Sewage Lagoons vs. Drainfields

Every home needs a sewage disposal system. These systems are important to keep the home clean and healthy. Therefore, they must function properly. The necessity of an efficient sewage disposal system is why local government authorities determine which type of system a house should contain. Let’s take a closer look at sewage lagoons and drainfields.

what is a sewage lagoon?

This type of sewage disposal system is basically a large pond. It holds the sewage or effluent until algae and bacteria break them down. While the installation of a sewage lagoon is not determined by the type of soil in the area, it can be inhibited by the local water table. If the water table in the area is too close to the surface, a sewage lagoon cannot be installed.

what is a drainfield?

Drainfields are also known as leach fields, leach drains, and septic drain fields. This type of sewage disposal system uses both aerobic bacteria and soil to clean the septic tank’s effluent. The goal is to make sure the effluent is no longer a pollutant. Because soil plays such an important role in this system, only certain kinds of soil will work properly. This makes it necessary to test the local soil before a drainfield can be installed. If the soil is not the correct kind, then a different type of sewage disposal system must be used.

lagoons vs drainfields

Both systems share a purpose and use many of the same devices and requirements for usage and installation. However, they still have a few differences. These differences are mainly in the cost and space each one needs.

similarities

1. Septic Tanks

Both sewage lagoons and drainfields require a septic tank. The tank is there to separate the light effluent from the heavier effluent and allow anaerobic bacteria to break down the solids.

2. Pipes

Both system types use pipes as a means to get the effluent from a building to the tank. From there, the effluent proceeds to either the sewage lagoon or the drainfield.

3. Soil Types

While sewage lagoons are more inhibited by the type of soil found in the area, both systems need soil to function properly.

differences

1. Cost

Because sewage lagoons may require extra apparatuses once installed, they are actually more expensive than a septic field. A drainfield depends mostly on the surrounding soil to decontaminate the effluent,so it needs little upkeep. A sewage lagoon may need maintenance because they must be leak-proof in order to function properly. The cost of pumps, liners, and clean outs can accumulate.

2. Space

While both types of systems are limited by the size of lot the house sits on, sewage lagoons are more limited than are drainfields. The reason for the size limitation on a sewage lagoon is that they depend on the environment and aerobic activity while a drainfield depends mostly on the soil.

which one is right for your home?

Finding the right type of sewage disposal system for your home will take into account several factors. As we’ve already discussed, the kind of soil, the water table, and the size of the lot will make the decision for you.

Norway Septic Inc. is a service-oriented company dedicated to providing excellent septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services to homeowners and business owners in the Michiana area. We take pride in doing the job that others leave behind. If you need a new effluent filter or if you would like to schedule a septic tank cleaning by one of our professionals, call us today.

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who should you call for septic issues?

Norway Septic Inc. is a service oriented company dedicated to providing excellent septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services to homeowners and business owners in the Michiana area. We take pride in doing the job that others leave behind. ” Our motto stands, “they pump, we clean!”

Call us if you suspect that there are problems with your septic system or if you need septic replacement parts like septic filters. With over 40 years of experience, we know septic systems and can handle just about any septic emergency.

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