EcoFlo Septic System

[MikePA]

Anyone have any experience installing an EcoFlo system instead of a sand mound?

Our place was built in the late 1800s and the septic system is most likely the original one installed when they got rid of the outhouse.

What's the average cost of a sand mound?

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

I am sure this varies by region but for our (proposed) 3 bed 2 bath home we have several estimates in the 20K price range. This is in the Finger Lakes area (NY).

 

[Dmace]

I have not seen this type of system around here but looking at the design specs, it looks like you need at a minimum three tanks (septic tank, filter tank, and pump tank), plus the bed needs to be on a 10% slope. This would mean a lot of fill if you have a flat yard. Also, it sounds like you will be cleaning or replacing the "peat" in the filter tank regularly. Sounds high maintenance.

Why not go with a tried and true Stone & Pipe (larger bed but cheaper install), Eljen In-drain (best for under drives or roads), or Enviro-Septic (most used and average priced). Some of these might not be available in your area but I am sure there are alternatives.

 

[plowking]

I have seen alternative septic systems in NH,not the one you described. The ones I have serviced,if they get medications fron household or possibly minerals,discharge from water softeners can get disturbed. A lot of the systems are shared systems with two or more houses on one system. The leachfields in NH can get a 40 to 60 percent in reduction of square footage of field if hooked to an alternative unit. I don't quite agree with that logic if house is at full capacity of people living there. Reason the alternative systems can have little or no mound is the seperation of bed bottom to seasonal high water is decreased because the effluent is pretreated before it gets to the leachfield, if your test pit passes,I don't see why you still need the mound. Mound systems in NH ,if the distribution box or line from septic tank,if near edge of one of the slopes can freeze from windchill blowing against side hill of bed. plowking

 

[MikePA]

Thanks for the replies, intersting reading. But $20,000 for a sand mound.

 

[bearhawk]

Thanks for the replies, intersting reading. But $20,000 for a sand mound.

I rebuilt my enviro-septic field for less than 2k

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kioti-owning-operating/122275-ck20-does-super-crappy-job.html

I had a quote for 5k from a septic contractor, Although I didn't ask about a complete install cost, the only things I didn't replace was the septic tank and d-box

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Thanks for the replies, intersting reading. But $20,000 for a sand mound.

Yep, you have to love Pa DER.

I hear quotes of around $12,000 quite frequently for a sand mound. I have one. The only benefit to it is that more engineers have jobs. It is proven that they are a waste of money and work no better than a conventional septic system. If I were you, I would do everything in my power to not install anything like a sand mound. I have been woken up by the high water alarm and re-wired my pump in February laying down in the snow to do it.

I am convinced that things like sand mounds were invented so that the worthless empty suits could have more company by hiring more empty suits to design and monitor this garbage.

In Pa, unless your property "perks" which requires your property to just about be all sand, you are required by law to install a sand mound type system.

BTW, I am making a pledge to quit sugar coating stuff and telling people how I really feel.

 

[shawn1533]

I just had one installed for my new house. It had 3 tanks, pump, and leach field for $16,500.00 but the price of everything is going up due to oil. My alternative was a sand mound that was one tank less but 48 high. The Eco-Flo is at ground level and once I finish smoothing dirt over the leach field the tank covers will be the only thing visible. The cost of the sand mound was $1000 - $2000 less but a life time of seeing the ugly hill.

 

[jinman]

In Pa, unless your property "perks" which requires your property to just about be all sand, you are required by law to install a sand mound type system.

Are aerobic systems not approved in PA? These are reported to be the only types of systems the state of Texas will approve in a few years. I love mine and it has been relatively trouble-free for 7 years. This last year I had to replace the airpump motor. It was about $400 installed from my service contractor. I have to have 3 inspections per year and that service just went up from $200 to $225. Considering the inspector is 60 miles away, I consider that a bargain. I get a report on my system every 4 months and add chlorine pills. Otherwise, it just waters the grass and works perfectly. The biggest problem is keeping the sprinkler field clear. When we have lots of folks over, I cover the sprinklers with 5-gallon buckets to reduce the chance of "showers."

 

[mahlers]

Will your local DEH allow a standard system in your location? If they will, you should take a look at Infiltrator Systems chambers - I went with those for three different systems so far, and they're great. I can't say enough good things about them - they don't require rock/sand fill or cover, they are designed in a way that they will never clog, they are lightweight and snap together so you can install them yourself, they go in quick, and they're inexpensive from a parts/labor perspective. The only downside to them is they need to go into a 36" trench, and some installers don't have those grave-digger buckets on their backhoe - but that won't be a big deal if you look around for the right installer.