How to Make a Septic Tank Field
A septic system contains two primary components, a septic tank and the field lines. The field lines will allow the gradual absorption of water into the ground. The amount of field line needed will be determined by the size of the home, the number of bedrooms in the home and the results of the perc test. Once the size of the field line is known, you can begin work. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Digging equipment
- Gravel
- Perforated PVC pipe
- Geotextile material
- Distribution box
Instructions
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Once you have determined the amount of field line required, you will need to design the layout to fit your property. For example, if it is determined you will need 300 feet of field line, this could be made into two 150-foot lines or three 100-foot lines, depending on what will fit your property size and shape. There should be a minimum of 6 feet between each line.
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Dig a single ditch from the tank to the point at which the separate lines will begin. This ditch needs to be 6-inches wide and approximately 1-foot deep. Lay a 4-inch PVC pipe from the tank to this point, and install a distribution box. This concrete box will have a single inlet hole and as many outlet holes as you will have field lines.
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Dig a similar ditch from the distribution box to the beginning of each field line. The field lines should be dug approximately 30-inches deep and 24-inches wide. More 4-inch PVC pipe will travel from the distribution box to the beginning of each field line.
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Place a minimum of 12 inches of crushed rock or gravel in each of the field lines. Rack it smooth, then install 4-inch perforated PVC pipe the full length of the ditch. This perforated pipe will be connected to the pipes coming from the distribution box. Cover the pipe with more gravel, then install a sheet of geotextile material atop the gravel. This will prevent dirt from filtering into the field line and causing drainage issues. You are now ready to back fill the ditch with dirt. Be certain to mound the dirt slightly to allow for settling.
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Tips & Warnings
In many areas, you will be required to have the septic system inspected at various stages of completion. Often this will include an inspection just prior to back-filling the ditch. Be certain not to back fill before the inspection process is complete or you may find yourself removing the dirt so the inspector can see the gravel and pipe field.
