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3 Reasons we use Chambers by Advanced Drainage Systems instead of the old style pipe and rock.
Most older septic systems use the “rock & pipe” type of drain field. Often referred to as a French drain system this centuries-old technique of dispersing wastewater into the ground has proven to be an effective method.
Here are the basic steps to laying a drain field using rock & pipe.
- Dig a trench
- Add crush rock
- Lay the perforated pipe
- Cover the pipe with a thin geo textile fabric to prevent Florida’s sugar fine sand and roots to enter the small holes in the pipe
- Cover the pipe with more rock
- Cover with native soil to hide the drainage system and keep odors from escaping
While this method is simple and effective there are a number of disadvantages which have caused trouble with this type of system for many years. A common issue in Florida with the structure of a traditional rock and pipe drain is what is called “blinding” of the geo-textile fabric. This is the process by which small particles of sand, and silt are stopped by the fabric and, over time, the fabric becomes stopped up with sand and roots and will no longer allow water to pass through. When enough sand, clay or silt gets past the fabric, the gravel spaces fill and the effectiveness of the french drain ends.
Instead of the old rock and drain system, at Atlantic Septic we prefer the newer chamber system and here are 3 reasons why.
1. 100% Efficiency
The Chambers by Advanced Drainage Systems are shaped like a hut and are completely open on the bottom. The line of connected chambers results in a long tunnel of air which serves as a buffer to hold the liquid waste from the septic tank as it seeps gradually into the soil beneath. This approach gives 100% efficiency because there is nothing that prevents the absorption of the waste water into the ground.
- No crushed rock taking up space that would otherwise be used for storage volume
- No small perforated pipe holes to clog up. The chamber sidewalls have unique narrow slits that allow wastewater to trickle out the sides for added effectiveness while simultaneously preventing soil from filling into the chamber.
The result is total waste water absorption that is up to 2x as effective as rock & pipe within the same trench area.
2. Long-term reliability
With no small holes to clog up, plastic drain field chambers are not affected by small objects such as rocks which can cause a backup of a rock & pipe drain field system. And with a large cross-sectional area within each chamber, tree roots have no negative impact on the system's ability to disperse the liquid which prevents backing up of your system. Chamber-type drain field systems also offer inspection ports which allow easier monitoring of the system without having to dig up your yard.
3. Overall Cost Savings Past onto Our Customers
When laying a rock & pipe drain field, tons of rock must be delivered using a dump truck. Often more than 100 feet of perforated pipe must also be purchased along with couplers, fittings, glue and other supplies. In some cases going with a chamber drain system saves the consumer money just in materials alone. But the real savings is in the labor costs which is where the chamber system really beats out rock & pipe. Overall the costs of installing a chamber system will saves money over the old-style drainage system and we pass that savings directly to our customers.
At Atlantic Septic we pride ourselves on using these superior Chambers system made by Advanced Drainage Systems. We know that even though the cost of the chambers is more we are able to offer a superior product at an amazing price. Not only that, we know that you will be able to enjoy worry free drainage for many years to come. For more information on what we offer please feel free to call or text us at 407-402-1948