Harris
Transport
Pump
System
Pump-Assisted Septic Systems
Pump-assisted (or pressure) systems are used when gravity drainage is impossible or inefficient—such as in flat terrain, high groundwater areas, or when the drain field is uphill from the septic tank. In these systems, pumps move either raw sewage or treated effluent to the next stage of the system.
Pump-assisted systems offer multiple benefits:
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Site Flexibility: They allow septic systems to be installed in areas where traditional gravity systems wouldn't work.
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Smaller Pipes: Because of the pressure created by the pump, smaller-diameter pipes can be used, lowering installation costs.
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Efficient Distribution: Some systems use timed or dosed pumping to distribute effluent evenly into the drain field, improving long-term soil health.
Gravity
System
Gravity-Fed Septic Systems
In a standard gravity-fed septic system, wastewater flows from the house to the septic tank and then continues to a drain field or soil absorption system using the natural force of gravity. These systems are simple, cost-effective, and require minimal mechanical components. However, they depend heavily on favorable site conditions:
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The drain field must be located at a lower elevation than the septic tank.
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The soil must allow for proper percolation and absorption.
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The installation site must have an adequate slope.
When these conditions are not met, gravity alone is insufficient—this is where pump-assisted systems come in.
