Septic System 101

A septic system is your own personal on lot sewage treatment plant.  There are many variations, but all systems have the same basic function; to treat the solids and drain the liquids.

1. All waste flows from your house through the building sewer line and into a septic tank.  This is not just waste from your toilet, it is waste collected from the shower, sinks/garbage disposal, ice makers, washing machines, etc. . . .
2. Once in the septic tank a baffle separates the solids from the liquids.  The solids that remain in the bottom of the tank are broken down by bacteria and what is leftover should pumped on average every two years (depending on usage.)  Frequently an effluent* filter is installed before the flow exits the tank.  This filter should also be cleaned when the tanks are pumped.  2.5.  If the septic tank is below the drain field a pump tank is installed.  A pump tank (or dose tank) is exactly what it sounds like – the tank contains a pump that pushes the effluent to the drain field.  While most solids remain in the septic tank it is still wise to have this tank checked while the pumper is onsite and pump as needed. *Effluent is pretreated liquid waste.
3. Last is the drain field.  The effluent arrives to the drain field either by gravity or pressurized flow.  Generally before hitting the drain field there is a distribution box or manifold to disperse the effluent equally.  A drain field usually consists of perforated piping that allows the effluent to drain into the soil.

Proper Installation begins with a good design.  There are many variations to septic systems, each system is designed to meet a property’s specific needs based on the size of the house and type of soil.  Chester County Septic, LLC can install whatever septic system is designed for your property:

• Standard In-Ground
• Subsurface Sand Filter
• At Grade Bed (Pictured Below)
• Sand Mound
• Drip Irrigation (Pictured Below)
• Micro-Mounds
• Peat Filter
• Stream Discharge
• Aerobic Systems
• Alternate or Experimental Systems

Angelo has been installing septic systems for over 20 years.  Chester County Septic, LLC is dedicated to providing quality work with the best materials at a fair price.  In the office, I hope to help guide homeowners through the testing, design and installation process and encourage anyone to call with any questions.

In addition to proper installation maintenance is key to getting the full life expectancy from your septic system.  The state recommended average for septic pump and haul is every 2 years.  Some high usage properties may need annual septic pump outs while other homes may be able to go every 3 years.  Some septic systems are equipped with effluent filters.  Effluent filters should be cleaned at every pump out.  Knowing what type of system you have will tell you if further maintenance is needed.  An example of a system that will need further service is a Drip Irrigation (or Micro Mound) septic system.  These septic systems have a series of filters in the hydraulic unit.  The hydraulic unit is located between the pump tank and drain field.  These filters should be cleaned annually to ensure the effluent is treated properly before leaving the system.  For this system type the service provider would clean the filters and do a diagnostic check on the electronics annually and every other year or as needed the tanks would be pumped.

Conserving water prevents over usage of your system.  Easy ways to conserve water are low flow toilets, faucets and showers.  If used incorrectly water softeners can cause a lot of unnecessary drainage into the septic system as well.  Water softeners should be set to the lowest setting and backflush cycles should be scheduled during low flow times of the day (i.e. when the house is sleeping or during the day when everyone is at work/school.)  Over using your system can also come from infiltration into the tanks – not just over use of water.  Water should be directed away from your septic tanks and drain field, this includes rain spouts and hoses.  Landscapers should be made aware of the location of your septic system and take it into consideration when grading or planting.

A great septic resource is On Lot Sewage Systems “An Owners Manual” and can be found on the Chester County Health Department’s website.

For standard septic testing (test pits, perc test and standard system design) the cost is $1,200.00, this is not a part of the installation cost and restrictions apply.  Installation prices can range from $6,000.00 for a standard gravity system to $30,000.00+/- for a dwelling in poor soil conditions.  Average installation costs are generally $8,000.00 – $13,000.00.  These prices are estimated, the cost of a septic system varies greatly and depends on your specific soil conditions.

As always, you can contact us with any questions or ask us on Facebook.  Our Facebook page also has examples of our work, pricing and installation pictures.