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 Mobile ViewPLUMBING SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR Septic Guide for Home Buyers or Owners Septic or Sewer Connection? Septic System Design Septic System Designs Master List Septic Inspection Testing Septic Maintenance Repair Septic Component & Product Suppliers Septic Videos ADDITIVES / TREATMENTS for SEPTIC SYSTEMS AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEMS ALTERNATING BED SEPTIC SYSTEMS BACKUP PREVENTION, SEWER LINE BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS in the HOME - EPA BOOKS, RECOMMENDED SEPTIC BOOKSTORE, SEPTIC SYSTEMS CESSPOOLS CESSPOOL SAFETY WARNINGS CHECK VALVES CHEMICALS & TREATMENTS for SEPTICS CHLORINE IN DRINKING WATER CISTERNS CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR D BOX TROUBLESHOOTING DEFINITIONS OF SEPTIC SYSTEM TERMS DIFFICULT SEPTIC SITES DISTRIBUTION-BOX INSPECTION, SEPTIC DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS DRIVING or PARKING OVER SEPTIC COMPONENTS? DRYWELL DESIGN & USES FILTERS SEPTIC & GREYWATER FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP FLOODED SEPTIC SYSTEMS, REPAIR GARBAGE DISPOSAL vs SEPTICS GRAVELLESS SEPTIC SYSTEMS GRAVITY/SIPHON DOSING SYSTEMS GREYWATER SYSTEMS DRYWELLS for GRAYWATER DRYWELLS as SEEPAGE PITS DRYWELL SAFETY CONCERNS ARE DRYWELLS DRY? PIT SITE REQUIREMENTS PIT AREA & SIZE PIT CONSTRUCTION DETAILS PIT COLLAPSE or FAILURE HOME BUYERS GUIDE to SEPTIC SYSTEMS HOME SELLERS GUIDE TO SEPTIC INSPECT LAGOON SEPTIC SYSTEMS LAGOON SEPTIC SYSTEMS LEACHFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS MEDIA FILTER SEPTIC SYSTEMS MOUND SEPTIC SYSTEMS NOISE / SOUND DIAGNOSIS & CURE ODORS & SMELLS DIAGNOSIS & CURE ODOR DIAGNOSIS CHECKLIST ODORLESS CHEMICALS / GASES: CHECK FOR? ODORS, PLUMBING SYSTEM ODORS, SEPTIC or SEWER ODORS, SULPHUR SMELL SOURCES OUTHOUSES & LATRINES PLANTS & TREES OVER SEPTIC SYSTEMS PRESSURE DOSING SEPTIC SYSTEMS RAISED BED SEPTIC SYSTEMS SAND BED SEPTIC SYSTEMS SEEPAGE PITS Site Requirements Pit Area & Size Requirements Pit Construction Details Seepage Pit Collapse PIT SITE REQUIREMENTS PIT AREA & SIZE PIT CONSTRUCTION DETAILS PIT COLLAPSE or FAILURE SEPTIC & CESSPOOL SAFETY SEPTIC AUTHORITIES SEPTIC BACKUP PREVENTION SEPTIC BACKUP REPAIR SEPTIC BOOK, ONLINE SEPTIC BOOKSTORE SEPTIC BIOMATS SEPTIC CARE INSTRUCTIONS SEPTIC CLEARANCE DISTANCES SEPTIC CODES & REFERENCES SEPTIC CONSULTANTS SEPTIC D-BOX INSPECTION SEPTIC DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS SEPTIC DRAINFIELD INSPECTION & TEST SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LIFE SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LOCATION SEPTIC DRAINFIELD RESTORERS? SEPTIC DRAWINGS SEPTIC DYE TEST PROCEDURE SEPTIC FAILURE LAWSUIT SEPTIC FAILURE SIGNS SEPTIC FIELD INSPECTION SEPTIC FILTERS SEPTIC FLOOD RESPONSE SEPTIC INSPECTION BOOK SEPTIC INSPECTION & TEST GUIDE SEPTIC LIFE EXPECTANCY SEPTIC LIFE MAXIMIZING STEPS SEPTIC METHANE GAS SEPTIC ODORS SEPTIC PUMPS SEPTIC PUMPING REPAIR SEPTIC REFERENCES SEPTIC & CESSPOOL SAFETY SEPTIC SUPPLIES & PARTS SEPTIC SYSTEM DEFINITIONS SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN ALTERNATIVES Master List of Septic System Types ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC DESIGNERS ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC PRODUCTS AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEMS ALTERNATING BED SEPTIC SYSTEMS BIOGAS PRODUCTION & USE CESSPOOLS DISINFECTION SYSTEMS, SEPTIC EFFLUENT DRYWELL DESIGN & USES EVAPORATION-TRANSPIRATION SEPTIC SYSTEMS FILTERS SEPTIC & GREYWATER FIXED-FILM PROCESS SEPTIC SYSTEMS GRAVELLESS SEPTIC SYSTEMS GRAVITY/SIPHON DOSING SYSTEMS GREYWATER SYSTEMS HOLDING TANK SEPTIC SYSTEMS LAGOON SEPTIC SYSTEMS MEDIA FILTER SEPTIC SYSTEMS MOUND SEPTIC SYSTEMS OUTHOUSES & LATRINES PEAT FILTER SEPTICS PRESSURE DOSING SEPTIC SYSTEMS RAISED BED SEPTIC SYSTEMS SAND BED SEPTIC SYSTEMS SEEPAGE PITS SEPTIC SYSTEM PUMPS SEQUENCING BATCH SEPTIC SYSTEMS SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS STEEP SLOPE SEPTIC DESIGNS TOILET ALTERNATIVES TOILET TYPES Toilet Types, Flush Methods TOILETS, DON'T FLUSH LIST TRAPS on PLUMBING FIXTURES VEGETATED SUBMERGED SEPTIC BEDS Wastewater Treatment Levels Wastewater Dispersal Methods WETLAND SEPTIC SYSTEMS SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS DRYWELL DESIGN & USES FILTERS SEPTIC & GREYWATER SEEPAGE PITS SEPTIC CLEARANCES SEPTIC SOIL & PERC TESTS SEPTIC TANK SIZE SEPTIC TANK DEPTH SEPTIC TANK TEES SEPTIC DRAINFIELD SIZE SEPTIC DRAINFIELD SHAPE SEPTIC TANK PUMPING FREQUENCY SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE SEPTIC SYSTEM PUMPS SEPTIC TREATMENTS STEEP SLOPE SEPTIC DESIGNS SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN MANUAL - Online SEPTIC SYSTEMS, HOME BUYERS GUIDE to SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & TEST GUIDE SEPTIC SYSTEMS INSPECTION COURSE SEPTIC INSPECTION TYPES & LEVELS DISPOSAL vs TREATMENT DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS SEPTIC FAILURE CAUSES SEPTIC FAILURE CRITERIA SEPTIC FAILURE LAWSUIT SEPTIC D-BOX INSPECTION SEPTIC DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LIFE SEPTIC DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LIFE SEPTIC DRAINFIELD INSPECTION & TEST SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LOCATION SEPTIC DYE TEST PROCEDURE SEPTIC FAILURE CAUSES SEPTIC FAILURE CRITERIA SEPTIC FAILURE SIGNS SEPTIC FAILURE SPOTS SEPTIC FIELD FAILURE CAUSES SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION WORK SHEETS SEPTIC SYSTEMS, PLANTS OVER SEPTIC TANK GRASS or SNOWMELT SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE SOIL CONDITIONS SEPTIC INSPECTION TYPES & LEVELS SEPTIC SYSTEM ODORS SEPTIC SYSTEMS ONLINE BOOK SEPTIC SYSTEM PUMPS SEPTIC SYSTEM SAFETY WARNINGS SEPTIC SYSTEM TYPES, MASTER LIST SEPTIC TANKS SEPTIC TANK BAFFLES SEPTIC TANK COVERS SEPTIC TANK, HOW TO FIND SEPTIC SEARCH SAFETY WHO KNOWS SEPTIC LOCATION? FIND MAIN WASTE LINE EXIT DISTANCE TO SEPTIC TANK POSSIBLE SEPTIC TANK LOCATIONS VISUAL CLUES LOCATE the SEPTIC TANK WHERE TO LOOK for the SEPTIC TANK SEPTIC TANK DEPTH SEPTIC TANK LOCATING EQUIPMENT SEPTIC TANK LOCATION SKETCH SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION CHECLIST Safety Warnings CLEANING SEPTIC TANKS Find the Septic Tank - a Photo Guide How to Open Septic Tanks Inspect Before Pumping SEPTIC TANK LEAKS SEPTIC TANK SEWAGE LEVELS Pumper Truck Operation Pumping the Septic Tank Inspect During Pumping Washing Septic Tank Sides/Bottom Inspect After Pumping Close the Septic Tank Record Septic Tank Location Advising Owners MEASURE SCUM & SLUDGE STEEL SEPTIC TANKS CONCRETE SEPTIC TANKS FIBERGLASS / PLASTIC SEPTIC TANKS HOME MADE SITE BUILT TANKS SEPTIC TANK BAFFLES SEPTIC TANK SOLIDS & SCUM SEWAGE LEVELS in SEPTIC TANKS WHEN to CLEAN THE SEPTIC TANK SEPTIC TANK LEAKS SEPTIC TANK LEVELS of SEWAGE SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE SEPTIC TANK SAFETY SEPTIC TANK SIZE SEPTIC TANK TEES SEPTIC TESTS: DYE & LOADING TESTS SEPTIC TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS SEPTIC PRODUCTS FOR SALE ARE ADDITIVES USEFUL? PUMPING PREVENTS FAILURES CANADA PROHIBITS ADDITIVES ONTARIO MINISTRY US EPA on ADDITIVES SEPTIC ADDITIVE TYPES SEPTIC DRAINFIELD RESTORERS? SEWAGE BACKUP TEST & CLEANUP SEWAGE & SEPTIC CONTAMINANTS SEWAGE CONTAMINATION in buildings SEWAGE CONTAMINANTS in FRUIT / VEGETABLES SEWAGE EJECTOR / GRINDER PUMPS SEWAGE LEVELS in SEPTIC TANKS SEWAGE NITROGEN CONTAMINANTS SEWAGE PATHOGENS in SEPTIC SLUDGE SEWAGE BACKUP TEST & CLEANUP SEWER BACKUP PREVENTION SEWER GAS ODORS SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT SINKHOLES, WARNING SIGNS SMELL PATCH TEST to Track Down Odors SOAKAWAY BED FAILURE DIAGNOSIS SULPHUR & SEWER GAS SMELL SOURCES SUMP PUMPS TOILETS, INSPECT, INSTALL, REPAIR TOILET ALTERNATIVES TOILET FLUSHOMETER VALVES TOILET INSTALLATION PROCEDURE TOILET OVERFLOW EMERGENCY TOILET PLUGS, SEWER BACKUP TOILET REPAIR GUIDE TOILET TISSUE CHOICES TOILET TYPES Toilet Types, Flush Methods TOILETS, DON'T FLUSH LIST TRAPS on PLUMBING FIXTURES TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS, SEPTIC VIDEO GUIDES: Septic Videos WASHING MACHINES & SEPTIC SYSTEMS WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS WATER SUPPLY & DRAIN PIPING CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR WASTEWATER TREATMENT BASICS WATER, WELLS, WATER TANKS: TESTING GUIDE WATER PURIFIERS WATER QUALITY TESTS, CONTAMINANTS, TREATMENT WATER QUANTITY IMPROVEMENT WATER QUANTITY USAGE GUIDE WATER, WELLS, WATER TANKS: TESTING GUIDE WETLAND SEPTIC SYSTEMS WINTERIZE A BUILDING More Information |
This article discusses the use of septic seepage pits for septic wastewater treatment to perform the functions of septic effluent treatment and disposal in onsite wastewater treatment systems, conventionally called "septic systems". InspectAPedia offers impartial, unbiased advice without conflicts of interest. We will block advertisements which we discover or readers inform us are associated with bad business practices, false-advertising, or junk science. Our contact info is at InspectAPedia.com/Contact.htm.Seepage pits and drywells are discussed in greater depth and are contrasted with cesspools at DRYWELL DESIGN & USES or onsite gray water disposal - What are Drywells, What Drywell Maintenance is Needed? How do Drywells Fail? Also see CESSPOOLS. A cesspool is not a seepage pit, and vice versa, though their construction may be similar. Cesspools receive black water (sewage) directly. A seepage pit is designed to receive clarified effluent from a septic tank, or if the pit receives only gray water (GREYWATER SYSTEMS) then it's called a drywell. Advanced septic treatment methods are discussed in separate articles listed at the left of this page. 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." This article is part of our series: Inspecting, Testing, & Maintaining Residential Septic Systems an online book on septic systems. © Copyright 2012 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use page top links to major topics or use links at the left of each page to navigate within topics and documents at this website. Green links show where you are in a document series or at this website. Seepage Pits - (h) Seepage Pits used for septic system effluent disposal(1) General notes about seepage pit septic system componentsA seepage pit, sometimes called a leaching pit, leaching pool, or incorrectly a cesspool, is a covered pit with an open-jointed or perforated lining through which septic tank effluent seeps into the surrounding soil. [DF NOTE: the term drywell might be used for a seepage pit disposing of septic effluent in this case; by contrast, a cesspool holds both solid waste and septic effluent. I use the term "seepage pit" to refer to a pit used to dispose of septic effluent which originated as blackwater, the solids having been retained in the septic tank. I use the term "drywell" to refer to a pit used to dispose of graywater (greywater) which originated in sinks, laundry facilities, or showers. While their uses and implications of their presence at a property are quite different, the actual construction details of a seepage pit or a drywell are about the same.
(2) Site Requirements for septic seepage pits(i) If soil and site conditions are adequate for absorption trenches, seepage pits shall not be used. (ii) A minimum three foot vertical separation must exist between the bottom of any pit and the high groundwater level, bedrock, or other impervious layer. (3) Design Criteria for seepage pits used to dispose of septic effluent(i) The required "effective seepage pit area" is obtained from Tables 6 and 7 which are shown below. (ii) No allowance for infiltration area is made for the bottom area of a pit or the surface area of impervious soil layers (percolation rate slower than 60 minutes/inch). (iii) The effective diameter of a pit includes the diameter of the lining plus the added diameter provided by the annular ring of aggregate. Any area surrounding the liner with rock smaller than 2 1/2 inches in size shall not be included as part of the effective diameter. (iv) Effective depth is measured from the invert of the seepage pit inlet to the floor of the pit, with the thickness of impervious layers deducted. Site Distance Requirements for Seepage Pits
Absorption Area Requirements for Seepage PitsThe table below shows the required soil absorption area for seepage pits as a function of soil percolation rate and anticipated daily wastewater flow in gallons.
Seepage Pit Size Requirements to Obtain Necessary Absorption AreaThe table below shows the size of seepage pit necessary in order to provide the required soil absorption area for seepage pits. First use the preceding table to determine the necessary seepage pit absorption area, then use this table (below) to determine the necessary seepage pit size to provide that absorption area.
Seepage Pit Construction Details: Linings, Separation, Strength, Connections
NYS: (v) Seepage pit linings may be pre cast concrete, cast-in-place concrete, or built in place with unmortared hollow cinder or concrete blocks. Concrete shall have a minimum compressive strength of 2,500 psi and 3,000 psi is recommended. Material with comparable structural strength, determined in accordance with commonly accepted sewage construction standards, principles or practices, may be allowed on an individual basis to prevent unreasonable hardship, provided public health is not prejudiced. (vi) The separation between the outside edges of seepage pits shall be three times the effective diameter of the largest pit. This separation is measured as the undisturbed soil between pit excavations. (vii) Pits shall be designed with sufficient structural stability to withstand lateral soil forces as well as vertical loads. (4) Construction of seepage pits for septic effluent disposal(i) Laterals leading to each seepage pit must be at least four inches in diameter with a minimum slope of 1/8 inch per foot. (ii) Seepage pits shall not be connected in series. A distribution box shall be required where more than one seepage pit is installed. (iii) The pit excavation is to be raked to minimize sidewall smearing that may occur and reduce infiltration capacity. If groundwater is encountered, the pit shall be backfilled with the original soil to a level at least three feet higher than maximum groundwater and adjustments made in the pit dimensions. (iv) The linings are placed upon a concrete block, poured concrete, or pre cast footing and surrounded by a six inch minimum annular ring of large aggregate (2 1/12 - 4 inches in size). (v) The rock is covered to prevent soil from filling the void spaces. Building paper, a four inch thick layer of hay or straw may be used. (vi) The seepage pit cover shall be structurally sound and capable of supporting 300 pounds per square foot at the weakest point. Covers may be pre cast concrete or cast-in-place and shall be reinforced. A manhole with an opening of at least 20 inches in the shortest dimension shall be provided. Septic Seepage Pit, Drywell, or Cesspool Collapses
Questions & Answers About Septic Seepage Pits and Seepage Pit Life Expectancy & MaintenanceQuestion: What product can I by that will eat the grit and dirt off the walls of the seepage pit, clean the pores so that the liquids will drain out in the earth, and so that I do not have to pump out all the time?I live in the Hollywood Hills CA. I have a septic tank inlet and outlet and a seepage pit. My seepage pit & septic I have to have to pump out every 4 months versus 2 years, for the liquids are not seeping out and the pores are clogged with grit, dirt and I would say toilet paper. What product can I by that will eat the grit and dirt off the walls of the seepage pit, clean the pores so that the liquids will drain out in the earth, and so that I do not have to pump out all the time? - S.B. Reply: Sounds As If You Need a New Seepage PitA competent onsite inspection by an expert usually finds additional clues that help accurately diagnose a septic system or seepage pit problem. That said, we do not recommend septic seepage pit additives or cleaners for septic effluent seepage pits (see SEPTIC TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS) - using at least some of these products risks contamination of your environment, groundwater, or nearby wells, and depending on local laws septic treatment chemicals may be illegal as well. Septic seepage pit rejuvenation methods like agitating or hydrojetting can sometimes temporarily give some relief and cause drainage at least from the bottom of the pit, but depending on how the seepage pit has been constructed these methods can be very dangerous. The risk is a pit collapse, someone can fall in - a fatality that has actually happened more than once. In sum if the seepage pit no longer drains into the surrounding soils, you need a new one. You can extend the connection to the new seepage pit from an outlet from the old seepage pit provided the old pit is not in danger of collapse.
Your observation of toilet paper in the seepage pit suggests that solids are not being retained in the septic tank where they belong. If solids are flowing into the seepage pit from the septic tank, that will explain its short life and costly frequent pumping. The cause could be damaged or missing baffles in the septic tank - something that can be repaired when your new seepage pit is installed. Our photo (above-left) shows a damaged septic tank baffle that was allowing solid waste to flow out of the septic tank into the absorption system. Details of septic tank tee replacement (baffle replacement) are at SEPTIC TANK TEES. When your new effluent seepage pit is being installed, look into installing a filter at the outlet from your septic tank; in fact check that the septic tank baffles are intact. Questions & Answers regarding this article. Ask a Question or Search InspectAPediaHTML Comment Box is loading comments...
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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. SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS DRYWELL DESIGN & USES (our main page on this topic) for more in-depth information about seepage pit and drywell systems.
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