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There are a variety of different types of septic systems that can work in your home—such as conventional anaerobic systems, chamber systems, drip distribution systems and mound septic systems. All of them work using natural processes to break down solid waste and effectively treat wastewater without needing to be connected to a city sewer system. Which type of septic system you need will depend on characteristics of your property like how high the bedrock is or groundwater table is. Different types of systems come at different costs to install.

Most professionals recommend that a deep well pump shouldn’t run more than 10 hours consecutively before cycling off. Overworking the well pump beyond the recommended amount can prematurely wear out your pump and burn out the motor, which means replacing it more often than you otherwise should need to. Your well pump should also come with the manufacturer’s use and maintenance recommendations that are specific to the model.

Septic tanks and cesspits are both types of sewage and wastewater systems, but they differ in key ways. The main difference between the two systems is that septic tanks separate sewage from wastewater and allow the latter to flow into a drainage field to filter and disperse into the soil. Cesspits don’t have outlets and instead, store sewage until it needs to be pumped by a professional.

Septic drain lines (or leach lines) are typically buried between 18 and 36 inches underground, and should be at least 6 inches below the surface. These pipes are perforated and surrounded by filtering materials like sand or gravel. Burying the lines at this depth helps minimize odors and allows bacteria and other biological processes in the soil to effectively treat the wastewater. Burying lines too close to the surface can cause issues unless the soil is very compact and stable.