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Infiltrator® chamber septic system leach field installation instructions

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The Infiltrator chamber septic system leach field differs from conventional leach fields, which use perforated plastic pipes laid in a twelve inch gravel bed.   It is not a stretch of the imagination to envision those small holes clogging faster than a three foot wide chamber.   That's why TheNaturalHome.com only sells the best!   Infiltator chamber leach field units are high-density polyethylene arches that interlock to form a continuous drainage area with a much greater storage ("surge") volume than conventional pipe leach fields.   Installation simply involves digging a series of three foot wide trenches (or a large rectanglar bed as shown below), connecting the Infiltrator chambers, and backfilling with the soil you originally removed.   As a general rule, trenches ("fingers") should be no longer than fifty feet (twelve Infiltrators long) for best function.   Unless you are installing as a "bed" system, leave at least six feet of undisturbed soil between fingers.   In practice, this six feet of undisturbed soil between trenches becomes eight feet or more since you don't want to compact the soil above the Infiltrators; one should allow at least the width of the backhoe between trenches.   And don't forget to loosen the soil twelve inches below bottom of the trench ("scarify") before installing the Infiltrators leach chambers.   The worst mistake you can make is to compact ("smear") the soil in bottom of a leach field trench.   You want to be sure to loosen the soil to allow for proper percolation of effluent.   No gravel is needed - but gravel is always an option to aid percolation in poor soils.   No geotextile fabric is need - but in sandy soils, it is recommended to cover the tops of your chambers with fabric to keep sand from migrating into the chambers.   Traditionally, the fabric atop the chambers is covered with 3/4 inch nominal crushed stone and then yet another layer of fabric atop the stone.   This is "over-engineering" but excellent insurance for long-term viability.   As with most construction techniques, it is always best to do the job right the first time.

The septic system's leach field is seldom given the attention it so richly deserves.   Most people don't understand that perforated pipe in a gravel bed is NOT the best choice for a long-lasting, durable septic system.   Infiltrator® chamber leach field systems are far superior in every aspect: root infiltration protection, optimal percolation, long term viability, resistance to traffic, retention capability for heavy load days, and more.   You don't need to hire an engineer to design your septic system in most areas.   Your local regulatory officials will likely allow you to submit a site plan and pull your installation permits as the "homeowner-builder".   Save money by renting a backhoe and installing your own septic system!   In general, budget around $1800 for two bedroom home leach field, $2300 for a three bedroom, and around $2800 for a complete 4 bedroom Infiltrator chamber leach field kit.   Total package price depends upon leach field layout (bed versus trench) and number of Infiltrator chambers required, which is not known until you get a soil test and a copy of the local Individual Sewage Disposal System ("ISDS") regulations.   Local building code supplies the equation used to calculate leach field size: number of bedrooms X percolation rate of the soil.   Installation is relatively straight-forward, but even seasoned professionals can get too mired in 'how they've always done it' to realize there are better ways to approach any project.   We're here to help every step of the way, doing our best to ensure you don't make that one critical mistake, like not venting your leach field properly.

We do not ship septic tanks or Infiltrator chamber systems outside of Colorado.   We are not the manufacturer; Infiltrator distributors can be found online at: www.infiltratorsystems.com.   If you live outside of Colorado, we can consult on your project see $450 consultation package, but we do not ship septic tanks or Infiltrator chambers much past a 100 mile Denver radius.   Motor freight charges of $500 or more for such a large item always makes it much cheaper to purchase locally.   Any plumbing supply store can sell or refer you to a local tank supplier.   Any local retailer of plastic sewer pipe can get Infiltrator chambers and septic tanks for you.

Left click here for Infiltrator septic chamber installation details

click here to view Infiltrator® chamber system installation manual 142KB .pdf
click here for our main septic system design chapter with complete products & pricing
click here for our website's septic tank installation detail page
click here for a guide to septic tank installation in normal soils 4MB .pdf
click here for tank installation in clay soil and/or high groundwater 4MB .pdf

Theoretically, over ninety percent of the solid waste entering your septic tank is broken down by anaerobic bacteria.   The remaining sludge builds up until you pay to have it pumped out.   If your septic tank is not pumped regularly, solid waste eventually overflows into the leach field where the soil clogs, your field "fails" and has to be replaced, which is a very messy and costly affair.   By the way, don't believe those advertisements you see for "digesters" which are supposed to "save" your leach field and "clean" up your  septic tank.   A healthy, well-designed system works without any assistance.   An unhealthy, ill-designed septic system is going to fail regardless of how much digester you flush down the toilet   Plus, who knows what these "natural" digester enzymes are going to do to your water quality.   That's why we don't sell them!   By far, the best thing you can do for your leach field health and longevity, is to properly vent.   Both ends of each finger/row of chambers should be vented by bringing an inspection port to the surface and drilling numberous 1/16 to 1/8 inch diameter holes.   By allowing fresh air to draft through the chambers, aerobic bacterium thrive and compost particulates.   The soil underneath never goes sour and bio-mat formation is greatly reduced.

Do-it-yourself infiltrator chamber leach field sewage disposal system basic bed style layout - variations exist.

click here for our main septic system design chapter with complete products & pricing

Save money by renting a backhoe and installing your own septic system!   In general, budget around $1800 for two bedroom home, $2300 for a three bedroom, and around $2800 for a complete 4 bedroom Infiltrator chamber leach field kit.   Total package price depends upon leach field layout (bed versus trench) and number of Infiltrator chambers required, which is not known until you get a soil test and a copy of the local Individual Sewage Disposal System ("ISDS") regulations.   Local building code supplies the equation used to calculate leach field size: number of bedrooms X percolation rate of the soil.   Installation is relatively straight-forward, but even seasoned professionals can get too mired in 'how they've always done it' to realize there are better ways to approach any project.   We're here to help every step of the way, doing our best to ensure you don't make that one critical mistake, like not venting properly.   We do not ship septic tanks or Infiltrator chamber systems outside of Colorado.   We are not the manufacturer; Infiltrator distributors can be found online at: www.infiltratorsystems.com.   If you live outside of Colorado, we can consult on your project see $450 consultation package, but we no longer ship septic tanks or Infiltrator chambers much past 100 mile radius of Denver.

click here to view Infiltrator® chamber system installation manual 142KB .pdf

click here or on one of these two images for Infiltrator installation details

click here to view Infiltrator® chamber system installation manual 142KB .pdf

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