When you picture choosing a septic system, you might think of soil tests, property size, or local regulations. But there’s another piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked — you.

Your wastewater system works in the background every day, dealing with everything from your morning showers to your weekend laundry marathons. And the way your family lives — your size, routines, cooking style, cleaning habits, and even how often you host guests, can help determine which system will actually work best for you.

Let’s walk through some of the most common septic systems (including some eco-friendly options you might not have considered), and see how they fit different lifestyles.

1. Conventional septic tank & drain field

How it works: Wastewater flows into a septic tank where solids settle, scum floats, and bacteria break down waste. Liquid effluent exits to a drain field for natural soil filtration and treatment.

Why choose it:

• Proven, simple, and widely available.

• Low maintenance beyond regular pump outs (typically every 3–5 years).

• Works for a wide range of household sizes and water use patterns.

When it's less suitable:

• If you have high water surges (lots of loads of laundry in one day).

• If your property has poor draining soils or limited space for a drainage field.

• Where council regulations require a treatment system.

See our septic tank options.

2. Aerobic treatment system

How it works: Similar to a conventional tank but has extra stage’s and introduces oxygen to boost bacterial growth and activity, producing cleaner effluent that can be used with smaller, steeper, or more sensitive disposal field areas.

Why choose it:

• Great for properties with limited space or strict environmental requirements.

• Handles high wastewater volumes well.

• Produces very clean effluent, protecting sensitive soil or waterways.

When it's less suitable

• If upfront investment is a major concern.

• If you have an unstable power supply

Browse our aerobic treatment units.

3. Advanced treatment system

How it works: Wastewater flows through a media filter blocks for extra treatment and nitrogen reduction, before entering the disposal field.

Why choose it:

• Extra filtration for environmentally sensitive areas.

• If you have high ground water levels.

• Works well for families that use more water or have higher nutrient loads in wastewater.

• Where you have nearby waterways or stormwater flowpaths.

When it's less suitable:

• If upfront investment is a major concern.

• If you have an unstable power supply.

See our advanced treatment systems.

4. Vermiculture septic system

How it works: Instead of relying only on bacteria, a vermiculture wastewater system uses composting worms to digest solid waste. The worms break down solids into nutrient-rich castings, while liquid effluent flows to a disposal field for further treatment.

Why choose vermiculture?

• Lower pumping costs — worms handle much of the solid waste, reducing sludge buildup by up to 95%.

• Environmentally friendly — produces a rich compost-like byproduct instead of traditional septic sludge.

• Gentle on the disposal field — effluent is typically low in solids.

• Can handle normal household waste if you’re mindful about what chemicals go down the drain.

When it's less suitable:

• If you use a lot of antibacterial cleaners, bleach, or strong chemicals (these can kill the worms).

• If your council requires higher levels of treatment or nutrient reductions.

Browse our vermiculture wastewater treatment systems. 

Find out what it take to look after worms in a vermiculture system. 

Matching your lifestyle to your septic system

When choosing your wastewater system, think about:

• Household size: Bigger families = more water use, more solids.

• Water patterns: Steady daily use is easier on most systems than big surges.

• Cleaning products: Harsh chemicals can disrupt both bacteria and worms.

• Cooking habits: Heavy kitchen use may call for grease trap module or larger system capacity.

• Hosting frequency: Guests can temporarily double your wastewater load or more.

• Maintenance comfort: Some systems are “install and pump,” others need regular check-ups.

Find out how often your septic system will need to be serviced. 

Don't let your septic system cramp your style

The “right” septic system isn’t just about your soil or lot size, it’s about how you actually live. If you’re eco-minded and gentle with cleaners, a vermiculture system might be perfect. If you’re a busy household with heavy water use, an aerobic treatment unit might keep things running smoothly. And if you want something tried-and-true, a conventional septic tank might be the most practical choice.

Be honest with your installer about your family’s habits — yes, even the “five loads of laundry every Sunday” part. The more they know, the better they can match your septic tanks and system design to your real life, so it works for you for decades to come.