Septic tank or micro-station: how to choose the right sanitation solution for your home?

Understanding the differences between septic tanks and micro-stations

Individual sanitation is a key issue for any owner of a home not connected to the mains drainage system. But what are the real differences between non-collective sanitation systems? This guide will help you navigate the costs, sustainability and environmental impact to guide you towards the solution best suited to your needs.

Septic tank: a traditional sanitation solution

The septic tank is a traditional individual sanitation system that works by treating wastewater in a basic way. It is mainly composed of a tank where solids settle and degrade slowly, while liquids are filtered and flow to a purification field. This solution is ideal for fairly large and well-permeable land.

Advantages of the septic tank

Low initial cost: compared to a micro-station, a septic tank is often cheaper to buy and install.

Easy maintenance: although regular emptying is necessary, maintenance is relatively simple.

– Suitable for large spaces: in areas where there is plenty of space and the soil has sufficient absorption capacity, the septic tank remains an effective and uncomplicated solution.

Disadvantages

– Limited effectiveness: although functional, the septic tank offers less advanced wastewater treatment than modern systems such as planted filters. It can therefore have a greater environmental impact if it is not properly maintained.

– Environmental impact: the discharge of effluents that are not fully purified can affect the soil and groundwater if the system is not well maintained or is not the right size for the land.

– High maintenance cost: although the installation of a septic tank is generally less expensive than that of a micro-station, its maintenance can become costly in the long term. Septic tanks must be emptied regularly (every 3 to 4 years on average), and failure to do so can lead to blockages or breakdowns requiring costly repairs. In addition, poor maintenance can lead to problems of poor filtration, increasing the risk of untreated effluents being released into the environment, requiring more complex and expensive interventions.

Micro-treatment plant: a modern solution

The micro-treatment plant is a compact wastewater treatment system. It uses advanced biological technologies to break down and purify wastewater, thus offering a much more complete treatment than that of a traditional septic tank.

Advantages of the micro-treatment plant

– Less space required: compared to a septic tank, a micro-station requires less space, which is ideal for small plots of land or in urban areas.

– Less environmental impact: thanks to their advanced treatment capacity, they are particularly suitable for environmentally sensitive areas and comply with strict environmental standards.

– Easy to maintain: although maintenance is more frequent, it is relatively simple.

Disadvantages

– Higher initial cost: the installation of a micro-station is generally more expensive than that of a septic tank.

– Regular maintenance: although maintenance is simple, it must be carried out regularly, in particular to check the mechanical components and the levels of bacteria necessary for the proper functioning of the system.

High maintenance costs: despite the simplicity of the maintenance, the micro-station requires more frequent monitoring and specific interventions to guarantee its proper functioning. The replacement of mechanical components (pumps, filters, etc.) can be costly, especially if the system suffers unexpected breakdowns. In addition, inadequate maintenance can lead to a decrease in system performance, thus increasing operating and repair costs.

Phyto-purification: the ecological alternative with the Aquatiris Sanitation Gardens

Phyto-purification is a sanitation technique that relies on plant roots to purify wastewater. It represents an innovative and ecological alternative, suitable for those who favour sustainable solutions. With the Aquatiris Sanitation Gardens, this approach becomes a real ecosystem that can be installed directly in the garden. This garden purifies wastewater thanks to the natural process of plants, where they play a crucial role in the filtration and degradation of organic matter. In this way, the water is effectively purified without the use of chemicals, while adding an aesthetic touch to the landscape. Once set up, this system requires limited maintenance, mainly to ensure that the plants remain healthy and that the whole system works properly. In addition to its low environmental impact, phyto-purification is highly effective in water treatment, offering a solution that is both efficient and respectful of nature.

Conclusion

There is no universal solution when it comes to sanitation, but by analysing your specific needs, you will be able to choose the system that best suits your home and your environment. Whether it is a septic tank, a micro purification plant or a phyto-purification solution, each option has distinct advantages that will meet specific needs. Do not hesitate to consult a professional to help you make the right choice according to your constraints and expectations.