How many different types of septic systems are there?

There are two basic septic system types — conventional and alternative. Site and soil conditions generally determine the type of system that should be installed.

Which septic system is best?

The best choice is a precast concrete septic tank. Precast septic tanks hold many advantages over plastic, steel, or fiberglass tanks. This is why so many cities and towns actually require the use of concrete septic tanks.

What is the most expensive septic system?

Mound Septic System Cost

A mound septic system costs $10,000 to $20,000 to install. It’s the most expensive system to install but often necessary in areas with high water tables, shallow soil depth or shallow bedrock. It relies upon an elevated mound of sand for the drain field rather than excavating into the soil.

How many loads of laundry can I do with a septic tank?

Septic tanks can only usually “flush out” 1/3 of the square footage of water in the tank per day. This enough space for 200 gallons per day. A typical laundry load will require 40 gallons of water. This leads to five full loads of laundry without the risk of flooding, not including any other water use in your home.

What is the alternative to a septic tank?

Aerobic Treatment Systems (ATS)

Aerobic systems are basically a small scale sewage treatment system. It’s similar to the septic tank system but uses an aerobic (more air and oxygen) process. These systems are generally found in rural areas and can be used for a single residence or for a small group of homes.

What is the smallest septic tank you can get?

Septic tanks come in varying sizes, and you can get tanks that are smaller than 1000 gallon, but we recommend that you stick with 1000 square feet as the minimum size tank. Several states now require 1000 gallon tanks as the minimum size requirement.

How often does a 1000 gallon septic tank need to be pumped?

For example, a 1,000 gallon septic tank, which is used by two people, should be pumped every 5.9 years. If there are eight people using a 1,000–gallon septic tank, it should be pumped every year.

Can you have a septic system without a drain field?

If lack of space or shallow soil is your main concern, consider a plastic leach field chamber or a mound septic system. For sites where not even these alternatives will work, an aerobic sewage treatment system is still a viable option.

How deep are septic lines buried?

A typical septic drainfield trench is 18 to 30 inches in depth, with a maximum soil cover over the disposal field of 36″; or per the USDA, 2 feet to 5 feet in depth.

How much does it cost to replace a 1500 gallon septic tank?

For a house with five or more bedrooms, you’ll most likely want a 1,500–gallon tank, and that will cost $15,000 to $25,000. The cost to replace an existing septic system is $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the size and complexity of the job.

Do I need a septic tank if I have a composting toilet?

On the other hand, composting toilets allow for a healthy, sanitary way to deal with human waste without a separate septic tank. An additional benefit, composting toilets can prevent contamination of groundwater and surface water sources that commonly occur with septic tanks and sewage systems.

What is a septic toilet system?

Septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures, commonly used in rural areas without centralized sewer systems. They use a combination of nature and proven technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry.

How long does it take to install a septic system?

How long does it take to install a new septic system? A typical septic system takes just one day of work to install.

How far away from a house does a septic tank have to be?

Requirements vary from one area to another, but the normal minimum distance from the house is 10 feet. If you’ll be using a private well for drinking water, however, note that many state departments of health require a minimum of 50 feet between a new septic tank and a well, according to APEC Water.

How much does installing a septic system cost?

On average, the cost of installing a new septic tank system is $3,900. The price ranges from $1,500 to $5,000 for a typical 1,250-gallon tank, which is an ideal size for a three- or four-bedroom home. This cost is inclusive of the tank itself, which costs $600 to $2,100 or more, depending on the type.

Can a homeowner install their own septic system?

You are only allowed to install your own system. Overview of the System An onsite wastewater treatment system is an efficient means of disposing of household waste. The conventional septic system when properly installed and maintained is an effective means of separating solid waste and removing pathogens.

Do you need planning permission to install a septic tank?

The short answer is yes. You will need planning permission from a local authority in order to have a septic tank installed, no matter if it’s at your own home or on a business site.

How much land do you need for a septic tank?

A minimum lot size of one-half acre (average gross) per dwelling unit is required for new developments in the Region using on-site septic tank-subsurface leaching/percolation systems.