Installation involves digging a series of three foot wide trenches, or single large rectangular 'bed', connecting the Infiltrator chambers and then back-filling with existing soil. As a general rule, trenches 'fingers' should be no longer than fifty feet (12 or 13 Infiltrators long) for best function and most even effluent distribution.
Who can install the infiltrator chambers?
Only an Infiltrator Systems certified contractor can install these chambers. For more specific design information, please contact Infiltrator Systems at 1-800-221-4436 or your local Florida Infiltrator Systems representative.
How do you install an infiltrator?
Installation involves digging a series of three foot wide trenches, or single large rectangular 'bed', connecting the Infiltrator chambers and then back-filling with existing soil. As a general rule, trenches 'fingers' should be no longer than fifty feet (12 or 13 Infiltrators long) for best function and most even effluent distribution.
How is the size of an infiltrator chamber determined?
System sizing is determined by each local health department. Typically, health departments have approved sizing reductions of 25 to 50 percent when Infiltrator chambers are specified. Check your local health codes for the specifics in your area. Can chambers be installed under a driveway or paved surface?
How do I contact infiltrator water technologies for installation questions?
Any design or installation questions not answered here can be directed to the Infiltrator Water Technologies’ Technical Services staff by calling 1-800-718-2754. In what types of systems can Infiltrator chambers be installed? Infiltrator chambers can be used in almost any septic leachfield application.
What is an infiltrator chamber?
When I install Infiltrator chambers, how much can the size of the leachfield be reduced?
Where can I get local installation code, system designs, and product technical questions answered?
What is Infiltrator Water Technologies' specification for minimum and maximum system cover?
Can the inspection port opening be used as an inlet?
What prevents soil from entering the chamber through the sidewall louvers?
Should filter fabric be used over Infiltrator chamber sidewall louvers?
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How many infiltrator chambers are needed for a leach field?
There is no accurate method to estimate how many Infiltrator chambers are required without digging test pits in area of leach field. A percolation test performed at depth of leach field can approximate soil absorption rate, but only a test pit at least six feet deep will confirm soil composition beneath the leach field, ensuring proper waste treatment is possible in the critical first three feet. Number of chambers is determined with soil/usage equation supplied by local building department which varies from county-to-county, let alone state-to-state. That equation typically takes into account '1.5 engineering factor' which includes 50% extra for long-term viability. A very general 'rule-of-thumb' minimum size is "one square foot per gallon per day" minus up to a 30% reduction for using chambers instead of perforated pipe-in-gravel leach field. But that could be way off, depending upon actual soil percolation rate and estimate of daily usage. Bare minimum usage rate to estimate with is 100 gallons per person per day. Therefore the building department often uses 200 gallons per bedroom per day when sizing residential systems. Each chamber is 12 square feet of base area and 8 square feet of sidewall area. For instance: 2 bedroom home may be calculated locally as 2 x 200 = 400 x 1.5 = 600 gallons per day usage. If you are given credit for sidewall percolation from trench chambers, that is 600 divided by 20 = 30 chambers in well percolating soils. More conservative approach (less well percolating soils) would be to estimate using only the base area of trench: 600 divided by 12 = 50 chambers. There is a huge difference between what is 'possible' to percolate daily and what is best for sewage treatment to prevent contamination of groundwater. The larger the leach field, the better the treatment of wastewater. This is a critical factor when there is a well drilled within 200 feet of leach field location and/or you have seasonally high groundwater present that could prevent proper treatment of sewage.
What is an infiltrator septic system?
Infiltrator ® is the original and remains by far the most dependable septic leach field chamber system. Infiltrator Quick4 Plus™ series chambers are high-density polyethylene arches that interlock to form a continuous drainage area with a much greater storage capacity 'surge' volume than pipe-in-gravel leach fields. Sewage is given plenty of oxygen and lots of time to percolate overnight. Better sewage treatment results in less bio-mat formation and ensures ultimate system longevity. Chambers are largely immune to root infiltration problems. Local building departments commonly provide up to 30% leach field size reduction for chamber designs versus perforated pipe-in-gravel leach field. We do not sell those lighter weight Arc chambers or any off-brands. We only sell the heavier-duty Infiltrator Quick4 Plus chambers which have an H-10 load rating at 16,000 pounds per axle, given at least one foot of machine compacted cover. You should never drive over any leach field, but Plus series chambers will take a load when driven across like train tracks. Infiltrator Septic Tanks are also available for free delivery with leach field chambers.
What is a flow director splitter?
Flow director splitter valve comes complete with adjustment handle, riser, coupler, and four inch threaded access cap. Special staggered hub fittings on the ‘versa-tee’ accommodate PVC or ABS pipe in 4 inch diameter in both Sch40 or thin wall SDR35 sewer drain pipe. Note there is a two inch drop in elevation from inlet pipe (base of tee) to two outlet pipes (top of tee) where the effluent flow splits. Effluent flow can be accurately split 50/50 evenly between the two outlet pipes OR you can alternate the flow 100% to one side or the other. Distribution boxes and simple tee fittings off-level by as little as 1/8 of an inch will be drastically less than equal 50/50 split. But with director valve, even at 1/8 inch tilt, flow directer delivers relatively equal flows (+/- < 1.3%). Diverter allows one half of your septic system leachfield to go fallow for a few months to revitalize soil, prevent overloading, and reduce the growth of bio-matting. Three director valves will allow splitting flow between four separate leach field lines. Then you have the option of letting 1/4 of leachfield to go dry seasonally. Flow director splitter valve fitting is designed for gravity flow systems only. Internal weir divides the flow, this is not a gate valve. Not for use in dosing systems with lift station pump or automatic siphon, or when attached to smaller than four inch pipe. Use two gate valves and a tee manifold instead of a director valve with pressurized (or siphon) effluent systems. We don't sell gate valves given the extremely wide range of options. Click for flow director splitter valve installation tips.
Do you need installation tips for a leach field chamber?
All 'gravel-less' leach field chamber system brands function by the same set of physical limitations, regardless of marketing claims. Installation tips are not required, but there are always 'good, better, best' methods of approaching any construction project.
Can you compact soil in a leach field?
The worst mistake you can make is to compact (smear) the soil in bottom of a leach field trench. You want to be sure to loosen 'scarify' the soil to allow for proper percolation of effluent. No gravel is needed, but gravel is always an upgrade option to aid treatment and longevity in any soil.
How high should the infiltrator be?
The top of the Infiltrator should be level or slightly lower than the bottom of the high holes in a Serial Distribution Box. The top of the Infiltrator unit should be at least 2 inches lower than the bottom of the outlet hole in the septic tank in all types of septic systems (equal or serial) (see diagram 2).
How deep is a drainfield in Oregon?
This system has been accepted for use in the state of Oregon. It can be used in all approved standard drainfield sites where a minimum trench depth of 24 inches can be maintained. We are told the materials cost is increased about 300 dollars higher than the conventional rocked system. Labor is considerably less and the site is usually left in better condition since the trenches don't require rock.
How to build a septic system?
1. Ladle soil with a back- hoe bucket or carefully dump soil on the dome of the chambers and spread in between. 2. When placing final cover on the system, backfill by building a ramp of compacted soil (2 feet approx.) and broadcast the cover material over the system with a small- tracked dozer, backhoe, or Bobcat.
How much should a drainfield bed be level?
2. Excavate and level drainfield area. Note:The bed should be installed level or no more than 1" per 10' of fall per Chapter 64E-6 of the Florida Administrative Code.
How long is the Equalizer 36 QuickCut?
The Equalizer 36 QuickCut chamber features a unique premarked cut line, allowing you to create two chambers that are over 4 feet in length. This product innovation offers increased design and installation flexibility, while maintaining structural integrity and long-term perform- ance. The chamber provides greater options for all sites, including tight or sloped lots.
How wide is a Quick4 Equalizer?
The patent-pending Quick4 Equalizer 36 Chamber can be installed in a 24-inch wide trench. The cham- ber offers advanced contouring capability with its Contour Swivel Connection™. The patent-pending MultiPort End Cap with its six molded-in high and low inlets allows for maximum piping flexibility.
Is the Quick4 Equalizer 24 approved in Florida?
Quick4 Equalizer 24, Equalizer 24 and Equalizer 36 chambers are also approved for use in Florida. Only an Infiltrator Systems certified contractor can install these chambers. For more specific design information, please contact Infiltrator Systems at 1-800-221-4436 or your local Florida Infiltrator Systems representative.
What chambers are approved for MassDEP?
The MassDEP approval allows the use of the High Capacity H-20 Chamber
How many inches of cover for a pump out?
pumped dry during pump-outs and can be installed with 6” to 48” of cover. Ask your local Infiltrator sales representative for specific
How wide is a 3050 trench?
flexibility in system configurations. The 3050 chamber can be installed in a 53-inch-wide trench. All chambers can be installed in a
What is an IM series septic tank?
The IM-Series Septic Tanks are durable and watertight. The injection-molded plastic tank offers exceptional strength in a two-piece
What is the purpose of the installation manual?
The purpose of this manual is to provide specific design and installation infor-
Can an all in one endcap be installed in line?
The All-in-One Endcap can be installed in-line with
What is an infiltrator chamber?
This includes trench, bed, and elevated mound installations. Infiltrator chambers provide superior treatment capabilities in pressure dosing, level distribution, serial distribution, evapotranspiration, and sand filter applications.
When I install Infiltrator chambers, how much can the size of the leachfield be reduced?
System sizing is determined by each local health department. Typically, health departments have approved sizing reductions of 25 to 50 percent when Infiltrator chambers are specified. Check your local health codes for the specifics in your area.
Where can I get local installation code, system designs, and product technical questions answered?
Many installation requirements and options are governed by local codes instituted by the health department in your area. When in question, check with the local health department for specifics and follow their code instructions. Any design or installation questions not answered here can be directed to the Infiltrator Water Technologies’ Technical Services staff by calling 1-800-718-2754.
What is Infiltrator Water Technologies' specification for minimum and maximum system cover?
Infiltrator Water Technologies recommends a minimum of 12 inches of compacted cover over the chambers. Maximum allowable cover over the chambers in a trench system is 96 inches. In bed systems, the maximum cover is 48 inches. If the drainfield is located in a non-traffic area, minimum cover can be reduced to six inches. Exercise caution with equipment when installing a system at the 6-inch depth. Infiltrator Water Technologies does offer a line of Shallow Cover (SC) Chambers that allow for six inches of cover with an H-10 equivalent loading rate, however these are only available in specific markets. Always check with your local health codes for specific cover requirements.
Can the inspection port opening be used as an inlet?
Yes, on the top of each chamber there is a knock-out area that is typically used for an inspection port. When inletting into the inspection port, a splash plate is needed under the inlet. Use caution when backfilling so as not to dislodge the inlet pipe.
What prevents soil from entering the chamber through the sidewall louvers?
Infiltrator chambers have a patented MicroLeaching™ louver design that corresponds to the angle of the soil. This permits effluent to leach out of the sidewall while preventing soil from entering the chamber.
Should filter fabric be used over Infiltrator chamber sidewall louvers?
Infiltrator MicroLeaching™ sidewall louvers are designed to keep soil out; therefore filter fabric is not needed. Contact Infiltrator Water Technologies Technical Services for additional information at 1-800-718-2754.