What are the basic types of septic systems?
Various types of septic systems are prevalent in Central Texas, from the City of Austin across Travis County, Hays County, Bastrop County, and Caldwell County. Septic types include:
Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU)
Drip System
Spray System
How it works: ATUs interject additional oxygen into the septic treatment process. This enhances a septic system’s bacterial digestion. These systems include a pre-treatment unit, an aeration chamber, and a final settling chamber followed by a pump chamber.
These systems require annual inspections to ensure the system is properly treating waste.
How it works: Conventional systems consist of a septic tank followed by a drain field. The tank separates solids from liquids, after which the effluent is distributed into the soil through perforated pipes.
These systems are very common but becoming less prevalent as Texas localities increasingly requiring ATUs.
How it works: This type of system is similar to a conventional septic but uses a pump to deliver effluent into the drain field in controlled, metered doses.
A low-pressure system is often employed when site conditions or regulatory requirements necessitate an alternative to conventional systems.
What size septic system do I need?
Septic systems are designed based on a home’s bedroom count and square footage.
The following chart is a from Chapter 285, Table 3, Wasterwater Usage Rate:
- 2 bedroom house less than 1500 SQ.FT. = 180 gallon per day
- 3 bedroom house less than 2500 SQ.FT. = 240 gallon per day
- 3 bedroom house more than 2500 SQ.FT. = 300 gallon per day
- 4 bedroom house less than 3500 SQ.FT. = 300 gallon per day
- 4 bedroom house more than 3500 SQ.FT. = 360 gallon per day
- 5 bedroom house less than 4500 SQ.FT. = 360 gallon per day
- 5 bedroom house more than 4500 SQ.FT. = 420 gallon per day
- 6 bedroom house less than 5500 SQ.FT. = 420 gallon per day
- 6 bedroom house more than 5500 SQ.FT. = 480 gallon per day
In addition, a septic system’s drain field/distribution area is based on your soil texture classification. This indicates how well and to what extent a site’s soil will absorb effluent water.
The following chart is a from Chapter 285, Table 1, Effluent Loading Requirements:
- Soil class – 1a = > 0.50 gallons per square foot per day (beach sand)
- Soil class – 1b = 0.38 gallons per square foot per day
- Soil class – 2 = 0.25 gallons per square foot per day
- Soil class – 3 = 0.20 gallons per square foot per day
- Soil class – 4 = 0.10. gallons per square foot per day (stick clay)
What Texas agencies oversee septic systems?
This section is for those of you who like to get into the weeds. This is how Texas septic rules are formed.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the state Licensing agency that oversees Texas environmental regulations. Included in those regulations are rules overseeing on-site septic systems; the registration and licensure of septic installers; and the registration of septic apprentices, Designated Representatives (DR), and site evaluators.
Understanding TCEQ guidelines is crucial to septic companies to ensure compliance and responsible septic system management. We are proud to have worked within these guidelines for twenty years.
The TCEQ plays a vital role in ensuring that septic systems meet environmental standards and don’t pose a threat to public health or the environment.
The Texas Health and Safety Code also oversees septic systems.
Title 30, Part 1, Chapter 285:
This chapter provides companies like ours with a comprehensive regulatory program for the management of septic systems by establishing minimum standards for planning materials, construction, installation, alterations, repairs, extensions, operation, maintenance, permitting, and inspections of septic systems. It also provides guidance to local government entities as the state’s authorized agents.
Contact us today for our expertise in septic systems.