Design and Components

Evapotranspiration systems, also known as ET systems, are designed to evaporate wastewater into the air. They are typically only suitable for arid or semi-arid climates where evaporation rates are high and soil absorption rates are low. ET systems can utilize various components, such as shallow basins, spray heads, or subsurface pipes.

How they work

Evapotranspiration systems work by collecting wastewater in a shallow basin or applying it through spray heads or subsurface pipes. The wastewater is then exposed to the air, allowing evaporation to occur. As the water evaporates, nutrients and contaminants are left behind, promoting natural treatment.

Pros and cons

The main advantage of evapotranspiration systems is their ability to effectively treat wastewater without the need for a drainfield or direct discharge to the soil. They can be suitable for sites with limited space or challenging soil conditions. However, they are highly dependent on climate conditions and may not be suitable for regions with high rainfall or high groundwater levels.

Cost to purchase and maintain

The cost of purchasing and installing an evapotranspiration system will vary depending on factors such as system design, size, and labor costs. Maintenance costs are generally low, consisting mainly of periodic inspection and adjustments.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: aboutseptictanks.com

Design and Components

Recirculating sand filter systems utilize sand as a filter media to treat wastewater. They consist of a buried treatment tank that contains several layers of specially selected sand and gravel. Wastewater is pumped into the tank and filters through the sand, providing treatment before being dispersed into the soil or discharged to a drainfield.

How they work

Recirculating sand filter systems work by pumping wastewater into the treatment tank. The wastewater is then distributed over the sand layer, where it filters through the sand and gravel, removing contaminants and promoting further treatment. The effluent is then dispersed into the soil or sent to a drainfield for additional absorption.

Pros and cons

One of the advantages of recirculating sand filter systems is their ability to provide excellent treatment of wastewater, removing a wide range of contaminants. They can handle high wastewater flows and are suitable for sites with limited space or challenging soil conditions. However, they may have higher installation and maintenance costs compared to conventional systems.

Cost to purchase and maintain

The cost of purchasing and installing a recirculating sand filter system will vary depending on factors such as tank size, treatment capacity, and labor costs. On average, homeowners can expect to spend more than they would on a traditional system, including installation. Maintenance costs may also be higher due to the periodic replacement of sand and gravel media.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: aboutseptictanks.com

Design and Components

Mound systems are specifically designed for areas with shallow soil depth, high groundwater levels, or shallow bedrock. These systems consist of a sand mound that is constructed above the natural ground surface. The sand mound provides additional treatment and absorption of wastewater.

How they work

Mound systems work similarly to conventional septic systems, with wastewater flowing from the home into a septic tank. From the tank, the effluent is then pumped to the sand mound, where it is distributed over a large area. The effluent then filters through the sand, providing additional treatment before it reaches the underlying soil or groundwater.

Pros and cons

One of the significant advantages of mound systems is their ability to overcome site limitations, such as shallow soil or high water table. They can provide reliable treatment and absorption in areas where conventional systems may not be feasible. However, mound systems may be more expensive to install and maintain compared to conventional systems.

Cost to purchase and maintain

The cost of purchasing and installing a mound system will vary depending on factors such as mound size, soil conditions, and labor costs. The cost is more expensive than more traditional systems. Maintenance costs may also be higher due to the additional monitoring and potential replacement of components.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: aboutseptictanks.com

Design and Components

Aerobic treatment units (ATUs) are designed to increase the bacterial activity in the treatment tank by injecting oxygen. They consist of multiple chambers, including a pretreatment chamber, an aeration chamber, and a clarification chamber. These chambers work together to provide enhanced treatment and reduce the amount of solids in the effluent.

How they work

ATUs work by introducing oxygen into the treatment tank, which promotes the growth of aerobic bacteria. These bacteria break down organic matter more efficiently than the anaerobic bacteria found in conventional septic systems. The treated effluent is then discharged to a drainfield or a disinfection unit before being released into the environment.

Pros and cons

One of the significant advantages of ATUs is their ability to provide superior treatment compared to conventional systems. They can reduce the levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in the effluent, making them suitable for sites with strict water quality requirements or sensitive ecosystems. However, they may have higher energy consumption and maintenance requirements compared to conventional systems.

Cost to purchase and maintain

The cost of purchasing and installing an ATU will vary depending on factors such as system size, technology, and labor costs, but is more expensive than other systems. Maintenance costs may also be higher due to the need for regular inspection, monitoring, and potential replacement of components.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction Industries, LLC for more information.

Source: aboutseptictanks.com

Design and Components

Drip distribution systems are designed to disperse effluent into the top few inches of soil using drip laterals. These systems utilize a network of small pipes with evenly spaced emitters that deliver wastewater directly to the soil, promoting even distribution and treatment.

How they work

Drip distribution systems work by transporting effluent from the septic tank to a distribution box. From the distribution box, the effluent is then delivered to the drip laterals, which distribute the wastewater evenly throughout the designated area. The effluent is applied at a slow and controlled rate, allowing for better treatment and absorption by the soil.

Pros and cons

Drip distribution systems offer several advantages, including efficient and uniform distribution of effluent, reduced risk of system failure due to clogging, and the ability to handle high wastewater flows. However, they may have higher installation costs compared to conventional systems and may require more specialized maintenance.

Cost to purchase and maintain

The cost of purchasing and installing a drip distribution system can vary depending on factors such as the size of the system, the number of drip laterals, soil conditions, and labor costs. Maintenance costs may be higher compared to conventional systems, as the drip laterals may need periodic flushing or replacement.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: aboutseptictanks.com

Design and Components

Chamber systems are an alternative to traditional gravel or stone drainfields. Instead of using traditional gravel, chamber systems utilize interconnected chambers that are filled with soil. These chambers provide a larger surface area for wastewater to infiltrate the soil and promote better treatment.

How they work

Chamber systems work similarly to conventional septic systems, with wastewater flowing from the home into a septic tank. From the tank, the wastewater is then distributed to the chamber system. The chambers provide additional contact between the effluent and the soil, allowing for better treatment and absorption.

Pros and cons

One of the major advantages of chamber systems is their ease of installation. They require fewer materials and less excavation compared to traditional drainfields. They are also more resistant to clogging, as the chambers have self-cleaning features. However, chamber systems may be more expensive to purchase and maintain than conventional systems.

Cost to purchase and maintain

The cost of purchasing and installing a chamber system will vary depending on factors such as chamber size, soil conditions, and labor costs. Maintenance costs are similar to conventional systems, with regular septic tank pumping recommended every 3-5 years.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: aboutseptictanks.com

If you are about to purchase a new home with a septic system, the homebuyer's brochure and guide are for you.

These documents provide information homebuyers need to know before purchasing a home with a septic system, how a septic system works, and the importance of having it inspected prior to purchasing a home. The documents also provide information on everyday, preventative, and corrective maintenance for when you are living in your new home.

For more information, contact  Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: epa.gov

Design and Components

The most common type of septic system is the conventional septic system, which consists of two main components: a septic tank and a drainfield. The septic tank is a buried, watertight container that holds the wastewater from your home. The tank separates solids from liquids, allowing the solids to settle to the bottom and the liquids to flow into the drainfield. The drainfield, also known as a leach field, is a shallow, underground system of perforated pipes that distribute the treated wastewater into the soil.

How they work

Conventional septic systems work by allowing gravity to transport wastewater from the home into the septic tank. The solids settle to the bottom of the tank, forming a layer of sludge, while the liquids pass into the drainfield. In the drainfield, the wastewater is further treated as it percolates through the soil, where beneficial bacteria and natural processes remove contaminants before the water reaches groundwater sources.

Pros and cons

Conventional septic systems have several advantages. They are simple in design, reliable, and can be cost-effective compared to other types of systems. They also have a long lifespan if properly maintained. However, they may not be suitable for all sites, particularly those with shallow soil, high groundwater levels, or steep slopes. In these cases, alternative septic systems may be necessary.

Cost to purchase and maintain

The cost of purchasing and installing a conventional septic system will vary depending on factors such as tank size, drainfield size, local labor costs, and permits. Maintenance costs are relatively low, consisting mainly of regular pumping of the septic tank every 3-5 years.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: aboutseptictanks.com

Most septic system problems are a result of poor initial design, misuse, or physical damage, such as driving heavy vehicles over the leach field. Common conditions that can cause a septic system to perform poorly include:

• House plumbing: clogged or inadequate plumbing vents, blockage between the house and septic tank, or inadequate pitch in sewer pipe from house
• Septic tank to leach field: Blockage between the septic tank and leach field caused by a plugged or broken tank outlet, or a plugged line to the leach field cause by tree roots, or by solids that overflowed from the tank
• Leach field piping: Driving or parking heavy vehicles over the leach field can break the perforated leach pipe, especially if it is not uniformly supported by the gravel bed. Usually tree roots do not penetrate through the gravel bed into the perforated piping.
• Leach field sizing: Drain field may be too small for current flow levels out of the home. Reducing flows though use of flow restricters, and low-flow faucets and fixtures might help.
• High water table: A seasonal high water table can saturate the soil around the trenches impairing the soil’s ability to absorb wastewater. This is sometimes an issue on relatively flat building sites with poor surface drainage. This can often be fixed by installing subsurface drains or curtain drains to intercept the water flow toward the leach field area and to lower the water table locally.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction Industries for more information.

Source: buildingadvisor.com

Plastic Septic Tanks

The Advantages: There are many advantages to using a plastic septic tank over a concrete septic tank, which include, but are not limited to:

• Plastic septic tanks are very resistant to cracking, unlike concrete.
• Rusting is a non-issue.
• As plastic weighs less than concrete, it is much easier to get a plastic septic tank into the location for installation.
• A plastic septic tank is more cost-effective than a concrete septic tank.

Plastic septic tanks can be water-tight and corrosion proof.

The Disadvantages: There are many advantages to using a plastic septic tank over a concrete septic tank, which include, but are not limited to:

• Plastic septic tanks tend to have lower effluent levels, which may be discovered after a tank is opened for pumping.
• If not installed properly, a plastic septic tank can "float" to the surface of the ground.
• Because plastic is such a light-weight material, it can be damaged at installation.
• Plastic septic tanks are not approved in all states.

When is a plastic septic tank appropriate? Plastic septic tanks can be the right choice when they are permissible in your state and when cost is a significant consideration. In the end, you must decide if a plastic septic tank is best for your project.

Concrete Septic Tanks

The Advantages:

• Concrete septic tanks have higher effluent levels than plastic septic tanks.
• Because concrete septic tanks are heavy, there is no chance of floating, unlike plastic septic tanks.
• Concrete septic tanks are long lasting and extremely durable.
• These septic tanks are approved in all states.

The Disadvantages:

• Concrete septic tanks are very expensive.
• These septic tanks can crack under extreme circumstances.
• Because concrete is heavy, it is very difficult to install.
• Though concrete septic tanks are very durable, they can crack and are more susceptible to leaks.

When is a concrete septic tank appropriate? When concrete is mandated by zoning codes, concrete septic tanks are appropriate. Additionally, septic professionals choose concrete when value is a more important consideration than cost.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: septic.com