What is a septic system?
A septic system processes and purifies household and commercial waste (effluent). A standard septic system is typically installed on-site and has two components: a septic tank and a leachfield or drainfield. The effluent consists of blackwater (toilet wastes) and graywater (kitchen sink, bathtub and laundry wastes). Primary treatment occurs in the septic tank, where helpful bacteria digest organic matter in the wastewater. The effluent then flows into the leachfield for secondary treatment. Here, bacteria complete the digestion and purification process as the wastewater slowly leaches into the soil. Click HERE to view our Septic Systems Owner's Manual.
Do septic systems perform as well as a centralized sewer system?
A properly installed and maintained septic system constructed from high quality products is an efficient, safe and effective method of purifying wastewater. In a major 1997 report to Congress, the federal EPA stated that properly maintained onsite wastewater treatment systems (septic systems) were a fully viable cost-effective alternative to sewer systems.
How do I maintain my septic system?
The most important step in proper septic system maintenance is to be sure to schedule regular service calls by a septic professional. Have the system checked and the tank pumped every three to five years. Some communities have
specified pumping schedules, so check with your local health department.
The second most important step is to be a responsible septic system user. It is important to conserve water, keep your drains clean of chemicals, grease and biodegradable substances, keep surface water away from the leachfield, and keep heavy equipment or structures off the tank and the leachfield.
How often do I need to pump my septic tank?
This depends on water usage and the amount of waste entering the system. Generally, systems need to be maintained by a septic professional every three to five years. Also, some communities have specified pumping schedules that are required, so check with your local health department.
How do I find a septic professional to maintain my system?
Most likely, there are several septic professionals in your area who install and maintain systems. Check with your local health or regulatory department if you are unsure about a professional's qualifications.
How do I know what size tank and leachfield I need?
This depends on expected usage, local codes, and your individual site. A septic professional will help you determine your options when selecting a new system or considering a repair.
Will commercial or homemade additives improve my septic system's performance?
Commercial septic tank and home made additives usually do not help performance. In fact, some can actually hurt long-term performance by destroying the billions of good bacteria that make your septic system operate properly. Infiltrator Systems does not recommend the use of homemade or commercial additives into your septic system.
Can I install my own septic system and leachfield?
System performance depends on proper installation of both the septic tank and the leachfield. A septic professional who can recommend the best system for your site and your usage requirements and has experience installing these systems should do the installation.
Can I use a garbage disposal with my septic system?
Heavy garbage disposal use introduces large quantities of solids into the system, which can stress the system's performance. Use your disposal with moderation.
How do I find a septic professional to maintain my system?
Most likely, there are several septic professionals in your area who install and maintain systems. Check with your local health or regulatory department if you are unsure about a professional's qualifications.
Can I landscape over my septic system?
It is beneficial to grow grass or ground covers over your septic system to prevent soil erosion. Evergreens such as pines planted near the leachfield absorb excess water, and are beneficial. Avoid water-loving trees such as willows, poplars, swamp maples, or cypress. Be sure to map where you septic system is for easy access when needed.
Can I pave over my septic system?
Paving over the system can have a negative effect on its ability to treat wastewater. Therefore, some local codes do not allow any impervious surface to be placed over the system. Check with your local regulatory department. Infiltrator Systems does not recommend paving over the system.
Is it okay to drive over my septic system?
You should never drive over your septic tank or leachfield. Doing so can compact the soil so tightly that the systems performance is reduced.
Is there more than one type of septic system?
Yes, there are many different types of tanks, filters, leachfield components, and installation options available. Your local health or regulatory department may have specific requirements on the type of system you need to install as well as any pre-treatment or other forms of treatment that need to be considered. Infiltrator chambers are technically and
environmentally superior products for septic leachfields. They offer enhanced performance, longevity, and less disruption during installation.
Questions about Infiltrator Chamber Systems
What makes an Infiltrator chamber leachfield better than stone and pipe?
Infiltrator chambers provide environmentally sound septic systems that perform better than outdated stone and pipe leachfields. Infiltrator chamber systems use the laws of science to compliment nature's own method
for purifying water. They typically can be installed in small or difficult sites, which allows for the least possible disruption of the existing landscape in new installations and repairs.
Infiltrator chambers are designed with built-in safety factors and when properly used and maintained, they can last longer than stone and pipe systems. You get a safer, more reliable system for your family and the environment. Click HERE to view our Septic System Owner's Manual.
If I choose Infiltrator chambers, how much smaller can my leachfield be as compared with a stone and pipe system?
This depends on your local codes. Infiltrator chamber systems can be up to 50 percent smaller than a stone and pipe system. Check with your local regulatory department.
Will selecting an Infiltrator chamber leachfield save me money?
Installation costs can be lower when using an Infiltrator chamber leachfield. The savings is usually due to reduced labor costs and the absence of stone in the system. The biggest savings, however, are over time. Infiltrator chambers are engineered and tested products that offer proven, long-term performance and built-in safety factors. With standard maintenance, Infiltrator systems significantly reduce the chance that costly repairs will be required in the future.
Do Infiltrator chamber systems come with a warranty?
All Infiltrator chamber systems have a minimum, one-year warranty against defective materials and workmanship. Longer warranties are available in some areas. Contact Infiltrator Systems' technical services staff at 1-800-718-2754 for more details.
What are Infiltrator chambers made from?
All Infiltrator chambers are manufactures from PolyTuff TM, a proprietary blend of recycled resins that provide structural strength and are resistant to chemicals. ChampionTM Polymer Recycling, a division of Infiltrator Systems, is the fifth largest user of post-industrial scrap plastic in the country. We recapture 150 tons of scrap plastic daily to make Infiltrator chambers.
How do I know which Infiltrator chamber I need for my system?
There are a variety of models available depending on your geographic area, site contours, usage requirements, and local codes. Your septic professional will recommend the correct model of Infiltrator chamber for you, or you can call your local health department to determine which models are approved for use in your area.
