When you think of a landscape company, certain services come to mind. Lawn mowing, plantings, installing patios and irrigation systems, hydroseeding—the list goes on and on. Here’s something you probably don’t know about us—at Groundhog Landscaping, we have our very own excavation division in Derry, New Hampshire. Septic systems are an important part of site excavation work. Did you know we install those too?
Because installing septic systems isn’t common topic in the landscaping industry, here’s a brief explanation about septic systems and which one is right for you:
What makes up septic systems?
While different septic systems may vary in their methods, a conventional system follows this format:
- Waste is removed from your home through a sewer pipe and collects in a septic tank
- The tank holds the sewage long enough for it to separate
- The wastewater (effluent) is filtered out into a subsurface drainage system (leach field)
- The heavier elements (solids) settle in the tank to be pumped out later
- On sites where the leach field is higher than the tank, a pump chamber is installed to push effluent up to the drainage field
Which septic system is right for me?
All gravity-fed septic systems work the same way – what is different is the type of leach field. There are two popular types of leaching systems. Each one has their own benefits and drawbacks. The most common septic system is the stone-and-pipe system, which uses layers of different size aggregates underneath a sand bed. If you have the square footage, stone-and-pipe septic systems are the way to go.
For yards with a smaller footprint, Enviro-Septic® systems are a great option. Developed by Presby Environmental®, this uses a corrugated pipe filtration, fabric, and layers of specific gradations of sand. All septic systems must be designed by a licensed septic installer, approved by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, and inspected by the town during installation.
How long will septic systems last?
A septic system’s leach field should last at least 20 years (stone-and-pipe could last longer); however, proper septic maintenance is needed to ensure that. If solids leave the tank and enter the leach field, the system will plug, and sewage will back up into your house. Then you will have to call us to dig it up! Be sure to put your tank on a regular pumping schedule with a competent septic service and avoid dumping excessive detergents and bleach into your septic, as those will kill the natural bacteria process that breaks down solids in the leach field.
If you’re looking to install or replace your septic system, Groundhog Landscaping can help! You can get in touch with us here: https://groundhognh.com/contact-us/ or give us a call at (603) 437-4464.
Enviro-Septic® and Presby Environmental® are registered trademarks of Infiltrator Water Technologies, LLC.