Overview of the Math, Design, and Build of a Septic System

[@jfresh2054]

This calculation is not uniform across all states

[@ColfaxMath]

No this is only my local area

[@handelhumphrey8596]

As a licensed septic installer this gave me some helpful tips, however I do think septic system technology has improved so much over the decades, that there should no longer be this stigma towards the owner builder wanting to learn it for themselves. A norwesco or similar 1000 gallon tank and 2 40’ rows of EZ flow infiltrator system can do the job quite well for most 2-3 bedroom homes. If someone wants to build that in the wilderness, away from wells, curtain drains, rivers, I believe they absolutely have that right. You don’t have to be a skilled operator to run a mini 1.5 ton excavator. These can be rented from most heavy equipment houses and learned within a week. As cities continue to get crowded it is our job as licensed professionals to help facilitate expansion and growth, not hinder it.

[@ColfaxMath]

All very good points

[@henlofren7321]

They'll never find out if you don't tell them ;)

[@ColfaxMath]

@@henlofren7321 ok

[@jimlopez8197]

Very cool overview. Loved it.

[@ColfaxMath]

Thank you

[@pamtnman1515]

Helpful video, thank you

[@ColfaxMath]

Glad to hear it

[@we3k1ngs12]

I’m building a home on CT, also acting as general contractor thanks for the video and your time

[@ColfaxMath]

It's a big undertaking, good luck. I have a whole series of videos of a house I built last year on my other channel Topsaw

[@we3k1ngs12]

@@ColfaxMath I’ll dig into it

[@we3k1ngs12]

@@ColfaxMath link please ty

[@retiredperson4054]

So are the runs (and gravel beds for the leach field) all at the same level (elevation) even though you are on a sloped contour?

[@ColfaxMath]

Yes, that is correct, the little ones follow the topography

[@retiredperson4054]

@@ColfaxMath OK, while considering a piece of property last year and after applying or a state septic permit the state man said I could not build the leach field on a contour? The property has a slope of about a 3/12 or about 15%. My understanding is the leach field had to be about 150 square feet for a 4 bedroom build. My original question was to ask if all of the runs have to be level from one to other to have a level field throughout the bed. In other words each run has to be the same depth and level one to each other?

[@ColfaxMath]

@@retiredperson4054 Im not sure how consistent it is across different areas. Where I am the individual lines have to be level, but not level to each other

[@BurnBrightJoshua]

@@ColfaxMathforgive me for asking but if the individual lines are not level with the other leach lines then only the lowest lines will be saturated with effluent? Based on gravity. What I am saying is: why would the effluent flow uphill? It seems to me that it would flow only to the lowest lines and bypass the higher ones altogether. I am honestly asking. Did this get inspected by an actual inspector? I’m trying to learn about septic.

[@BurnBrightJoshua]

Are you able to manipulate effluent by dbox placement alone?

[@DennisEnglishREHS]

California Onsite Wastewater Treatment Design and Construction Standards calls out in: Section 7.7 "Natural ground slope in all areas used for effluent disposal shall not be greater than 25 percent." 9.4 The following are not allowed to be authorized in a Local Agency Management Program: 9.4.4 Slopes greater than 30 percent without a slope stability report approved by a registered professional.

[@ColfaxMath]

Ok Dennis, thanks for the insight

[@pamtnman1515]

Here in Pennsylvania we have spray irrigation systems for steeper grades and real slopes.