When choosing a septic system for your property, such as an ATU, Eljen, or Drip system, it’s essential to consult a septic and plumbing company for professional assistance. The type of septic system you choose will depend on the size of your property lot, local regulations, type of soil, water table level, and your budget.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Septic System

Selecting the right septic system for your property is a crucial decision that should be made considering environmental protection, public health and safety, compliance with regulations, financial aspects, and long-term sustainability. A proper septic system will efficiently treat wastewater, preventing groundwater contamination. This is critical as it reduces the risk of harmful pollutants and pathogens contaminating the groundwater, affecting drinking water sources. Treating wastewater in the household can help eliminate contamination of surrounding bodies of water, such as lakes or rivers, and protect water quality and aquatic life. Efficient wastewater treatment can also prevent exposure to harmful bacteria, protecting human health from the spread of diseases.

Choosing the right septic system for your lot the first time can reduce future maintenance costs and repairs. A suitable system for your property is less likely to require frequent servicing or experience premature failures. If you plan to sell your home, properties with a well-suited and adequately installed septic system are more attractive to buyers. An environmentally compliant and efficient septic system can increase your home’s property value and marketability.

An eco-friendly septic system that adheres to local health and environmental regulations avoids legal complications and fines. A suitable septic system will operate efficiently considering the property’s specific factors, such as soil type, land area, and water table level.

Different Types of Septic Systems: ATU, Eljen, and Drip

Several septic systems are available, including the Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU), the Eljen Geotextile Sand Filter (GSF), and the Drip Distribution system. As mentioned above, several factors should be considered when selecting a septic system, including a professional evaluation of the lot and soil type, regulatory approval, and associated costs. Every kind of septic system, whether ATU, Eljen, or Drip, has features that require evaluation and consideration before making your final decision.

1. Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU)

An aerobic treatment unit (ATU) treats sewage using a process similar to that of a municipal sewage plant. As air is injected into the septic tank, oxygen levels increase, supporting the natural bacteria within the system. This activity of natural bacteria in an ATU system helps digest waste more efficiently than in a traditional septic system with anaerobic bacteria.

Aerobic septic systems offer a higher level of sewage treatment, which can reduce the size of the drain field needed. ATU septic systems provide many benefits, including suitability for environmentally sensitive areas, homes with small lots, inadequate soil conditions, and high water table levels. Aerobic systems typically have higher installation and maintenance costs than traditional septic systems. They also require electricity to run the aerator pump and regular servicing to ensure proper functioning.

2. Eljen GSF (Geotextile Sand Filter) System

The Eljen Geotextile Sand Filter (GSF) septic system is a wastewater treatment alternative to on-site septic leach field systems. At Central Septic, we thoroughly assess your property before installation and ensure adherence to local regulations for safe and effective sewage treatment. Eljen GSF systems utilize biodegradable geotextile fabric and plastic materials over a layer of sand to construct a vertical surface area and facilitate oxygen transfer. The sand filter system offers additional sewage filtration, protecting the soil from saturated conditions and compaction.

With an Eljen GSF septic system, wastewater passes through geotextile modules, where it is treated and filtered before draining into the surrounding sand and soil. Eljen systems are great septic systems for properties with high groundwater, limited lot space, and selective soil conditions. GSF systems are generally low-maintenance septic systems while still providing high-quality sewage treatment. The initial costs of an Eljen GSF system installation are typically higher than those of traditional septic systems. Still, with Central Septic, we ensure that your septic service process runs smoothly and efficiently.

3. Drip Distribution System

Drip distribution systems are effluent dispersal systems used in conjunction with various septic systems, such as aerobic treatment units (ATUs). They are suitable for several types of drain fields since they don’t require a large mound of soil. Drip systems operate with a pump to dispense treated wastewater through small tubing, creating the “drip” effect by slowly releasing effluent into the soil in small amounts. These septic service systems are suitable for severe soil conditions, uneven sites, and lots with trees where conventional septic systems cannot be installed or function properly. When sewage is pretreated before being dispersed in the soil, it helps reduce the risk of groundwater contamination and exposure to harmful pathogens.

While offering many benefits, drip distribution systems are more costly than traditional wastewater treatment systems. These systems require electricity to operate the drip distribution pump and a filtration component to prevent clogging of the tubes. These additional complexities may lead to potential maintenance issues.

Getting the Right Septic System Installation in Georgia

Are you deciding between an Eljen GSF system, a drip distribution system, or an aerobic treatment unit (ATU) for your property? Central Septic is here to help! Our affordable septic system services in Lilburn, Georgia, include leach field and septic installation, septic tank pumping, and cleaning. We are here to help you choose which septic system suits your property, ensuring efficient operation and longevity. Our trusted septic services in Georgia comply with local regulations, taking into account environmental, financial, and sustainability factors.

For septic system services or installation, contact Central Septic and Plumbing today!

References:

  • United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2023. Types of Septic Systems.
  • Eljen Corporation. Eljen GSF.
  • Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, 2008. Drip Distribution Systems.