We design several different types of systems depending on site needs. These consist of conventional in-ground or mounded systems, low pressure distribution systems (LPP), aerobic treatment systems, nitrogen reducing systems, nutrient reduction systems and drip irrigation systems.

Nitrogen-nutrient-reduction septic systems have the drip line installed relatively shallow in the soil profile. Plant roots take up the wastewater and the remaining nutrients and use it for the growth process of the plant. A good amount of water is also lost directly through evaporation into the air. Very little, if any, wastewater percolates down into the groundwater. Almost all of the wastewater in a conventional septic system moves down through the soil and into the groundwater table. This can lead to contamination of the groundwater which eventually recharges our aquifer.

Why is nitrogen and nutrient removal important? Various forms on nitrogen are known to have adverse effects on our health. Nitrogen and other nutrients in the wastewater can also affect ecosystems such as lakes and oceans. In Florida, there is a rising concern for the health of our natural springs. Although onsite-systems consistitute a small part of the overall nitrogen problem, it is necessary, and relatively easy, to reduce the total-nitrogen emitted from septic-systems to affect the long term health of our springs and waterways.

A low pressure system can be very expensive. This is due to the drainfield being very large. This system can be very labor intensive because the network of piping that is placed in the drainfield has to be put together, holes drilled and the pipe properly placed or hung in the drainfield product. In a mounded system the cost goes up due to the large amount of fill that has to be brought in to build the mound. The cost goes up even more when an excavation has to be performed beneath the drainfield.  Excavations in mounded systems commonly exceed depths of 30 to 50 inches below the ground surface.

Aerobic treatment-drip irrigation systems are a more cost effective alternative as they occupy a much smaller foot print and are much easier and less time consuming to install. Mounds are dramatically reduced using this type of system. Excavations are significantly less and in most cases can be completely eliminated if an aerobic treatment-drip irrigation system is installed.

Aerobic treatment-drip irrigation systems eliminate future drainfield repairs. Because most homes use the majority of their water in very short periods of time, primarily in the morning, the drainfield can receive up to 70% of the daily flow in the period of just 1 to 2 hours. This leads to drainfield saturation and overloading. Additionally, because of Florida’s frequent and heavy rains, drainfields are often already saturated with water. Saturation leads to very little oxygen being present in the soil which accelerates the development of the bio-mat. 

Aerobic treatment-drip irrigation systems virtually eliminate drainfield failure because the wastewater is treated to such a high degree. There is essentially nothing in the water for the bacteria in the soil to work on so a bio-mat builds at an extremely slow rate if at all. The soils are moistened not saturated because the wastewater is delivered evenly over the entire dripfield. The dispersal of all of the water used in a day occurs over a 24 hour period. The drip line is installed in the root zone so most of the water is taken up by plant roots and used in the growth process of the vegetation. The remainder of moisture is lost through direct evaporation into the air. This allows oxygen to remain in the soil which is vitally important.

Areas that require mounds typically require an expensive excavation of a severely limiting soil condition. It’s expensive because it must be backfilled with good imported material. Excavations can extend 30 to 50 inches or more below the ground surface. Excavations can usually be completely eliminated by installing an aerobic treatment-drip irrigation system.

A combination of reduced footprint and reduced setback requirements enable aerobic treatment-drip irrigation systems to be installed in areas where the conventional septic system just won’t fit. Aerobic treatment-drip irrigation systems almost always cost less than the conventional system in mounded scenarios. These systems also cost less than the conventional system where large homes are proposed. The larger the home, the more cost effective an aerobic treatment-drip irrigation system is.

Aerobic treatment-drip irrigation systems consist of a trash tank (septic tank), where the solids are retained, an aerobic treatment unit, a dose tank with pump and a dripfield. The dripfield slowly and uniformly distributes the wastewater through emitters. The dripline usually has 12 inch spacing between emitters. Timed distribution events throughout the day disperse the wastewater throughout the entire dripfield area.

Aerobic treatment-drip irrigation systems have advantages over a conventional or low pressure system. Virtually 100% reuse of wastewater is obtained. That is, almost 100% of the wastewater is recycled and applied via the drip line 6 to 9 inches below the soil surface in the root zone of plants, shrubs or grass. Whatever type of plant is placed within the area of the drip line will be completely irrigated by your treated wastewater.

A septic tank-drainfield system can also fail as a result of the system being designed by an individual who poses a certification or professional license that enables them to design systems but lack the proper training and experience. Many septic tank-drainfield systems fail because the soil conditions were not accurately determined and documented. This is why it is advantageous to have a certified professional soil scientist perform the site and soil investigation. If your system fails within a year or two of installation, failure is likely a result of hydraulic overload. Hydraulic overload is where too much water is going through the system.

A conventional system can be installed completely below the soil surface if the soil conditions are good and the groundwater is deeper in the soil profile. These types of systems allow for gravity flow of the wastewater through the tank and into the drainfield.

A raised or mound system is required in areas where an elevated groundwater table is present. Mound systems can be unsightly and often create space that is essentially useless except to run a lawn mover over (drip systems can significantly reduce mound height and overall footprint). Conventional and mound systems can be constructed using materials such as rock and pipe or alternative drainfield products such as chambers or multi-pipe. All of these convey the wastewater across the bottom of the drainfield or absorption surface.

Every conventional system (in-ground, mounded or LPP) will fail at some point in time. Drainfield failure is the result of microbial activity that occurs while the “pollutants/contaminants/nutrients” are being broken down by bacteria in the soil. A bio-mat builds up over the absorption surface of the drainfield as a result of the microbial activity. This bio-mat severely impedes water movement into the soil. When water cannot move into the soil, a back-up into your house will result. If your system contains a pump, a “blowout” in your yard will usually occur when the drainfield is in failure.