To understand how an alternative system works, let’s first cover the basics of a traditional septic system:

All wastewater exits the house to an exterior tank where biological decomposition begins.  Grease and kitchen oils float to the top, while heavier solids sink to the bottom, leaving clearer waste water in the middle which then flows out of the tank via piping to buried gravel filled trenches, commonly referred to as a drainfield or leachfield. From here the ground acts as a filter while the water passes down through varies layers of sediment.

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Alternative Systems

While Alternative Systems utilize all of the same components of a regular septic system such as septic tank, piping, and drainfield.  The major difference of an alternative system lies within the use of a filtering device or component between the septic tank and the ground.  Alternative systems may also include a recirculating tank, filter, additional holding, dosing, or discharge tank, as well as pumps, and a control panel.

 

 

The need for an Alternative System arises when there are concerns with soils that do not percolate, commonly referred to as ‘perc’.  Or situations in which the soils fail to create an efficient filter; for example, fractured bedrock, sand, or extremely rocky soils.  These conditions do not allow for sufficient filtering of the wastewater leaving it to freefall into the groundwater below.  This is where our Alternative Septic Systems excel in solving these types of problems.

 

Limited space to work with is another excellent use for an alternative system as you can reduce the size of traditional drainfield by as much as 50%. And leave a lighter footprint on the surrounding environment.

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And of course Alternative Systems may be required when the drainfield will be located within close proximity of open water ways, such as irrigation ditches, streams, rivers, and lakes. Our history of collaborating and working with local, regional, and state agencies ensures your system will meet all codes and compliances involved with these circumstances.

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System Types

While there are several alternative systems on the market today. Our experience and expertise with not only the soil conditions in Northern Utah, but also the hundreds of challenging projects we have built and solved, has led us to focus on what we know works best, the recirculating textile filter.  This system combined with compacted gravel beds has proven time and again to be the most efficient low maintenance system available for the challenges of virtually all existing conditions in Utah.  Backed by the best science our recirculating textile filter system provides superior waste reduction, has been proven to be the most easily serviceable, and due to the large number of installs we perform each year, parts are always readily in-stock for quick maintenance and service repairs.  Plus, how’s this for piece of mind, when a malfunction has occurred with this system, it’s nearly always a minor repair.

 

Plus, all of our installed alternative systems are connected to our office and are continually monitored to stay ahead of any problems that might arise.

 

Don’t fall for this just to save a few bucks,

Others use older technology or technology that is really hard to service.  We know, because after they’ve taken your money and disappeared into the sunset, we’re the ones that get the call to fix a situation where the system has failed. 

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*While an alternative system can solve most wastewater disposal problems, it can not fix all problems or eliminate all wastewater disposal challenges.  Excessive slopes, wet lands, and other soil conditions may still leave you with a lot that is unbuildable.