Why choose infiltrator plastic septic tanks?
- The strength and versatility of Infiltrator plastic septic tanks enable a wide-range of installation possibilities, including shallow installations and multiple and serial tank configurations.
What is best for septic tanks?
Rid-X Septic Tank Treatment Enzymes Rid-X helps to prevent septic backups by continuously breaking down household waste — the natural bacteria and advanced enzymes start working immediately to attack paper, protein, oils, and grease. One pouch of is a one-month dose for septic tanks between 700 and 1,500 gallons.
Which TP is best for septic tanks?
One-ply and two-ply toilet paper are the most common picks for septic system use, and both are suitable. One-ply tends to be less strong, but it is safer for septic tanks since it’s thinner and dissolves the fastest. Two-ply papers tend to be stronger, more comfortable to use, and can still be septic-safe.
Should I use septic tank additives?
There is little scientific data to suggest that you should add bacteria or enzymes to your septic system. The United States Environmental Protection Agency reported that biological additives do not appear to improve the performance of healthy septic tanks.
What type of pipe is used for septic systems?
Corrugated pipe is typically used for drain fields. Septic systems use drain fields to treat the septic tank effluent for the removal of impurities and contaminants. The field is made up of trenches typically containing washed “drainrock” or gravel.
How do I increase bacteria in my septic tank?
Flush a packet of brewer’s dry yeast down one toilet on the bottom floor of your house once a month. The yeast will help add “good” bacteria to your septic tank and break down waste.
What can break down poop in septic tank?
Yeast helps actively breaks down waste solids when added to your septic system. Flush ½ cup of dry baking yeast down the toilet, the first time. Add ¼ cup of instant yeast every 4 months, after the initial addition.
Is Charmin bad for septic tanks?
Is Charmin septic safe? Yes. Charmin is septic safe and thoroughly tested to ensure it will settle in a septic tank and then undergo biodegradation in the tank.
How often should you pump out a septic tank?
Inspect and Pump Frequently The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.
Which toilet paper breaks down the fastest?
The winner is Scott 1,000. This 1-ply toilet paper broke down considerably faster than all the others.
Can you put too much bacteria in a septic tank?
Too much of a good thing can cause problems. A septic system relies on the correct balance of bacteria to do its job. An overpopulation of bacteria can deplete the oxygen in the septic tank and turn the environment septic. A septic, septic system is one in which the ecosystem within the tank is out of balance.
How do you keep a septic tank healthy?
Do’s and Don’ts when maintaining your septic system
- Regularly inspect and maintain your septic system.
- Pump your septic tank as needed.
- Keep your septic tank lids closed and secured.
- Be water-wise.
- Direct water from land and roof drains away from the drainfield.
- Landscape with love.
- Keep septic tank lids easily accessible.
Should I put enzymes in my septic tank?
Your septic system is unique in the way it processes your waste. If this information is not enough to convince you that enzymes and additives are bad for your septic tank, they can also cause complete septic system failure by allowing sludge and grease to pass to the soil treatment area, also known as the leach field.
Why the inlet pipe in the septic tank is higher than the outlet pipe?
Level the septic tank: The septic tank inlet tee is designed to be higher than the septic tank outlet tee. This helps assure that incoming sewage clears the baffle and enters the tank correctly, while outgoing effluent does not carry along floating solids, scum, or grease (which would clog the drainfield).
What size pipe do you use for a leach field?
Leach Fields are trenches (or rectangular beds) dug in yard and filled with a foot of 3/4″ to 1-1/2″ gravel and a four inch diameter perforated pipe.
What size pipe goes into septic tank?
Four-inch pipe is standard, and it should extend far enough under the house to connect with the main soil stack, which is a 3-inch pipe that extends vertically past the main bathroom and through the roof.
Pipe and Gravel vs. Chamber Systems
The pipe and gravelfield method has been in use for considerably longer than the plastic chamber systems, and it has been shown to be more efficient in its operation. Chambers have the potential to store more water than other types of containers. The chambers alone can store three to four times the amount of water that a comparable length of 4″ pipe can handle on their own. Nevertheless, the trench size for both products remains constant; the pipe or chamber is installed in a 2′ wide trench and then filled with gravel.
Gravel acts as a “filter” for the septic water that is discharged from the tank.
Pipe and gravel septic systems perform best when they disperse water across the greatest amount of surface area feasible, which is the basic working principle of the pipe and gravel system.
Fields are not intended to contain water; rather, they are intended to spread water over the widest possible area.
In clay or heavy soils, water tends to remain in the chamber for a longer period of time, allowing scum to accumulate and eventually cause the system to fail sooner than in a pipe and gravel system.
Which Septic Tank Material Should You Use?
Receive articles, stories, and videos about septic tanks delivered directly to your email! Now is the time to sign up. Septic Tanks and More Receive Notifications Many different types of materials have been utilized to create septic tanks over the course of history. The following materials are most frequently used in the construction of septic tanks: 1. Resin made of polyethylene and polypropylene The use of fiberglass-reinforced plastic is another option. Precast concrete is a third option. Tanks made of precast concrete have traditionally been used for on-site water storage.
The use of tanks made of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) and polyethylene is becoming more popular.
Polyethylene/Polypropylene
Tanks made of polyethylene/polypropylene “poly” can be rotationally molded in one piece or injection molded in two sections depending on the application. The bending and cracking of certain early poly tanks were a concern both during installation and while in use. Tanks with a ribbed or corrugated construction are more structurally sound than older models. Septic tanks’ structural soundness and watertightness are dependent on the use of high-quality raw materials and the careful attention paid to production procedures.
In the manufacturing of poly tanks, rubber and plastic pipe seals are frequently employed; in addition, access risers are often constructed of the same polymers as the tank itself to provide a seamless aesthetic appearance.
Most local codes have approved poly tanks, and manufacturers specify where and how poly tanks may be used; therefore, when evaluating the use of any tank in onsite systems, it is important to review the strength and other requirements included in the manufacturer’s installation instructions, as well as the manufacturer’s specifications.
Advantages
- Installation is simplified by the fact that poly tanks are lighter than concrete, which is advantageous on difficult-to-access sites. No rust or corrosion, and they are resistant to the chemicals and gases found in sewage and soil, allowing them to last for a longer period of time than other materials. Contractors may deliver themselves, eliminating the need for a boom truck or the need to wait for delivery. The design minimizes the number of seams and joints that may leak
- Economical
Disadvantages
- Because of their low weight, steel tanks are more likely than concrete tanks to float out of the ground in locations with high water tables. Larger capacity are not normally offered
- Nonetheless, Typically only available in a limited number of different sizes
- Typically, there is no rating for traffic
- Have a restricted depth of burying (often 4 feet, but verify with the manufacturer for exact depth)
- Some brands must have water or wastewater in them at all times
- Others do not. In order to assure structural integrity, certain installation criteria must be followed.
Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP)
Some fiberglass tanks are built as a single piece. Others are manufactured in two pieces by the use of an injection molding technique. Structure soundness and watertightness are both dependent on the use of high-quality raw materials and the strict adherence to production standards, as previously indicated. FRP tanks may leak as a consequence of shipping damage, a faulty batch of glue, uneven application of adhesive, or tension imposed on the midseam during installation, however this is not typical.
- The assembling procedure must be meticulously carried out to ensure that the joint does not leak or split.
- While the glue is curing, the bolts are mostly employed to keep the pieces together while the adhesive cures.
- Pipe penetrations and access riser joints, just like with tanks composed of other materials, must be carefully sealed to ensure that they do not leak and cause damage.
- If joints are not watertight, the functioning of the tank is significantly diminished owing to the greater danger of water invading the tank.
Advantages
- The tanks are less heavy than concrete tanks, which might be advantageous in difficult-to-reach locations. They are not susceptible to rust or corrosion, and they are resistant to the chemicals and gases found in sewage and soil. Larger capacity options are available. It is possible to build for a deeper burial and to have a traffic rating
Disadvantages
- Because of their low weight, steel tanks are more likely than concrete tanks to float out of the ground in locations with high water tables. In order to assure structural integrity, certain installation criteria must be followed. When compared to concrete and polyethylene tanks, steel tanks might be less cost-effective. Typically only available in a limited number of different sizes
Concrete
Precast septic tanks are normally made in two sections, with a seam either at the lid or in the middle of the tank’s body. Blended compounds, such as butyl rubber-based or asphalt-based (bituminous) sealants, are commonly used to seal precast tanks that are made of several pieces. It is possible for a leak to occur at the inlet and outlet pipe penetrations, particularly if the tank or piping settles or moves as a consequence of faulty bedding or installation. Mechanically sealing these connections to the tank is essential to ensure that they are both waterproof and flexible.
- Rubber boot seals are particularly attractive since they are flexible and maintain a seal even after backfilling and settling has taken place.
- Steel reinforcement is employed in accordance with the tank design to offer additional structural capacity during handling, installation, testing, and operation of the tank, among other things.
- The compartment walls are normally cast in one piece with the tank, similar to how the tank is constructed.
- When it comes to horizontal joints, preformed flexible joint sealants consisting of butyl rubber or asphalt-based compounds are utilized to seal them.
- These connections should be made with cast-in, waterproof, flexible resilient connectors that allow the tank and pipe to move freely without the chance of a leak forming between them.
As with other tank materials, it is critical that the tank be waterproof, and in-field verification at the time of installation may be accomplished quickly and simply using proper techniques. Additionally, precast tanks may typically accommodate extra components such as ATUs or pumps.
Advantages
- Because of the density of concrete, it has a higher resistance to buoyancy. Installation criteria that are less strict
- The containers are available in a variety of sizes, including extremely large capacity. It is possible to build for a deeper burial and to have a traffic rating
- It’s less difficult to modify
- Economical
Disadvantages
- On sites with restricted access, the weight of the material and the equipment required for placement might be challenging. It is possible for corrosion to occur.
a little about the author Sara Heger, Ph.D., is an engineer, researcher, and lecturer in the Onsite Sewage Treatment Program at the University of Minnesota’s Water Resources Center. She holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in environmental science. She has presented at several local and national training events on topics such as the design, installation, and administration of septic systems, as well as research in the related field. Her responsibilities include serving as the education chair for the Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association and the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association, as well as serving on the National Science Foundation’s International Committee on Wastewater Treatment Systems.
Heger will respond as soon as possible.
Types of Septic Systems
Septic system design and size can differ significantly from one neighborhood to the next, as well as throughout the country, due to a variety of variables. Household size, soil type, slope of the site, lot size, closeness to sensitive water bodies, weather conditions, and even municipal ordinances are all considerations to take into consideration. The following are 10 of the most often encountered septic system configurations. It should be noted that this is not an exhaustive list; there are several additional types of septic systems.
- Septic Tank, Conventional System, Chamber System, Drip Distribution System, Aerobic Treatment Unit, Mound Systems, Recirculating Sand Filter System, Evapotranspiration System, Constructed Wetland System, Cluster / Community System, etc.
Septic Tank
This tank is underground and waterproof, and it was designed and built specifically for receiving and partially treating raw home sanitary wastewater. Generally speaking, heavy materials settle at or near the bottom of the tank, whereas greases and lighter solids float to the surface. The sediments are retained in the tank, while the wastewater is sent to the drainfield for further treatment and dispersion once it has been treated.
Conventional System
Septic tanks and trench or bed subsurface wastewater infiltration systems are two types of decentralized wastewater treatment systems (drainfield). When it comes to single-family homes and small businesses, a traditional septic system is the most common type of system. For decades, people have used a gravel/stone drainfield as a method of water drainage. The term is derived from the process of constructing the drainfield. A short underground trench made of stone or gravel collects wastewater from the septic tank in this configuration, which is commonly used.
Effluent filters through the stone and is further cleaned by microorganisms once it reaches the soil below the gravel/stone trench, which is located below the trench.
Chamber System
Gravelless drainfields have been regularly utilized in various states for more than 30 years and have evolved into a standard technology that has mostly replaced gravel systems. Various configurations are possible, including open-bottom chambers, pipe that has been clothed, and synthetic materials such as expanded polystyrene media. Gravelless systems can be constructed entirely of recycled materials, resulting in considerable reductions in carbon dioxide emissions during their lifetime. The chamber system is a type of gravelless system that can be used as an example.
The key advantage of the chamber system is the enhanced simplicity with which it can be delivered and built.
This sort of system is made up of a number of chambers that are connected to one another.
Wastewater is transported from the septic tank to the chambers through pipes. The wastewater comes into touch with the earth when it is contained within the chambers. The wastewater is treated by microbes that live on or near the soil.
Drip Distribution System
An effluent dispersal system such as the drip distribution system may be employed in a variety of drainfield configurations and is very versatile. In comparison to other distribution systems, the drip distribution system does not require a vast mound of dirt because the drip laterals are only placed into the top 6 to 12 inches of soil. In addition to requiring a big dosage tank after the sewage treatment plant to handle scheduled dose delivery of wastewater to drip absorption areas, the drip distribution system has one major disadvantage: it is more expensive.
Aerobic Treatment Unit
Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs) are small-scale wastewater treatment facilities that employ many of the same procedures as a municipal sewage plant. An aerobic system adds oxygen to the treatment tank using a pump. When there is an increase in oxygen in the system, there is an increase in natural bacterial activity, which then offers extra treatment for nutrients in the effluent. It is possible that certain aerobic systems may additionally include a pretreatment tank as well as a final treatment tank that will include disinfection in order to further lower pathogen levels.
ATUs should be maintained on a regular basis during their service life.
Mound Systems
Using mound systems in regions with short soil depth, high groundwater levels, or shallow bedrock might be a good alternative. A drainfield trench has been dug through the sand mound that was erected. The effluent from the septic tank runs into a pump chamber, where it is pumped to the mound in the amounts recommended. During its release to the trench, the effluent filters through the sand and is dispersed into the native soil, where it continues to be treated. However, while mound systems can be an effective solution for some soil conditions, they demand a significant amount of land and require regular care.
Recirculating Sand Filter System
Sand filter systems can be built either above or below ground, depending on the use. The effluent is discharged from the septic tank into a pump compartment. Afterwards, it is pushed into the sand filter. The sand filter is often made of PVC or a concrete box that is filled with a sand-like substance. The effluent is pushed through the pipes at the top of the filter under low pressure to the drain. As the effluent exits the pipelines, it is treated as it passes through the sand filtering system.
However, sand filters are more costly than a standard septic system because they provide a higher level of nutrient treatment and are thus better suited for areas with high water tables or that are adjacent to bodies of water.
Evapotranspiration System
Sand filtration systems can be built either above or below ground, depending on the circumstances. Drainage from the septic tank is directed to a pump chamber. A sand filter is then used to filter the water. The sand filter is often made of PVC or a concrete box that is filled with a sand-like substance. Under low pressure, effluent is pushed via pipes that run up to the top of the filter. While passing through the sand filter, the effluent is treated as it exits the pipes and enters the environment.
However, sand filters are more costly than a standard septic system since they provide a higher level of nutrient treatment and are thus suitable for areas with high water tables or that are adjacent to water bodies.
Constructed Wetland System
Construction of sand filter systems can take place either above or below ground. The effluent is discharged from the septic tank into a pump chamber. After that, it is pushed to the sand filter. The sand filter is often made of PVC or a concrete box that is filled with a sand substance. The effluent is pushed through the pipes at the top of the filter at low pressure. As the effluent exits the pipelines, it is treated as it passes through the sand filters. After that, the treated wastewater is dumped into the drain field.
Cluster / Community System
In certain cases, a decentralized wastewater treatment system is owned by a group of people and is responsible for collecting wastewater from two or more residences or buildings and transporting it to a treatment and dispersal system placed on a suitable location near the dwellings or buildings. Cluster systems are widespread in settings like rural subdivisions, where they may be found in large numbers.
EZflow® Septic System
By utilizing a geosynthetic aggregate modular design built for ease of installation, the Infiltrator EZflow septic system can be an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional stone and pipe drainfields. Because it does not include any stone, the gravelless EZflow system is intended to improve drainfield performance by removing particles and lowering compaction and embedment that can occur with stone. Drain pipes are 3″ or 4″ in diameter, and they’re surrounded by aggregate and kept in place with durable, high-strength netting.
Bundle System Configurations:
Single Bundle7 is a collection of items that are not necessarily related to one another “8”, 10″, 12″, and 14″ diameters are available. Horizontal Bundle with diameters of 7″, 9″, 10″, 12″, 13″, and 14″ Vertical Bundle (ten, twelve, and fourteen inches) “a range of diameters Triangle Bundle with widths of 10, 12, 13, and 14 inches 5′ and 10′ lengths that are simple to contour
Applications:
- Use with advanced treatment systems
- Shallow applications (low-profile models)
- Trenchbed systems
- Fill-and-mound systems
- Pressure distribution systems
- And serial distribution systems. Systems that are installed at ground level
- Systems that allow for a step-down or a drop-box
- Systems that are commercial, community-based, or clustered
Benefits:
- Always free of fees and free of dirt
- Bundles are simple to assemble, reducing the need for heavy gear and personnel expenditures. leach field and septic pipe with gravel
- When using modular construction, it is possible to match trench measurements for the majority of system forms and sizes. Engineered to provide the highest possible storage and absorption efficiency
- The ability to contour around sloping terrain and around trees or other landscape features
- The system’s light weight makes it ideal for repairs and confined project locations. Hand-carried into place, minimizing the amount of time and work required
- 5′ or 10′ lengths with internal couplers that fit together easily
- Because of the removal of stone from the job site, cleaning will be less difficult. Produced with recycled materials rather than from a natural resource that has been extracted
- We provide a wide range of diameter and configuration options to fulfill the demands of any installation specialist
- Many jurisdictions have approved it because of its higher efficiency rating, which results in a smaller drainfield. Supported by the industry’s preeminent leader in onsite wastewater management
InstallationTip Videos are available for viewing after downloading the cutsheet.
FAQs:
May you tell me where I can receive help with local installation code, system designs, and technical concerns about products? Several installation choices and criteria are controlled by municipal rules that have been established by the health authority in your region. When in doubt, consult with your local health agency for specifics, and then adhere to their code recommendations as best you can. The Technical Services staff at Infiltrator Water Technologies may be reached at 1-800-718-2754, if you have any queries about design or installation that are not addressed here.
- A variety of septic leachfield and leach bed applications can benefit from the usage of EZflow.
- This comprises trenching, bed construction, and raised mound construction.
- How much of a reduction in the size of the leachfield can I expect if I install EZflow?
- The size of a wastewater treatment system is often determined by a mix of criteria, including the soil type and amount of wastewater to be treated (normally estimated using number of bedrooms).
- Check your local health codes for information on what is required in your region.
- Local regulations govern the spacing requirements for trenches, so check with your local health authority for more information.
- Infiltrator Water Technologies recommended that there be no gap between the sides of bundles when used in beds.
The majority of health rules prohibit the installation of septic leachfields beneath impervious surfaces such as roads and sidewalks.
Consult your local health department for information on the exact codes that apply in your region.
When it comes to minimum and maximum system cover, what is EZflow’s specification?
In a trench system, the maximum amount of cover allowed above EZflow is 96 inches.
Always check with your local health codes to see if there are any special requirements for coverage.
Yes. When it comes to contouring around existing impediments, EZflow has nearly limitless capabilities. In order to prevent soil from entering EZflow through the netting, what should be done? The dirt is prevented from entering the bundles by a geotextile mesh that is woven into the netting.
Septic Tank Seals Used In Infrastructure For Homes and Businesses
Manhole boot connectors are available in a number of forms and sizes, and they may be used with a broad range of construction types and pipe types, including reinforced concrete pipe, HDPE corrugated pipe, and PVC pipe. Some of the ASTM standards that are also covered by these goods are as follows: ASTM C 923ASTM C 1244ASTM F 2510ASTM C 923ASTM C 1244ASTM F 2510 PSX: Direct Drive, our flagship product, is one of the most popular boot connectors on the market and the recommended boot connection for precast firms for manufacturing manholes for sanitary collection systems.
Cast-A-Seal boots for septic tanks
Cast-In connections are extremely similar to our boot connectors, with the exception of the fact that they do not require an additional step in the manufacturing process. These boot connections are integrally cast into the structure at the time of manufacture, avoiding the need to core or cast a hole in the structure later on in the process. Precast makers will save both time and money as a result of this during the manufacturing process. Furthermore, these boot connections are widely used in sanitary collection systems as well, and they comply with many of the same ASTM standards, including the following: ASTM C 923ASTM C 1244ASTM F 2510ASTM C 923ASTM C 1244ASTM F 2510
Butyl sealant and butyl tape for septic tanks
A typical substance used in the joints of manholes and pipe is butyl sealant, which is also found on box culverts and may be found in septic tank systems. Butyl adhesive tape is also found on box culverts and can be found in septic tank systems. Our sealants and wraps meet or exceed a number of ASTM standards, including but not limited to the ones listed below. ASTM C 990AASHTO M 198ASTM C 877ASTM C 990AASHTO M 198ASTM C 877 Treatment structures, round or elliptical/arch pipe, inlet structures, and box culvert systems are just a few examples of where butyl sealants and adhesive wraps may be found in action.
- How frequently do I need to get my septic tank pumped?
- What is the most effective method of keeping the tank in good condition?
- Yes!
- Yes, once again!
- Is it possible to have a watertight septic tank?
- Additionally, waterproof septic tanks are becoming increasingly frequent.
Learn from municipalities
sanitary systems are designed to be waterproof for up to a 100-year life span by municipalities and communities. These measures are taken because they wish to maintain control over infiltration and exfiltration. This eliminates the need to worry about environmental expenses and issues. Septic tanks, which pose an even bigger damage to the environment, should be subjected to the same considerations as well. An overflowing or failing septic tank system may have a negative impact on both the groundwater that homes rely on for drinking and surrounding bodies of water such as ponds or marshes.
Designers of sanitary and wastewater systems are well aware of the need of a closed and watertight system and understand that it must be addressed at the design stage of the system.
This holds true and is equally crucial when it comes to developing and manufacturing on-site wastewater systems and septic tanks, among other things.
How do septic tank seals help?
A concrete mixture or some other form of mortar combination was traditionally used to seal the area where the pipe entered the septic tank. Furthermore, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 60 million individuals in the United States are served by septic systems. Decentralized treatment systems, such as septic tanks or other decentralized systems, service approximately one-third of all new development. So, what is it about a septic tank seal that makes a difference?
- Water tainted with contaminants is prevented from entering natural aquifers. System components that are correctly placed, dispersed, and adequately sealed can help to avoid the transmission of illness and/or infections. Reduce excessive nitrogen releases into coastal waterways to a bare minimum. If the property is well maintained, it will increase in value.
CAS 402 septic tank seals, for example, are constructed of rubber, which increases the life of septic systems because of the substance from which they are formed. This long-lasting material, when used in conjunction with good care and planning, may provide significant financial savings to homeowners.
WASTEWATER FAQ’s
- Do you have any nitrile products for use in wastewater treatment systems? We do have a number of goods that may be converted into nitrile compounds, including the following:
- For the PSX: Direct Drive boot connection
- RFS Prelubed gasket
- Profile pipe gasket
Is it necessary for sanitary systems to be watertight? All collecting systems should be completely waterproof in order to avoid any exfiltration or intrusion of contaminants. Government laws are growing more stringent when it comes to systems that are properly sealed to ensure that polluted water, whether it is rainwater or wastewater, is transported appropriately. What is the purpose of preventing wastewater exfiltration? Due to the potential environmental consequences of wastewater discharge into our lakes and streams, as well as the potential health consequences for humans and wildlife, the EPA has identified wastewater discharge into our lakes and streams as one of its top priorities.
Wastewater Terms
- Wastewater is used water that comes from a variety of sources, including home, industrial, commercial, and agricultural activity. Sanitary Sewer Overflows: Because untreated sewage can include germs, viruses, molds, and fungus, sanitary sewer overflows are a significant health hazard. The pollution of groundwater by sanitary sewage overflows may also cause poor water quality in lakes, rivers, and streams, as well as economic harm to companies that rely on water for their livelihoods, such as fishing and tourism.
