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Septic system options

1,765 Views | 14 Replies | Last: 1 mo ago by will.mcg
Ags_2002
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AG
I am building a house and need a septic system. If given an option to do traditional vs aerobic what is better?
Bonfire97
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If you have option to go gravity-fed, then 100% go that route. All the other options (low-dose, aerobic) require maintenance. Those really should only be used in poor soil permeability situations, IMO.
Ags_2002
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I am in very sandy soil, 20+ acres, and nice elevation change. So thinking traditional will be allowable.
Furlock Bones
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definitely go traditional.
Bonfire97
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AG
You should be in great shape then. If your septic contractor tells you otherwise, find someone else.
tgivaughn
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AG
Turn back the clock a few decades please so I can elect NOT having any septic pumps whatsoever! UGH
Ten words or less ... a goal unattainable
The System
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I've had an aerobic system for 8 years. No issues other than needing the tanks pumped every few years. I have a maintenance contract that runs $250/year. They come out quarterly to inspect and add tabs.
OnlyForNow
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AG
Pretty small fee but you're extremely lucky.
UmustBKidding
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Many counties require aerobic even when soil conditions would be fine with much simpler systems. When we built my house we were set to install a low pressure dosing system and no one even knew what one was.
You might ask what is even allowed. Not sure in this county they even know what direction effluent flows.
Courtesy Flush
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Septic contractors will almost always say that an aerobic system is required. I saw a question asked on here once about the jurisdiction of county authorities to force someone to put in an aerobic system. I understand and agree that a land owner should not allow their sewage to run into the ditches, but why should the county be able to tell a land owner that they must install a system that treats the sewage differently if ultimately it is all contained on the land owners property?
OnlyForNow
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AG
It's not really about "treating" sewage differently. It's about how to get rid of effluent (treated, but brown) water.

Easier to say that aerobic systems won't get water off property via the sprinkler system, harder to say with a leech field or pump system.

I think it stated innocently, and is now just an extra fee the county gets (and now wants) for managing paper work.

Think of it like converting your garage into livable (air conditioned space), never tell anyone until you're ready to sell your house because you'll be taxed on the additional AC'd square footage.
Courtesy Flush
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You are right. I did not mean treating as in the sense that it is treated from a sewage treatment perspective. Bad wording on my part.

I just meant that a landowner should be able to decide whether he wants to utilize a conventional or aerobic system on his own property as long as it does not affect his neighbors. He should also disclose what type of system is in place when the property is sold. I question what authority the county has to force a landowner to spend $15,000 on an aerobic system plus all the additional maintenance and repairs just because they deem the soil has too much clay in it.
OnlyForNow
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Whole heartedly agree with your main point.

Ags_2002
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What is expected upfront price savings to do traditional instead of aerobic?
will.mcg
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If your county allows you can pretty easily install a traditional yourself. Need to make sure the tank is level(or low on the outlet side) & basic plumbing for your drain field.
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