Septic System - Infiltrator System

[Pettrix]

One last check over before I sign for the septic install:

• 2,000 GAL (possibly 2,500 GAL) 2-chamber concrete tank - installed on 4-6" compacted pea gravel, decomposed granite or sand base
• Effluent Filter on tank end to leach field
• Concrete D-Box (4" of compacted peal gravel, decomposed granite or sand base)
• 4 Leach Fields - Chamber Infiltrator System
• Geotextile Fabric to be placed on chambers prior to backfill with native soil
• Inspection ports on each end of leach field (8 total)
• Tuff Tite septic tank access covers on each tank chamber

System can handle 5 bedroom/5 bath home

Am I missing anything?

My question is if I should go with the 2,500 GAL tank vs the 2,000 GAL tank? It's an $800 difference but the 2,500 GAL tank gives me the added safety factor in case I install more utility sinks in the home or for an RV connection on the lot

2,000 GAL tank = 6'5" tall - 12' long - 6' wide
2,500 GAL tank = 5'4" tall - 16' long - 7' wide

 

[Pettrix]

Should I go with the 2,500 GAL tank to be "safe" or just stick with the 2,000 GAL tank?

 

[TomSeller]

Any plans to add a bedroom? Could that drive the 2500 gal tank?

 

[Pettrix]

Any plans to add a bedroom? Could that drive the 2500 gal tank?

Possibly, plus maybe having an RV on the lot. I am right at the cusp of getting by with a 2,000 GAL tank but the 2,500 GAL tank would put me in the clear.

 

[ultrarunner]

Much easier going in if you think you might have a need later... plus, around here it is not alway possible to "Modify" an approved system without new impositions having to be met.

 

[Pettrix]

Much easier going in if you think you might have a need later... plus, around here it is not alway possible to "Modify" an approved system without new impositions having to be met.

It can't hurt to "over engineer" it by adding a larger thank, right?

The $800 difference is not really that big of a deal when years later the larger tank comes in handy during a party event or a big get together.

 

[Billrog]

A 6 bed room 3,820 sq. ft. home requires a 1,650 gal. tank to accommodate a 500 gal. a day flow. You know how much water you'll be using so this will give you an idea in order to make an informed decision.

 

[ultrarunner]

The only down the road additional expense most likely will be at pump out... unless I am missing something.

 

[greenmojo]

I'd think if you have the funds, go with the larger tank, it also serves as your storage in the event of a failure.

A little frustrated here, for the new house our engineer designed the drain field using a pressurized infiltrator system, and I had a second opinion show up and convince me out of the infiltrator system and into a recirculating gravel system.

He ended up telling me that I didn't have enough width on the hill and too much slope. He also said that infiltrators make great gopher / mole homes...

I haven't installed either system yet... Hmmm.

~Moses

 

[Pettrix]

I'd think if you have the funds, go with the larger tank, it also serves as your storage in the event of a failure.

A little frustrated here, for the new house our engineer designed the drain field using a pressurized infiltrator system, and I had a second opinion show up and convince me out of the infiltrator system and into a recirculating gravel system.

He ended up telling me that I didn't have enough width on the hill and too much slope. He also said that infiltrators make great gopher / mole homes...

I haven't installed either system yet... Hmmm.

~Moses

I guess gophers could dig and access the tunnels and use the chambers but they would get urine and feces dripping on them so I doubt they would enjoy the chambers.

The chambers are 3 feet wide and 4 feet long per chamber.

I guess the bigger septic tank is a safer option in case of an overload.