What To Consider When Designing a Septic System
There are several factors to consider when designing a septic system for your home, especially when you have a small lot to build on. When building on a small lot, these factors include:
- Size and Shape
- Soil Type
- Groundwater Level
- Local Regulations
- Number of Occupants.
Furthermore, every lot has specific needs that are unique to each property. These needs that need to be catered to can be anything from the amount of wastewater produced and what the property will be used for.
Once all of these factors are measured, a professional septic system company will be able to determine the size and type of septic tank needed, as well as the location of the drain field, soil treatment, and what kind of maintenance will be required to keep things in running order.
Septic tanks that are well-designed can fit any application and provide efficient wastewater treatment for years.
Septic Tank Design Tips for Small Lots
1. Maximize Space and Efficiency of the Septic Tank
If you are working with a small lot, it is important to understand the parameters that you have at your fingertips. This can be very challenging when designing a septic system. There are a few compact systems on the market that fit in fairly tight spaces. They are very efficient and take up little space.
Another way to maximize space is to locate the system as close to the home as possible. This allows you to minimize the amount of space required for your septic system. Also, as a bonus, this makes it easier to access to service.
At the end of the day, efficiency wins when choosing the right conventional septic system. Make sure that your septic system is the right size and works well with the soil type. This could help save space and make your septic system run more effectively. Not everyone needs a septic tank for ten people, especially when you only have three to four people living in your home.
2. Think Aboud Drain Field Efficiency
When working with a conventional septic tank, the size of a drain field can be a limiting factor when you are working with a small lot. Your contractor should be able to help design a compact drain field that maximizes the space available while ensuring proper wastewater treatment.
Advanced treatment systems can also help reduce the required size of the drain field due to the innovative technologies that can be used to treat wastewater.
3. Use an Alternative Septic System
Just in case you didn't know how a conventional septic system works, it is simple. Standard septic tanks carry wastewater from the home into an underground tank. The wastewater separates from the solids, which turn into sludge. The wastewater drains into a drain field, and the dirt filters out additional waste. The sludge is left in the tank to be broken down by bacteria.
Sometimes, this process takes up too much space in your yard, so several alternative systems process wastewater in a more compact space; they include:
- Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs): ATUs use oxygen and microorganisms to break down and treat wastewater more efficiently than traditional septic systems. They can be a suitable option for sites with challenging soil conditions or high water tables.
- Biofilters: This unique system doesn't use chemicals to filter or treat water. Instead, the system consists of filters made from gravel, sand, and other natural materials which alternate in a container. The system pumps wastewater into the tank while the solids are filtered up through the filter materials.
- Greywater Systems: Greywater, the relatively clean wastewater from sources like sinks, showers, and laundry, can be treated and reused for non-potable purposes such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and landscaping. Greywater systems reduce water usage and can alleviate the strain on septic systems.
4. Implement Water Conservation Measures
One way to minimize the strain on your septic system is to practice water conservation. By conserving water, you will need less space for your system and drain field, plus it is better for the environment.
You can conserve water by installing low-flow fixtures, fixing leaks promptly, and being mindful of your daily water usage. This will significantly reduce the load on your system.
5. Comply With Local Regulations
The most important thing to consider when designing your septic system is to make sure that your contractor understands the local regulations and codes. Small lots may have specific guidelines to ensure that wastewater management is responsibly handled and safe for the surrounding areas.
6. Keep Your Septic System Maintained
Regardless of the size of your lot, regular septic system maintenance is crucial. Schedule routine inspections, tank pumping, and any necessary repairs to prevent issues from escalating. Maintenance not only ensures the system's efficiency, but also prevents environmental contamination.
7. Work With a Professional Contractor
Designing a septic system is no small feat, especially when you are working around the constraints of a small space. Work with a certified septic system designer or engineer so that they can properly assess the conditions of your site and guide you through the process. Additionally, they will be able to help you choose the appropriate solution and implement it in a way that is efficient and environmentally responsible.
Viking Environmental and Septic Services
If you are looking to install a septic system on your small property, Viking Environmental and Septic Services has got you covered. With years of expertise in the septic industry, we have the knowledge and experience to install and maintain your septic system to keep it running efficiently and effectively for years to come.
We provide a variety of services to match your needs, ranging from installation to septic tank pumping. Contact Viking Environmental and Septic Services right away to set up an appointment, and guarantee the health and longevity of your septic system.