New septic and leach line: Infiltrators vs pipe /poly tank vs concrete?

[grsthegreat]

A pump tank only runs about 1/4 full under normal conditions. The septic inspector won’t allow it here. I doubt you’d have any trouble once it’s buried and settled but they’ll sure float out when they’re left uncovered for inspection.

you must have higher water tables where you live. I saw a concrete swimming pool lift out of the ground when it was emptied to be acid washed back in California... a site to behold.

 

[oosik]

High water tables is no problem here. My concern - sufficient cover over basaltic bedrock to allow a drain field. That's why I have a pump tank. Pressure drain field is some 275 feet away from pump tank.

 

[grsthegreat]

I hate pump tanks for 1 reason. Sooner or later that pump will fail. Usually at the most inopportune time. The guy i did alot of work for hooking up the pump systems, and believe me when you get into time dose septic systems the electronics start to get complicated, knew that i ONLY worked on new systems. If the unit failed that was in use many years.... dont call me. Aint enough money in the world.

 

[GSVette]

Poly tank hands down-more durable, easier to handle-big benefit if doing install yourself.

My recently permitted and installed system has 2 poly tanks (1500 and 1000 gallon dual baffle)-easy to handle off of trailer with my backhoe boom.

Have 5 100’ laterals using low profile infiltrators-in my region, gravel and pipe isn’t even allowed anymore since infiltrators are considered more reliable and thought to do a better job of distributing the effluent in the drain field.

 

[mikester]

The only down side to a poly tank. If your area experiences seasonal high ground water - it may be necessary to strap side weights - concrete weight blocks - on the side of the tank to keep it from floating. This would only be a problem when the tank had routine pumping for maintenance.

I have no experience using the poly tanks WRT longevity but have heard NOT to use them if you have high groundwater issues. I have no issues with concrete and would use it again especially if its cheaper and easier to install.

 

[herm0016]

Poly tank hands down-more durable, easier to handle-big benefit if doing install yourself.

My recently permitted and installed system has 2 poly tanks (1500 and 1000 gallon dual baffle)-easy to handle off of trailer with my backhoe boom.

Have 5 100’ laterals using low profile infiltrators-in my region, gravel and pipe isn’t even allowed anymore since infiltrators are considered more reliable and thought to do a better job of distributing the effluent in the drain field.View attachment 666783View attachment 666784View attachment 666785

holy heck, are you running a hotel?

 

[GSVette]

holy heck, are you running a hotel?

Permitted for a 5 bedroom house plus shop and barn with full bathrooms.

 

[beowulf]

My thanks to everyone for taking the time to respond. This has been very helpful. I made contact today with a septic system installer and he recommended that I first have the system 'engineered'. I did not do that when I put in a new leach line many, many years ago, but I am totally willing to do that now. I pulled up the County requirements re septic systems. There are many very specific requirements that an engineer of such a system could more easily address so I can (a lot I would likely struggle with) so I can see why having all that 'engineered' makes sense, but it is not required that the system be 'engineered'. I trust the septic installer who made the recommendation so will likely arrange for that. Cost is $2,500 which is a lot but not a lot to get it done right.

Again, my thanks.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I went with a poly tank, but two laterals done the conventional way of stone / 4" perforated pvc pipe. For our area, it was the most cost effective method.

 

[4570Man]

There’s no way I’d spend $2500 to have a system “engineered” I’d take that money and overdo it by double if it would make you feel better. Locally the state office provides a sheet of the minimum requirements they deem necessary for the soil conditions and bedrooms.