Is an Aerobic Septic System Right for Your Home or Business?

August 9th, 2016 Posted in Septic System
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One of the options available when deciding to install a new septic system is whether to use a traditional tank system or an aerobic system. While both breakdown solids in a septic tank, release waste water to a drain field, aerobic systems have an added component. These systems add oxygen to the tank to improve the breakdown of solids by bacteria. The result is cleaner waste water that needs very little filtering before it enters the soil.

If you are installing a new septic system at your home or business, you should consider whether an aerobic system would be better for your needs. In many ways these are advanced systems compared to the traditional tanks that most homes and small businesses have. An aerobic system is what is used in sewage treatment plants, so you are getting a more complex system.

Not everyone needs an aerobic septic system. For many people, the traditional system works perfectly. However, there are a few situations where an aerobic system may benefit you. You may want an aerobic septic system if you:

  • Have a limited area for your drain field
  • Own a business that will be handling heavy amounts of sewage
  • Have property with poor soil for a drain field
  • Own land near an environmentally protected area

Before you decide which septic system to install, talk to your local septic service company that offers both aerobic and traditional systems. They can discuss the pros and cons of each system and analyze which will be best for your property. Make sure to ask about the different options available in aerobic systems, including dual tank options that can provide advanced water treatment capabilities.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

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New Septic System Installation Basics

April 30th, 2015 Posted in Sewer-Septic Service and Installation
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Adding a new septic system to your property is a large endeavor in preparation, installation and cost. Whether you are building a new home with a septic or converting an existing home to using a septic, the first step will be preparing for the installation process.

Preparing for a Septic Installation

Although laws and regulations vary depending on where you live, every septic will need certain permits and must meet the local guidelines. If you are working with a local septic contractor, they may be able to assist in getting the correct permits and will know the specifications for your area. However, it is important to know everything you will need to do before installation. Some of the preparation should include:

  • Determine the size of tank needed based on the size of home and household
  • Consider the placement of pipes, tank and drain field for gravity system
  • Schedule the soil to be perc’d for the drain field by a certified specialist
  • Have plans drawn up for pipe, tank and drain field placement
  • Contact local utility companies regarding underground pipes and lines that will need to be avoided
  • Get all the correct permits to begin installation

Being prepared for your new septic system installation can ensure that the project goes as smoothly as possible. Once you have the plans in place and all the permits, you and your septic contractor will be able to begin your installation project. Make sure to only work with a licensed contractor that gives you a written estimate on exactly what the entire project will cost. This can eliminate any unexpected cost changes and ensure that the project stays within your budget.

Posted on behalf of:
Hunter’s Septic Service
Nesbit, MS
(662) 429-1686

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What Determines the Size of Your Septic System?

September 5th, 2013 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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Yes, in regards to septic sewer systems, size does matter! Although septic tanks are manufactured in a variety of sizes, it must be able to adequately process the wastewater capacity of your home or business. Commercial septic tanks can hold up to 5,000 gallons or more; whereas, residential tanks are usually 1,000 to 2,000 gallons in capacity and are generally based on the number of bedrooms in a home. Likewise, the size and capacity of the drain field into which all the liquid waste is pumped must accommodate the size of the tank. Furthermore, the size of the drain field can vary, depending on the type of soil at the site.

It should be noted that, for residential homes, local building codes or public health ordinances may determine the size of the septic tank, regardless of the number of bedrooms. Most regions seem to have a minimum tank capacity of at least 1,000 gallons, even if you just have a one bedroom home. With that exception in mind, you can easily count the desired septic tank size for your home simply by counting the bedrooms. One or two bedroom houses typically need a 750 gallon septic tank. Next, add 250 gallons to the tank for each additional bedroom. When in doubt, choose the larger capacity.  A septic system that is too small will require more frequent septic tank pumping and is more likely to fail prematurely.

You may want to have your local septic sewer service professional inspect your septic system to ensure that it is functioning properly and that it is the right size for your home. Furthermore, if you are considering building onto your home an additional bedroom, installing a larger septic system may be necessary; check with local public ordinances and health codes to ensure you remain in compliance.

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What is a Perc Test?

January 9th, 2012 Posted in Drain Field
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A “perc test” is a measure of soil’s ability to allow water to flow through it.  Perk is short for “percolation” and is sometimes spelled “perk”.  Before installing a septic system, a perc test is performed to determine the rate at which the soil where the drain field will be installed can absorb water.  This information is used to determine the minimum size of the leech field or in some circumstances, whether a traditional gravity fed septic system can be installed on the site.

Most jurisdictions require a perc test to be performed before a permit will be issued to install a septic system.  The exact procedure for the test varies by jurisdiction, but essentially it consists of digging or drilling one or more holes, filling the holes with water, and timing how long it takes for the water to be absorbed.  The type of soil and the local water table both influence the percolation rate.

Local ordinances specify the number and size of the holes and how much water should be poured into them.  The ordinance will also specify the minimum rate at which the soil should absorb water for the property to pass the perk test and qualify for a septic system permit to be issued.  If the property cannot pass a perc test, an alternative sanitation system will need to be installed instead of a traditional gravity fed system.

The results of the perc test are also be used for planning the drain field installation. A larger drain field would be specified for property with a passing, but relatively low perc rate compared to a property with a much higher perc rate.

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Failed Perc Test Options

January 9th, 2012 Posted in Sewer-Septic Service and Installation
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Before you can be issued a permit for a septic system on your property, a percolation test (perc test) is usually required by local regulations to determine the suitability of your property for a septic system. A perc test measures the rate at which the soil absorbs water which is critical for proper operation of a traditional septic system.

If your property cannot pass a perc test, it’s not the end of the world.  You have plenty of alternatives any your septic professional will be happy to help you sort them out.  First of all, don’t be angry or upset with the engineer who did the test or the local building authority for requiring the test in the first place.

These tests are required as much for your protection as to protect the environment.  Installing a traditional septic system on unsuitable property would be a waste of money and a cause of endless headaches.  A system installed in ground that won’t perc will constantly back up which not only causes problems inside your home, but will also ruin the septic system.

Once you are over your initial disappointment, consult with your sewer septic professional or an engineer to discuss alternatives.  In some cases, there are techniques for improving the perc rate of a piece of property, but these can take time to be effective.  A better solution is usually offered by an alternative type of septic systems.  Gravity fed systems are the most common, but there are numerous alternative septic systems including mound systems, sand filter systems, aerobic treatment systems, and others.  Each system is best suited for certain soil types and one or more of them will work on your property.

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Septic Considerations for Buying Land to Build On

January 9th, 2012 Posted in Septic System
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If you are buying land or if you already own a piece of property and are getting ready to build on it, one of the first things you should do is take into consideration how you are going to handle wastewater.  If there is sewer service at the property, in most cases it makes sense to hook up to the municipal sewer system.

If there is no municipal sewer service at the property, check with the county or city building department where the property is located to find out what types of waste water treatment and disposal systems are allowed by local building codes and consult with a sewer septic professional about your options before you start to build or even before you start grading the property.

A gravity fed septic system is usually the least expensive and most durable option, but the drain field takes up a lot of space.  In addition, placement of the home and the septic system is very important for proper operation of the system.  You will want to have the septic system designed and the drain field laid out before you finalize where to put the house to avoid placing the house where the drain field should go.  You also want to be sure to install the septic tank where there is easy access for periodic inspection and septic tank pumping.

Failure to properly plan for the septic system and drain field can cost you a bundle.  A typical gravity fed septic system costs about half as much as a system using pumps to move the wastewater.  Sometimes, simply moving the house a few feet one way or another will be enough to allow for the use of a more economical gravity fed system.

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Cost of a Septic System

January 5th, 2012 Posted in Sewer-Septic Service and Installation
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Whether you are replacing an existing septic system or building a new home where municipal sewer service is unavailable, the unavoidable truth is that installing a new septic system is going to be expensive.  However, this is one of those things where it doesn’t pay to try to cut corners.  Unless you don’t mind paying for expensive repairs or even replacing the entire system in just a few years, you want to have your system designed and installed by an experienced local sewer septic professional.

The cost of a septic system varies based on a lot of different factors including the size and type of the system, your location, the physical characteristics of your lot, and the septic contractor handling the installation.  A conventional gravity fed septic system with a concrete septic tank is usually the least expensive type of septic system.

A polyethylene septic tank will last longer, but will also drive up the cost of the system due to the additional labor required to install them.  Systems using aerobic tanks, electric pumps, or that rely on sewage ejector pumps to move the sewage uphill will be more expensive to install and maintain.

The best way to determine the cost of a good septic system is to get several quotes from reputable local septic contractors.  Keep in mind that the lowest bid may not be the best one.  An unusually low bid could indicate that the contractor has failed to take some factor into account, has specified an undersized system, or is cutting corners on the quality of the materials.

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Concrete or Plastic Septic Tank?

January 5th, 2012 Posted in Septic Tanks
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If you are installing a new septic system or replacing your septic tank, you have the choice of either a concrete septic tank or a plastic septic tank.  Each has advantages and disadvantages.  Your sewer septic contractor can help you decide which is the best tank for your septic system.

Concrete septic tanks have been in use for decades and are still the standard in the industry.  They are heavy which means a much lower likelihood of floating up out of the ground when empty, it also makes the tank more cumbersome to install.  The site must be accessible to a crane to lift the tank into place.

Concrete septic tanks are also very durable, but they are more expensive than plastic tanks.  In addition, they can crack in certain conditions are more susceptible to leaks than plastic tanks.  One advantage that could be very important is that concrete tanks are approved for use in every state.

One of the primary advantages of plastic tanks is their lower weight makes it much easier to move them into position for installation.  This can be crucial if access to the work site is limited.  However, their lighter weight makes them more likely to “float” or pop up out of the ground when they are empty if groundwater levels are high.

Preventing plastic tanks from floating and preventing damage during installation requires careful installation techniques that can increase the cost of the system.  Once they are properly installed, a plastic tank is very durable and resistant to cracking.

Another plus is that plastic tanks cost less than a comparably sized concrete tank.  However, plastic septic tanks are not approved for use in all states so check your local laws before spending your money on a plastic septic tank.

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Choosing a Good Septic System Contractor

January 5th, 2012 Posted in Sewer-Septic Service and Installation
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If you are installing a new septic system for new home or to replace an existing system, you should put some effort into finding a top local septic system contractor to handle the job.  A septic system is one of those things that it really pays to make sure the job is done right the first time.

A septic system seems like a simple system with few moving parts and in a way this is true.  The vast majority of septic systems rely on gravity and natural biological activity to treat and dispose of household wastewater.  Most systems have no electrical components and very few moving parts.

They require relatively little maintenance to continue providing great service for years.  An inspection by an experienced septic professional every year or two and septic tank pumping every three to five years is all most septic systems need to stay in top working condition.

However, poorly designed or improperly installed system will cause constant problems, need frequent repairs, and will fail within a few years and installation of a new system will be required.  It cannot be stressed enough that it is worth every penny to make sure your septic system is properly designed and installed by an experienced septic contractor.

Ask friends and neighbors for the names of septic contractors they have used in the past.  Invite several contractors to submit a proposal for the work.  This is your opportunity to evaluate the contractors and see which ones you feel comfortable working with.  Ask for a few references from satisfied customers and follow up by calling them.  Find out what work the contractor did and whether the customer was satisfied with the job.

By doing a little homework, you will be able to narrow the list down to a couple contractors who will do a great job installing your new septic system.

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