What Are the Different Types of Septic Systems?

When it comes to septic systems, there are certain things you should know before you ... well, go.

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If you’re a homeowner looking to upgrade a dated property or a home seeker exploring new builds, here’s a look at the different types of septic systems.

What Are the Types of Conventional Septic Systems?

Old-school septic system installs were basically a single-compartment plastic or concrete tank. Those only exist on old, unrenovated properties, but there are some conventional systems based on the traditional setup.

Conventional System

A conventional septic system consists of a septic tank and a network of piping laid under a drain field. Wastewater flows from the home into the tank, where it’s filtered and piped out to an underground trench filled with gravel. A geofabric layer on top of the rock prevents leaching effluent, intended to slowly reenter the soil, from entering the clean top layers of soil and grass.

These systems require a decent amount of land and are typically sized to serve a single residential home.

Average cost to install: Forbes says $2,500 to $9,000 (CAD 3,410 to 12,273).

Chamber System

Chamber systems have a series of chambers that replace the need for the traditional system’s gravel trench. The chamber system’s tanks are open at the bottom to help reintroduce the effluent water to the soil.

You may want to consider a chamber septic system if you’re in an area where gravel is too expensive to haul or install, where there isn’t space for a true drain field or if you use more water than an average residential property.

Average cost to install: $4,000 to $11,000 (CAD 5,455 to 15,000), according to HomeGuide.

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Types of Alternative Septic Systems

These types of septic systems incorporate innovative designs and science-backed approaches to remove and treat wastewater in ways that far exceed what the septic tank installs of the past were capable of achieving.

Aerobic Treatment Unit

An aerobic septic system or aerobic treatment unit uses injections of air to help promote the growth of helpful bacteria that feed on contaminants in wastewater. This results in a more efficient waste breakdown versus traditional septic tanks, but ATUs require electricity to run and can be high-maintenance.

Average cost to install: $10,000 to $20,000 (CAD 13,636 to CAD 27,272), says Forbes.

Drip Distribution System

These systems are sometimes called drip irrigation or trickle irrigation systems because they release effluent through a network of complex tubes that ensure wastewater flows evenly across shallower areas. This makes a drip system ideal for areas where you can’t do too much digging, but you’ll need access to electricity.

Average cost to install: $6,500 to $15,000 (CAD 8,863 to CAD 20,454)

Evapotranspiration System

Evapotranspiration systems work by using the natural processes of evaporation and transpiration to offload refined wastewater into the atmosphere instead of draining it off into the soil or a gravel trench. These systems can work alone or in tandem with a soil infiltration system and are ideal for a variety of soil conditions.

Average cost to install: $10,000 to $15,000 (CAD 13,636 to CAD 20,454), according to HomeGuide.

Mound Septic System

This type of system relies on mounds of sand to filter wastewater. You’ll need sand and a pump tank, but mound systems offer a workaround when the existing soil isn’t permeable or if you’re dealing with a high water table.

Average cost to install: $10,000 to $20,000 (CAD 13,636 to CAD 27,272), based on data from This Old House.

Recirculating Sand Filter System

Recirculating sand filters use sand, just like a mound system, but in this case, the sand filter is in a box lined with PVC or concrete. Wastewater comes down through a pipe at the top of the box, filters through the sand where it’s naturally cleaned and leaves through pipes attached to the box’s bottom.

This version of a sand filter helps reduce noxious odors and increases the oxygen content of the wastewater itself.

Average cost to install: $7,000 to $18,000 (CAD 9,545 to CAD 24,544).

Constructed Wetland System

This type of septic system takes its cue from Mother Nature, using reed beds to treat wastewater via a gravel foundation and aquatic plants. It’s a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing approach, but it requires space and lots of maintenance.

Average cost to install: $5,000 to $12,000 (CAD 6,818 to CAD 16,363)

So, What Type of Septic Tank System Is Best For My Home?

Every residential property needs some kind of septic tank. By learning about the different types of septic systems and the cost of septic system installs, you can make a plan that fits your property and your budget.