Septic Design, Installations,
Repairs & Inspections

Septic systems consist of two main components:

An onsite septic system is designed to safely treat and return the water we use back into the environment when a traditional city sewer connection is unavailable. These systems are made up of two key parts: the tank and the dispersal field.

1. Tanks – The primary function of the tank is to recover wastewater from the home and separate out solids, fats, oils, and greases that enter the system. It also helps reduce the levels of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in the effluent. Some systems include multiple tanks, where additional tanks may use air pumps and other filtration media to further restore the effluent before it's sent to the dispersal field.

2. Dispersal Fields – This is the area where treated effluent (wastewater) is released back into the soil. Dispersal fields can vary in design, including sand mounds, pressure beds, gravity trenches, and subsurface drip systems. An important yet often overlooked fact is that the soil in the dispersal field plays a vital role in the restoration process. It removes harmful pathogens and bacteria from the effluent before it re-enters the water table, helping to protect vital water resources.

A well-designed septic system considers both components with equal attention. While a poorly designed system may still dispose of effluent into the ground, it may fail to properly restore it, which could lead to untreated water entering the environment. A professional designer ensures that the system is tailored to the site and takes into account the environmental impacts of discharging untreated effluent into the groundwater.

Individual septic systems, also known as onsite wastewater disposal systems, are necessary for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings that are not linked to municipal or public wastewater systems. These systems are responsible for receiving and treating wastewater from sources such as toilets, showers, sinks, dishwashers, washing machines, and more. After treatment, the system returns the treated effluent back into the groundwater. When designed and installed properly, an onsite wastewater disposal system effectively treats the waste and returns clean, purified water to the environment.

In some locations, site inspections reveal issues with high seasonal groundwater levels. This could manifest as standing water just a few feet, or even inches, below the surface, or signs indicating that the water table has been near the surface at certain times of the year. These signs often appear as mottling in the soil, caused by iron deposits that soak up water and rust, similar to the way an old car would rust. Other indicators include changes in soil color and variations in root growth.

For effluent to be properly treated, it must slowly filter through at least 2 to 3 feet of dry soil. The minimum vertical separation required depends on the chosen dispersal method. If the water table is just 1 foot below the surface, you will need to add 1 to 2 feet of sand or other soil material to achieve the necessary 2 to 3 feet of vertical separation. This is crucial because if untreated or poorly treated effluent enters the groundwater, it can spread to nearby wells or other drinking water sources, potentially leading to serious health risks from pathogens.

When high groundwater levels are present, there is often a requirement to elevate the home to a predetermined geodetic height. This typically involves bringing in fill material to raise the building site. If space permits, the sand mound for the septic system can be integrated into the edge of the fill, making it virtually invisible. In situations where this isn't feasible, the sand mound can be made less conspicuous by widening its base, creating a gentler slope that is less noticeable to the untrained observer.

Most septic system failures occur due to poor design and inadequate maintenance. Some soil-based systems, such as those with a leach or drain field, are installed in areas with unsuitable soils, steep slopes, or high groundwater tables. These factors can lead to hydraulic failures and contamination of water resources. Failing to perform regular maintenance, like pumping the septic tank every 3 to 5 years, can result in solids moving into the drain field, which can clog the system.

Premature system failures can also be caused by improper use of the septic system. Dumping chemicals, paints, antibacterial soaps, blood (particularly from hunters processing their own meat), medications, hair dye, bleach, excessive water usage, and leaking fixtures into drains can all contribute to system failure. Other factors, such as using home dialysis machines, garbage disposals, and water softeners, can also significantly shorten the lifespan of a septic system.

The cost of an onsite septic system can vary widely based on several factors, such as the size of the building, the number of occupants, the level of treatment needed (Type 1, 2, or 3), proximity to wells and watercourses, and the type and depth of soil on the property. With all these variables in mind, the cost for a typical 3- to 5-bedroom home can range from $20,000 to $65,000, depending on the specific circumstances.