Pressurized septic systems utilize a pump to transfer wastewater to the drainfield

• Wastewater flows from the septic tank into the pump chamber.

• When the wastewater rises to a certain level, the pump turns ON                                     

• When the level drops to a certain point, the pump turns OFF.

 

In theory, pressurized systems utilize the entire drainfield each time the pump runs.

In reality, they do not utilize the entire drainfield because wastewater does not disperse             

far enough away from the point of contact to cover the entire width from side to side.

 

A common cause of premature mound system failure is due to biomat buildup at the

Interface of the orifices and the surface area directly below them. When failed mounds

are uncovered, the center of the mound is saturated while the sides are completely dry.

 

The type and size of residential septic systems is based on soil type and number of bedrooms.

Certified Soil Testers determine soil type. Number of bedrooms determines how much water

will be used on a daily basis.

 

More often than not, the amount of water used over 24 hours is not

as critical as the amount of water used in a short amount of time.

 

Sara Hager PhD is an engineer, researcher and instructor in the Onsite Sewage Treatment Program in the Water Resources Center at the University of Minnesota She presents at many

local and national training events regarding the design, installation, and management of septic systems and related research.

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Ms. Hager is education chair of the Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association and National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association and serves on the National Sanitation Foundation

(NSF) International Committee on wastewater treatment systems.