How To Connect Septic Tank Irrigation System?

• Follow the building sewer pipe to the septic tank. Gently push an insulated probe into the soil to feel for the pipe or the tank. Be careful to not puncture the pipe or old plastic or fiberglass tanks.

How do you tap into an existing septic tank?

Use a 4-inch pipe to connect the two septic tanks. Place this pipe into the inlet hole of your new septic tank before you lower it into the ground. After you’ve lowered your new septic tank, insert the other end of the pipe into your old septic tank’s outlet hole.

How do septic sprinklers work?

Spray distribution systems for onsite wastewater treatment are much like a lawn sprinkler system. They spray treated wastewater over the surface of a yard. The spray distribution field carries the effluent from the pump tank to the distribution heads.

Where does shower water go when you have a septic tank?

When shower water enters the shower drain, it combines with wastewater from the toilet and sinks then goes to either a septic tank or a wastewater treatment plant. If it goes to the septic tank, it will naturally get cleaned and allowed to seep into the ground.

How far should a septic tank be from a house?

Most importantly, a septic tank must be at least seven metres from a house, defined as a ‘habitable property’. Septic tanks are built underground and release wastewater slowly into the surrounding environment. For this reason, they must be a set distance away from a home.

What kind of pipe do you use for septic system?

Laying Out a Septic-Tank Disposal System. The septic tank should be positioned at least 50 feet from the house proper. ABS or PVC plastic or cast iron pipe can be used to connect the tank to the house drainage system.

How deep should a septic tank be buried?

In most cases, septic tank components including the lid, are buried between 4 inches and 4 feet underground. You can use a metal probe to locate its edges and mark the perimeter. If you do not find the lid by probing, shallow excavation with a shovel along the tank’s perimeter should reveal the lid.

How do I find my septic tank outlet pipe?

The outlet pipe should be approximately 3 inches below the inlet pipe. Inlet Baffle: The inlet baffle is installed on the inlet pipe inside the tank.

Can you add an inlet to a septic tank?

If your existing septic tank is performing well and is well below its maximum capacity for usage, it is possible to add additional input lines to the system. In order to accomplish this you will need to tie in the new addition to the existing system without disrupting or altering the existing system in any manner.

How often should my septic sprinklers go off?

Do aerobic septic systems have to be cleaned out? All septic systems must be cleaned out every 3-5 years.

Why are my septic sprinklers not working?

No power: If you notice that your aerobic septic system has simply stopped working, do not panic! First, check to see if the power switch for your aerobic septic system has been accidentally turned off, and that the power breaker hasn’t been tripped. This is often the case, and is among the easiest problems to solve.

What are the signs that your septic tank is full?

Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:

• Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
• Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
• Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
• You Hear Gurgling Water.
• You Have A Sewage Backup.
• How often should you empty your septic tank?

What are the do’s and don’ts of a septic tank?

DON’T flush material that will not easily decompose, such as hair, diapers, cigarette butts, matches, or feminine hygiene products. DO conserve water to avoid overloading the system. They kill the bacteria needed to decompose wastes in the septic tank and drain field. DO use substitutes for household hazardous waste.

Should greywater go to septic tank?

A septic tank is not required for disposal of graywater only. A filter system specifically approved by DEP may be used in place of the septic tank as long as no garbage disposal waste or liquid waste from a composting toilet enters the graywater disposal system.

How to Install a Septic System

Documentation Download Documentation Download Documentation In rural regions of the nation where waste water treatment is not accessible, private on-site wastewater treatment systems (POWTS), also known as septic systems, are utilized largely to treat waste water. Gravity fed/conventional systems are divided into two broad categories: 1. gravity fed/conventional systems and 2. alternative (pump) systems, which include aerobic treatment units (ATUs.) In most cases, electric pumps are used in alternative systems.

However, in many health jurisdictions across the United States, it is still feasible for an individual property owner with heavy equipment operation skills to utilize a backhoe to establish a septic system on their land.

Steps

1. 1 Make a plan and design for your system. Performing a site survey and conducting a percolation (soil) test on the area where the POWTS is to be placed are both required initial steps in any septic system installation. In order to create a system, it is necessary to first gather information from surveyors and conduct a soil test. It is then possible to submit an application for the necessary permissions and approvals.

• The following are some of the conclusions from the site survey that have an impact on the design:

• Available space
• Terrain
• Intended purpose and projected water demand depending on the size of the residence or building that the system will serve
• Location of the well and/or nearby wells
• And other factors.

• The following are examples of soil test findings that have an impact on the design:

• The soil type and layering (sand, clay, rock, and where it is placed in relation to depth)
• The soil’s ability to drain and filter wastewater
• And the soil’s ability to drain and filter wastewater

1. 2Wait for clearance before proceeding. The system may be deployed once all of the relevant permissions and approvals have been obtained. Make certain that all of the steps listed below are carried out in accordance with all applicable laws, plumbing rules, and building codes. Advertisement

Please keep in mind that the following procedure assumes that the system is being installed for the first time and not as a replacement.

1. Please keep in mind that the following procedure is predicated on the assumption that the system is being installed for the first time rather than being replaced.

• Please keep in mind that the following procedure assumes that the system is being installed for the first time and not as a replacement system.

• 2 Determine the location of the entrance to the building in relation to the location of the septic tank. Make an excavation at least 2 feet deep and drill a hole through the wall, or go deeper and drill a hole beneath the footing, depending on your preference or the need. Because this is precisely what a gravity-fed system is designed to accomplish, expect the flow to continue to flow downhill from here. When transferring waste from the tank to the drain field, it does not employ any mechanical methods other than gravity.

• The pipe should be 4″ Sch. 40 and should extend at least five feet outside the structure toward the tank, either through the wall or beneath it. Set it level where it’s going through the wall or under the footing, and from there run with roughly a 1/8″ per foot of pitch (slope) toward the septic tank. If necessary, go even farther into the tank or all the way into the tank. If not, switch to 4″ 3034 with the necessary adaptor and pipe toward the tank using 3034

• Make sure you use a test cap on the end that will be entering the building. It is recommended that if you are going through a wall, you seal the area around the hole with hydraulic cement both inside and outside
• Do not run too much pitch out to the tank. If there is an excessive amount, the water will run away quicker than the sediments, resulting in the solids remaining in the pipe. Additionally, depending on the depth of your drain field and how close it will be to the tank’s outflow, there may not be enough pitch to get to the drain field.

• 4 Use the laser transit to “shot” the top of the pipe leading to the concrete aerobic tank. 3 Excavate a hole large enough to submerge the concrete aerobic tank below ground level. The distance between the top of the intake and the bottom of the tank is measured in feet and inches. This (go up on the grade pole) + 1 1/2″ should be added to the number you sprayed out of the top of the pipe. The grade pole is now set to the depth that you require
• Proceed to excavate the hole to the required depth.

• Prepare your leech field by laying it out and excavating it according to the results of the test performed during the permit application procedure. Maintaining a good flow between the tank and the drain field should be considered when planning out and digging the tank.

1. 4Use “inch-and-a-half cleaned drain rock” from a neighboring gravel dump to surround the pipe, which is required in most areas. This is necessary in order to keep the pipe steady. For further information on the size of embedment and gravel required, check with your local health department. Five-inch perforated pipe in a gravity drain field does not have a slope from one end to another and has capped ends
2. Once you have received a green sticker from the health inspector, you must cover the pipe and tank. All places, subject to the restrictions of the local health authority, will be required to cover the drain rock with a specific filter fabric, newspaper, four inches of straw, or untreated construction paper before backfilling. Advertisement

1. A pump chamber after the septic tank should be installed The pump chamber, also known as a pressure tank or dosing tank, is where the electric pump is housed, which is responsible for transporting wastewater from one location to another and finally into the drain field for final disposal.

• Set up the pump chamber in the same manner as you would a septic tank. The effluent pump and floats are housed in the pump chamber, and they are responsible for pumping the effluent out to the drain field at predetermined or scheduled intervals. This is a hermetically sealed system. To ensure that the electrical installation complies with state standards, it is frequently necessary to hire a qualified electrician. It is important to remember that in places with high groundwater, the pump chamber or additional ATUs may remain essentially empty for long periods of time, and that these tanks may need to be safeguarded from floating by the installation of additional weight or other protective features.

1. Secondly, all construction details, including the layout of all sewers outside of the home, the location and depth of all tanks, the routing and depth of pressurized effluent lines, and other system components, such as the drain field and any additional ATUs, must be consistent with the septic system plans approved by the local county health department. Cover the tank and pressurized lines once the inspector has given his final clearance and the system has been turned on. Advertisement

Create a new question

• Question I had a tank installed, but it isn’t level with the ground. What will be the ramifications of this, and should it be leveled? It is necessary to keep the tank level. It is difficult to predict what it will have an impact on because we do not know which direction it is off level. Question Is it necessary to be concerned about tree roots growing into the drainage area when using a gravity flow kind of tank? Whether or whether you have lateral lines is dependent on the kind of trees that are growing close or above them. Tree species that tend to extend roots into the lateral lines and obstruct them are known as ramifications. Due to the fact that they are buried deep in the ground and surrounded by a pocket of gravel that allows waste water to drain out, they are rarely affected by grass, weeds, and shrubs. Question What is the maximum depth that a pipe may be lowered into the leech bed? The majority of systems require 12 volts “in the form of rock The perforated pipe should be suspended in the top area of the rock
• It should not be touching the rock. Question Maintaining a lush green grass on or above your pitch is it safe, or is it a good practice? According to what I’ve heard, brown or dead grass is preferred so that your field can breathe more easily. Your field does have to breath. The presence of green grass across your field indicates that it is functioning well. With lush grass covering your field, it will be able to breathe. There should be no planting of woody shrubs or trees over the leach field. Question What is the recommended distance between the septic tank and the house/boundary? A minimum of fifty feet is required. States have different laws, but this is the most common distance
• Nonetheless, other states have stricter laws. Question What is the average amount of soil that goes into a residential leach field? It is dependent on how chilly it becomes. There are no less than 12 in the northern United States “in the leach field’s surface
• Question Is it possible to build a septic system during the cold months? What you should do will depend on whether or not you reside in a place where the ground freezes. Question What amount of water should I put in the tank to get it going? None. A typical tank holds 1,000 gallons and will fill up quite quickly if used on a regular basis. When liquid effluent is discharged to the drain field, the goal is to catch and pre-treat particles that have accumulated. It is possible that a pump system will require water to prime the pump. Question There is a misalignment between my septic field’s underground line and the pipe on the tank. Is it OK to utilize a 90-degree elbow on my septic tank? As long as you have decent downhill flow, you should be fine. Instead of using a 90, I would use two 45s. Question If I’m installing a septic system, when should I contact an inspector? Immediately following system installation but before earth is used to cover the system in place Always check with the inspector ahead of time to verify that they can satisfy your inspection needs

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• The use of aerobic bacterial additions (which are available at most DIY stores) to maintain a healthy and well functioning system, as suggested by producers on a periodic basis, is contentious. The septic tank is an anaerobic (wet) environment in which the majority of yeasts and other additions will have little or no effect on the sewage being processed. When it comes to installing septic tanks, some old school installers believe that placing an additive, a shovel of muck, or even a dead cat in an empty tank will “start” the process. What naturally enters the tank serves as the only thing that is necessary. The aerobic (wet or dry) component of the system consists of hundreds of square feet of drain field, where additives will do little help even if they make it all the way to the end of the system. The use of chemicals in septic systems has not been the subject of an independent research that has been published in a respectable scientific publication anywhere in the world, including this nation. This will mostly certainly be confirmed by your local health department. Each phase of the building process will almost certainly include an examination by a health inspector before the work can be completed or covered up. On pressurized lines, the use of a sand embedment is recommended in order to reduce the amount of damage caused by moving soil that has a high concentration of clay. When pumps are turned on and off, pressurized lines might move as well. Four inches (10.2 cm) of sand bedding on all four sides of the lines will prevent sharp pebbles from the ground or backfill from wearing holes in the pipe over time
• And

The use of aerobic bacterial additions (which are available at most DIY stores) to maintain a healthy and well functioning system, as claimed by manufacturers on a periodic basis, is contentious and has generated debate. The septic tank is an anaerobic (wet) environment in which the majority of yeasts and other additions have little or no impact on the sewage being treated. The installation of an additive, a shovel of sludge, or the placement of a dead cat in an empty tank is considered “starting” the septic process by certain old-school contractors.

The aerobic (wet or dry) component of the system consists of hundreds of square feet of drain field, where additives will do little benefit even if they make it all the way to the end of the line.

This is likely to be confirmed by your local health department.

When pumps are turned on and off, pressurized pipes might also move somewhat.

• Keep the perforated pipe for the leech field in a vertical position while installing it to avoid having the holes in the pipe turn downward. It is necessary to lay the perforated drain field pipe ASTM 2729 dead level, so that the printed line on the pipe is facing up. The perforations on both sides of the pipe are on both sides of the pipe. All of the sections of perforated pipe are cemented together, and the ends of each leach line are capped to complete the installation. So, when waste water enters the pipe, it will fill the pipe to the height of the perforations and overflow from ALL of the holes, utilising the whole leach field as a means of treatment. In certain health authorities, you can utilize waste water to water grass or decorative plants, trees, vegetable gardens, and fruit trees if you place the perforated pipe on a slope. However, the water must first be cleaned by the system (tertiary treatment includes disinfection) in order to prevent pathogens (germs) from the septic system from being discharged into the environment throughout the process. Make sure to check with your local health authority to verify if the practice known as “reuse” is permitted in your community.

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Things You’ll Need

• The following tools are required: backhoe tractor, trencher, shovel, contractor’s laser level and rod, or a surveyor’s transit. Septic tanks
• PVC pipe with perforations
• Material for embedding
• PVC adhesive, PVC fittings, and a septic tank outlet filter are all included. Hand saw
• Course file
• Sandpaper If necessary, effluent pumps and floats are installed. If an alternate system is used, a control panel is installed.

About This Article

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In the event that you are considering building an aerobic septic system on your property, you should consider downloading this document. Living with an Aerobic Treatment Unit and a Spray Field is a unique experience. Breathing air into the unit allows it to treat wastewater from homes and small businesses in the same way as our municipal wastewater treatment system does, albeit on a smaller scale. They remove 85 percent to 98 percent of the organic debris and particles from the wastewater, resulting in effluent that is as clean as effluent from municipal wastewater treatment facilities and cleaner than effluent from conventional septic tanks, depending on the model.

They are the most widely used method of treating wastewater for spray systems in the world.

Four-step treatment

When it comes to wastewater treatment, the aerobic treatment process is comprised of four major components that work together to cleanse wastewater:

1. This tank is known as the “trash tank” because it is used to eliminate things that cannot be degraded by microorganisms (microbes). It is in an aeration chamber that aerobic bacteria digest garbage that is present in the water. It is made up of an air pump, pipework, and diffusers that propel air into the aeration chamber through the aeration system. In the aeration chamber, air is compressed by the air pump, which is placed close to the aerobic tank. The diffuser drives air into the water, separating it into bubbles that float to the surface. The oxygen contained within the air bubbles is released into the water for the benefit of the bacteria, while the rising bubbles mix with the water. Clarifiers are used to separate the bacteria that have cleansed the wastewater from the rest of the water in a settling chamber, which is also known as a clarifier.

A pretreatment tank, also referred to as the “trash tank,” since it eliminates items that microorganisms (microbes) are unable to breakdown; It is in an aeration chamber that aerobic bacteria digest garbage that has been disposed of in water. It is made up of an air pump, pipework, and diffusers that drive air into the aeration chamber, which is a closed system. The air pump, which is placed near the aerobic tank, compresses air so that it may flow into the aeration chamber; the diffuser drives air into the water, separating it into bubbles that float to the surface.

It is a settling chamber, also known as a clarifier, that serves as a location for the bacteria that have treated wastewater to settle out of the water.

Two types of tanks

Construction of aerobic treatment units can be done in concrete or fiberglass. Both materials are long-lasting and may be utilized across the state of Texas. Concrete tanks are heavier than steel tanks and require more powerful equipment to transport them to the site, which might cause installation to be delayed during wet weather. In some concrete systems, the trash tank, aeration chamber, clarifier, and pump tank are all contained inside a single building; in others, the trash tank, aeration chamber, and clarifier are all included within a single structure.

The installer simply needs to dig one hole with a flat bottom, which reduces the amount of time spent preparing for the installation.

Aeration chambers and clarifiers are usually housed together in a single building.

Both tank designs are capable of meeting your wastewater management requirements.

Treatment

Water is treated to a high grade by the components of the aerobic treatment unit: the pre-treatment tank, the aeration chamber, the air pump, and the settling chamber working together. Plastic articles and other materials that float or settle in the wastewater are removed in the pretreatment tank or garbage trap, which is the first step in the treatment process. Aeration chamber: This is where aerobic organisms may survive because of the presence of oxygen provided by an air pump. Treatment in the aeration chamber is a biological process in which bacteria consume garbage and turn it into non-polluting material via the action of their own bodies.

• It is critical to maintain a healthy population of bacteria in the system in order for solids to be broken down.
• The mixed condition allows the bacteria and particles to remain suspended in the wastewater while it is being treated.
• When using a clarifier, you are allowing the cell mass and non-degradable items to settle out of the water before it exits the treatment plant.
• Aerobic treatment procedures significantly reduce biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), which is a standard indicator of pollution, as well as the suspended particles that do not settle to the bottom of the clarifier, both of which are significant reductions.

Design

The quantity of daily wastewater flow from the house or small business will be calculated first, and then a Class I aerobic unit that can manage the amount of flow will be chosen by your service provider when picking an aerobic unit (which is determined by the square footage and number of bedrooms). The majority of home systems can treat 500 gallons of water each day. If the wastewater contains an amount of organic matter typical of a household, this approach to selecting a system may be inadequate for certain types of commercial wastewater treatment systems.

It is necessary to test and certify aerobic treatment units, known in Texas as Class I aerobic treatment units, pursuant to National Sanitation Foundation International Standard 40 rules for wastewater treatment equipment.

Keeping a spray system working

The components of an aerobic therapy unit must be maintained on a regular basis in order to be effective.

Systems that are not properly maintained may not generate water that is as clean as needed. For the optimal care for an aerobic therapy unit, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Use these broad principles as a starting point for the upkeep of your system.

Homeowner guidelines

• Maintain the flow of power to the aerobic treatment unit. It is necessary to have a constant source of electricity for the aeration system. The aerobic microorganisms require the oxygen provided by the aeration system in order to survive. Keep the spray heads in the system in good working order. If they are damaged, they should be replaced with ones of the same type and model as the originals. It is not necessary to relocate the spray heads. Also, do not plant a vegetable garden in the spray zone
• If an alert goes off, contact your maintenance provider immediately. Prior to having the system repaired, reduce non-essential water consumption in the home. Keep the spray field’s landscape covered at all times. The grass and plants that grow there will benefit from the water and nutrients that are distributed by the system. The majority of disinfection systems disinfect the treated water with chlorine tablets
• You must add chlorine tablets to the chlorinator before it will work. When working with chlorine, use caution since chlorine gas can cause respiratory damage. Disinfection is critical because untreated wastewater will be sprayed into the ground if it is not performed. Do not use chlorine from a swimming pool. Request that the wastewater distribution system be inspected by the maintenance provider to ensure that all system components are functioning properly. If they are in proper functioning order, examine your personal habits at home.

• It’s possible that you’re overburdening the system with too much organic stuff. Some examples include dumping too much fat and grease down the drain, grinding too much food in the garbage disposal, or flushing too many paper goods down the toilet. Another issue that might arise is that compounds that are harmful to aerobic microorganisms are being introduced into the system. For example, flushing too many cleaning agents down the toilet may cause the bacteria to go extinct. Overloading the system with water, such as when fixtures leak or when a large amount of laundry is laundered in a single day, dilutes the microorganisms’ food source.

• Sending too little wastewater into the system might also have a negative impact on the system. Microbes require a consistent supply of organic materials. Homes that are only used on a regular basis, such as a lake home with weekend visitors, may have difficulty maintaining a healthy population of microorganisms for wastewater treatment.

• If you are away from home for a few of weeks, the population of these creatures in the system may decrease due to a shortage of food. For example, taking a 2-week vacation reduces the microbial population in the system by limiting the amount of food that enters the system. Returning home and doing ten loads of clothes can effectively flush away any remaining population with the amount of water used in the laundry. It takes time for the microbial population to regenerate after a period of low system activity in order for the system to function properly.

• Aerobic treatment units are typically utilized in combination with spray distribution systems, which disseminate treated wastewater over lawns and other vegetation. It is critical that the aerobic treatment unit functions effectively in order to reduce the danger of human exposure to disease-causing bacteria.

The National Sanitation Foundation Standard 40 Program provides a mechanism for homeowners to ensure that their units can be serviced in the event of a disaster. People who cannot discover an appropriate local maintenance provider should contact the manufacturer for assistance in identifying one that can. After receiving no response from the manufacturer, the homeowner might contact the testing and certification group that performed the unit’s first testing to locate a maintenance provider.

Maintenance provider guidelines

• The following actions should be performed by the maintenance provider: monitoring the trash tank to identify the quantity of solids that have accumulated in the tank
• Have the tank pumped on a regular basis, comparable to the frequency with which a septic tank is pumped (every 2 to 3 years)
• Remove a portion of the solids from the aeration chamber on a regular basis.

• The following actions should be carried out by the maintenance provider: monitoring the garbage tank to detect the quantity of solids collecting in the tank
• Make an appointment to have the tank pumped on a regular basis, comparable to the period between septic tank pumps (every 2 to 3 years)
• Remove a portion of the solids from the aeration chamber on a regular basis.”

• Inspect and adjust the air pump to ensure that the rate of airflow entering the aeration chamber remains consistent. Remove dust and fibers from the air filter on the compressor’s inlet to ensure proper operation. Investigate the other components of the aeration system for air leaks. Verify that the air is being spread adequately in the aeration chamber by inspecting the diffusers within. Airflow is decreased, which means that less oxygen is accessible for the bacteria

If the aerobic unit is equipped with a spray distribution system or a subsurface drip distribution system, you must maintain an active maintenance contract. Every four months, the maintenance provider will submit a report to the local permitting authority detailing the unit’s operational status. Bruce Lesikar is cited as an example. Agricultural Communications, The Texas A M University System. Aerobic Treatment Unit. Publication L-5302. Published on July 26, 2000 by the Texas A M University System.

Drip Irrigation On-lot Sewage Disposal System

Drip irrigation has been permitted for use as an alternative wastewater disposal option for on-lot sewage in the state of Pennsylvania. Sites with restricted soil characteristics, where the site’s limiting zone is within 20 to 26 inches of the soil surface or deeper, were the basis for the development and design of the drip irrigation system.

Components of the Drip Irrigation System

It consists of various components, including a septic tank, a hydraulic unit pump tank, a hydraulic unit, and a drip irrigation system that is buried within a few inches of the soil surface. The drip irrigation system is composed of several components. Each of these components will be discussed in further detail below. Figure 1 depicts an overall schematic of a drip irrigation system, which includes the essential components of the system. Fig. 1: Schematic representation of a drip irrigation system

Treatment or Septic Tank

Water from your house is supplied to a two-chamber septic tank, where the solids are separated from the liquid and organic matter is anaerobically digested before being carried on to the Hydraulic Unit Pump Tank for further treatment.

Hydraulic Unit Pump Tank

Pumping the wastewater flowing from the septic tank into a single-chamber tank, known as the hydraulic unit pump tank, where it is collected and treated. The collected wastewater is dosed into the drip irrigation distribution system at predetermined intervals.

Hydraulic Unit

Preparation of the wastewater before it is piped to the drip irrigation absorption region includes passing the wastewater through a disk filter to remove any leftover waste particles that might clog the drip irrigation emitters. On top of serving as an end-of-pipe filter, the hydraulic device is also used to switch between two drip irrigation zones, which is accomplished by alternating the flow of effluent through it. Aside from receiving flush return wastewater from the drip irrigation zones, the hydraulic unit is also responsible for transferring flush water to the septic tank (Figure 1).

Drip Irrigation Absorption System

Finally, the effluent is dosed to two or more drip irrigation zones as a final disposal method. Each drip irrigation zone is comprised of a length of supply pipe that transports wastewater from the hydraulic unit to the drip irrigation lateral and a length of return pipe that collects undischarged wastewater and returns it to the hydraulic unit, as shown in the illustration. Two lengths of small-diameter (usually 0.5-in) drip irrigation lateral connect the supply pipe to the return pipe. The drip irrigation lateral contains small devices known as emitters that meter the wastewater flowing slowly into the soil through the drip irrigation lateral as it passes through the soil.

The emitters are positioned at 2-foot intervals along the drip irrigation lateral to provide uniform coverage.

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a two-zone system, including the supply, return, and laterals.

It is possible to install the tubing to a maximum depth of 12 inches, however it is most commonly put at a depth of around 6 inches. Figure 2 shows a diagram of drip irrigation zones in action.

Summary

In order to avoid the need for a raised sand mound on some sites with limiting zones as near to the soil surface as 24 inches, the drip irrigation on-lot sewage disposal system was developed. The fundamental advantage of a drip irrigation system is that it does not necessitate the creation of a big mound of soil since the drip laterals are installed into the top 6 to 12 inches of soil instead. Because of the scheduled dosage distribution of wastewater to the drip absorption area required by the drip irrigation system, a big dose tank following the septic tank will be required for use with the system.

If you want further assistance, you should contact your local Sewage Enforcement Officer or County Extension Education Educator.

717-761-8648 is the phone number.

Individual Residential Spray Irrigation Systems (IRSIS)

IRSIS systems can be installed in soils if the following conditions are met:

• A water table that is more than 10 inches below the surface of the soil, as well as rock formations that are more than 16 inches below the surface of the soil

In order to protect floodplain soils and flood-prone areas, as well as agricultural grounds where food for human consumption is cultivated, final disposal through IRSIS systems is prohibited. Because of the ability to dispose of liquid household wastes on these marginal soils, a much larger amount of land (at least 10,000 square feet) is required for the disposal system as a trade-off. There are further restrictions on the types of land slopes that can be utilized for spray fields, which are described below.

• 4 percent on non-food producing agricultural regions
• 12 percent on open grassed areas
• And 25 percent on wooded areas with a closed canopy.

Components and Overall Layout

Six components make up the IRSIS system in its most basic form;

1. A treatment tank
2. sa dosing tank
3. sa secondary filtering unit
4. sa chlorine contact unit
5. sa storage tank, and
6. sthe spray field, see Figure 1

The wastewater that leaves the residence goes to the treatment tank (which is most typically a septic tank), where it is held and cleaned before being released back into the environment. The effluent from the treatment tank is routed to a secondary filtering tank (also known as pre-treatment), where the leftover particles are collected and the effluent is subjected to extra treatment before exiting the system. If the filtration tank is an upgrade from the treatment tank, a dosing tank will be required to pump the wastewater from the treatment tank to the filtration unit, as shown in the diagram.

The chlorinated wastewater is then channeled into a big tank that serves three purposes:

1. The effluent must be stored until the right time for discharge into the spray field, and a dosage pump must be installed in order for the wastewater to efficiently come into touch with chlorine and destroy any leftover bacteria.

At the end of the process, the treated effluent is dispersed across the agricultural surface utilizing irrigation sprinklers.

At some point, the sprayed effluent comes into contact with soil and vegetation, which then perform final treatment on the wastewater. Illustration of the IRSIS on-lot sewage land application system components.

Treatment Tank

Finally, irrigation sprinklers are used to disperse the treated wastewater over the soil surface. The sprayed effluent eventually comes into touch with soil and plants, which function as final filters for the waste water and purify it. FIGURE 1: The constituents of an IRSIS on-lot sewage land application system

Dose Tank

The dosage tank is a concrete or fiberglass tank that is buried underground and located between the treatment tank and the filter unit. It is possible that a dosage tank will not be required and that the filtering unit will be fed by gravity if there is sufficient slope available. A dosage tank is required when wastewater from the treatment tank accumulates in the dose tank until a set depth is reached, at which point the wastewater is sent to the filter unit for treatment and disposal. The pumped wastewater is supplied to the top of the filtration unit in dosages that increase the operation of the filtration unit while also allowing for a time of rest between each dose of wastewater sent to the top.

• Figure 2 depicts a typical dosage tank and pump configuration.
• The overall tank capacity should be sufficient to accommodate at least two days’ worth of sewage flow.
• When water depth in the dosage tank depth surpasses preset thresholds, install an alarm system that will both sound and illuminate to alert the user of the situation.
• A typical dosage tank and pump assembly is depicted in Figure 2.

Filtration Unit

Several filter or pre-treatment units are now permitted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Intermediate filtering units are divided into two categories, as seen in Figures 3 and 4. The free access sand filter (as shown in Figure 3), and the buried sand filter (as shown in Figure 4), are both required in Chapter 73. It is also possible to utilize an alternate peat-filled Bio-filter in place of the sand filters, as seen in Figure 5.

Free Access Sand Filter

The wastewater from the treatment tank is transferred to the splash plates by means of the distribution pipe, which spreads the wastewater across the surface of the sand. Following its infiltration into the sand, the wastewater percolates through to the collecting system located beneath the sand. It is necessary to employ two free-access sand filters. The filter must be capable of receiving wastewater in flood dosages of at least 100 gallons per square foot of sand filter surface. The installation of high water visual and auditory alarms is required to activate when more than 12 inches of influent is ponded on the surface of the sand.

The free access sand filter is designed to enable for periodic maintenance and filter accessibility, as shown in figure 3 of the manual. Figure 3: A sand filter with free access.

Buried Sand Filter

See Figure 4 for an illustration of what the buried sand filter looks like. It is a lined, confined volume of sand with an aggregate layer on the top, into which the treatment tank effluent is dosed via a pipe distribution system, and an aggregate layer on the bottom, into which the treated effluent is collected via the same pipe distribution system. When bedrock is discovered above the desired depth of the sand filter, it is not uncommon for buried sand filters to be erected instead. Special design concerns must be taken into account when a seasonal high water table rises over the planned depth of the sand filter liner.

Figure 4: Sand filter buried in the ground.

Peat Bio-Filter

Fig. 4 shows an illustration of how the buried sand filter is constructed. The filter is made of lined and confined volume of sand with an aggregate layer on the top, into which the treatment tank effluent is dosed via a pipe distribution system, and an aggregate layer on the bottom, into which the treated effluent is collected via the piping system. When bedrock is encountered above the proposed depth of the sand filter, buried sand filters are not typically installed. When the seasonal high water table rises over the recommended depth of the sand filter, specific design considerations must be taken to keep the liner from being soaked through.

Figurine 4: Sand filter that has been buried

Chlorine Contact and Storage Tank

Each and every drop of water that exits the filtering unit must be treated with chlorine. Chlorine disinfection is the addition of chlorine to wastewater in order to destroy hazardous microorganisms and maintain water quality. It is necessary to disinfect the feces prior to spray irrigation, and the disinfection procedure must be tailored to minimize the fecal coliform concentration to fewer than 200/100 ml in each single sample taken. Either an erosion tablet unit or a hypochlorination unit must be used as a chlorinator; the other kind is not allowed to be utilized.

1. It is frequently difficult to calibrate them.
2. The chlorinator must be capable of maintaining a chlorine residual of 0.2 to 2.0 parts per million (ppm) and providing a contact time of 30 minutes.
3. Contact with chlorine and the storage tank are depicted in Figure 6.
4. The “chlorine contact” time refers to the amount of time it takes for the chlorine in the wastewater to destroy the bacteria in the wastewater.
5. The storage tank also serves as a holding tank for wastewater before it is used to irrigate the crops using spray irrigation.
6. In the event of inclement weather, such as snow or extremely wet circumstances, the wastewater may be held in this tank and used to irrigate the garden the following day.

It is required that the liquid capacity of an IRSIS system storage tank be no less than 2,000 gallons for residences with no more than three bedrooms. The tank must be increased by 500 gallons for each additional bedroom beyond three. a.

Spray Irrigation Area and Distribution System

The spray field serves as a tertiary treatment for the chlorinated wastewater that has been discharged. Small amounts of wastewater should be used in the treatment process. In addition to the wastewater that lands on the soil surface and in plants, the wastewater that is exposed to sunshine and evaporates increases the system’s potential to create high-quality water. Table 1 depicts the minimal spray field areas required for an IRSIS system to function properly. The effluent should be sprayed to the spray area once per day after midnight, following the last application.

Sprinkler heads must be spaced enough apart to ensure that the spray patterns from separate sprinklers do not cross over.

Vegetation must be pruned or trimmed in order to prevent it from interfering with the rotation and spray diameter of the sprinklers.

Soil Characteristics	Soil Characteristics	Slope	Required Spray Field Area (Ft²)	Required Spray Field Area (Ft²)
Depth to bedrock	Depth to water table		Homes with 3 bedrooms or fewer	Additional area per bedroom
16 to 20 inches	10 to 40 inches	≤ 12	40,000	10,000
16 to 20 inches	10 to 40 inches	12	80,000	20,000
16 to 20 inches	40 inches	≤ 12	15,000	3,750
16 to 20 inches	40 inches	12	30,000	7,500
20 inches	10 to 20 inches	≤ 12	20,000	5,000
20 inches	10 to 20 inches	12	40,000	10,000
20 inches	20 inches	≤ 12	10,000	2,500
20 inches	20 inches	12	20,000	5,000

Summary

When compared to on-lot sewage disposal, the Individual Residential Spray Irrigation System is the more costly option. Periodic maintenance is required for the filtration system, chlorinators, and one to two dosage tank/pumping stations. It is necessary to make a choice on whether or not to apply the treated wastewater to the land on a certain day if the weather is bad. Taking any of these options implies that the homeowner will have to deal with their sewage disposal system on a regular basis.

1. The IRSIS system, on the other hand, gives the potential for on-lot sewage disposal utilizing soils that would otherwise not fulfill the standards for any other sort of on-lot system.
2. Additional assistance can be obtained by contacting your local Sewage Enforcement Officer or County Extension Educator.
3. The Pennsylvania Septage Management Association (PSMA) is located at Box 144 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18016 and can be reached at 717-763-PSMAP.
4. Jarrett, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Engineering, and Raymond Regan, Professor Emeritus of Environmental Engineering, collaborated on this project.

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.

• A variety of reasons might cause septic system design and size to differ significantly from one location to another, both inside and outside of your community. Household size, soil type, slope of the site, lot size, proximity to sensitive water bodies, weather conditions, and even local regulations are all factors to consider when making a home purchase. Septic systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the following are the 10 most popular. There are a variety of additional types of septic systems not included in this list.

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 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.

This method necessitates the use of additional components, such as electrical power, which results in a rise in costs as well as higher maintenance.

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

Evaporative cooling systems feature drainfields that are one-of-a-kind. It is necessary to line the drainfield at the base of the evapotranspiration system with a waterproof material. Following the entry of the effluent into the drainfield, it evaporates into the atmosphere. At the same time, the sewage never filters into the soil and never enters groundwater, unlike other septic system designs. It is only in particular climatic circumstances that evapotranspiration systems are effective.

The environment must be desert, with plenty of heat and sunshine, and no precipitation. These systems perform effectively in shallow soil; but, if it rains or snows excessively, they are at risk of failing completely.

Constructed Wetland System

Construction of a manufactured wetland is intended to simulate the treatment processes that occur in natural wetland areas. Wastewater goes from the septic tank and into the wetland cell, where it is treated. Afterwards, the wastewater goes into the media, where it is cleaned by microorganisms, plants, and other media that eliminate pathogens and nutrients. Typically, a wetland cell is constructed with an impermeable liner, gravel and sand fill, and the necessary wetland plants, all of which must be capable of withstanding the constant saturation of the surrounding environment.

As wastewater travels through the wetland, it may escape the wetland and flow onto a drainfield, where it will undergo more wastewater treatment before being absorbed into the soil by bacteria.

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.

Spray Distribution – On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF)

Spray distribution systems for onsite wastewater treatment are quite similar to a lawn sprinkler system in their functionality. They apply treated wastewater to the ground surface of a yard in a spraying motion. Because of the possibility of human contact, a spray distribution system, as opposed to a subsurface dispersal system, necessitates the most stringent wastewater pretreatment standards. Due to the fact that it must produce high-quality effluent and have a disinfection component, the cost of the advanced pretreatment system rises as a result.

1. The effluent is transported from the pump tank to the distribution heads by means of the spray distribution field.
2. The end of the main supply line is terminated by a switching valve, which diverts the flow to a number of submains in systems that have numerous zones.
3. Laterals are pipes that link the manifold to the distribution heads and transport a component of the flow to the heads.
4. Distribution heads, which are connected to the riser and are responsible for dispersing wastewater throughout the ground surface.

Related Resources:

On-site wastewater treatment systems that use spray distribution systems are similar to those used for watering a lawn. They apply treated wastewater to the ground surface of a yard in a spraying operation. Because of the possibility of human contact, a spray distribution system, as opposed to a subsurface dispersal system, necessitates the most stringent wastewater pretreatment. Due to the fact that it must produce high-quality effluent and contain a disinfection component, the cost of the advanced pretreatment system rises as a result.

The effluent is transported from the pump tank to the distribution heads by means of the spray field.

The end of the main supply line is terminated by a switching valve, which diverts the flow to a number of submains in systems with numerous zones.

A component of the flow is sent to distribution heads through laterals, which are linked to the manifold and connected to the distribution heads.

Riser, which is a piece of equipment that connects the lateral and distribution heads. Distribution heads, which are connected to the riser and are responsible for dispersing wastewater throughout the ground surface.

How Aerobic Septics Operate

• Mini waste water treatment plant for residential use
• Used in situations where conventional septic systems will not work due to clay, wet soils, or rocky conditions

Aerobics Septics consist of four compartments:

• All domestic waste water enters the sludge tank through the home’s plumbing system. The majority of bulk solids settle in this tank and must be evacuated on a regular basis by means of a pumping out system. It is necessary to transport septic effluent out of the “sludge tank” and into an aeration chamber. It is in this chamber that sewage treatment takes place, with air (oxygen) being pushed into the system
• In most systems, this air is supplied by a small external compressor. In addition to increasing the amount of oxygen in the environment, the increased oxygen level allows a range of microbial life forms (including aerobic bacteria and fungus, protozoa, and others) to oxidize pathogens and nitrogen compounds in the released septic effluent. Because this biological process is responsible for treating the wastewater, it is critical that the compressor is in proper working order and that it be left running at all times. Clarification chamber: Any tiny partials that are still present settle out and are returned to the aerobic chamber for further processing. As the remaining effluent travels through the pump tank, it is treated using chlorine tablets or bleach. Pump tank: This tank is typically 500-750 gallons in capacity and has a submersible pump that pushes treated effluent out through sprinkler heads or a drip irrigation system.

Distribution of Treated Effluent

• Activated by a system timer and mechanical floats, water is delivered over the lawn by two or more sprinkler heads
• This type of irrigation is also known as surface irrigation. Drip irrigation is a method of distributing water through subsurface pipes equipped with drip emitters.