Effluent Sewer System: How Does This Sewage System Function?

What is an effluent sewer, and how does it work for local communities? How is it different from other sewer systems?

Is it better than other sanitary systems? And how do I know if it's the best option for my home or community?

In this article, we answer all of that and more!

Ready? Let's begin!

What Are Effluent Sewer Systems?

Effluent sewer systems, also known as septic tank effluent gravity or solids-free sewer systems, are septic systems that filter out solids using an interceptor tank, which traps fats, oil, grease, and other solid waste.

Because a septic tank effluent gravity only processes liquid wastewater, it can move fine under pressure instead of relying on gravity, unlike other existing septic tanks.

Also, an effluent septic tank is watertight and smaller than conventional gravity sewers.

What Is the Main Function of Effluent Sewer Systems?

There are two septic tank systems communities rely on to move the wastewater from households to a wastewater treatment plant: gravity and pump chamber systems.

The gravity system relies on a downhill slope to move the wastewater by using gravity.

However, in places where the depth of the pipes to be installed is not sufficient and too shallow, the septic tank system has to rely on something else.

The purpose of a septic tank effluent sewer system is to cater to houses in a community that can not accommodate a gravity system.

Effluent sewer systems rely more on low-pressure pumping stations to move the wastewater.

They do not rely on factors like gravity or downhill slopes to discharge the water to the treatment system.

How Do Effluent Sewers Work?

First, the pipes in the STEP system take wastewater from households and work their way to the septic tanks. Then, septic tanks of effluent sewer systems collect the sewage water.

In the STEP system tank, solids will settle down at the bottom. The liquid wastewater treatment can make its way to the liquid-only side of the STEP system.

Next, the effluent or liquid waste will pump into the sewage systems to be sent to the treatment plant.

Each process in the STEP system has a septic tank, pump, alarm system, and control panel. The septic tank is watertight and typically made of polyethylene, fiberglass, or concrete.

The amount of liquid in the sewage tank automatically activates the pump.

Once the liquid reaches a certain level, it activates the pump to send the effluent to the treatment system.

How Is It Different From a Grinder Pump System?

These pump systems do not filter solid from liquid waste before further treatment.

In grinder pump systems, household waste (typically a combination of liquid and solid waste) goes through pumping stations.

There, the pumps grind the solid waste, pumps it out along with the liquid waste, and then send it to the main sewer to be treated.

Like the STEP systems, these pumps also typically include alarm systems when water levels get too high inside the tank.

What Are the Advantages of Effluent Sewers?

The Septic Tank Effluent Pump system has many benefits, the biggest of which are low maintenance, cost-effective, and a good long-term solution suitable to reach communities far from a treatment facility.

Because this disposal operation separates the solids from liquids, construction is also faster and costs less.

It typically needs smaller pipes, and lighter equipment is quick to install and doesn't have to be in a downward slope deep in the ground.

Additionally, the system does not require utility holes or lift stations which cost a lot. It also reduces maintenance that requires that roads be dug up.

In short, the system is smaller and less complicated, and not only does it costs less to install, but it also costs less to operate and maintain.

What Are the Disadvantages of Effluent Sewers?

Effluent sewers are one of the best options when it comes to sanitary sewage systems.

However, if you are a private homeowner looking to install them in your home, here are some disadvantages you might face:

• Insurance coverage - not all insurance companies cover the cost of installing and maintaining your STEP system
• Local government regulations - not all cities will allow you to install an effluent sewer system. In this case, you can ask them for a recommendation on what sewage type is best for the area.
• Usage - If your household has heavy water usage, the STEP system might not be able to handle it.

Conclusion

And that's all we have for STEP sewers!

The STEP system is cheaper, faster to install, and easier to manage!

It makes it easier for new communities far from treatment plants to connect to the system and keeps the safety of public health.