Is infiltrator better than pipe and rock for septic systems?
Newbie here...first posting. First time ever installing septic system, too. So it's the first I ever heard of an infiltrator...and now I'm not sure whether to go with this newer technology or the old/tried true pipe and gravel septic system. I'll be building a small retirement place in the country in SC and there will be just two of us living in a 3/2 with few overnight guests. Has anyone here installed the infiltrator as opposed to the traditional pipe and rock system? Is the jury still out on infiltrators? They seem kinda flimsy to me...and they only have a five year warranty, which seems oddly short and doesn't build up my confidence in these systems. Educated opinions, anyone? Experience with either/both as an installer or owner? The old tried and true rock and pipe is the best for what your doing. I have heard some of the newer stuff tends to cave-in or collapse over time. The sdr35 pipe will last a very long time. The pipe and rock will take up less room than some other types. Stone systems are tried and true; so are horse and buggies, so are slide rulers but time and technology have moved on. Infiltrator is not new by any means. The Infiltrator Chamber has been around for 20+ years and other chamber types for 40+ years. One out of every three onsite systems currently installed in the US is an Infiltrator Chamber System. If you choose a stone system, think about what warranty your stone system will have… 0 years, possibly a one year warranty from the contractor (ask him to verify) but no warranty from the stone quarry manufacturer. One way to view this is that either system will serve your needs because with onsite wastewater treatment systems it is not the product type that determines the success. The longevity of the system is determined by: the proper design, proper installation and most of all the homeowner who operates and maintains the system. This is critical to remember in conjunction with your consideration of the type of system to install. The infiltrator is a good system. Percolates better and takes up less room then gravel. Gravel is old school now. Then if you ever needed replacment down the road, there is no old gravel to haul out. But I doubt you will need replacement with the infiltrator. More money then gravel, but not by much. You get what you pay for. If I were you I would have two leach fields installed (Infiltrators). Use a bull run valve. You alternate between fields yearly. It will be the last septic you will need. http://www.americanonsite.com/american/catalog/brv.html Also a washer will clogg any septic system. The ideal situation is to have a seperate drywell for it. Even water a plant bed with it. But codes dont allow it in most areas. Your best bet if you are draining a washer in a septic is this. Best filter I know thats made for washer flow rates, and actually works. Mike NJ
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