Q&A for How to Construct a Small Septic System

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What is considered low usage?

Community Answer

Low usage is under 125 gallons per day.

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Question

What is the purpose of the 'y' elbow on the first tank? Is that left open or sealed when completed? If left open, won't it stink?

Community Answer

That's your clean out, it takes a threaded cap or plug.

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Question

How much water do you fill it with?

Community Answer

The key word is "fill." Continue to place water into the drum until the level no longer increases.

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Question

If I forgot to add a slip coupler and only have 10 feet of perforated pipe. Will this still work?

Community Answer

Yes, but you will need to increase the depth of the field to equal the same cubic feet of capacity.

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Question

How do I find out if this is legal in my state?

Community Answer

This is a quick simple system that is probably not acceptable for permanent use in most states. If discovered, the property owner and/or the installer will be fined.

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Question

Can I use 2 or 3, 275 gallon water totes instead or use a water tote and barrel combo?

Community Answer

Either way is okay. If only one tote, use it as the digestion tank, and the barrel as the distribution box.

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Question

Why do I fill the upper barrel with water?

Community Answer

You fill the upper barrel with water so when sewage matter enters the barrel, it flows into sufficient water present to start the anaerobic digestion process.

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Question

How do I clean out this system?

Community Answer

If there's enough bacteria in it, it will self-clean with low use. If it fills, you can call a septic service to have it drained.

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Question

What is the proper grade slope of the drain field for every 10 feet?

Community Answer

The bottom of the field can be level. The piping system away from the drums should slope at 2 percent, or 2.5 inches per 10 feet.

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Question

Will this system freeze in the winter? And could I add antifreeze to the mix?

Community Answer

Antifreeze will kill the good bacteria that is needed for the process to work. The process is biological and will create some of its own heat. It could always be dug deeper to get some more insulation above it.

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Question

Can I use pvc fitting instead of abs fittings for a septic system?

Community Answer

Yes. Many houses are connected to public sewer but the line going from the house to the street is usually only a thick 6" green PVC.

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Question

With the vertical end of the Y, do I cap it off, or attach one of those R-shaped pipes to vent off?

Community Answer

Put a 4" C-threaded cap. Use this for pumping, if needed, and for viewing and applying digestive products.

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Question

What keeps the scum line in the first tank?

Community Answer

There should be a 90 degree bend (down) with a small length of pipe, 2-4 inches in length, which will keep the line in.

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Question

How does the digestive system work in a septic system? Are chemicals needed and what do I do about smells?

Community Answer

Put baker's yeast (the stuff that makes bread dough rise) in the system about twice a year. There are no smells unless the system gets clogged or there is too much groundwater.

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Question

If my well has gone dry and I have a toilet septic system, can I flush the toilet by pouring water into the tank or the bowl?

Community Answer

I have gotten my toilet to flush by pouring water into the bowl. I keep a few old bleach bottles full of water around in case we lose power.

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Question

Should I use sand instead of gravel in a leach field?

Community Answer

No. Gravel is what to use. Use landscape fabric to completely encase the gravel to keep sand out.

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Question

I have a 2,000 gallon concrete holding tank for septic waste. Can I make this into a septic system?

Community Answer

You physically could, but you couldn't legally convert it yourself. This has to be done by a licensed plumber who is certified in septic installation. Your yard must also be tested first to see if it can properly handle the drain field.

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Question

What is the chemical used for the drain?

Community Answer

Use pH neutral maintaining. This is necessary for proper performance of your new OSS (on site sewage) treatment system.

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Question

Could this system handle one shower and one toilet or would I need to use larger tanks?

Community Answer

Toilet only. Shower and sink create "gray water" and can drain just about anywhere. Sinks sometimes require a grease pit.

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Question

How do I keep the trench from filling up with rain and groundwater?

Community Answer

If the groundwater is that high this system will not work unless a simple sprinkler system is installed with a pump instead of using the field system. Keep in mind that the sprinkler water will smell and it is unsanitary.

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Question

If I don't put in drain lines for my septic system, what problems should I expect?

Community Answer

You can expect sewage to back up in your house or run out on the ground. Ground absorption is the only final solution to getting rid of sewage in non-sewered areas.

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Question

Can I empty it, or is the system useless when the drums are full?

Community Answer

If liquid is the problem, the answer is yes and no. The field lines could be clogged, in which case it has to be cleaned out. It could also be full of ground water. A sprinkler system with a pump would be used with the fields disconnected. If effluent is the problem, the barrels will need to be pumped out by a pump truck.

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Question

Do I have to use RV toilet paper with this system?

Community Answer

No, although you can if you wish. Regular toilet tissue should break down in the system.

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Question

Where should I buy the materials?

Community Answer

Norweco's Singulair wastewater treatment system is sold online at The Home Depot.

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Question

How much baker's yeast do I add to the system?

Community Answer

The amount of baker's yeast depends on how often the septic system is in use. 16 to 24oz no more than twice a year should be about the right amount for a small (110 gallon) system.

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Question

Do I cap the end of the perforated pipe at the end of the leach line?

Community Answer

No, that will only give you problems later should the small holes fill with particles. The object at this point is to get rid of all of the water any way possible, and if the ends are open, it helps accomplish this.

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Question

Could I use three inch pipe for the system?

Community Answer

It wouldn't be a good idea. Congestion in the system is not your friend. You would likely run into drainage issues.

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Question

Can I pipe the shower drain to the second distribution barrel?

Community Answer

The kitchen sink and toilet are the only pipes that need to be in the septic. All other water can be drained away on the surface.

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Question

How far away should the system be from a well or water source?

Community Answer

Call your county public health department or search your county web site for answers. It can be as little as 50' if the well piping going to the water source is cased in concrete X number of feet, or as far as 100'. Again, discuss with county health department. Ask it as a general question, and you will be directed to the appropriate department and person.

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Question

We want this septic system for a camper we use as a getaway during the spring, summer, and fall. Would we be violating any laws?

Community Answer

Yes. Most states have very strict laws regarding the handling of septic waste. The soil would need to be tested, permits paid for and issued, a formula would determine the amount of leech lines required, and then after the work is done, a survey would be done to mark the locations. This system would best be considered an apocalypse option. If you are in a very secluded are and don't think you'd ever be visited or inspected, you could probably get away with it, but technically, it's in violation.

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