Engineered Septic System Information Page

What is an engineered septic system? An engineered septic system is often used in cases where a conventional septic system cannot be installed.  Septic systems are still possible on properties with soil that does not percolate, but these engineered septic systems often require additional earth-moving and/or pumping systems (percolate refers to how quickly water passes through the soil). The basic three limiting factors on the placement of the septic system are the ground water table, bedrock, and local health ordinances. The local health department may require an engineered septic system when the soil or ground water conditions are not ideal. They can also be required when the field is located uphill from the home. Most engineered systems include a pressure distribution, or pumping, system.  There are many different types of engineered septic systems, and different contractors will refer to their features by different names, so things can be a little difficult to understand at times.  Engineered septic system are often more complex, expensive and difficult to maintain than regular septic system. As a result, it is especially important to properly maintain them.  For more information on how to properly maintain your septic system, go to: http://www.laundry-alternative.com/septic_system_maintenance.htm   As you may know from researching this topic, failing septic systems are a major financial and environmental problem in this country. Expensive septic repairs can often run from $5,000 to $20,000 or more and a large number of systems are failing throughout the country. For news stories related to failing septic systems and tightening regulations you can go to: http://www.laundry-alternative.com/failingseptic.htm