SEPTIC SYSTEMS
A septic system is a private method of processing waste. This includes any liquids or solids that leave your home from plumbing fixtures including sinks, toilets, and dishwashers. A system is made of three parts: drain field, the area beneath the drain field, and the actual septic tank.
One of the first types of septic systems uses gravity to drain wastewater from the tank into a series of trenches. Because this system works using gravity, the drainage field must be below the level of the septic tank. Also, the bottom of the trenches must be three or four feet above the water table. This soil above the water table is used to treat the wastewater before it returns to the environment.
The septic tank holds the waste and is buried near the house. Capacity varies depending on the number of bedrooms within the home. The minimum septic tank size will be specified by the building code but can be larger. This is an important consideration if you plan on adding onto your home or converting one of the rooms into an extra bedroom.
Before installing a new septic system, a homeowner should consult with their local county. For example, in Racine County you'll need:
GRAVITY
PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION
One of the next types of septic systems uses pressure distribution. This system has a pump that distributes wastewater evenly throughout the drainage field. The pump tank holds wastewater until a certain point before it releases it into the drainage field. Pressure distribution systems are normally used when there is not enough soil depth to accommodate gravity-based systems.
INSTALLING A NEW SEPTIC SYSTEM IN WISCONSIN
MOUND
One of the next types of septic systems is the mound design. This system is also used when the soil isn't deep enough for a traditional system. These types of septic systems have a sand-filled mound raised over the natural soil above a drainage field. The wastewater is treated as it travels through the sand and into the natural soil.
- Soil report from a Certified Soil Tester (CST)
- Sanitary permit review
- Certified installer
- Sewage system inspection
WHAT IS A SEPTIC SYSTEM AND WHAT DOES IT DO?
A septic system is generally made up of two parts: a septic tank and a leaching field. Your septic system stores and treats sewage and greywater from your home before it is released back into nature (and your local water table.)
