Knowledge Builders

what is a distribution box on a septic system

by Shakira Welch II Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Understanding your septic system begins with one of the most important parts of the tank, the septic distribution box. The distribution box is a component of the leach field system. The job of the distribution box is to evenly distribute the wastewater into the leach field (also known as the drain field).May 26, 2016

Full Answer

What is septic distribution box and how it work?

Types of Septic Systems

  • Septic Tank. A buried, watertight tank designated and constructed to receive and partially treat raw domestic sanitary wastewater.
  • Conventional System. ...
  • Chamber System. ...
  • Drip Distribution System. ...
  • Aerobic Treatment Unit. ...
  • Mound Systems. ...
  • Recirculating Sand Filter System. ...
  • Evapotranspiration System. ...
  • Constructed Wetland System. ...
  • Cluster / Community System. ...

How to find the distribution box of a septic tank?

  • WHO KNOWS SEPTIC LOCATION?
  • FIND MAIN WASTE LINE EXIT
  • DISTANCE TO SEPTIC TANK
  • POSSIBLE SEPTIC TANK LOCATIONS
  • VISUAL CLUES LOCATE the SEPTIC TANK
  • SEPTIC TANK DEPTH
  • SEPTIC TANK LOCATING EQUIPMENT
  • SEPTIC TANK LOCATION SKETCH

How to repair the distribution box on a septic system?

They include:

  • Tree roots creeping into the crevices of your septic tank
  • Tree roots infiltrating your drainfield
  • Accumulation of too much solid waste in the septic tank
  • Driving over or parking on the drainfield
  • Non-septic safe treatments like water softeners
  • Chemicals, paints, grease, automotive products, and the like getting dumped into the septic tank

More items...

What is a distribution box in a septic system?

  • Distribution Box 5 Outlet
  • Distribution Box 6 Outlet
  • Distribution Box 9 Outlet
  • Distribution Box 10 Outlet
  • Distribution Box 13 Outlet (2 inlet)
  • Distribution Box 21 Outlet

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How does distribution box work?

Like most of your septic system, the distribution box uses gravity. Liquid waste known flows into the box through one pipe and is divided evenly to exit through the drain system. Since the leach field and box are located below the septic tank, the wastewater moves downhill as it enters the container.

How many feet is the distribution box from the septic tank?

Be careful when probing for the tank and avoid hammering the metal rod into the ground - you could break a sewer pipe. The distribution box is much smaller than the septic tank and is usual found about 20 feet from the house. It too is usually only about one foot below the ground.

Should septic distribution box be full of water?

You don't want surface or ground water leaking into the D-box since in any quantity that water will flood the drainfield. If the D-box cover fits pretty flush and smooth atop the distribution box, the amount of water that leaks in through the top should be trivial.

How deep is a distribution box?

The D-box is normally not very deep, often between 6" and two feet to the top of the box. You may also see a pattern of parallel depressions, typically about 5 feet apart, that mark the individual drainfield leach lines. The D-box will at or near end of the drainfield area that is closest to the septic tank.

Can a septic distribution box get clogged?

One of the most common septic tank problems arises when the distribution box is damaged or clogged, preventing the flow of water from the septic tank into the drainfield.

Is it OK to use a dishwasher with a septic tank?

The dishwasher is not affecting the septic tank itself as long as you are using normal quantities of dishwasher detergent. IF choosing between two otherwise equal dishwashers, if you choose one that uses less water that further helps your drainfield. The same point applies to choosing a clothes washing machine.

How do you tell if your septic tank is full?

You can check the level of sludge and scum in your tank using a “stick test”. This involves lowering PVC pipes into the tank with marked measures to estimate the levels of sludge and scum. Remember, with septic tanks prevention is always better than the cure. There is no such thing as being too cautious with your tank.

Does a septic tank always have water in it?

But what does full really mean? A septic tank should always be “filled” to its normal liquid level, or the bottom of the outlet pipe which carries effluent to the absorption area. This normal liquid level is usually between 8” to 12” from the top of the tank on average (see picture at right).

How do you clean septic field lines?

A common approach is to use a high-pressure water jet to clean out drain field pipes. Sewer jet products, like the Clog Hog, attach to a gas or electric power washer and then feed into the pipe to clear away any clogs or buildup.

How do you level a septic distribution box?

0:001:46D Box Adjustment - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe can just unscrew the lid. And then we came down here. And where they had backfill did they notMoreWe can just unscrew the lid. And then we came down here. And where they had backfill did they not benedict properly so there was a lot of rocks. And stuff that had pushed into the park.

How do you set up a distribution box?

1:306:20SeptiSurge Septic Box Distribution Demo - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLine the ridges up on the box like Kyle's doing and then we're ready to set the box in the hole andMoreLine the ridges up on the box like Kyle's doing and then we're ready to set the box in the hole and now we're ready to set the distribution box into the hole.

How do I install a distribution box?

2:274:31How-To install a distribution board - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAt the start of each row install a 30 milli amp circuit breaker. The module will push RIT. OrganizeMoreAt the start of each row install a 30 milli amp circuit breaker. The module will push RIT. Organize your distribution board left to right with our CD switches in decreasing levels of power.

Do All Septic Systems Have Distribution Boxes?

This is a great place to begin. It’s important to clarify how important distribution boxes are to septic systems. Most septic systems have a distribution box installed.

How a Septic System Distribution Box Works

This is an important part of the leach field system that ensures the even distribution of wastewater into the drain field. For a septic system distribution box to work, it requires gravity which is never in short supply.

Finding the D-Box

Sometimes, certain maintenance jobs will need to be performed on the system. As part of the septic system, the distribution box will have to be located. This will prove a bit difficult if you’ve only recently moved into the property.

Concrete Vs Plastic Septic Distribution Boxes

There are two main types of septic system distribution boxes. These include concrete and plastic boxes. Now, when it comes to comparisons, one of the most asked questions always has to do with picking the system that’s best among the two.

Common Septic System Distribution Box Issues

After a long time of using your septic system, certain issues may arise. There’s no way of knowing directly where the problem lies unless an inspection is made. Sometimes, you may have a flooded drain field. When this happens, it’s a sign that the system isn’t working effectively hence the need to find the causes.

What is a septic distribution box made of?

The size and shape of the box depends on the type of septic tank you have. A distribution box is most commonly made out of concrete or plastic and has several openings for the leach field lines where the wastewater can flow out. Concrete boxes often work better since the material is sturdier than plastic. A concrete distribution box can also be ...

Why is a distribution box important?

The distribution box is a major part of the septic system being able to function properly is very important. If the distribution box isn’t working the right way you will soon be dealing with leach field failure. Distribution boxes are most often worn down by time due to weather, like flooding and freezing, and improper care of the septic system.

How does gravity affect a distribution box?

Gravity plays a major role in helping the distribution box do its job. The water flows downhill where the distribution box is placed. This allows the water to flow into the box from the septic tank and then onto the leach field.

Why do concrete boxes work better than plastic?

Concrete boxes often work better since the material is sturdier than plastic. A concrete distribution box can also be located with a probe rod during inspections. The distribution box openings are often fitted with flow leveling devices that rotate.

What Is a Distribution Box?

The distribution box is a small box that comes after the septic tank but before the drain field. They're usually made of either plastic or concrete, and they have several openings on different sides where the drain field lines connect to the box. Think of it as a junction point for the lines leading throughout the leach field.

Reasons to Find It

It's essential to have a properly working distribution box as part of your septic system. Without it, the wastewater might collect unevenly, with some areas of the leach field receiving all of the wastewater and others receiving none. This can oversaturate that one area and make the drain field less efficient.

How to Find It

When finding the distribution box, it helps to have a general idea of where it sits. It makes sense that the box should sit between the septic tank and the septic drain field since it helps move the effluent from the tank into the field. It's usually somewhere near the edge of your drain field on the end that's closest to your septic tank.

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1.What is a Septic Distribution Box? - West Coast Sanitation

Url:https://westcoastsanitationinc.com/what-is-a-septic-distribution-box/

25 hours ago  · A septic tank’s distribution box (or a D-box) is a container that receives the septic tank effluent and re-distributes it into the network of attached drain fields and pipes. To put it simply, its job is to evenly distribute the wastewater into the leach field.

2.Septic System Distribution Boxes - Safe And Sanitary …

Url:https://www.safeandsanitaryhomes.org/septic-system-distribution-boxes/

12 hours ago  · If the distribution box were not present, all wastewater would pool in one spot, creating unstable ground and making the system unsustainable. The Septic Distribution Box. The distribution box (or d-box) is usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. It can differ in size and shape, depending on the septic needs of the household.

3.How Your Septic Distribution Box Works - Wind River …

Url:https://www.wrenvironmental.com/septic-distribution-box-works/

23 hours ago  · The term distribution box paints an image in the mind of a device or tool designed to evenly distribute septic wastewater across different pipes. This is exactly what it is. This small component of a septic system evenly distributes effluent to discharge pipes that connect to the distribution box.

4.How to Find the Distribution Box of a Septic Tank - Hunker

Url:https://www.hunker.com/13417189/how-to-find-the-distribution-box-of-a-septic-tank

30 hours ago Definition of a Septic D-Box: a septic distribution box is a container used to receive septic system effluent from a septic tank and to re-distribute the effluent into a network of attached drain-field or soakaway bed absorption trenches & pipes.

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