Virginia Garage and House - Let the process begin.

[s219]

I see more and more of these very complex septic systems going in, and wonder what they do that a traditional septic tank and leach field doesn't do? Is there a measurable difference? or is it just more government feel good, do anything and say it's better?

Eddie, they are mainly used in areas where the ground doesn't perk well enough for a conventional system. It's all about the soil conditions 2-4' below the surface. The engineered system has a larger holding capacity and precisely "doses" the field with a trickle of effluent on a set schedule, in a way that won't overwhelm the low absorption capabilities of the soil. Whereas a conventional system is gravity feed, and will flood over to the field as new sewage comes into the tank, these engineered systems buffer the tank from the field and control when and how much effluent goes out of the tank.

On my property, we hit nice sand between 2-4' down, and I got away with a conventional system for about $6K if I remember right (4-bdr system). But a few properties over it was all clay and those folks needed an engineered system to the tune of about $30K.

Holt, thanks for the pictures -- I have never seen the system install in progress before. I knew they used small piping, but had no idea it was so small!

 

[hcallaway]

Without a septic permit or perk approval, your land is worthless. I bet the State Health departments have rejected most of the conventional systems if at all possible. They push for development using municipal water and sewer. By regulating private septic systems they now have new income and regulatory coverage on any new or replacement systems. All old systems are supposed to be pumped every 3? Years. You are required to provide documentation if needed. It is now your burden.

 

[hcallaway]

Eddie, they are mainly used in areas where the ground doesn't perk well enough for a conventional system. It's all about the soil conditions 2-4' below the surface. The engineered system has a larger holding capacity and precisely "doses" the field with a trickle of effluent on a set schedule, in a way that won't overwhelm the low absorption capabilities of the soil. Whereas a conventional system is gravity feed, and will flood over to the field as new sam I ewage comes into the tank, these engineered systems buffer the tank from the field and control when and how much effluent goes out of the tank.

On my property, we hit nice sand between 2-4' down, and I got away with a conventional system for about $6K if I remember right (4-bdr system). But a few properties over it was all clay and those folks needed an engineered system to the tune of about $30K.

Holt, thanks for the pictures -- I have never seen the system install in progress before. I knew they used small piping, but had no idea it was so small!

Am I correct about you having to pump on a schedule?

 

[s219]

Am I correct about you having to pump on a schedule?

I seem to remember something like that, in fact we have been here exactly 2 years now, and I was just trying to remember when I should call for the first clean out. I need to look through my paperwork.

We put in for a 4-bdr system when permitting, to allow for future expansion. Right now we only have three rooms that count as bedrooms. Only two are used as bedrooms, and one of those is used by a 2-year old in diapers, so basically we just have two adults using a 4-bdr system right now. I don't expect we are anywhere near tank capacity on solids yet. The way my wife does laundry, however, I bet we are giving the drain field a good workout. I never knew two adults and one toddler could create so much dirty laundry.....

 

[hcallaway]

I know that over the years 90% of the people I know with Septic Systems have never had them pumped. My father in law was the exception and he did it every year.
With an engineered system here are my requirements:
12VAC5-613-140. Owner responsibilities.

It is the owner's responsibility to do the following:


1. Have the AOSS operated and maintained by an operator;

2. Have an operator visit the AOSS at the frequency required by this chapter;

3. Have an operator collect any samples required by this chapter;

4. Keep a copy of the log provided by the operator on the property where the AOSS is located in electronic or hard copy form, make the log available to the department upon request, and make a reasonable effort to transfer the log to any future owner;

5. Follow the O&M manual and keep a copy of the O&M manual in electronic or hard copy form for the AOSS on the property where the AOSS is located, make the O&M manual available to the department upon request, and make a reasonable effort to transfer the O&M manual to any future owner; and

6. Comply with the onsite sewage system requirements contained in local ordinances adopted pursuant to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act (§ 10.1-2100 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) and the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area Designation and Management Regulations (9VAC10-20) when an AOSS is located within a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area.

 

[hcallaway]

•Septic Tank Maintenance Program (5-Year Pump out Program)
For more information, please contact Environmental Health Services, Chesterfield Health District,

I don't know if this also applies only to my system or to all systems since it was listed in the requirements of the Environmental Health Services Department.

 

[GLyford]

When we moved into our current place, we were told pumping every 5 years is fine. I just had it pumped again, and it came with a lesson.

We are on sandy well drained soil, so all the systems in our neighborhood would best be described as minimal...the least they could get away with at the time, and often even undersized for the number of bedrooms.

All the systems here are failing. The 3 year pumping schedule is because that is the lifespan of the bacteria in a conventional system. Beyond that, you are just coasting and dumping partially processed material into the leachfield. There is a mat that builds up around the leachfield from this that clogs the soil and prevents it from working correctly. If caught in time, this can be reversed. The mat eaten away with a dose of acid and enzymes, and a vent added at the far end to add air to the system (in much the same way as the engineered system above, it makes for faster microbes). If necessary, drain lines can be added so the capacity matches the number of bedrooms.

We are having ours done next month...

And before people say the guy is out for a quick buck, I think if he was just in it for the money, he'd let it fail and soak us for the cost of a whole new system.

The guy that told us 5 years was OK? No longer in business.

 

[hcallaway]

Good info.

 

[tractorshopper]

Really enjoying this thread.

 

[EddieWalker]

Eddie, they are mainly used in areas where the ground doesn't perk well enough for a conventional system. It's all about the soil conditions 2-4' below the surface. The engineered system has a larger holding capacity and precisely "doses" the field with a trickle of effluent on a set schedule, in a way that won't overwhelm the low absorption capabilities of the soil. Whereas a conventional system is gravity feed, and will flood over to the field as new sewage comes into the tank, these engineered systems buffer the tank from the field and control when and how much effluent goes out of the tank.

On my property, we hit nice sand between 2-4' down, and I got away with a conventional system for about $6K if I remember right (4-bdr system). But a few properties over it was all clay and those folks needed an engineered system to the tune of about $30K.

Holt, thanks for the pictures -- I have never seen the system install in progress before. I knew they used small piping, but had no idea it was so small!

Thanks, I didn't realize that there where other options on a piece of land that didn't pass the perk test. I guess it's just money and it's just part of what you have to pay if you want a house.