Septic System Installation-Part 1

Summary

In this video, the team walks through the process of installing a septic system, including digging and preparing the site for the tank and infiltration chambers. They showcase the gravity-fed system, with effluent flowing downhill into a drain field. The system consists of a 1,000-gallon tank and a 400-foot infiltration chamber. The crew demonstrates the process of setting up and securing the system using an excavator, highlighting the ease of handling lightweight plastic tanks. The video also provides insights into materials from Pro Source and the overall cost of the project, offering a detailed look at a typical three-bedroom septic installation.

Takeaways

• 😀 The project involves digging a hole for installing a septic system, including a clean-out pipe and a drain field.
• 😀 The plumbing system is gravity-fed, meaning the effluent and water flow downhill from the clean-out pipe.
• 😀 The pipe being installed is about 5 feet underground, and its placement is close to the top of the tank.
• 😀 The planned leech field will be about 6 feet deep, 3 feet deeper than intended, requiring more digging.
• 😀 The goal is for all three leech fields to be at the same height so they fill up simultaneously and overflow from one to the next.
• 😀 The septic system being installed is a 1,000-gallon tank with a 400-foot infiltration chamber, intended for a three-bedroom house.
• 😀 The septic system components, including pipes and chambers, are sourced from Pro Source in Greenville.
• 😀 The installation process involves using a machine to move a lightweight plastic septic tank down the hill for placement.
• 😀 The tank is secured using chains, with a crisscross pattern over the machine bucket to prevent unhooking during transport.
• 😀 The tank's inlet and outlet can be identified by the small dots marked on its sides, indicating which side is higher (inlet) and lower (outlet).
• 😀 The team uses an excavator bucket to lift and transport the infiltrator chamber components when a forklift isn't available.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the clean-out pipe mentioned in the script?

The clean-out pipe serves as a point for accessing the plumbing system for maintenance or clearing blockages. It is located above the underground plumbing, allowing easy access to the system.

Why does the drainage system need to be gravity-fed?

The drainage system must be gravity-fed to allow the effluent and wastewater to flow downhill, ensuring that water and waste can be directed naturally through the system without requiring pumps.

What challenge is mentioned in the script regarding the depth of the leach field?

The challenge is that the first leach field will be 3 feet deeper than recommended, requiring extra digging. This is because the system is designed to be 16 inches deeper than the current pipe and tank setup.

What is the significance of leveling the leach fields mentioned in the script?

Leveling the leach fields ensures that all fields fill up at the same time, allowing for a controlled overflow from one field to the next. This prevents uneven drainage and ensures the system works efficiently.

What is the purpose of the 1,000-gallon tank mentioned in the script?

The 1,000-gallon tank is a crucial component of the septic system, responsible for holding wastewater before it is distributed to the leach field. It provides the necessary volume for a typical three-bedroom septic system.

What are the Ark 36 infiltration chambers used for in the septic system installation?

The Ark 36 infiltration chambers are used to distribute wastewater across the leach field. They allow the water to slowly percolate into the soil, effectively filtering the effluent before it reaches the groundwater.

How is the septic system installation different when using an excavator instead of a forklift?

The excavator is used to handle the heavy lifting and precise placement of components, such as the infiltration chambers, when a forklift is not available. The chains are used to secure the components during transport and installation.

What role do the end caps play in the septic system installation?

The end caps are used to seal the ends of the infiltration chambers, preventing wastewater from leaking out and ensuring that the system functions as designed.

Why is the weight of the septic system components mentioned in the script?

The weight of the septic system components is highlighted to emphasize the ease of handling the materials. The plastic tanks and infiltration chambers are lightweight compared to traditional materials, making installation easier and more efficient.

What is the significance of the dots on the septic tank, as mentioned in the script?

The dots on the septic tank indicate the inlet and outlet. The higher dot corresponds to the inlet, while the lower dot indicates the outlet. This helps in the proper orientation of the tank during installation.