what is a reserve septic field

When a septic system is installed the area set aside for the drain field is often called the septic reserve area or SRA. Many counties will require a secondary SRA be available should there be a failure in the leach field pipes or a clogged leach field or a failed leach field.

Full Answer

What is a reserve area for septic tanks?

This is a designated area suitable for a new drainfield and must be treated in the same manner as your existing drainfield. (A reserve area should have been designated as part of the permit process for any sewage system installed since 1980.) Once a septic system has failed, it is too late to solve the problem by pumping your tank.

What is a septic drain field and septic tank?

Septic tank and septic drain field. Septic drain fields, also called leach fields or leach drains, are subsurface wastewater disposal facilities used to remove contaminants and impurities from the liquid that emerges after anaerobic digestion in a septic tank. A septic tank, the septic drain field, and the associated piping compose a septic system.

What should I know about my septic field?

Most septic system owners know that their wastewater travels into a septic tank, but most homeowners are not well-versed in the care and operation of the drain field. Here are five things every homeowner should know about their septic field. 1. The Drain Field Must Never Be Covered

What is a leach field in septic system?

A leach field or septic drain field is the final processing step or sewage treatment in a septic system. Also known as a drain field, leech field or absorption field.

What is a septic system Reserve?

A reserve drainfield, required by many states, is an area on your property suitable for a new drainfield system if your current drainfield fails. Treat this area with the same care as your septic system.

What are the 3 types of septic systems?

Septic System TypesConventional Gravity Septic System. A conventional gravity system is the simplest form of an onsite wastewater system and requires deep usable soil depths (>30 inches). ... Conventional-Pump Septic System. ... Pressure Manifold Septic System. ... Low-Pressure Pipe (LPP) Septic System.

What is the lifespan of a septic field?

Under normal conditions and good care, a leach-field will last for 50 years or more. Concrete septic tanks are sturdy and reliable but not indestructible. The biggest risk is exposing the concrete to acidic substances.

What is the difference between a septic tank and a septic field?

There are various types of residential septic systems, but generally all consist of a septic tank, where wastewater flows for treatment, and the drainfield, where wastewater evaporates or drains into the soil.

What is the best septic drain field?

If your tank is going to be installed in an area with gravel or coarse soil, a pressure-type septic system is best. For areas with rich soil or dirt, a gravity system is better. These allow streams of untreated sewage to seep into the ground, fertilizing the surrounding dirt.

What is the most expensive septic system?

A mound septic system costs $10,000 to $20,000 to install. It's the most expensive system but often necessary in areas with high water tables, shallow soil depth, or shallow bedrock. It relies upon an elevated sand mound for the drain field rather than excavating into the soil.

How do you know if your drainfield is bad?

Drainfield has failed. When the drainfield fails, or is saturated with water, sewage may backup into the home. Wet, soggy areas may develop above or near the drainfield and you may see spongy bright green grass over the area. There may also be odors near the tank or drainfield.

Why is my grass dying over my drain field?

The Grass Over a Septic Tank Is Dying These yellow patches occur because the soil directly over your septic tank is much shallower than the deep deposits of topsoil surrounding the tank. This limits the amount of water the grass growing receives in the shallower soil.

How do I know if my septic field is failing?

8 Signs of Septic System FailureSeptic System Backup. ... Slow Drains. ... Gurgling Sounds. ... Pool of Water or Dampness Near Drainfield. ... Nasty Odors. ... Unusual, Bright Green Grass Above Drainfield. ... Blooms of Algae in Nearby Water. ... High Levels of Coliform in Water Well.

Can you have a septic tank without a leach field?

Though you can not have a septic system without a leach field, you do have options when it comes to choosing the type of septic system installation. The following list is not all-inclusive, but does include the common types of septic systems: Conventional System. Chamber System.

How often should a septic tank be pumped?

once every three to five yearsAs a general rule, you should only need to empty your septic tank once every three to five years. That being said, the actual frequency will vary depending on your usage and how many people are living in your home.

How long does it take for a septic drain field to dry out?

Except for mound systems, most drainfields are 2 to 4 feet below the ground surface. The groundwater will take time to recede to the level of the bottom of the drainfield. This could happen within a week or two or require a couple of months.

What is the most common type of septic system?

Conventional SystemConventional System Gravity systems are one of the most common types of septic systems. Due to their simplicity, a conventional gravity system is a very affordable option for single-family homes or small businesses. This system transports wastewater through gravity into the septic tank.

What are the different types of septic systems?

Septic Tank. A septic tank is 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.More items...

What is a Class 4 septic system?

Class 4. A sewage system which consists of a treatment unit (generally a septic tank) and a leaching bed system. A permit is required to install this type of septic system.

What is the cheapest septic system?

The cheapest option is a plastic septic tank. These tanks are generally lighter and easier to install than concrete or fiberglass options. They are watertight and resistant to water corrosion. Plastic septic tanks typically cost around $1,200.

What is a septic tank?

Septic Tank. A buried, watertight tank designated and constructed to receive and partially treat raw domestic sanitary wastewater. Heavy solids settle to the bottom of the tank while greases and lighter solids float to the top.

What is a septic system?

This type of system consists of a series of connected chambers. The area around and above the chambers is filled with soil. Pipes carry wastewater from the septic tank to the chambers. In the chambers, the wastewater comes into contact with the soil. Microbes on or near the soil treat the effluent.

What is a sand mound system?

Mound systems are an option in areas of shallow soil depth, high groundwater, or shallow bedrock. The constructed sand mound contains a drainfield trench. Effluent from the septic tank flows to a pump chamber where it is pumped to the mound in prescribed doses. Treatment of the effluent occurs as it discharges to the trench and filters through ...

What is a decentralized wastewater treatment system?

A decentralized wastewater treatment system consisting of a septic tank and a trench or bed subsurface wastewater infiltration system (drainfield). A conventional septic system is typically installed at a single-family home or small business.

How does a constructed wetland work?

A constructed wetland mimics the treatment processes that occur in natural wetlands. Wastewater flows from the septic tank and enters the wetland cell. The wastewater then passes through the media and is treated by microbes, plants, and other media that remove pathogens and nutrients. The wetland cell typically consists of an impermeable liner, and gravel and sand fill, along with the appropriate wetland plants, which must be able to survive in a perpetually saturated environment.

How does septic effluent get into a sand filter?

Effluent flows from the septic tank to a pump chamber. It is then pumped to the sand filter. The sand filter is often PVC-lined or a concrete box filled with a sand material. Effluent is pumped under low pressure through the pipes at the top of the filter. The effluent leaves the pipes and is treated as it filters through the sand.

Where is effluent piped from a septic tank?

With this design, effluent is piped from the septic tank to a shallow underground trench of stone or gravel. A geofabric or similar material is then placed on top of the trench so sand, dirt, and other contaminants do not enter the clean stone. Effluent filters through the stone and is then further treated by microbes once it reaches ...

What is a septic reserve area?

The land area that is set aside for the septic drain field may be called a septic reserve area (SRA). Sewage farms similarly dispose of wastewater through a series of ditches and lagoons (often with little or no pre-treatment). These are more often found in arid countries as the waterflow on the surface allows for irrigation (and fertilization) ...

What is a septic drain field?

Septic drain fields, also called leach fields or leach drains, are subsurface wastewater disposal facilities used to remove contaminants and impurities from the liquid that emerges after anaerobic digestion in a septic tank. Organic materials in the liquid are catabolized by a microbial ecosystem.

What factors reduce percolation rates when the drain field receives anoxic septic tank effluent?

Several factors may reduce observed percolation rates when the drain field receives anoxic septic tank effluent: Microbial colonies catabolizing soluble organic compounds from the septic tank effluent will adhere to soil particles and reduce the interstitial area available for water flow between soil particles.

Why does effluent rise in the vicinity of a drain field?

Effluent levels in the vicinity of the drain field will rise toward the ground surface to preserve that vertical distance difference if groundwater levels surrounding the drain field approach the level of effluent in the disposal trench. Frozen ground may seasonally reduce the cross-sectional area available for flow or evaporation.

Why is vertical distance required between the effluent level in the disposal trench and the water level applicable?

A certain vertical distance is required between the effluent level in the disposal trench and the water level applicable when the effluent leaves the drain field in order for gravitational force to overcome viscous frictional forces resisting flow through porous soil. Effluent levels in the vicinity of the drain field will rise toward ...

How does groundwater affect the flow of water away from a disposal trench?

Rising groundwater levels may reduce the available hydraulic head (or vertical distance) causing gravitational water flow away from the disposal trench. Effluent initially flowing downward from the disposal trench might ultimately encounter groundwater or impermeable rock or clay requiring a directional shift to horizontal movement away from the drain field. A certain vertical distance is required between the effluent level in the disposal trench and the water level applicable when the effluent leaves the drain field in order for gravitational force to overcome viscous frictional forces resisting flow through porous soil. Effluent levels in the vicinity of the drain field will rise toward the ground surface to preserve that vertical distance difference if groundwater levels surrounding the drain field approach the level of effluent in the disposal trench.

What type of soil can be used to filter out pathogens?

Coarse soils – sand and gravel – can transmit wastewater away from the drain field before pathogens are destroyed. Silt and clay effectively filter out pathogens but allow very limited wastewater flow rates. Percolation tests measure the rate at which clean water disperses through a disposal trench into the soil.

What is the leach field in a septic system?

Your septic system is made up of two main components: the tank and the drain field, which is also called the leach field. Most septic system owners know that their wastewater travels into a septic tank, but most homeowners are not well-versed in the care and operation of the drain field. Here are five things every homeowner should know about their ...

What is a septic tank?

A septic tank acts as a settling chamber where waste from your house separates from the wastewater before this water flows into the drain field. With time, the solid waste left behind in the septic tank accumulates and can inhibit the settlement and separation process.

Why do you need to keep a septic tank well maintained?

You need to keep your septic tank well maintained to ensure that your plumbing fixtures continue to operate properly and make life convenient for your household.

How often should a septic tank be pumped out?

As a general rule, you can assume that a septic tank will need to be pumped out once every four years.

How does waste water flow through a septic tank?

How Waste Water Flows Through Your Septic Tank. The waste in your septic tank separates into layers. The heavy solids fall to the bottom where they decompose and form sludge, while the light material such as fat and oil floats to the top and forms a scum layer. Wastewater is sandwiched between these two layers.

Why is my septic tank drain field damaged?

This is because these solid waste products can clog up the drain field pipes. 5. Drain Field Damage Can Contaminate Groundwater.

What is the most important thing to keep up with septic tank maintenance?

One of the most important things that you need to do to ensure that you keep up with septic tank maintenance is to keep records.

What is the purpose of soil in a septic tank?

The Soil. The soil below the drainfield provides the final treatment and disposal of the septic tank effluent. After the wastewater has passed into the soil, organisms in the soil treat the effluent before it percolates downward and outward, eventually entering ground or surface water. The type of soil also impacts the effectiveness ...

What is the soil below a septic tank?

The soil below the drainfield provides the final treatment and disposal of the septic tank effluent. After the wastewater has passed into the soil, organisms in the soil treat the effluent before it percolates downward and outward, eventually entering ground or surface water. The type of soil also impacts the effectiveness of the drainfield; for instance, clay soils may be too tight to allow much wastewater to pass through and gravelly soil may be too coarse to provide much treatment.

How to tell if a septic system is failing?

Is Your System Failing... Warning Signs 1 Odors, surfacing sewage, or wet spots in the drainfield area. 2 Plumbing or septic tank backups (often a black liquid with a disagreeable odor). 3 Slow draining fixtures. 4 Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system. 5 If you have a well and tests show the presence of coliform (bacteria) or nitrates, your drainfield may be failing. 6 Standing liquid over the drainfield, even during dry weather. This may indicate an excessive amount of effluent is moving up through the soil, instead of downward.

How does wastewater get into the ground?

Effluent trickles out of the pipes, through the gravel layer, and into the soil where further treatment occurs. The soil filters the wastewater as it passes (or "percolates) through the pore spaces and the soil microbes treat it before it eventually enters the groundwater . These processes work best where the soil is somewhat dry, permeable, and contains plenty of oxygen for several feet below the drainfield.

Where is the drainfield located?

The drainfield is generally located in a stretch of lawn in the back or side yard of a property . The size and type of drainfield depends on the estimated daily wastewater flow and local soil conditions.

What to plant over drainfield?

Plant only grass or shallow-rooted plants over the drainfield. This will prevent soil erosion.

Why is oxygen needed in sewage?

Oxygen is needed by bacteria to break down and treat sewage. Don't dig in your drainfield. Damage to the pipes can occur. Keep large animals and livestock off the drainfield. Soil compaction prevents oxygen from getting into the soil and prevents water from flowing away from the drainfield.

How does a septic system work?

Understanding how a septic system functions is essential to making sound decisions about how to best landscape over the drain field. A standard septic tank will separate solids from liquids. The liquid effluent, or wastewater, will then flow from the tank into a series of drain lines that allow the effluent to slowly percolate down through ...

How deep are septic drains?

A typical septic drain field (see Figure 1), also known as a leach field, is a series of perforated pipes that are set in trenches and buried with aggregates (½- to 2½-inch gravel or ½- to 4-inch rubber chips) and soil. These drain lines are at a minimum depth of 6 inches and are typically 18 to 36 inches wide. The individual drain lines will usually be 8½ to 10 feet apart (see Figure 2). It is important to note here that each drain field system will vary from the next. It is important that the homeowner have a detailed layout of their system (giving the locations and dimensions of individual components) for their reference.

How to keep moisture from flowing over drain field?

This can be accomplished by diverting runoff from a roof or driveway away from the drain field, and making sure that irrigation systems do not add excessive moisture.

Why plant over a drain field?

Perhaps the most compelling argument for planting into the drain field would be to mitigate any erosion of the soil over the drain field.

How deep are drain lines?

These drain lines are at a minimum depth of 6 inches and are typically 18 to 36 inches wide. The individual drain lines will usually be 8½ to 10 feet apart (see Figure 2). It is important to note here that each drain field system will vary from the next.

What are the most common trees that are damaging drain fields?

Trees with very aggressive root systems that should be avoided include willows, red and silver maples , beeches, birches, elms and poplars. Some trees with less aggressive root systems include cherries, crabapples, dogwoods, hemlock and oaks. To reduce the associated financial risk and emotional stress of a failed system, plant trees at least as far away as their estimated root spread at maturity. There are two methods used to estimate tree root spread. One rule of thumb is that roots extend out from the tree two to four times the diameter of the canopy. Another is that tree roots spread out one to three times the height of the tree. These estimates should be considered a bare minimum, and to reduce the risk, the trees should be planted even further away from the drain field.

What are the plants that drain in South Carolina?

Shallow-rooted herbaceous plants refer to flowering annuals and perennials (including bulbs), turfgrass, weeds and many groundcovers. As previously mentioned, these plants are unlikely to clog and damage drain lines. Many of our native grasses in South Carolina as well as non-native grasses are well suited for use in a drain field planting. Just remember that larger plants typically have larger root systems, so tall grasses like Miscanthus spp. or pampas grass are definitely not recommended for use in this instance. Mixes of wildflowers, bulbs and grasses provide a suitable, attractive vegetative cover.

How far is the septic tank from the well?

200 feet is from the septic tank to the well. The septic tank has a perforated leaching pipe attached; the end of the pipe is approx. 100 feet from the well.

Where do you dispose of septic effluent?

In general, septic effluent must be disposed of on the property from which it originates.

How far apart should a well be from a septic tank?

Common guidelines require at least 50' clearance distance between a well and a septic system tank or 150' between a well and a septic drainfield or leaching bed but you will see that different authorities may recommend different distances. Local soil and rock conditions can make these "rules of thumb" unreliable.

What is the normal septic system loading rate?

"Normal septic system loading" rate is defined as a soil application rate of effluent at 1.0 gallons per day per linear foot of trench along the bottom area of the trench.

How far from a septic line is a property line?

Septic to property line distance requirements vary by country state or Province and are given as examples in tables above on this page. 10 feet or 3M is a common example.

How far is the phosphatr mine from the well?

The Mosaic Phosphatr Mine has a hidden Effluent Pipe 127 ft from our well .

Where is the effluent pipe in Mosaic Phosphate?

Mosaic Phosphate Mining Company has an EFFLUENT pipe hidden in field 130ft from our home and 127 feet from our well.

Overview

Septic drain fields, also called leach fields or leach drains, are subsurface wastewater disposal facilities used to remove contaminants and impurities from the liquid that emerges after anaerobic digestion in a septic tank. Organic materials in the liquid are catabolized by a microbial ecosystem.
A septic drain field, a septic tank, and associated piping compose a septic system.
The drain field typically consists of an arrangement of trenches containing perforated pipes and …

Design

Operation and maintenance

See also

External links