Leach field specs...
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JonLeonard
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We are getting ready to start a new house and I've been talking to our contractor about a septic system as the city sewer is too far away to be economical. He told me that a leach field was not needed, that there are "socks" put on the lines and the whole thing is just covered with dirt. I guessing the soil in our area allows this option.
He also says I can do it myself and save a bunch of money. The company that delivers the tank will set it right in the ground, which is the hard part. Ill have the guy that digs the footers, dig the trenches for the septic system at the same time. The only thing left to do would be to level the bottom of the holes, glue together the pipe, put on the socks, and get the final inspection.
Anyone have any experience in doing something like this themselves? This seems like its pretty easy, but maybe Im missing something?
Jon
He also says I can do it myself and save a bunch of money. The company that delivers the tank will set it right in the ground, which is the hard part. Ill have the guy that digs the footers, dig the trenches for the septic system at the same time. The only thing left to do would be to level the bottom of the holes, glue together the pipe, put on the socks, and get the final inspection.
Anyone have any experience in doing something like this themselves? This seems like its pretty easy, but maybe Im missing something?
Jon
Anonymous Poster
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I did put a system in myself , I have to tell you it was one of the easier things I did in the constuction, the total cost was about 700 dollars and that may be a tad high, I used a 1200 gal. tank and they came and set it in the hole no problem for 450$, they wait and help you while you get it level. I did get a permit and an inspection approval , maybe my county is just very good , but it seems to me to charge fines that harsh is out of line and not treating its people very well/w3tcompact/icons/hmm.gif
RJohnson
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Jon
Here is a Texas A&M fact sheet for gravel-less pipe. <A target="_blank" HREF=http://agpublications.tamu.edu/pubs/eng/l5343.pdf>http://agpublications.tamu.edu/pubs/eng/l5343.pdf</A>
Hope this helps.
Randy
Here is a Texas A&M fact sheet for gravel-less pipe. <A target="_blank" HREF=http://agpublications.tamu.edu/pubs/eng/l5343.pdf>http://agpublications.tamu.edu/pubs/eng/l5343.pdf</A>
Hope this helps.
Randy
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Darren,
Go to Pa. DEP's website. They have a lot of info on onlot sewage systems. You will also be able to get the number of the regional office for your area. If you call them they will send you the information you want. NE Pa. regional office is in Wilkes Barre, Pa. #(570) 826-2511. You want Pa. Code Tittle 25, Chapter 71,72,and 73. You also want the sewage enforcement officer field manual. The name of the local sewage enforcement officer for your municipality will be there also.
Oh and BTW Putty,
You can hash that out with the governor, not my area of expertise.
Go to Pa. DEP's website. They have a lot of info on onlot sewage systems. You will also be able to get the number of the regional office for your area. If you call them they will send you the information you want. NE Pa. regional office is in Wilkes Barre, Pa. #(570) 826-2511. You want Pa. Code Tittle 25, Chapter 71,72,and 73. You also want the sewage enforcement officer field manual. The name of the local sewage enforcement officer for your municipality will be there also.
Oh and BTW Putty,
You can hash that out with the governor, not my area of expertise.
Soundguy
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In our county, as long as a structure meets code, but was installed without a permit, the fine is twice the cost of what the permit would have been, plus any cost associated with the retro-inspection.. I.e. digging test holes to check aggregrate, etc.
Soundguy
Soundguy
wasabi
Platinum Member
We too are about to build and we're in the process of getting septic and building permits. We'll be building in phases, eventually adding additional bedrooms in a separate guest wing, so we have been thinking about permitting and installing a larger septic system up front rather than having to repermit and/or ammend the system later.
My question is: Is there any downside to having too much capacity in a septic system if it is underused for a few years? Feedback appreciated.
Thx, Sabi
My question is: Is there any downside to having too much capacity in a septic system if it is underused for a few years? Feedback appreciated.
Thx, Sabi
RJohnson
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I would think that it will depend upon what type of septic system you install. I do not believe that you will have any trouble with an overdesigned conventional septic system but you would have trouble with an aerobic type of system as they work best with a steady flow and are originally sized for that flow rate.
I would make a couple of suggestions that you may wish to consider:
1) Make sure that you install an effulent filter in the tank outlet nozzle. This will insure you keep solids in the tank and not allow them to plug the drain field.
2) Look into dual leach fields with a distribution box and valve. This way you can run one field and rest one field. Switch between them annually.
Both of these suggestions will require that you do a little more maintenance but in the long run your septic system will last longer.
By the way in Texas you have to have a site soil survey made prior to a permit being issued. The survey will help guide you on what type of system(s) would be appropriate for your situation. The survey will look at many factors other than your soil type, such as seasonally high water table, size of property, location in relation to rivers, creeks, lakes, property lines, wells, etc.
If you still have questions that can't be answered you may be better off hiring a registered sanitarian or professional engineer trained in septic systems.
Good Luck
Randy
I would make a couple of suggestions that you may wish to consider:
1) Make sure that you install an effulent filter in the tank outlet nozzle. This will insure you keep solids in the tank and not allow them to plug the drain field.
2) Look into dual leach fields with a distribution box and valve. This way you can run one field and rest one field. Switch between them annually.
Both of these suggestions will require that you do a little more maintenance but in the long run your septic system will last longer.
By the way in Texas you have to have a site soil survey made prior to a permit being issued. The survey will help guide you on what type of system(s) would be appropriate for your situation. The survey will look at many factors other than your soil type, such as seasonally high water table, size of property, location in relation to rivers, creeks, lakes, property lines, wells, etc.
If you still have questions that can't be answered you may be better off hiring a registered sanitarian or professional engineer trained in septic systems.
Good Luck
Randy
wasabi
Platinum Member
Randy,
Thanks a bunch for responding. Both the idea of alternating fields and screening the outake make sense to me, but I'm definitely going to get some professional engineering before proceeding.
Doug
Thanks a bunch for responding. Both the idea of alternating fields and screening the outake make sense to me, but I'm definitely going to get some professional engineering before proceeding.
Doug
