How to Choose Between Gravity and Aerobic Systems

If you’re building a new home or replacing a failed septic system in Polk County, one of the first decisions you’ll face is which type of system to install: a gravity septic system or an aerobic treatment unit (ATU). Both serve the same purpose—managing and treating household wastewater—but they function very differently and are suited for different site conditions.

At Anytime Septic Solutions, we specialize in both gravity and aerobic septic system installations, and we help homeowners make the right decision based on their property and needs. Here's how to compare your options.

What Is a Gravity Septic System?

A gravity septic system is the most traditional and widely used design for managing household wastewater. As the name suggests, it relies on gravity—not pumps or motors—to move waste from your home into the septic tank, and from there into a drain field where the liquid effluent is naturally treated by the surrounding soil.

These systems are composed of three main components:

• • A watertight septic tank that holds and breaks down solid waste
  • An outlet pipe that allows partially treated liquid to flow out
  • A drain field (also called a leach field) where effluent is dispersed and filtered into the ground

Because they use gravity to move wastewater through the system, there's no need for mechanical pumps or electrical components. This simplicity makes gravity systems highly dependable for the right property.

Benefits of Gravity Systems:

• • Simple design with no moving parts
    Fewer components mean fewer things that can break or fail. This contributes to the long lifespan of gravity systems when properly maintained.
  • Lower installation and maintenance costs
    Gravity systems are typically more affordable to install and maintain over time, especially compared to more complex aerobic systems.
  • Quiet, passive operation with fewer breakdowns
    Since there’s no need for pumps, timers, or aerators, gravity systems operate silently and require less routine service.
  • Ideal for properties with good soil drainage and gentle slopes
    A natural slope allows wastewater to flow efficiently through the system without assistance, making gravity systems perfect for many homes across Polk County.

Why Gravity Systems Work Well in Polk County

Many areas of Polk County—especially in places like Lake Wales, Davenport, and Haines City—feature sandy, well-drained soils that are ideal for gravity-based systems. These systems perform especially well on properties with ample space for a properly sized drain field and where elevation changes support natural flow.

If you're looking for a low-maintenance, budget-friendly option, a gravity system may be your best bet. With routine septic tank pumping every 3 to 5 years, they require minimal upkeep and can last for decades with proper use. At Anytime Septic Solutions, we install and maintain gravity systems designed to meet Florida codes and perform reliably year after year.

What Is an Aerobic Treatment System?

An aerobic treatment system (often called an ATU) is a more advanced type of septic system that treats wastewater using oxygen. Unlike traditional gravity systems that rely on natural bacterial breakdown in an oxygen-free (anaerobic) environment, aerobic systems inject air into the tank using a powered aerator. This encourages the growth of aerobic bacteria, which are more efficient at digesting organic waste.

The result is a much cleaner effluent—treated water that exits the tank—which can be safely discharged in areas where a standard drain field won’t function properly. Because of this enhanced treatment, aerobic systems are often required on challenging properties or in environmentally sensitive areas.

How It Works:

• • Wastewater flows into the aerobic treatment unit
  • An aerator pump continuously adds oxygen into the tank
  • Aerobic bacteria rapidly break down solids and organic matter
  • Clarified effluent flows into a final treatment or dispersal area (often a small spray or drip field)

In some cases, the treated effluent may also go through a final disinfection step using chlorine tablets or UV light before it is dispersed. This setup allows aerobic systems to meet stricter health and environmental standards.

Benefits of Aerobic Systems:

• • Provides higher-level wastewater treatment
    Aerobic systems can treat wastewater to near-reuse quality, making them ideal for properties with limited space or stricter code requirements.
  • Suitable for small lots or poor soil conditions
    Because the treated effluent is cleaner, it can be dispersed in tighter spaces or less absorbent soils.
  • Often required in areas with high water tables or clay soils
    Many parts of Polk County, particularly in low-lying or poorly drained regions, require advanced systems to prevent contamination of groundwater.
  • Can reduce the footprint of the drain field
    The improved quality of the effluent allows for a smaller or more efficient dispersal area, which is helpful on compact lots.

Maintenance and System Complexity

While aerobic systems provide excellent treatment, they do come with additional requirements. These systems are mechanical and require electricity to run continuously. If the aerator or control panel fails, treatment quality can drop quickly—so staying on top of maintenance is essential.

Typical aerobic system components include:

• • Aerator pump and diffusers
  • Control panel with alarms or timers
  • Settling and clarification chambers
  • Final disinfection stage (chlorine or UV)
  • Spray or drip dispersal lines

At Anytime Septic Solutions, we offer complete aerobic system maintenance, including:

• • Inspecting and cleaning aerator pumps
  • Checking timers, control panels, and alarms
  • Servicing spray heads or drip dispersal systems
  • Refilling chlorine tablets when needed
  • Performing regular inspections for code compliance

If you already own an aerobic system or are considering one for your property, we’ll ensure it operates at peak performance. Our team is fully trained to handle these complex systems and maintain compliance with Florida Department of Health regulations.

Which System Is Right for Your Property?

Deciding between a gravity septic system and an aerobic treatment system isn’t just about preference—it’s about what your property can support. Key factors such as soil composition, drainage capability, lot size, and elevation changes play a major role in determining the best fit.

If you're building a new home or replacing an aging system anywhere in Polk County, Florida, choosing the right system early can save you thousands in long-term maintenance or retrofitting costs. Here's how to evaluate your options:

Choose a Gravity System If:

• • Your property has sandy, well-draining soil
    Gravity systems work best when wastewater can filter easily through the soil in your drain field. Sandy soil types—common in areas like Lake Wales, Haines City, and Davenport—support this process naturally.
  • You have adequate space for a full drain field
    A properly sized and positioned drain field is essential for gravity systems. Homes with larger lots are ideal for this design.
  • You prefer a simpler, low-maintenance setup
    Gravity systems have no electrical components, pumps, or filters to monitor. With routine septic tank pumping and mindful use, they can last for decades.
  • Your home is built on a slope or elevation change
    Since gravity powers the flow of wastewater, sloped lots naturally support this system and reduce installation costs.

Choose an Aerobic System If:

• • Your property has clay-heavy or poorly draining soil
    In areas with compacted soil or poor percolation, a gravity system may lead to surface pooling or drain field failure. Aerobic systems treat water more thoroughly, reducing the strain on your soil.
  • The lot is flat, small, or has a high water table
    If your home is on a tight or low-lying lot—common in many areas around Winter Haven or Polk City—you may be required by the county or state to install an aerobic system.
  • You need advanced treatment to meet environmental codes
    Aerobic systems are often mandated near lakes, wetlands, or protected areas where groundwater contamination must be minimized. They’re also useful if your household uses a higher volume of water than average.
  • You’re comfortable with regular inspections and upkeep
    These systems require consistent maintenance. At Anytime Septic Solutions, we offer aerobic system inspections, control panel servicing, and complete maintenance plans to make this process worry-free.

Let Our Experts Help You Decide

Still unsure which direction to take? That’s where we come in. Anytime Septic Solutions provides professional on-site septic evaluations throughout Polk County to help homeowners determine the ideal system for their property.

We’ll review:

• • Soil drainage conditions through a percolation test
  • Slope and elevation changes
  • Property size and layout
  • Water usage patterns and household size
  • Florida Department of Health requirements

Once the evaluation is complete, we’ll walk you through the best solution—whether that’s a simple gravity system installation or a more advanced aerobic treatment unit with custom dispersal.

Choosing the right system now means fewer problems, longer lifespan, and better long-term value. Let our experienced team help you get it right from the start.

Long-Term Care Considerations

Maintenance is where the two systems differ the most:

• • Gravity systems require septic tank pumping every 3–5 years and rarely need repairs.
  • Aerobic systems must be serviced more often, including pump inspections, chlorine tablet refills (if required), and spray head cleaning.

Whether you choose gravity or aerobic, Anytime Septic Solutions offers full-service maintenance to keep your system working efficiently and in compliance with Florida regulations.

Proudly Serving Polk County, Florida

We install and maintain septic systems in the following areas:

• • Auburndale
  • Davenport
  • Haines City
  • Lake Wales
  • Plant City
  • Polk City
  • Winter Haven

If you’re building a home or upgrading a system in any of these communities, we’re here to help.

Call Today for Expert Septic System Advice

Choosing the right septic system doesn’t have to be complicated. The experienced team at Anytime Septic Solutions will walk you through the pros and cons of each option, provide a detailed site evaluation, and handle the entire septic system installation process from start to finish.

Call now or request a free estimate online. We’re proud to serve Polk County homeowners with honest recommendations, dependable service, and systems built to last.