Using Gravity, Siphon, or Float-Controlled Effluent Dosing as a Component of Alternative Septic Systems for Difficult Sites InspectAPedia® -
Designs for various types of septic effluent dosing systems without electricity - how do septic effluent dosing systems work
Septic system designs using gravity dosing, effluent tipping buckets, drip systems
Septic system designs using bell siphons
Septic system designs using float controlled effluent dosing mechanisms
Alternatives to pressure dosing septic systems, no electrical power
This septic system design article defines, describes, and explains the operation of the types of effluent gravity dosing septic systems, including gravity dosing,
using septic effluent tipping buckets, tipping pans, or dipping systems, bell siphons, or float-controlled (floating outlet) effluent dosing systems
for septic system effluent final treatment and disposal. We explain how non-electric float or gravity-operated septic dosing systems are designed, installed, and how they work.
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The page top image shows a sketch of a basic septic system design using gravity dosing, with effluent flowing from a septic tank to a dosing chamber and from
there to a drainfield. Image: Indiana state health department. Citation of this article by reference to this website and brief quotation for the sole purpose of review are permitted. Use of this information at other websites, in books or pamphlets for sale is reserved
to the author. Technical review by industry experts has been performed and is ongoing - reviewers welcomed and are listed at References.
Readers interested in septic effluent pressure dosing systems should also see PRESSURE DOSING SYSTEMS.
Gravity Dosing or Siphon Dosing Septic System Designs
How and When Septic Effluent is Moved Through a Septic System - Methods For Septic Effluent Distribution Using Gravity Systems
Our sketch (left, source US EPA) shows a generic septic effluent pressure dosing system, combining a septic tank, a dosing tank, a diverter valve,and two septic effluent dispersal loops through a soil absorption field.
Septic effluent is distributed to a system final treatment and disposal using either gravity
methods (which depend on terrain slope - see GRAVITY/SIPHON DOSING SYSTEMS) or pressure methods - PRESSURE DOSING SYSTEMS (which use a pump
to move effluent to its destination treatment and disposal area). Effluent may be distributed for final soil absorption by several methods listed here:
Single Effluent Line: A 4" perforated PVC pipe receives effluent by gravity from the septic tank. The pipe is buried in a gravel trench and may be run in a straight line or a loop.
Distribution Box/Network of Lines A distribution box receives effluent by gravity from the septic tank and routes it to a network of perforated pipes.
The network is made of multiple independent trenches which maybe on a flat or sloped site.
Serial relief line: multiple, serially connected trenches are built on a sloping site and used serially.
Drop box: multiple independent trenches are built on a sloping site, connected from drop boxes.
Methods For Septic Effluent Distribution Using Pressure Dosing Systems
How septic effluent dosing systems work
Septic effluent dosing systems have an effect on the drainfield much like flushing a toilet: the drainfield may be at rest, then it has to receive a surge of wastewater effluent. The size of the dosing tank or dosing mechanism determines the size of the effluent dose, and the controls on the system (electronic, float, tipping by gravity, etc) set the dosing interval.
To extend drainfield life and/or to accommodate soils with poor percolation rates, some dosing systems, particularly those using mechanical or gravity-operated dosing mechanisms, use alternating siphons or tipping dosers that can flush septic effluent into alternating septic drainfield areas.
Because some solids that flowed out of the septic tank may settle in the dosing tank, it is a good idea to periodically inspect and clean the dosing tank when the septic tank itself is pumped, cleaned, and inspected.
Pressure dosing systems, by using pumps and a network of distribution piping, move septic effluent uniformly
from an effluent dosing chamber to the entire absorption system field. Effluent accumulates in a dosing
chamber until it reaches the "dose" level.
A float switch or other control activates an effluent pump to move
the effluent dose to the absorption system.
General Specifications for Pressure Dosing Systems and
types of pressure dosing systems are described in more detail at
PRESSURE DOSING SPECIFICATIONS
including pressure manifold dosing systems, rigid pipe network dosing systems, and dripline or irrigation dosing systems.
Non-Pressure Methods of Effluent Handling: Gravity Dosing, Bell Siphon Dosing, Float Dosing:
Dipping or Tipping Dosing for effluent dispersal: 4" perforated pipe, with or without a
distribution box, are installed all at a single elevation.
A hinged "bucket" chamber receives effluent and periodically, as it fills, the bucket tips to spill effluent into
the piping system (A "dipping" or "tipping" system)
Float Control Dosing Systems are similar to Tipping systems for moving effluent but use a float, typically hinged. An example of a floating outlet design for dosing systems for septic effluent disposal can be seen in animation at Rissy Plastics FLOUT floating outlet for septic effluent dispersal.
Bell Siphon Septic Dosing - a bell and siphon
method of moving effluent to the drainfield) and float-controlled septic effluent dosing system designs are also
available. Gravity dosing systems distribute effluent periodically rather than continuously to the absorption field,
letting the field rest between doses and extending its life and capacity. However because the effluent dose is "poured"
suddenly into the drainfield, local spot or point overloading may still occur. Gravity dosing systems are described in
detail at GRAVITY/SIPHON DOSING SYSTEMS
(Gravity or siphon dosing systems for septic effluent disposal are discussed in more detail just below).
Controlled vs Uncontrolled Effluent Flow When Septic Effluent is Moved Through a Septic System
Wastewater effluent is distributed for final treatment over time either
by uncontrolled, or controlled methods.
Uncontrolled septic effluent flow: A conventional gravity septic system and
drainfield is "uncontrolled". When waste enters the septic tank, it forces
the same volume of effluent out of the tank and into the leach field. Some experts call this
a continuous or trickling septic system.
Conventional septic tank and drainfields use this approach.
The timing of effluent movement or "trickle" into the absorption field is based simply on when people
are using the building plumbing and thus based simply on when wastewater flows out of the building into
the septic tank.
Controlled septic effluent flow: in controlled systems effluent is
sent to the final treatment and disposal system such as an absorption field
under either mechanical control such as a tipping or siphon system or under
pump control, such as by use of a septic effluent pressure manifold or
a septic effluent drip network.
In some large wastewater treatment systems
with a significant if not uniformly continuous inflow, outflow of the system may be
continuous in some designs. But many system use an intermittent effluent dosing method which operates by
a pump controlled perhaps by a float in an effluent receiving chamber, or by a siphoning
or tipping bucket mechanical system (gravity systems) which we discuss here.
Gravity Dosing System - General:
The purpose of septic effluent "dosing" systems is to place septic effluent in the absorption system or drainfield
at intervals rather than continuously. In effect, the effluent dosing chamber forms a "buffer" which receives and
stores septic effluent flowing (or being pumped) out of the septic tank until a desired dosing quantity is reached.
Then the effluent is dispersed to the absorption system in one "dose." By distributing effluent at intervals rather
than on a more nearly continuous or irregular basis the absorption system can "rest" between cycles, extending its
life and possibly increasing its ultimate effluent treatment and disposal capability.
Not only does the
rest interval permit the absorption system more time to dispose of its effluent, also the exposure of the
system to air between doses can reduce the rate of clogging of the drainfield.
Bell Siphon Septic Effluent Dosing Systems
Bell siphon effluent dispersal systems are a septic effluent dosing method that has been in use since about 1900. Bell siphon dosing systems use a bell-shaped
cover over a vertical dosing chamber outlet pipe, combined
with a vent pipe that lets air out of the bell chamber to control
effluent flow.
Effluent level in the dosing chamber rises in both the
chamber and inside the bell (through the open bottom of
the bell). As effluent rises, air inside the bell vents out
through a small-diameter pipe.
When effluent in the dosing chamber reaches the level of
the bell-vent pipe outlet (which is letting air out of the bell),
liquid rising inside the bell slows (as no more air escapes the bell)
and the remaining air trapped inside the bell begins to push
out of the dosing chamber outlet pipe and trap.
When effluent reaches the maximum design level in the
dosing chamber, air in the trap (at maximum pressure) is
expelled through the dosing chamber trap and is followed by
the dose of septic effluent, starting a siphon action.
The siphon action moves effluent from the dosing chamber
to the absorption field, leach field or sand filter bed.
As effluent leaves the dosing chamber the effluent level
in the chamber drops until it reaches the open bottom of
the bell. At this point the siphon action is "broken" and
siphoning of effluent out of the chamber stops.
Bell siphon effluent dispersal designs deliver a fixed
effluent dose to the absorption system or drainfield
at a frequency which will depend on the rate of usage
of the septic system, or the rate of flow of wastewater
into the system.
An example of a bell siphon effluent dosing system including
a simple animation can be seen at
Fluid Dynamic Siphons,. Contact
Fluid Dynamic at 970-879-2494 or info@siphons.com - Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
Also see pressure and gravity dosing discussions in Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf.
Dipping or Tipping Septic Effluent Dosing Systems
A septic tipping dosing system, also referred to as a bucket tipping or tipping pan,
uses a bucket mounted on an axle or hinge inside of an effluent dosing chamber to first accumulate and
then dispense septic effluent to the absorption system (referred to in some countries such as
New Zealand and Australia as "filtration disposal trenches".
Effluent flows from the
septic tank to the dosing chamber, filling the bucket. As the bucket is hinged near its center line,
and because the front of the bucket is wedge shaped, as the bucket fills to a specified level or "dose"
of effluent, the weight of the effluent causes the bucket to "tip" forward, spilling its contents into
the dosing chamber.
An effluent drain connected at the bottom of the dosing chamber directs the tipped
effluent to the drain field or soil absorption system.
The size of the bucket in gallons determines the dose of effluent that it will apply to the
drainfield. The rate of fill of the dosing bucket depends of course on the in-flow rate
of sewage to the septic tank.
Tipping bucket dosing mechanisms operate without requiring electricity and are an alternative to
siphon dosing systems described above and float-controlled dosing systems described below.
Float Control or Floating Outlet Septic Effluent Dosing Systems
Float controlled septic effluent dispersal systems use a combination of a mechanical float to
open or close the septic effluent holding chamber and gravity to move effluent from the
chamber to the soil absorption system or drainfield.
An example, the Flout™ from Rissy
Plastics is shown in the photo and described here. This model permits alternate dosing between
two absorption system sections.
[This description is based on the Flout (TM) float control dosing system component
produced by Rissy Plastics and has been reviewed and technical suggestions
edited by that manufacturer. See our link to
technical reviewers.]
The patented Flout™ septic effluent dispersal system uses a mechanical Floating Outlet to control effluent holding/discharge cycle.
Effluent flows from the septic tank to directly into the dosing chamber.
A pump may be used to transfer the effluent where the septic tank is lower than dosing chamber.
The Flout blocks discharge from the dosing chamber until the desired volume of effluent is collected.
The Flout floats up on the surface of the effluent until it reaches the upper limit of travel.
As more effluent flows into the tank, it over flows into the Flout body causing the Flout to stop floating and to sink
to the floor of the chamber, allowing effluent to pass out of the dosing chamber to the absorption system.
Typically a conventional leach field or a raised sand bed filter is used but manufactured wetlands can also be utilized.
Float-controlled dosing systems operate without requiring electricity (unless a pump is used to move
effluent up to the dosing chamber).
Gravity powers the flow of effluent from the chamber to the soil absorption system.
The Flout™ may be left mothballed in place at say a vacation home. No extra steps are required
to re-activate the system. The Flout never requires priming or recharging of the air bubble like a bell siphon
To handle various dosing volumes or flow rates, floating outlets can be arranged in a
single float controlled outlet
or alternatively in
multiple outlet systems.
Designs that alternate between two or more outlets (pictured at the top of this section)
permit alternate drain field use, providing for longer
rests between dosing cycles.
Ganged outlets (double, triple or more Floats operating at once) to provide for larger
dosing quantities and flow rates out of the same effluent chamber. Ganged Flouts also provide the only true parallel
effluent distribution, insuring the same amount of effluent flows out of each outlet every time.
Effluent dosing quantities per cycle range from about 30 gallons to 2000 gallons, depending on the size and dimensions
of effluent dosing chamber. The Flout™ can have a drawdown of 8" to 52" and should be sized to fit the chamber.
The manufacturer (see below) asserts that this design is easier to install than a bell siphon system.
It tolerates out of level conditions better and never requires priming. Effluent pumping from the
septic tank is only needed where the septic tank is lower than the dosing chamber, and simpler,
less costly pumps are required than with other dosing systems. Certainly in comparison with pressure
dosing systems (see links at page left) this will be the case.
An example of a floating outlet design for dosing systems for septic effluent disposal can be seen in animation at Rissy Plastics FLOUT floating outlet for septic effluent dispersal.
Critique, contributions wanted: Contact Us to suggest corrections or additions to articles at this website, and if you wish, to receive online listing and credit as a contributor. Particular thanks are due to the many experts and also consumers who read and critique technical articles at InspectAPedia.com.
Additional technical contributors & reference sources for this article are listed below.
Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.
Mark Cramer Inspection Services Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, Mr. Cramer is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors and is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator. (727) 595-4211 mark@BestTampaInspector.com
Hankey and Brown home inspectors, Eden Prairie, MN, technical review by Roger Hankey, prior chairman, Standards Committee, American Society of Home Inspectors - ASHI. 952 829-0044 - hankeyandbrown.com
Rissy Plastics, 350 Cedar Lane, Torrington, CT 06790 USA, Tel: 877-221-4426, Email: tanxrus@aol.com, for information about the the Flout™ floating outlet valve dosing system control for septic systems and onsite wastewater disposal.
Construction Guidelines for Gravity and Flood-Dose Trench Onsite (Septic) Systems, Indiana state health department
Maintenance of Low Pressure Distribution Septic Systems, Vermont Cooperative Extension
Dosing Gravity Drainfield Systems, Recommended Standards and Guidance for Performance, Application, Design, and Operation & Maintenance, Washington
State Department of Health, July 1, 2007
Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf.
Septic Effluent Dosing System Designs, Products and Suppliers
Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf.
Rissy Plastics, 350 Cedar Lane, Torrington, CT 06790 USA, Tel: 877-221-4426, Email: tanxrus@aol.com, for information about the the Flout™ floating outlet valve dosing system control for septic systems and onsite wastewater disposal.
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
Advanced Onsite Wastewater Systems Technologies, Anish R. Jantrania, Mark A. Gross. Anish Jantrania, Ph.D., P.E., M.B.A., is a Consulting Engineer, in Mechanicsville VA, 804-550-0389
(2006), Advanced Onsite Wastewater Systems Technologies.
Outstanding technical reference especially on alternative septic system design alternatives. Written for designers and engineers, this book is not at all easy going
for homeowners but is a text we recommend for professionals--DF.
AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEMS
Builder's Guide to Wells and Septic Systems, Woodson, R. Dodge: $ 24.95; MCGRAW HILL B; TP;
Quoting from Amazon's description: For the homebuilder, one mistake in estimating or installing wells and septic systems can cost thousands of dollars. This comprehensive guide filled with case studies can prevent that. Master plumber R. Dodge Woodson packs this reader-friendly guide with guidance and information, including details on new techniques and materials that can economize and expedite jobs and advice on how to avoid mistakes in both estimating and construction. Chapters cover virtually every aspect of wells and septic systems, including on-site evaluations; site limitations; bidding; soil studies, septic designs, and code-related issues; drilled and dug wells, gravel and pipe, chamber-type, and gravity septic systems; pump stations; common problems with well installation; and remedies for poor septic situations. Woodson also discusses ways to increase profits by avoiding cost overruns.
Country Plumbing: Living with a Septic System, Hartigan, Gerry: $ 9.95; ALAN C HOOD & TP;
Quoting an Amazon reviewer's comment, with which we agree--DF:This book is informative as far as it goes and might be most useful for someone with an older system. But it was written in the early 1980s. A lot has changed since then. In particular, the book doesn't cover any of the newer systems that are used more and more nowadays in some parts of the country -- sand mounds, aeration systems, lagoons, etc.
Design Manuals for Septic Systems
US EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manua [online copy, free] Top Reference: US EPA's Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, available from the US EPA, the US GPO Superintendent of Documents (Pueblo CO), and from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Original source http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm Onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems,
Richard J Otis, published by the US EPA. Although it's more than 20 years old, this book remains a useful reference for septic system designers.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water Program Operations; Office of Research and Development, Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory; (1980)
"International Private Sewage Disposal Code," 1995, BOCA-708-799-2300, ICBO-310-699-0541, SBCCI 205-591-1853, available from those code associations.
"Manual of Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines for Onsite Sewage Systems," Ontario Reg. 374/81, Part VII of the Environmental
Protection Act (Canada), ISBN 0-7743-7303-2, Ministry of the Environment,135 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto Ontario M4V 1P5 Canada $24. CDN.
Manual of Septic Tank Practice, US Public Health Service's 1959.
Onsite Wastewater Disposal Books
Onsite Wastewater Disposal, R. J. Perkins;
Quoting from Amazon: This practical book, co-published with the National Environmental Health Association,
describes the step-by-step procedures needed to avoid common pitfalls in septic system technology.
Valuable in matching the septic system to the site-specific conditions, this useful book will help you install a reliable system in
both suitable and difficult environments. Septic tank installers, planners, state and local regulators, civil and sanitary engineers,
consulting engineers, architects, homeowners, academics, and land developers will find this publication valuable.
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, Bennette D. Burks, Mary Margaret Minnis, Hogarth House 1994 - one of the best septic system books around, suffering a bit from small fonts and a weak index. (DF volunteers to serve as indexer if Burks/Minnis re-publish this very useful volume.)While it contains some material more technical than needed by homeowners, Burks/Minnis book on onsite wastewater treatment systems a very useful reference
for both property owners and septic system designers. We refer to it often.
While Minnis says the best place to buy this book is at Amazon (our link at left), you can also see this book at Minnis' website at http://web page .pace.edu/MMinnisbook
Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf
Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf
Planting Over Septic System Component", Daniel Friedman (author/editor, InspectAPedia.com), The Innovator, Winter/Spring 2008, BCOSSA, British Columbia OnSite Sewage Association, 201-3542 Blansard St., Victoria BC V8X 1W3 Canada
Septic System Owner's Manual, Lloyd Kahn, Blair Allen, Julie Jones, Shelter Publications, 2000 $14.95 U.S. - easy to understand, well illustrated, one of the best practical references around on septic design basics including some advanced systems; a little short on safety and maintenance. Both new and used (low priced copies are available, and we think the authors are working on an updated edition--DF.
Quoting from one of several Amazon reviews: The basics of septic systems, from underground systems and failures to what the owner can do to promote and maintain a healthy system, is revealed in an excellent guide essential for any who reside on a septic system. Rural residents receive a primer on not only the basics; but how to conduct period inspections and what to do when things go wrong. History also figures into the fine coverage.
Test Pit Preparation for Onsite Sewage Evaluations, State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Portland OR, 800 452-4011. PDF document. We recommend this excellent document that offers detail about soil perc tests, deep hole tests, safety, and septic design. Readers should also see Soil Percolation Tests and for testing an existing septic system, also see Dye Tests
Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank, Bombeck, Erma: $ 5.99; FAWCETT; MM;
This septic system classic whose title helps avoid intimidating readers new to septic systems, is available new or used at very low prices.
It's more entertainment than a serious "how to" book on septic systems design, maintenance, or repair. Not recommended -- DF.
US EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual Top Reference: US EPA's Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, available from the US EPA, the US GPO Superintendent of Documents (Pueblo CO), and from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Original source http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm
Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook, R. Dodge Woodson. This book is in the upper price range, but is worth the cost for serious septic installers and designers.
Quoting Amazon: Each year, thousands upon thousands of Americans install water wells and septic systems on their properties. But with a maze of codes governing their use along with a host of design requirements that ensure their functionality where can someone turn for comprehensive, one-stop guidance? Enter the Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook from McGraw-Hill. Written in language any property owner can understand yet detailed enough for professionals and technical students this easy-to-use volume delivers the latest techniques and code requirements for designing, building, rehabilitating, and maintaining private water wells and septic systems. Bolstered by a wealth of informative charts, tables, and illustrations, this book delivers: * Current construction, maintenance, and repair methods
* New International Private Sewage Disposal Code
* Up-to-date standards from the American Water Works Association
Wells and Septic Systems, Alth, Max and Charlet, Rev. by S. Blackwell Duncan, $ 18.95; Tab Books 1992. We have found this text very useful for conventional well and septic systems design and maintenance --DF.
Quoting an Amazon description:Here's all the information you need to build a well or septic system yourself - and save a lot of time, money, and frustration. S. Blackwell Duncan has thoroughly revised and updated this second edition of Wells and Septic Systems to conform to current codes and requirements. He also has expanded this national bestseller to include new material on well and septic installation, water storage and distribution, water treatment, ecological considerations, and septic systems for problem building sites.
The NSFC Products List has an excellent list of design manuals/modules available from their website or by telephone 800-624-8301
Submissions welcome. send us a suggested document link or request an exchange of website links
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