appropriate for most homes. But in Arizona, the land and soil can vary greatly, depending on your location. That’s where alternative septic systems come in.
These options also involve a septic tank. However, alternative systems use different methods to handle wastewater.
Examples of systems include:
MOUND SEPTIC SYSTEM
Traditionally, the pipes in your leach field are installed underground. But if there’s a problem with the depth of your soil, it can be installed above ground in a mound. This mound will be made of soil and gravel.
EVAPOTRANSPIRATION SEPTIC SYSTEM
If you live in a dry environment that receives less than 24” of rainfall per year, this may be a viable choice. It disposes wastewater via evaporation through surrounding sand and plants.
LOW-PRESSURE PIPE (LPP) SEPTIC SYSTEM
Do you have shallow soil? If so, an LPP system might be best. It has a tank and drainfield (like a basic system), but with a pumping chamber in between. This chamber, also called a dosing chamber, helps push along wastewater into the drainfield.
INTERMITTENT SAND FILTER SYSTEM
In this system, wastewater flows through a sand filter before it enters the surrounding soil. This may be helpful if your property does not have adequate soil.
PLASTIC LEACHFIELD CHAMBER
This option uses a conventional system tank. But in place of pipes in the drainfield, it uses plastic chambers. Not only are these budget-friendly, but they allow for better design flexibility and a smaller footprint. If these aspects are important to you as a homeowner, plastic chambers may be the way to go.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPE OF SYSTEM WITH PARADISE VALLEY SEPTIC
There are many types of septic systems to choose from, but Paradise Valley Septic is here to help. Our team of expert technicians can determine the best kind of system for your property and soil. We’re also happy to suggest alternative options, should you have specific concerns or priorities.
To get started, contact us at (480) 607-7763. We look forward to providing you with septic services in Arizona.