Domestic Wastewater: Understanding the Critical Factors for Septic Field Design

The installation of a septic system in a home is a complicated and expensive process. Therefore, you should plan for the project with diligence to ensure maximum wastewater management efficiency and optimal cost-effectiveness. In general, the most crucial part of the planning stage is the design of the septic field. The right design will ensure that the construction process is simple, and the longevity of the setup will be guaranteed. Here are the most important septic field design factors that you should consider during the planning stage.

Soil Conditions

You should evaluate the soil conditions in your property when developing a septic field. It is important to make sure that the earth can support the demands of wastewater disposal in your treatment structure. Ideally, you should hire a contractor to examine the stability of the soil in the area you plan to establish the septic field. If the ground is not firm enough or has drainage problems, your system will be vulnerable to erosion and landslides. If you identify problems with the soil condition, you can modify the land or change the location of the field.

Property Topography 

The topography of the property on which the septic field will be established is an important factor to consider during the design and planning processes. In general, your future wastewater treatment scheme will fail if the lay of the land is not favourable. This element is of particular importance if your home is in an area with unusual terrain. In ideal circumstances, the area intended for the septic field should be relatively flat to ensure smooth construction and the stability of the tank and underground drainage systems. However, there should be a slight incline to prevent flooding of the field. If the ground is completely flat, you can have your contractor grade it for better drainage, and you can install a drainage system around your property for handling stormwater runoff. 

Space Serviceability 

Finally, you should think about the serviceability of the septic field after the installation of the tank. Good engineering of wastewater systems must take into account the need for access to the area. For instance, access will be required for routine maintenance, pumping and emergencies. Therefore, you should examine the field from different angles and ensure that vehicle movement can be supported without damage to the septic system. 

Septic field engineering and planning requires considerable technical expertise. Therefore, you should hire an experienced contractor to ensure that your design decisions for your new wastewater treatment scheme are sound.


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