Let Us Explain How Alternative Systems Work and Who Needs Them
Septic tanks serve an important purpose, providing proper disposal of sewage and waste from homes and businesses in rural and suburban areas with no connection to municipal sewer systems. But sometimes, different circumstances on certain properties don’t allow for the installation of normal septic systems. In these cases, there are alternatives that can work very well for the homeowner or business owner.
These alternative septic systems work in ingenious ways to remove waste safely and effectively. But how do you know if you need one? And if so, what are the types of alternative septic systems, and which ones work in your particular situation throughout the New River Valley? Let Montgomery Sanitation Services, Inc., answer every question you may have. We are the area’s expert on alternative septic systems.
What Alternative Septic Systems are Available?
There are several options homeowners and business owners can consider when it comes to installing an alternative septic system on their property. Let’s take a quick look at them:
- First, there is an aerobic sewage treatment system. This system is basically comparable to a miniaturized waste water treatment plant. An aeration chamber allows oxygen to mix in with the waste from a residence or a business. This action lets bacteria grow and flourish, and in doing so, break down the sewage. The leftover solids fall into a clarifier which recirculates it back into the aeration chamber. This process clears organic waste from the effluent, or liquid waste, making it odorless. The effluent will ascend to a disinfecting chlorinator and then to another chamber to await discharge. This type of alternative septic system works where regular drain fields are impossible to install.
- Next, we have an advanced material media filtration system. This type of septic system uses sand, peat, synthetic textiles, or other materials to filter waste from the effluent before it releases into the drain field. The effluent rises from a dosing chamber to the filter before heading to the drain field, and some systems of this kind will circulate the effluent several times through the filter before its release. An advance material media filtration system works where conventional septic systems won’t. However, they require regular maintenance just like a normal septic tank, and even with dogged cleaning, it may fall victim to clogs and need replacement service.
- A drip distribution system resembles a normal septic system, but with a notable addition. It adds an aerobic chamber and filtering device to treat the sewage more. The treated effluent then moves to irrigation tubes and distributes over a wide area. The resulting water is clean enough to irrigate a lawn or non-edible plants. As the irrigation tubes are close to the surface of the ground, a drip distribution system is ideal for shallow soil or steep inclines.
- A plastic leach field chamber involves a normal septic tank, but the drain field consists of polyethylene arches which make a continuous drainage area. This creates an empty space through which effluent flows, eliminating the need for gravel or other materials. A plastic leach field chamber is easy to install with minimal equipment and minimal disruption, making it perfect for small sites.
- A raised bed septic system is akin to a regular septic system. However, special preparation is made to the surrounding ground, making an area for treatment of the effluent. A series of pipes go into a field of gravel over a layer of sand. Top soil then covers this area, creating a mound. A chamber catches the waste water from the septic tank and releases it at a slow, controlled rate. This stops the threat of flooding in the drain field.
Alternative Septic Systems Work to Protect You and the Environment
Just like conventional septic tanks, alternative septic systems work to eliminate waste from homes and businesses that have no connection to sewer systems. This is vitally important for your health and the health of your family, your employees, your neighbors, and the environment.
Any of these alternative septic systems may sound like a great idea for your particular situation, but make sure to contact your local government to find out what regulations may govern their installation and use in your area. Alternative septic systems are also subject to annual inspections, and systems with sample ports require samples after 180 days of use and after every five years.
We are the New River Valley’s Alternative Septic Systems Expert
Montgomery Sanitation Services, Inc., in Christiansburg, VA, is the alternative septic system specialist in Virginia’s New River Valley, including Blacksburg, VA; Pulaski, VA; Dublin, VA; and the surrounding areas. We are a certified alternative septic system operator. Our team can handle the required annual inspections of your alternative septic system, and we will send the completed inspection report to you and the state. We also provide maintenance logs to new owners and retrieve any needed samples. Montgomery Sanitation Services, Inc., helps alleviate the headaches that come with your alternative septic system at your home or business.
Wherever you are in the New River Valley, call Montgomery Sanitation Services, Inc., for all of your conventional and alternative septic system needs.
For more information on alternative septic systems, call Montgomery Sanitation Services, Inc., at (540) 382-2205. Like us on Facebook, too!
