Many types of septic system disposal fields are used today. Varying factors including but not limited to soil type, lot size, setback features, and design flows contribute to design decisions. Shown on this page are a variety of systems commonly designed and utilized in Maine, with a brief description of each system and why they may be a design consideration.
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Small stone and perforated pipe is still widely used as one type of disposal field. This system is generally a 12" layer of 3/4" - 2" sized stone placed in a bed configuration with a perforated pipe set within the stone for dispersing the wastewater. This system requires the largest footprint of any system options available. |
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The plastic chambers are an inverted U-shaped proprietary device that are open on the bottom set on a bed of coarse sand that allows wastewater to exit on the bottom as well as through sidewall slots. This system can be placed either in a bed configuration or in separate rows. The use of this system allows a minor decrease in the footprint size and can also be placed at differing elevations to allow system layout on steeper sloping ground. |
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The concrete chambers are rectangular or square shaped precast concrete devices that are open on the bottom and have slots on the sidewalls as well. Generally these are set together in a bed configuration and they also allow a minor decrease in footprint size from that of the stone bed. Although this system can be used most anywhere, a common application is under a traffic area, such as a driveway, when options are limited and added strength is needed. |
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The leaching pipes are plastic sections of fabric covered 12" pipe, that have perforations in them to allow wastewater to exit the pipes and flow into the soil below. 10' sections of pipe can be connected together with couplers to construct longer rows as needed. These systems require one of the smaller footprints of available options and rows can also be set at varying elevations to consider on sloping sites, to minimize fill needed. |
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The cuspated block is a system of plates of cuspated plastic interlaced with non-woven fabric and bound together. These blocks are then set on a layer of coarse sand. A perforated pipe is then set on top of these blocks to disperse wastewater onto and through them into the soil below. This system allows the smallest footprint required of the available options and just like the plastic chambers and leaching pipes, rows can be set at varying elevations for sloping sites. |
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