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LARGER SKETCH of a small diameter pressure dosing system - EPAPressure & Drip Dosing Septic Design Specifications
+ list of types of septic dosing systems

Pressure dosing septic system design guide:

This document discusses types of effluent pressure dosing septic systems, including gravity dosing, pressure manifold dosing, rigid pipe pressure dosing, and dripline effluent dosing systems for septic system effluent final treatment and disposal.

Gravity dosing septic system designs, Manifold dosing septic system designs and applications, Rigid pipe dosing septic system designs and applications, Pressure Drip Effluent Dosing Systems - Dripline septic systems for septic effluent disposal. Using Pressure Dosing as a Component of Alternative Septic Systems for Difficult Sites

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

Pressure Dosing & Drip Dosing Septic System Designs

Septic effluent dosing system sketch USDA - DJF

[Click to enlarge any image]

Article Contents

How and When Septic Effluent is Moved Through a Septic System - Methods For Septic Effluent Distribution Using Gravity Systems

Our sketch (left, edited courtesy USDA) shows a generic septic effluent dosing system, combining a septic tank, a dosing tank, a diverter valve,and two septic efflent dispersal loops through a soil absorption field.

Septic effluent is distributed to a system final treatment and disposal using either gravity methods (which depend on terrain slope -

see GRAVITY/SIPHON DOSING SYSTEMS)

or pressure methods - PRESSURE DOSING SYSTEMS (which use a pump to move effluent to its destination treatment and disposal area).

Effluent may be distributed for final soil absorption by several methods listed here:

The purpose of septic effluent "dosing" systems is to place septic effluent in the absorption system or drainfield at intervals rather than continuously. In effect, the effluent dosing chamber forms a "buffer" which receives and stores septic effluent flowing (or being pumped) out of the septic tank until a desired dosing quantity is reached.

Then the effluent is dispersed to the absorption system in one "dose." By distributing effluent at intervals rather than on a more nearly continuous or irregular basis the absorption system can "rest" between cycles, extending its life and possibly increasing its ultimate effluent treatment and disposal capability. Not only does the rest interval permit the absorption system more time to dispose of its effluent, also the exposure of the system to air between doses can reduce the rate of clogging of the drainfield.

Methods For Controlling Septic Effluent Distribution Using Pressure Dosing Systems

The Pressure Dosing Controls Shown Below include a Pressure Dosing distribution manifold (below left) and a pressure dosing distributing control valve. Images courtesy Washington State DEHS.

Pressure Dosing Mainfild - DEHS Washington State

Each septic effluent dosing system has its particular operating characteristics, so one type may be more suitable than others to a particular site. These types of pressure dosing septic systems are discussed here:

Pressure Dosing Distributing Valve - DEHS Washington State

Controlled vs Uncontrolled Effluent Flow Control When Septic Effluent is Moved Through a Septic System

Wastewater effluent is distributed for final treatment over time either by uncontrolled, or controlled methods.

Uncontrolled septic effluent flow: A conventional gravity septic system and drainfield is "uncontrolled". When waste enters the septic tank, it forces the same volume of effluent out of the tank and into the leach field. Some experts call this a continuous or trickling septic system. Conventional septic tank and drainfields use this approach. The timing of effluent movement or "trickle" into the absorption field is based simply on when people are using the building plumbing and thus based simply on when wastewater flows out of the building into the septic tank.

Controlled septic effluent flow: in controlled systems effluent is sent to the final treatment and disposal system such as an absorption field under either mechanical control such as a tipping or siphon system or under pump control, such as by use of a dosing system which makes use of a gravity dosing method or a pressure dosing method such as septic effluent pressure manifold, rigid pipe distribution, or a septic effluent drip network.

In some large wastewater treatment systems with a significant if not uniformly continuous inflow, outflow of the system may be continuous in some designs.

But many system use an intermittent effluent dosing method which operates by a pump controlled perhaps by a float in an effluent receiving chamber, or by a siphoning or tipping bucket mechanical system (gravity systems).

Pressure Distribution and Pressure Dosing Septic System Design Specifications

LARGER SKETCH of a septic effluent pressure dosing pumping stataion - EPA

Pressure-dosed Drainfield Septic Systems use a separate effluent pumping chamber and an effluent pump such as the system in this sketch.

The effluent pumping station is located downstream from the septic tank and is used to move septic effluent into a pressure-fed network of distribution pipes. In some designs the effluent is pumped to move it up to the absorption field where it then moves by gravity. Other systems pressurize the entire piping network.

Pressure dosing is used in a variety of disposal field designs including mounds and sand beds, and have the advantage of being able to distribute effluent uniformly throughout the absorption system, and the disadvantage of added system cost and complexity, along with the requirement for electricity for system operation.

An alternative but possibly less long-term reliable version of a drainfield dosing system that does not require electricity is the siphon system. The sketch shows a generic pumping station of the type used with many pressure dosing systems, source US EPA and Purdue University.

Source for the following is New York State regulations on wastewater treatment and design for individual household septic systems (Note b below) and from the U.S. EPA Wastewater Manual.

(1) These methods permit the rapid distribution of effluent throughout the absorption system followed by a rest period during which no effluent enters the system. The maximum length of absorption lines used in conjunction with these methods shall be 100 feet.

(i) Pressure distribution utilizes a sewage effluent pump to move the effluent through the pipe network and into the soil. The volume discharged in each cycle will exceed the volume available in the pipe network and will be discharged from the pipe under pressure.

(ii) Dosing involves the use of a pump or siphon  for pressure dosing septic systems to move the effluent into the pipe network. Discharge from the pipe is by gravity. The volume of effluent in each dose should be 75% to 85% of the volume available in the pipe network.

(2) Dosing or pressure distribution is recommended for all septic systems as it promotes better treatment of wastewater and system longevity.

(3) In absorption fields, single pressure dosing units are required when the total trench length exceeds 500 feet. Alternate dosing units are required when the length exceeds 1,000 feet.

(4) The use of manually operated siphons or pumps for pressure dosing septic systems is not acceptable.

(5) Pipe used in pressure dosing septic systems distribution shall have a minimum diameter of 1.5 inches and a maximum diameter of three inches. Pipe for siphon dosing is sized to conform with the volume of the dose and can range from three to six inches in diameter based upon the volume of each dose. The ends of all pipes shall be capped.

(6) Only pumps  for pressure dosing septic systems designated by the manufacturer for use as sewage effluent pumps shall be used.

(7) Pump chambers for pressure dosing septic systems shall be equipped with an alarm to indicate malfunction. Siphon dosing systems normally include an overflow to the distribution laterals. Pressure distribution systems shall not be equipped with an overflow.

(8) Pump chambers for pressure dosing septic systems shall be sized to provide a minimum of one day's design flow storage above the alarm level. Siphon chambers shall have a minimum total storage of one day's design flow below the overflow pipe.

Footnote (b): The preceding example septic pressure dosing system design and descriptive data for septic effluent pressure distribution and pressure dosing systems is from Appendix 75-A to Public Health Law, 201(1)(1) New York State Wastewater Treatment Standards - Individual Household Septic Systems, Wastewater Treatment Design and Regulation Section, specifically

chapter 75-A.7 Distribution lines, distribution boxes, gravity flow, pressure distribution, dosing, siphons

Manifold Pressure Dosing Effluent Dispersal Systems

LARGER SKETCH of a rigid pipe pressure dosing effluent dispersal system, details
of design for the distribution manifold - EPA

This sketch shows a closeup of the effluent distribution manifold. The effluent pump moves effluent from the dosing chamber to this manifold under pressure. Pressurized septic effluent leaves the manifold through the small diameter black tubes or "distribution laterals".

Notice that each lateral has an individual control valve permitting the user to balance flow or even to manually alternate which distribution laterals are to be in use and which are to be left at rest.

The enlargers shown at the end of each distribution lateral permit connection of the lateral to a 4" PVC perforated pipe buried in the absorption system.

We'd infer that the effluent dispersal within the 4" pipe is by gravity not by pressure as with the next system discussed below. [Photo, U.S. EPA. Click the sketch to see a larger image of this rigid pipe pressure dosing septic effluent system example.]

Rigid Pipe Pressure Dosing Effluent Dispersal Systems

LARGER SKETCH of a rigid pipe pressure dosing effluent dispersal system - EPA

This sketch shows a septic tank, the pumping chamber, also called a "dosing chamber" which contains the effluent pump, and the network of rigid pipe used to distribute effluent into the soil absorption system.

This design might be used with sand bed systems or mound systems as we discuss in this document. Note that the designer specified that a distribution line cleanout was to be provided at the end of each line.

This rigid pipe pressure dosing sketch appears also at the top of this page and in the EPA's Wastewater Manual. [Photo, U.S. EPA. Click the sketch to see a larger image of this rigid pipe pressure dosing septic effluent system example.]

Pressure Drip Dosing Effluent Dispersal Systems - Drip Line Septic Systems

Photograph of a pressure drip effluent dispersal system - EPA

This EPA sketch shown a basic effluent drip line system layout. Effluent flows from the septic treatment tank to a pumping chamber where an effluent pump moves the effluent to a control chamber. The control chamber feeds effluent to the drip lines.

A field flush or back-flush line is connected from the control chamber back to the tank to return any settled sludge or debris to the system.

The air/vacuum release valve is installed at the very end of the drip line to assure that effluent can flow through the line to its end. [Sketch, U.S. EPA adapted from American Manufacturing - a supplier of this equipment.

See our link to our listing of product sources below. Click the image to see a larger version of this drip line septic effluent dispersal system example.]

Photograph of a pressure drip effluent dispersal system - EPA

This photo shows the pressure manifold (white pipe) and flexible low pressure drip dispersal system lines (black tubing) to be used for septic effluent treatment and disposal.

As the photo caption indicates, the trench has not been filled. These components will be covered, not left exposed.

The smaller diameter black lines are the drip lines which you'll notice are buried close to the ground surface. Probably a warm climate design. [Photo, U.S. EPA, who obtained it from Ayres Associates.

Click the photo to see a larger image of this drip dispersal system example.]

Pressure Dosing Septic System Design Specifications & References

Question: how to size the drain field & trenches using a low pressure dosing system

2017/04/21 Charlie LePage said:

Is there a good reference source for sizing the drain field & trenches using a low pressure dosing system?

Reply:

Charlie:

Keep in mind that soakbed sizing is very dependent on

- the soil percolation rate
- the volume of wastewater to be disposed-of

Typical low pressure dosing system trenches are shallow, 10-18" deep (good for assuring presence of aerobic bacteria) and about a foot to 18" in width. The length of these trenches and their number, as we noted, depend on soil percolation rate and wastewater volume to be handled.

The dosing system design, whether using a pump or other effluent dosing methods, intends to accumulate effluent until a design volume is reached, then effluent is moved to the absorption bed until the bed is fully saturated, then dosing *stops* for an interval (determined by soil properties) to permit treatment and disposal of effluent by bacterial action, soil filtration, evaporation, transpiration, as well as soil absorption.

Shallow rooted plantings can improve field transpiration.

The reserve capacity of the system holding tank has to be able to hold enough wastewater effluent to contain all the wastewater inflow between dosing periods, typically at least 24 hours of wastewater.

References for Drip Dosing & Pressure Dosing Septic System Design Specifications

 




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Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above

Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2021-03-02 by (mod)

@Walter,

If you have a simple, traditional 1 or 2 chamber septic tank, yes you'll probably need a separate clarified-effluent pumping chamber, supporting a pump and float controls, electrical power, and usually an above-ground control box and alarm.

On 2021-03-02 2 by Walter

yes, above ground spray does work in this area. Most, if not all, newer systems are designed that way. I have been able to find some additional information and I'm now just trying to determine if another tank will be required. Thanks for the replay.

On 2021-03-02 by (mod)

@Walter,

I understand the reasoning, and am guessing that your existing drainfield has failed.

Check with your local health or building department; it might be that the type of soil you have will work with aboveground spray-dispersal -or not. Without knowing soil properties area, dispersal rate, etc. we're just speculating.

Also, if you're in an area subject to freezing, any aboveground effluent dispersal method needs to be considered with care.

On 2021-03-02 by Walter

Sorry, I misspoke there. Better phrasing would be to discontinue using the underground dosing pipe in the drainfield and use spray dispersal, either in the current drainfield or a new one. Thx.

On 2021-03-02 by James Ashmore

Looking for a UNC Sea Grant College Publication UNC-SG-82-03 May 1982
Design and installation of low-pressure pipe waste treatment systems booklet.
This booklet was very useful in designing a 1" pvc low-pressure system.

On 2021-03-02 - by (mod) -

@Walter, that's a pretty interesting question. I think the simple answer is probably not. Considered that you're not eliminating the drainfield You're simply changing a method of effluent dispersal.

You still have to have an area on which it can be dispersed and the soil still needs to be able to absorb effluent.

On 2021-03-01 by Walter

Can a pressure dosing system be converted to use spray dispersal and thus eliminate the drain field?

On 2020-10-28 - by (mod) -

John

Please find your question and my detailed reply now near the bottom of the article above on this page. You may need to clear or refresh your browser cache to see the updated page. We welcome your further photos, comments, questions.

On 2020-10-28 by john

how high should the water squirt at the distal end of a dosing system that requires 2.5 feet of head?

On 2020-10-28 - by (mod) -

Thanks for what sounds like an interesting plumbing exam question, John.

2.31 feet of head = 1 PSI

So your 2.5 ft. of head pressure = 1.0822 psi

So at 1 psi you won't see much squirting up, even before you've specified the pipe diameter and flow rate - two critical numbers.

On 2020-10-28 by john

how high should the water squirt at the distal end of a dosing system that requires 2.5 feet of head?

On 2019-11-16 - by (mod) -

Steve

The clearances from the edge of a drip septic system vary by country and state and by just what component of the system we're discussing - maybe as little as 5 ft - again it's not just the property line but what else is nearby. For example a well or stream could be right at the property line - that would increase the distance required .

In the ARTICLE INDEX you'll find SEPTIC CLEARANCE DISTANCES with the details.

On 2019-11-16 by Steve cook

What is the allowable distance from a property line to put in a drip system

On 2018-05-01 - by (mod) -

Your BOH probably knows and has worked with local septic engineers / designers.

On 2018-05-01 by Tom Amon

Thank you. Now to try and find an engineer. I will let you know.

On 2018-04-30 - by (mod) -

Tom,

Heavy clay soil is, as you probably know, a terrible absorber of septic effluent.

Worse, if the system floods in wet weather it is simply not working - risking contaminating the local environment, nearby wells and waterways.

Dosing systems help out with limited-capacity absorption systems by a design that makes sure that the delivery of effluent to the absorption system is done at intervals - protecting the system from failure (flooding) during surges of wastewater or periods of heavy use. Obviously the septic/holding tank has to be big enough to hold the wastewater between doses.

So a pressure dosing system might help if your clay has any absorption at all.

I'd ask a local septic engineer who knows your soil conditions what she thinks.

Let us know what you're told and we might have additional suggestions or follow-up questions you could ask.

On 2018-04-30 by Tom Amon

Currently living in a house on a .21 acre lot. Septic system is traditional with Half Moon pipe field (Believe it is called injector pipe). Soil is heavy clay. System was becoming sluggish so had reinstalled at cost of $3200 using maximum space available. When heavy rains occur, system becomes sluggish still. Was wondering if a a drip or pressure dosing system installation to augment current system may be possible to solve the issue.

On 2017-04-21 - by (mod) -

Charlie: I will add some current septic dosing system design references and your excellent question to the bottom of the article above - it may take 24 hours for the material to appear online depending on where your internet server is located.

Of these, succinct and helpful is inspectapedia.com/septic/LPP-Design-Considerations-NC-DOH-Marinshaw.pdf from Marinshaw but you'll want to see the other documents we cite and provide as PDFs too -

Take a look and ask again if you need more information on dosing system design.

On 2017-04-21 1 by Charlie LePage

Is there a good reference source for sizing the drain field & trenches using a low pressure dosing system?


...

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