- Septic drainfield trench depth specification: A typical septic drainfield trench is 18 to 30 inches in depth, with a maximum soil cover over the disposal field of 36″; or per the USDA, 2 feet to 5 feet in depth. At REFERENCES we cite these sources.
How deep should septic laterals be?
A typical drainfield trench is 18 to 30 inches in depth, with a maximum soil cover over the disposal field of 36 inches.
How deep should I bury my septic line?
On average, trenches should be around 12-24 inches-deep, and wide enough to house your pipe comfortably before filling it in with soil and sod.
How far do field lines extend from septic tank?
Your septic system site plan is typically drawn right on top of your property survey showing the septic tank ‘setbacks’ with tank 5-10 feet from the house, the leach field at least 20 feet from the house, at least 100 feet away from wells and streams, 25 feet away from dry gulches, and 10 feet away from the property
How deep should leach chambers be?
The leaching chamber trench bottom is usually at least 61 centimeters (24 inches) below finished grade, and the inlet invert is approximately 20.3 centimeters (8 inches) above the trench bottom, and at least 43.2 centimeters (17 inches) below the finished grade.
Can you drive over lateral lines?
In sum, driving over the leach field in any vehicle larger than a child’s bicycle is a bad idea. Heavy vehicles may actually crush buried leach field lines, or they may compress the soils around the leach field, either of which leads to failure. Driving on or parking on leach fields will destroy them.
How deep should field lines be?
Depending on local regulations, each of the trenches should be between 1 and 3 feet in depth and about 18 inches wide. A layer of gravel should be placed at the bottom of the trench to a depth of about 1 foot. Perforated distribution pipes should be connected to the distribution box that leads to the septic tank.
What is the slope for septic lines?
A typical septic tank has a 4-inch inlet located at the top. The pipe that connects to it must maintain a 1/4-inch-per-foot slope toward it from the house. This means that for every 10 feet of distance between the tank and the house, the inlet must be 2 1/2 inches below the point at which the pipe exits the house.
How far should drain field be from septic tank?
Common guidelines require at least 50′ clearance distance between a well and a septic system tank or 150′ between a well and a septic drainfield or leaching bed but you will see that different authorities may recommend different distances. Local soil and rock conditions can make these “rules of thumb” unreliable.
How close can you build next to a drain field?
– A full foundation must be 10 feet from the septic tank and 20 feet from the leaching area. – A slab foundation such as a garage must be 10 feet from the septic tank and 10 feet from the leaching area. – Concrete columns for a deck must be 5 feet from the leaching area and not disturb the septic system.
Can a leach field be too deep?
Drain Field Depth The result is a drain field about 3 to 4 feet deep. Sometimes, however, a drain field may need to be a bit shallower and can result in drain pipes as close to the surface as 6 inches. Underground obstacles can cause this situation.
How far apart should infiltrators be?
As a general rule, trenches ‘fingers’ should be no longer than fifty feet (12 or 13 Infiltrators long) for best function and most even effluent distribution. Unless you are installing as a “bed” system (where the chambers are right next to each other), leave at least six feet of undisturbed soil between fingers.
How do I calculate the size of my septic drain field?
Drainfield Size
- The size of the drainfield is based on the number of bedrooms and soil characteristics, and is given as square feet.
- For example, the minimum required for a three bedroom house with a mid range percolation rate of 25 minutes per inch is 750 square feet.
Alternative Septic Systems For Difficult Sites
This Article Discusses Mound Systems are a type of system that is used to build mounds. Alternative Systems are also available. View and post commentsQuestions Septic System FAQsView all articles on the SEPTIC SYSTEM If your lot does not pass the perc test, some towns may enable you to construct an engineered system as a backup plan if the perc test fails. For waterfront estates and other ecologically sensitive places, alternative water-treatment systems may also be necessary to aid in the protection of water supplies.
A “mound” system operates in much the same way as a normal system, except that the leach field is elevated above the natural grade.
They require more frequent monitoring and maintenance in order to avoid complications.
It is possible that the technology will not operate as planned if either the designer or the installer is inexperienced with the technology.
The design of a system is particular to the soil type, site circumstances, and degree of consumption that is being considered.
Some states and municipalities will only accept system types that have been certified in their jurisdiction, and they may also demand that the owner maintain a service contract with a vendor that has been approved by the state or municipality.
MOUND SYSTEMS
Mound systems are often two to three times more expensive than ordinary septic systems, and they need more frequent monitoring and maintenance. To see a larger version, click here. Ohio State University Extension provides the following information: The mound is comprised of a network of tiny distribution pipes that are embedded in a layer of gravel on top of a layer of sand that is normally one to two feet deep. Topsoil is applied to the tops and sides of the structure (see illustration). A dosing chamber (also known as a pump chamber) is included in a mound system, and it is responsible for collecting wastewater that is discharged from the septic tank.
Most feature an alarm system that notifies the owner or a repair company if the pump fails or if the water level in the tank increases to an unsafe level.
Aside from that, monitoring wells are frequently placed to keep track on the conditions inside and outside the leach field.
The most expensive items are the additional equipment, as well as the earthwork and other materials that are required to construct the mound.
In extreme cases, a mound system can cost more than $20,000 in some locations. Additionally, owing of the increased complexity, mound systems need more regular pumping as well as additional monitoring and maintenance. In certain cases, annual maintenance expenditures may exceed $500.
OTHER ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC SYSTEMS
Sand filters that do not have a bottom are frequent on coastal properties and other ecologically sensitive places. There is a large variety of alternative septic systems available on the market, with new ones being introduced on a regular basis. Some are designed at community systems that serve a number of houses, and they are often monitored and maintained by a professional service provider. Some alternative systems are well-suited to particular houses, albeit the costs, complexity, and upkeep of these systems must be carefully evaluated before implementing them.
Before the wastewater reaches the leach field, which serves as a miniature replica of a sewage-treatment plant, some larger community systems employ pre-treatment to reduce the amount of bacteria present.
There are numerous other versions and combinations of systems and components that may be employed, including the following:
- Pressurized dosing: This method makes use of a holding tank and a pump to drive effluent through the distribution pipe in a more uniform and regulated manner, hence boosting the effectiveness of the leach field. When used in conjunction with other techniques, such as a mound system, a sand filter, plastic leach fields or drip irrigation, it can be used to rehabilitate a leach field
- However, it should not be used alone.
- When using pressurized dosing, a holding tank and pump are used to drive effluent through the distribution pipe in more uniform and regulated dosages, boosting the effectiveness of the leaching field. When used in conjunction with other techniques, such as a mound system, a sand filter, plastic leach fields or drip irrigation, it can be used to rehabilitate a leach field
- Nevertheless, it should be utilized with caution.
- Sand filter: This is a big sand-filled box that is 2-4 feet deep and has a waterproof lining made of concrete or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Using filtration and anaerobic microorganisms, the sand is utilized to pre-treat wastewater before it is discharged into the leaching field. The boxes are often partially or completely buried in the ground, although they can also be elevated above ground level as necessary. While a pump and controls are typically used to equally administer the effluent on top of the filter, gravity distribution is also viable in some instances. The most common setup is shown in Figure 1. A collection tank at the bottom of the tank collects the treated effluent, which is either pumped or gravity-fed to the drain field. Some sand filters recycle the effluent back to the tank multiple times before discharging it into the drain field, while others do not. The majority of sand filters are used for pre-treatment, although they can also be utilized as the primary treatment in certain situations. A “bottomless sand filter” is used in this situation since the effluent drains straight into the soil underneath the filter (see photo above). A well designed and manufactured sand filter that is regularly maintained will prevent sand from being clogged on a consistent basis. More information about Sand Filters may be found here.
- Aerobic treatment system: These systems treat wastewater by the use of an aerobic process, which is normally carried out in an underground concrete tank with many chambers. Aeration, purification, and pumping of the effluent are all accomplished through the use of four chambers in the most complicated systems. The first chamber functions similarly to a smaller version of a regular septic tank in its function. An air pump is employed in the second “treatment” tank to ensure that the effluent is continually injected with fresh air. The presence of oxygen promotes the growth of aerobic bacteria, which are more effective in processing sewage than the anaerobic bacteria found in a standard septic system. It is possible to utilize a third and fourth chamber in certain systems to further clarify the water and to pump out the purified water. In addition, so-called “fixed-film” systems make use of a synthetic media filter to help the bacterial process go more quickly. In the correct hands, aerobic systems may create better-quality wastewater than a typical system, and they may also incorporate a disinfectant before the purified wastewater is discharged. A smaller drain field may be used in urban areas while a larger area may be sprayed across a whole field in rural areas. Technically speaking, they are tiny sewage treatment plants rather than septic systems, and they rely mostly on anaerobic treatment to accomplish their goals. They are referred to as ATUs in some circles (aerobic treatment units). Installation and maintenance of these systems are prohibitively expensive
- As a result, they are mostly employed in situations where high-quality treatment is required in a small area or with poor soils. A growing number of them are being built on beachfront sites. More information about Anaerobic Treatment Systems may be found here.
- Systems that employ aerobic processes to treat wastewater are commonly found underground in the form of a multi-chamber concrete tank with many chambers. Aeration, purification, and pumping of the effluent are performed in four chambers in the most complicated systems. Essentially, the first chamber serves as a miniature replica of the regular septic tank. To continuously inject air into the effluent in the second “treatment” tank, an air pump is utilized. The presence of air encourages the growth of aerobic bacteria, which are more efficient at processing sewage than the anaerobic bacteria found in a normal septic system, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. For additional clarity and pumping out of the cleaned water, third and fourth chambers are employed in some systems. A synthetic media filter is frequently used in so-called “fixed-film” systems to improve the bacterial process. In the correct hands, aerobic systems may create better-quality wastewater than a typical system, and they may even incorporate an additional disinfection before the purified wastewater is discharged. A smaller drain field may be used in urban areas whereas a larger area may be sprayed in rural areas. Mini sewage treatment plants (rather than septic systems) are technically what these are, as they are dependent mostly on anaerobic treatment rather than aerobic treatment. The acronym ATU is commonly used to refer to them (aerobic treatment units). Installation and maintenance of these systems are prohibitively expensive
- As a result, they are typically employed in situations where high-quality treatment is required in a small area or with poor soils. A growing number of them are being built on beachfront property. Find out more about Aerobic Treatment Systems by visiting their website.
- Wetlands that have been constructed. These are suitable for those who are environmentally conscious and wish to take an active role in the recycling of their wastewater. They may be used in practically any type of soil. An artificial shallow pond is used in the system, which is lined with rock, tire chippings, or other suitable medium and then filled with water. A pleasant atmosphere is created by the media, which serves as a habitat for particular plants that process wastewater and maintain the ecosystem. Wastewater from the septic tank is dispersed across the media bed through a perforated conduit, where plant roots, bacteria, and other microorganisms break down the contaminants in the water. The treated water is collected in a second pipe located at the back of the marsh. Household members must budget time for planting, pruning, and weeding in the wetlands area.
Additional resources: National Small Flows Clearinghouse Inspectapedia.com You may also be interested in:Who Should I Hire For Perc Test? Whether or not alternative septic systems are permitted. Is It Possible for Septic Systems to Last a Lifetime? How Much Slope Do You Need for a Septic Line? Performing an Inspection on a Septic System When Is the Best Time to Take a Perc Test? Should I use a Sand Filter with my existing septic system? Examination of the WellSEPTIC SYSTEMView allSEPTIC SYSTEMarticles Return to the top of the page
How Deep Should a Septic Leach Field Be?
Photograph courtesy of Valerie Loiseleux/E+/Getty Images.
In This Article
- Drain Field Operation
- Drain Field Depth
- Drain Field Width and Length
- How the Drain Field Works
Describes how the drain field works, as well as the depth, width, and length of the drain field.
Tip
The final depth of a septic system’s drain field is determined by a variety of factors. Drain fields, on the other hand, are typically between 2 and 5 feet deep.
How the Drain Field Works
Solid waste is contained in your septic tank until it is pumped out, which is the final step in the process. The bacteria found in that trash, on the other hand, is far more mobile in nature. As part of the septic process, solid waste is removed from your tank and deposited at the bottom of your tank, while wastewater (together with the bacteria it contains) is discharged from your tank and into your drain field. Once there, the water percolates through the soil and eventually joins the local groundwater supply system.
- In the long run, bacteria are eaten by microbes in the soil.
- This is a significant project that necessitates the establishment of correct soil conditions, including the selection of the appropriate drain fieldsize and depth.
- Typically, a completed bed comprises 12 inches of gravel below the pipe and additional 2 inches of gravel on top of the pipe.
- The end product is a drain field that is approximately 3 to 4 feet deep.
- This type of circumstance might be caused by underground impediments.
- High groundwater tables have the potential to accomplish the same thing, necessitating the installation of a drain field capable of filtering germs at a deeper depth in order to avoid pollution.
Occasionally, this is accomplished by making the drain field shallower, but wider or longer in length. In other cases, a mounded or elevated drain field will be required to prevent flooding.
Drain Field Width and Length
If you have more than one bedroom in your house, your septic system designer will figure out what size drain field you’ll need based on the number of bedrooms you have. In addition, the designer will take into consideration the zoning regulations, soil conditions, and the peculiarities of your lot while designing your home. According to many towns’ regulations, for example, your drain field must be at least a set distance away from your property line. The setbacks from streams, marshes, water supply lines (including local water wells), and other possible barriers are also defined by municipal construction standards.
In addition, pipes are frequently spaced 6 feet apart from one another.
The fact that they are spaced 6 feet apart, on the other hand, provides for the addition of more pipes at a 3-foot spacing if necessary in the future without enlarging the total footprint of the drain field.
It is then decided how this pipe should be laid out in relation to the amount of land available for the leach field to be used.
MEINCO Septic Systems – Quality Wastewater System Installation & Maintenance in Arkansas
MEINCO is a company that designs wastewater systems for residential and commercial properties. Any new construction that makes use of a. Read on to find out more
Installation
MEINCO’s highly trained technicians install wastewater treatment systems utilizing high-quality materials. Read on to find out more
Maintenance
MEINCO’s hands-on knowledge in the wastewater system helps to address and avoid problems. It is our ultimate objective. Read on to find out more
The MEINCO Advantage
It is possible to attribute MEINCO’s success to our commitment to ongoing personnel education and training, our use of high-quality goods and best building processes, and our more than fifty years of combined expertise. MEINCO’s competence gives them the unmatched capacity to efficiently address challenges, even on the most difficult of construction sites.
Professional Presence
Since 1996, MEINCO has been engaged in the onsite wastewater management sector. We participate in trade exhibitions both locally and nationally on a regular basis. Meinco’s well-regarded crew can take care of all of your onsite wastewater needs. I
Wastewater Permits
MEINCO can assist you with the drafting of wastewater permit applications for the Arkansas Department of Health and the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).
Quality Installation
We at MEINCO are devoted to installing your onsite wastewater system using high-quality products and by highly trained professionals, ensuring that it will operate efficiently for many years.
Reliable Maintenance
MEINCO provides regular servicing and maintenance to ensure that your system continues to operate for many years to come.
FAQs About Our Wastewater Services
A percolation test is a procedure that is used to measure the rate at which soil absorbs water in preparation for the construction of a septic disposal site. To determine soil suitability in Arkansas, soil morphology is currently the recognized method. It is performed by personnel who are qualified to size absorption areas based on the depth of seasonal water tables in the state.
What is soil morphology?
Sophisticated methods exist for examining and recording the qualities and properties of soil, and one of the most used methods is soil morphology. These data are utilized to assess the appropriateness of soil for absorption regions based on the results of the experiment. In Arkansas, this is the generally recognized practice.
What is a septic tank?
It is possible to evaluate and document the qualities and properties of soil using soil morphology. These observations are utilized to establish the appropriateness of soil for absorption zones based on the results of the experimentation. The state of Arkansas has established this as the standard practice.
What is a distribution box?
It is necessary to have a distribution box in order to ensure that the effluent from a treatment unit is delivered in equal volumes to each line of a distribution pipe in an effluent disposal facility.
What is an ATU?
It is defined as a mechanical wastewater treatment device that offers secondary wastewater treatment for a single house, a cluster of residences, or a business enterprise by mixing air (oxygen) and aerobic and facultative bacteria with the wastewater. ATU is an abbreviation for Aerobic Treatment Unit.
Contact Us
To ask a question, schedule work, or obtain an estimate, please use the form below. To get started, give us a call or fill out our online contact form now! Get in Touch With Us
What Is an Alternative Septic System? 7 Alternatives to Conventional Septic Tanks
Finally, the opportunity has arisen for you to put in place a septic system on your property. You had initially intended on installing a normal septic tank and leach field, but what about the forest preserve near your home? What do you do about that? Will a standard septic tank harm the watershed in question? When you’re researching a septic tank, you’ll recall that when you were developing your property, you came into problems with bedrock beneath the top of the soil. What if your property’s soil is too shallow to allow you to dig down far enough to install a conventional septic tank?
What are Alternative Septic Systems?
In the context of alternative septic systems, any sort of building wastewater (also known as “effluent”) drainage system that differs from the traditional septic tank is considered to be such. Diverting and cleaning water waste from your house is not limited to the use of a typical septic system; there are many more options available to safely reintroduce it back into the environment! You will learn the following things from this blog post:
- Identifying the reasons why some properties require alternate septic systems
- Alternative septic systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The operation of each sort of system
Why Do People Want Alternatives to Septic Tanks?
Just though traditional septic systems are commonplace does not imply that they are appropriate for every property or situation. There are a variety of reasons why the conventional model for wastewater sanitation does not always meet the needs of the community. For example, some parcels of property contain bedrock that is too close to the surface of the soil, making it difficult to build a septic tank deep enough to be effective. A large number of inhabitants in the United States also live near bodies of water that are particularly vulnerable to water contamination, which means that the normal technique of sanitation in septic tanks is insufficient to preserve the ecology of the region in question.
- The term “perking” refers to the soil’s capacity to absorb and hold onto water.
- Repairing a sewer pipe Fortunately, you may have your septic system or sewage line repaired before you break ground on your new system.
- Never fear if your perc test does not go as planned, or if you have any additional worries about installing a traditional septic system on your land.
- Each of the alternative septic systems that you will come across in this blog article has a distinct amount of upkeep that is necessary.
Additionally, the cost of alternative septic systems varies depending on the equipment and upkeep that is required. Discover alternative septic solutions that may be a better fit for your property than a standard system by continuing reading.
Types of alternative septic systems
In situations when the soil surrounding your house or structure is too dense or too shallow, or when the water table is too high, mound systems are a good option to septic tanks to consider. Mound systems are a popular alternative to traditional systems, despite the fact that they are more expensive and require more care. They are above-ground systems that are covered with topsoil and incorporate an additional component known as a pump chamber, which separates effluent from the scum and sludge in the first septic tank before it is discharged into the environment.
Pressurized Dosing
When using a pressurized dosing system, you may deliver effluent onto the leach field in more uniform, calibrated dosages (just as the system’s name implies!). Because of the measured technique of dispersing wastewater, this strategy can be particularly beneficial for repairing a leach field following a septic system failure. Given that this approach is simply concerned with the dissemination of effluent into the soil, pressure dosing can be used in conjunction with any of the water treatment systems listed below.
Plastic Chamber Leach Field
According to its name, the pressurized dosing system employs pressure to disperse effluent into the leach field in more uniform and precise dosages (just as the system’s name suggests!). A leach field that has been rehabilitated as a result of a septic system failure may benefit from the measured technique of effluent distribution available with this option. In addition, because pressurized dosing solely concentrates on the distribution of effluent into the soil, it may be used in conjunction with any of the water treatment systems indicated below.
Sand Filter
Sand filter septic systems, as the name implies, cleanse and eliminate pollutants from wastewater through the use of sand filters. The sand filter system, which is similar to the aerobic treatment method described above, includes oxygen into its system in order to filter out germs. This cleansing takes place in an enclosed chamber that may either be erected above or below ground level depending on the situation. This is an example of an alternative septic system that does not require the use of a leach field, making it suitable for use in ecologically sensitive locations.
Aerobic Treatment System
Through the use of an air pump, which draws fresh air from the surrounding environment into the treatment tank, an aerobic treatment system introduces oxygen into the septic tank. It is believed that the increased oxygen aids in the cleaning of the effluent by increasing natural bacterial activity. As explained by the Environmental Protection Agency, aerobic treatment systems use the same technology as large-scale sewage treatment facilities, but on a smaller scale.
This is yet another excellent alternative septic system for tiny lots, lots with inadequate soil conditions, and lots located near bodies of water that are sensitive to pollutant runoff.
Drip Distribution/Irrigation
The drip distribution method disperses treated septic water over a larger area of land than the conventional method. To “irrigate” the leach field, instead of using a single PVC pipe to disseminate treated water into the leach field, the drip distribution technique makes use of a length of flexible tubing that is wound around itself and releases tiny increments of water all the way along its length. With this procedure, newer technology also enables for the discharge of water to be timed and regulated.
It is possible that power interruptions will make these alternative septic solutions more difficult to maintain than traditional systems.
Constructed Wetland System
The designed wetland system makes use of wetland plants to help your septic system filter waste by performing some of the filtration job. While the water waste from your home or building still passes through a single septic tank, the cleaned water is then sent to a plot of wetland that has a variety of various types of pebbles and grasses. Following that first stage of filtration, the water is channeled into a drain field, where it is discharged back into the soil, exactly as it would be with a traditional system.
- Take into consideration the land on your property as well as the surrounding surroundings while deciding which system is best for your needs.
- Finally, the opportunity has arisen for you to put in place a septic system on your property.
- What do you do about that?
- When you’re researching a septic tank, you’ll recall that when you were developing your property, you came into problems with bedrock beneath the top of the soil.
- Fortunately, there are numerous different types of alternative septic systems that are designed specifically for situations like the ones described above.
What are Alternative Septic Systems?
In the context of alternative septic systems, any sort of building wastewater (also known as “effluent”) drainage system that differs from the traditional septic tank is considered to be such. Diverting and cleaning water waste from your house is not limited to the use of a typical septic system; there are many more options available to safely reintroduce it back into the environment! You will learn the following things from this blog post:
- Identifying the reasons why some properties require alternate septic systems
- Alternative septic systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The operation of each sort of system
Why Do People Want Alternatives to Septic Tanks?
Just though traditional septic systems are commonplace does not imply that they are appropriate for every property or situation. There are a variety of reasons why the conventional model for wastewater sanitation does not always meet the needs of the community. For example, some parcels of property contain bedrock that is too close to the surface of the soil, making it difficult to build a septic tank deep enough to be effective. A large number of inhabitants in the United States also live near bodies of water that are particularly vulnerable to water contamination, which means that the normal technique of sanitation in septic tanks is insufficient to preserve the ecology of the region in question.
- The term “perking” refers to the soil’s capacity to absorb and hold onto water.
- Repairing a sewer pipe Fortunately, you may have your septic system or sewage line repaired before you break ground on your new system.
- Never fear if your perc test does not go as planned, or if you have any additional worries about installing a traditional septic system on your land.
- Each of the alternative septic systems that you will come across in this blog article has a distinct amount of upkeep that is necessary.
Additionally, the cost of alternative septic systems varies depending on the equipment and upkeep that is required. Discover alternative septic solutions that may be a better fit for your property than a standard system by continuing reading.
Types of alternative septic systems
Conventional septic systems are ubiquitous, but that does not imply that they are suitable for every property or situation. There are a variety of reasons why the conventional wastewater sanitation paradigm does not always work. Examples include terrain with bedrock that is too close to the surface of the soil, making it hard to dig a septic tank deep enough to be installed properly. Residents around the United States live near bodies of water that are particularly vulnerable to water contamination, which means that the usual technique of sanitation, which involves septic tanks, is insufficient to preserve the ecology of the region.
The capacity of soil to absorb and hold water is referred to as “perking.” A conventional septic system involves discharging treated water into the soil (where it is further purified by the microbes and plants in the soil and eventually becomes groundwater), which means that it is likely to result in severe flooding if it is installed on land that will not be capable of absorbing all of the treated water.
- Repairing a sewage system Fortunately, you may have your septic system or sewage line repaired before breaking ground on your new construction project.
- Do not be concerned if your perc test does not turn out well, or if you have other worries about installing a traditional septic system on your land.
- Each of the alternative septic systems that you will come across in this blog post will demand a different amount of upkeep.
- Discover alternative septic solutions that may be a better fit for your property than a traditional system by continuing reading.
Pressurized Dosing
When using a pressurized dosing system, you may deliver effluent onto the leach field in more uniform, calibrated dosages (just as the system’s name implies!). Because of the measured technique of dispersing wastewater, this strategy can be particularly beneficial for repairing a leach field following a septic system failure. Given that this approach is simply concerned with the dissemination of effluent into the soil, pressure dosing can be used in conjunction with any of the water treatment systems listed below.
Plastic Chamber Leach Field
Plasti-chamber leach fields are an excellent alternative to traditional septic systems for small lots and sites with high or fluctuating groundwater tables. Plastic chambers in the shape of half pipes are installed in the leach field to replace the gravel and create a gap for wastewater to flow through.
Designed in the shape of a half moon, the plastic chambers are placed in the soil with the open side facing down, allowing effluent to come into touch with the soil underneath them, purifying the water and allowing it to flow back into the ground.
Sand Filter
Sand filter septic systems, as the name implies, cleanse and eliminate pollutants from wastewater through the use of sand filters. The sand filter system, which is similar to the aerobic treatment method described above, includes oxygen into its system in order to filter out germs. This cleansing takes place in an enclosed chamber that may either be erected above or below ground level depending on the situation. This is an example of an alternative septic system that does not require the use of a leach field, making it suitable for use in ecologically sensitive locations.
Aerobic Treatment System
Through the use of an air pump, which draws fresh air from the surrounding environment into the treatment tank, an aerobic treatment system introduces oxygen into the septic tank. It is believed that the increased oxygen aids in the cleaning of the effluent by increasing natural bacterial activity. As explained by the Environmental Protection Agency, aerobic treatment systems use the same technology as large-scale sewage treatment facilities, but on a smaller scale. This is yet another excellent alternative septic system for tiny lots, lots with inadequate soil conditions, and lots located near bodies of water that are sensitive to pollutant runoff.
Drip Distribution/Irrigation
The drip distribution method disperses treated septic water over a larger area of land than the conventional method. To “irrigate” the leach field, instead of using a single PVC pipe to disseminate treated water into the leach field, the drip distribution technique makes use of a length of flexible tubing that is wound around itself and releases tiny increments of water all the way along its length. With this procedure, newer technology also enables for the discharge of water to be timed and regulated.
It is possible that power interruptions will make these alternative septic solutions more difficult to maintain than traditional systems.
Constructed Wetland System
Treatment septic water is distributed more uniformly and efficiently using the drip distribution method. As opposed to the traditional drip distribution system, which uses a single PVC pipe to disseminate treated water into the leach field, the drip distribution method “irrigates” the leach field with long, twisting, flexible tubing that releases tiny amounts of water all along its length. Water may be released in a regulated and timed manner using this approach, thanks to recent technological advancements.
When power is lost, these alternative septic solutions may require more upkeep than traditional systems.
