Questions and answers about the differen types of septic systems: onsite waste disposal system types.

This septic system design article series lists and describes all of the types of septic systems, including both conventional septic tank and drainfield systems and alternative septic system designs.

FAQs on Definitions of Septic System Types & Onsite Wastewater Treatment Designs

These questions and answers about the different types of septic systems were posted originally at SEPTIC SYSTEM TYPES - master list. Be sure to review that article.

On 2019-06-18 1 by (mod) - Is a modad required ? Are Aerbic Septic Systems Required in Jackson Co MS?

Perhaps you're asking about a" Mo-Dad Class 1 Advanced Wastewater Treatment System" typically a 500 gallon per day capacity aerovic treatment system produced by

Acquired Wastewater Technologies P.O. Box 96 Denham Springs, LA 70727-0096 USA Tel: Local (225) 665-2949 Toll Free (800) 999-0615 http://www.acquiredwt.com

Mo-Dad is an aerobic septic system - described below. If that's your question, then the answer is "not necessarily" - depending on local site conditions, size, soil properties, and local building official inspection.

There are multiple types of septic systems permitted in your area of Mississippi, as you can see in this

WASTEWATER DISPOSAL REGULATIONS JACKSON MS [PDF] Mississippi State Department of Health Post Office Box 1700 Jackson, Mississippi 39215-1700 original source: http://sos.ms.gov/ACProposed/00012764B.pdf

Here is the

MO-DAD I & II INSTALLATION & OWNER'S MANUAL [PDF] retrieved 2019/08/31 original source: http://www.acquiredwt.com/homeowner/assets/MDOM.pdf
Manual excerpt:

The MO-DAD 1, INC. Wastewater Treatment System is an economical alternative for use in treating domestic wastewater generated by normal household activities. The process is based on a single-tank, dual-chamber, extended aeration activated sludge system which is capable of producing an effluent which meets applicable state discharge standards. This system has been successfully tested in accordance with National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Standard 40-2000.

Acquired Wastewater also produces the CajunAire Advanced Septic system

Here is the

CAJUN-AIRE SEPTIC SYSTEM OWNERS MANUAL [PDF] retrieved 2019/08/31 original source: http://www.acquiredwt.com/homeowner/assets/CAOM.pdf
Manual Excerpt:

The process the CajunAire Advanced uses to treat common household wastewater is an extended-aeration activated-sludge process. In your aerobic aeration system, air is introduced into the sewage through diffusion.

When this air is diffused into the untreated wastewater, it promotes the growth of aerobic bacteria and other microorganisms that break down the organic material found in regular household sewage. Sewage is first initiated into the system through the pretreatment chamber after which it flows into the aeration chamber.

The liquid inside of the aeration chamber should be a light brown color. This color is caused by the return of activated sludge from the clarifier. As the wastewater leaves the aeration chamber, it enters this clarifier which is also known as the “quiet zone”.

No mixing occurs inside the quiet zone. In the clarifier, the solids separate from the liquid and settle to the sloped-bottom of the clarifier; this quasi-solid and settling material is called activated sludge.

Activated sludge contains dissolved oxygen and bacteria that are supported by oxygen.

The activated sludge is returned to the aeration chamber through a gap in the base of the clarifier wall. In the aeration chamber, the aeration chamber’s bubbling, rolling action feeds this activated sludge into the aeration process once again until the solids are adequately removed creating a solid-free stream.

The solid-free stream that flows into the clarifier exits the system as a high quality, treated stream that is ready to be re-introduced into the environment.

On 2019-06-17 by Mildred - Is a modad required in Jackson co. Ms.near Vancleave, Ms?

Is a modad required in Jackson co. Ms.near Vancleave, Ms?

On 2019-04-27 by (mod) - Limitations of installing seepage pits on steep slopes

Christina I assume your county authorities are talking about the area where the seepage pit itself is installed as well as some minimum area, perhaps just a few feet (but maybe more) around the pit - they are concerned that on a steeper slope the effluent won't soak away down into the soil but rather it'll break out and run to the surface, down-slope from the pit.

Just how much soil you'd need around a seepage pit on a slope to avoid break-out of wastewater depends on a number of variables such as the soil properties - how porous is the soil, and probably the wastewater volume and seepage pit size and construction.

You need to ask your county how much low-slope area (under 30% slope) they want to see for your county or for your specific site and soil properties.

See details of the math at CONVERT PERCENT GRADE to ANGLE or SLOPE

Example: if the soil slopes from an uphill starting point down 30 feet across 100 feet of horizontal distance that would be a 30% slope.

Remember that to measure the horizontal distance that measuring line must be kept level or "flat"

So in the sketch given here I point out below if vertical distance (c) is 30 feet and horizontal distance (b) is 100 feet then that's a 30% slope or grade.

On 2019-04-27 by Cristina

My county says the seepage pit can only be installed on slopes of 30% or less. Could you please explain how is the slope measured (what distance and direction from the pit)

On 2019-04-26 by (mod) -

SEPTIC CONSULTANTS, DESIGNERS, ENGINEERS https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Septic-Expert-Consultants-Directory.php

has some suggestions

On 2019-04-25 by Phyllis

Who can I contact to Engineer an alternative system?

On 2019-04-08 by (mod) -

Hi Matk

With apologies I'm afraid that no succinct comment is going to be an adequate summary of what constitutes a safe or desirable septic system, except perhaps to argue that if the septic system is designed for the Wastewater load that it will receive an for the soil properties and space it can be safe and functional.

On 2019-04-08 by Mark Maslar

I'd like to learn more about different septic systems that are environmentally safe and cost effective for Connecticut. My old system is very old and I acquire my water my a well that is also located on my property. Thank you

On 2018-12-19 by Jim

I have a property that has a holding tank system assuming because we could not put drainfield is there another alternative so it does not have to be pumping regularly

On 2018-05-29 by (mod) -

Richard

Take a look at BAT MEDIA SEPTIC PLANTS at https://inspectapedia.com/septic/BAT_Septic_Media_Systems.php where there are some sources and citations in the article and in the article's REFERENCES section.

On 2018-05-29 by Richard Laird

I am looking for prices for a BAT septic system and if it can be used in Allegheny County, Pa.

On 2018-11-05 by (mod) - no posting of ads please

Eliecer

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On 2018-05-29 by (mod) - prices for a BAT septic system

Richard

Take a look at BAT MEDIA SEPTIC PLANTS where there are some sources and citations in the article and in that article's REFERENCES section.

Typical additional costs for a BAT media septic plant start at around $10,000 to $15,000 above a conventional septic system that fits your site. The base cost that you have to add to those numbers vary so considerably by country and city or province or state that I'm reluctant to promise a more-specific estimate when we know nothing about your specific site.

On 2018-05-29 by Richard Laird

I am looking for prices for a BAT septic system and if it can be used in Allegheny County, Pa.

On 2018-04-24 by (mod) -

if you search for the word CESSPOOLS at any inspectapedia on page search box you'll find articles describing that component how it works what is limitations are and why it would be a really bad idea to have a cesspool close to a lake.

The word appeal refers to the location of the Cesspool relative to the lake.

On 2018-04-24 by Charles

Thanks for responding. I have read a little about it.

Not sure what cesspool uphill is.

On 2018-04-24 by (mod) - house that backs up to the lake on a steep rocky embankment.

What you are describing sounds to me like a cesspool uphill from and possibly too close to a body of water. Before rebuilding anyting I would check with the local health and building departments about what you permitted to install in that location.

Otherwise you could find you've wasted your repair money.

On 2018-04-24 by Charles Perkins

Hi, I have a house that backs up to the lake on a steep rocky embankment.

There is two septic containers behind the house made of concrete block. The second container is partially above ground. It is starting to deteriorate and leak.

There is no leach lines. Can you give me ideals on replacement or should I just tear old down and build a new container.

On 2017-10-12 by (mod) -

Fahim

Most model building codes want to see a 2% slope in drain lines, or we use a rule of thumb that we want to see between 1/8" (1% slope) and 1/4" (2% slope) of slope per foot of run.

Using the metric system that's a minimum of about 2 cm / meter (a 2% slope)

On 2017-10-12 by fahim

Hi
Please call my about slope of sewer line pipe or how much slope for sewer line pipe
thanks

On 2017-09-09 by Santu shahaji pansare

How to construct septic tank at Rocky ground

On 2017-07-30 by Becky

We purchased a home that has a "green cell" septic system. We can't find any information on this type, or care requirements for it. Anyone know of another name that might be used for it?

On 2017-02-28 by (mod) - "green cell" septic system

I am not a septic engineer but from what I've read you're on a reasonable track, Dane. Much depends on

- the total available space to dispose of effluent

- the soil properties - for example wet soils won't treat effluent

On 2017-02-28 by Dane

Hello,

I'm building a house in rural Colombia and trying to determine the best septic system to implement. In my research, I'd like to try and create an anaerobic system with an aerated third tank before the effulent is ultimately deposited in to a series of small botanical cells. Would something like this work or am I overlooking something? Any insight would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

On 2016-08-24 by (mod) -

June:

I'd start by being clear on who the authority was who told you what you report.
If you are referring to local health or code officials then their word is law of course.

In that case I'd continue by asking what local septic design authority they'll accept: such as a local septic design engineer.
Then I'd continue by hiring such a designer.

That's because the choice of what type of system will work for your situation is very situation dependent, including depending on:

1. local septic regulations where you live

2. what designs and systems are approved or can be approved where you live

3. your specific site conditions: space, soil type, percolation rate, proximity to bodies of water, other terrain conditions, property setback rules.

You may understand that otherwise, just recommending lists of septic designs risks wasting your time and money by barking up the wrong tree - or flushing down the wrong design.

On 2016-08-24 by june

We have a septic system that has failed. We currently have a septic tank & leech lines, but no sand filter.

We've been told that only half of our leech field is working. We have also been told that our system cannot be repaired; that our tank has to be pumped out,crushed, & filled in; & we have to replace it with an EPA discharging system.

Our house sits on a lot that is between 2/3rds & 3/4ths of an acre & the soil is clay.I would like to know how many different types of mechanical discharging systems there are,how they work,which would work best for our situation while meeting the EPA's standards, & at the best cost.

On 2016-08-08 by (mod) -

All septic system designs need some sort of tank to receive and treat sewage; Your site might work with a packaged small-capacity sewage treatment system that can in many climates reside completely above ground;

Or people bring in fill: constructing a raised bed septic design or a mound septic system. Check the ARTICLE INDEX given above or Search InspectApedia for those terms to read details.

On 2016-08-07 by Anonymous

What if your land is all rock. Is there an alternative to septic tanks?

On 2015-12-26 by (mod) -

There are no dual tank systems that work without a drainfield; the effluent has to go somewhere.

On 2015-12-25 by Anonymous

I have a very high water table and my septic is leaching. In Mexico they have a fiberglass dual tank system that does not have a leach field. Is this system used in New Jersey, summerset county?

On 2015-11-25 by (mod) -

I think your DHEC is referring to a mound or raised-bed septic to which effluent is pumped. Properly designed such septic systems work and are acceptable and durable.

Search InspectApedia for

SEPTIC MOUND SYSTEMS

and

RAISED BED SEPTIC SYSTEMS

to see details.

On 2015-11-25 by Brady

Any helpful input would be appreciated. I am looking at a lot that is in a neighborhood. It did not perc for septic.

The builder said DHEC would allow a septic with a pump? Anybody know which type he may be referring too? Are alternative systems like this common? Are these a money pit? Or with proper care can these last as long as a normal septic tank?

On 2015-09-24 by (mod) -

Linda there are certainly septic designs that can work on a slope; you need an on-site septic engineer to evaluate the site layout, dimensions, soil properties, vs. local septic codes.

On 2015-09-23 by Linda J

Anyone out there know anything about septic systems. This one was built under my mother's house before it was built and now the county wants it out of there.

Unfortunately she is on top of a peninsula so there isn't room because after a deck, it is all downhill to the end of the property. We don't quite know what to do as we have it up for sale and the county says no one can live there until the issue is fixed.

Daniel Friedman, Massachusetts Title 5 Licensed Septic System Inspector, & New York State H.I. License # 16000005303 (inception to 2008).

On 2015-04-02 by (mod) -

John check out the text and live links in the discussion above naming Dosing Systems

Dosing Systems, Pressure or Gravity: Dosing septic systems permit the septic system drain field to rest between effluent doses and, depending on design, may alternate use of drainfield sections. Two broad types of dosing systems are Gravity-Dosing (effluent flows from an effluent tank to the absorption system by gravity) or Pressure-Dosing (effluent is pumped from a dosing chamber to the absorption field).
See Gravity Dosing Septic Systems
and Pressure-dosed Drainfield Septic Systems for details.

On 2015-04-02 by John

We were recommended to use a "fill and wait" style septic system due to massive clay just under the topsoil, what option above is the closest to that style?

On 2015-02-04 by Steph

I am opening a laundry mat in a location with no sewer system to tie into hence a septic system is required. what is the system recommended and how much is it going to cost in the state of Georgia

...

Continue reading  at SEPTIC SYSTEM TYPES - home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS
• SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN ALTERNATIVES - home - list of alternative septic system design types
• SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS - home - list of basic septic system design types
• SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR - home
• SEPTIC SYSTEM TYPES - home

Suggested citation for this web page

SEPTIC SYSTEM TYPES FAQs at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

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