Came apon this much later. We had one of these, and when the particulates built up, was told that it would need to be pumped out . I had just did a home brew of beer. Poured the dregs down the sink. The yeast ate all the particulates, the council checkers said they would tell all those they visit about it, as the unit was as new.
This is nonsense and indeed laughable! We pump these tanks to remove indigestible solids and better believe it! This guy has yeast? The tank belongs to the bacteria that live in it and any yeast you put in that tank are dead in short order! Want to help me pay for my race car? Home beer dregs it is!
Thank you for explaining the difference between septic Tanks versus compost method. I glad to hear how how it works! I've never heard it explained before and it makes sense to me. I sure you may get others who might not get this but you are looking out for your family which to me means Safety comes first which is been a concern of mine for years in working in Property Management for over 25 years.. I'm looking forward to seeing your project on this when the weather permits. 👍👍👏☝️🏡🇺🇸
thank You Sir!!! For a educated and honest explanation!!! that is priceless!!! And may mother nature start working with you!!! As always Your whole operation is OUTSTANDING!!!! And may God continue to bless You and Your Family!!!
Really good info. Still bugs me to no end how Govt has there hands in everything people want to do. I need to move to Texas where no permits are needed for anything outside city limits. I have done a ton of things here and not once pulled a permit. Hell with them.
Rob Lambert I use to build in Tx and there are loopholes to getting a septic and many grandfathered. I came to find out why people are not doing them, I'll be dead before I worry about poo with a septic. I'm gearing up for detaching but I can't get past the waste disposal. We water reservoir and septic here, Tx is use to off grid and hook-ups. It's a set it and forget it and worth the investment, it's not that expensive for peace of mind.. I'm OCD
Might work for you out in the middle of no where but when you allow most people the opportunity to be cheap, lazy or unethical they will. Without the EPA and health depts we would have quiet a problem with a libertarian approach to living around other people. Try living on an island with people who want to cheap and believe the government has no right... people get very sick and can die.
@@cowlumbus exactly. Our neighbors have had all kinds of nasty issues by NOT following the rules and regulations...and paid for expensive biohazard clean ups... I'll take the regulations thank you
as a person that has used a composting toilet for 6 years and love it , your concerns about hepatitis is unfounded, not to be rude but you are carrying a bias towards the system you chose .... I am cool with that so do not be offended we would suggest no on the septic not to mention wasting a very valuable resource off grid WATER
OFF GRID with DOUG & STACY as a fan I am not being rude to either one but I must say if it were just myself and spouse compost toilet would be something I would consider. However there would be no way I would even consider it with household of children. Along with children often have friends visiting. I know my house full of neighbor kids...and with all of that traffic I would not even consider compost..
If you can afford it, there are high end flushable composting toilets too... Ever been to the Bronx Zoo? They've been in use in public places for quite awhile now... Look up Clivus Multrum, Envirolet FlushSmart VF, and SunMar Central Flush for three of the most common options that will look and still function like flush toilets but will still compost your waste... The Envirolet's compost bin, for example, can be placed up to 70 feet from the toilet, so it doesn't even need to be inside the house and your bathroom will look just like any other... You can also opt for a dryflush toilet for guest use as a temporary solution... Or a porta potty... as those can be small and still flush and you can store them away when not in use as more affordable options that don't need to be part of your compost system...
OFF GRID with DOUG & STACY I'm a fan you guys but let's not be judgemental or hypocritical. There is only one righteous one and many ways of doing things to escape the system. Let's support each other.
OFF GRID with DOUG & STACY, can you please explain what it is about off gridders and love for composting crappers? A septic system is far superior to a composting toilet and is also off grid!
A septic system is off-grid because you are dealing with your waist on site. They just take more water the composting toilets. If you design your plumbing systems where you are using gray water to flush your toilets I feel you are better off. Thanks for the up date. - Jeff
I look forward to all your videos that u will be posting about the septic we are about to do the exact same thing so any information is greatly appreciated like all your videos started following u when u first started you guys are awesome.....
I'm planning to install the 500 gallon one... just 2 people here... It will be secondary to our old tank...I'll be installing a new drain field... Do these have to be fastened down? Read something to that affect somewhere...
whoa Hepatitis! that was a bold statement. To tie the compost toilet to the disease, probably should have put some context to that or research. 2) you have 5 kids was a good enough reason I think most would get.
Yes indeed - great info. Wonderful to hear the septic side of the debate from one who knows; some seem to think that one is not homesteading unless using composting toilets! We didn't have much choice as we bought a 'fixer upper' house. Took awhile to find the septic, was under a huge porch - no access and hadn't been serviced for almost 50 years!!! Expected the worst when I got to it. Once cleaned out though inspector said this 1000 gallon septic was in great shape - that saved some loot. All the Best!!
Yeah, one of the good reasons for septic permits is it leaves a record of the septic system in the public records for the property and helps to make sure you or anyone else doesn't crash into one when digging on your property as well as the option of using it if it's still serviceable... Thus always good to check the records on the property to see what it can tell you of its history...
Is your plastic tank still working? I looked at those Home Depot tanks like that and ended up going with an Infiltrator tank instead after hearing about how the home depot tanks would collapse if pumped out to far.
20 years in construction and I am still overwhelmed about septic systems, and there regulations. Soil is my largest concern. Can you please send me a message, I have some questions about it.
Is that a NORWESCO tank? How many gallons? What leach field do you end up going with -- Do you have any Infiltrator experience do they ever have issues thatyou have heard of?
im in the process of installing a similar tank up at my cabin, and the county gave me such a hard time when i said i was going to do it myself. I finally won and they said ok, but i would be have the inspector visit more. its seems unfair but what can i do, i think they wanted me to go through local sewer guy, but i talk to him last year and he wanted 13k to put a mound system.
I was very interested in this video. I am looking to moving to a different region in the middle of fields and the house I have set my eyes on, I've just discovered, has a cesspool, no septic tank. I am shocked. As a plumber, could you please explain any downsides of this system before I commit? I have read about cesspools online but I would really appreciate your comments.
It's been two days, not sure when he'll respond to you but my two cents on the matter... Cesspools are high maintenance unless coupled with a septic tank to eliminate large particulates before reaching the cesspool... It can be used as temporary solution by itself but unless you're using it rarely and/or not anywhere near capacity then it's still advisable to get a septic system installed... But you can use it and keep up with the maintenance to buy yourself some time to get the septic system if it's not something you can immediately do... Though, you can add to the septic system to give it more capacity... But mind what the local rules are, as it's likely it was installed long before the modern regulations and concerns about soil type, ground water level, etc. and long term safety is what matters...
ZeoCyberG - Thanks very much for your response. I was a bit late in posting my question. I have done more reading online and as you mentioned they seem to need a lot of maintenance... I have found someone online who will meet me at the house to give me an estimate on a septic tank. We'll see if the additional expense will be affordable or not. Thanks again!
No problem, and btw... another reasons to check the local rules and regulations is because some places offer a credit for upgrading a cesspool to a septic system that may help lower costs... If you have an excavator or know someone who'll let you use theirs, you can probably negotiate a reduction on the installation costs by digging the hole yourself... Also, make sure whoever you hire has insurance... There are multiple ways the tank could get damaged during the install and that can be costly... and preferably hire someone local as they will know the land the best for your soil type, water level, etc. and will know what local rules need to be followed, as well as help speed up the permit process...
I totally agree with you about the composting toilet thing. I have lived in houses with septic systems most of my 57 years and never a failure from them. And they were not new houses. My parents lived with one for 50 years and it is still working. My in laws have had the same one for 4o years without a fail. Neither have even needed them cleaned out. I would rather have an outhouse than a composting toilet. Really enjoying your journey.
Sorry LindyTN, but an outhouse is basically just a hole in the ground and it does nothing to treat the waste and prevent the spread of diseases or even prevent it from stinking... So that would be the worst choice and only works as long as your ground water table isn't high... Composting, as a natural part of the process, on the other hand actually eliminates the harmful microbes and leaves nothing but perfectly safe compost at the end of the process and as long as you're doing it right you never touch the waste, ever! It's like arguing whether or not you ever touch sewage water with a septic system... If the system is working, then of course not! While having a septic doesn't change whether you're spreading germs and pathogens in your bathroom... Simply flushing the toilet sprays a little bit of the fecal matter all over the bathroom and water by itself doesn't disinfect anything... If you don't believe me then look up Discover Channel's Mythbusters as they did a episode testing that and they proved it to be true... Everyone can have an opinion but science doesn't lie! Sanitation has to start with how clean you keep the bathroom no matter what system you use to dispose of your waste. Contrary to his contention, the main reason for the decline of the spread of hepatitis and other infectious diseases was actually things like improvements in medicine, the fact fewer of us actually share toilets anymore except for public restrooms where you can still catch hepatitis and improvements in keeping our environment cleaner... Modern, indoor plumbing took off during the 1920's... but what also took off was the growth of cities and automobiles. So there wasn't things like horse manure everywhere anymore and it stopped being socially acceptable to just do your business anywhere... Drinking alcoholic drinks was no longer the only wide spread way to kill germs after the 1920's... among other changes like adding fluoride to our drinking water, water treatment plants to clean the water, laws stating where people could dump their waste, etc. So his argument against composting is not based on the actual facts as the historical changes he was basing them on had nothing to do with composting... and less to do the plumbing than how people lived day to day changed... Fact is Millions of people around the world compost their waste to this day, yet there are no wide spread epidemics! You're more likely to get sick from contaminated water that got mixed with sewer water... Again, everyone can have an opinion but the science shows composting works and it's as simple as that... You don't have to go for it if you don't want to but it's false to say there's something wrong with it when there's not! As well as pretending another system is perfect when it clearly is not!
My preference to the outhouse over a composting toilet is because peeing, pooping and puking in a bucket in my house isn't much different than a litter box for the cat, wood shavings for the pet rabbits and other pocket pets, and other indoor places for pets to do their business. The only way a bucket of pee and poop is going to sit in my house is if there was no other options. Even then, it would be hauled out after every use. (and emptied. How fun)I cant even imagine that set up with a house full of humans. The same thing could be accomplished with a bucket, or hole, outdoors. I also have no intention of having a human poop and sawdust pile nearby. Besides, when SHTF where are you going to get all that sawdust. And unless you own a sawmill, or know someone that will give you their sawdust in exchange for hauling it off, you will have the expense of buying it. If sawdust becomes the thing for toilets, more trees will come down to make sawdust for those that want to live 'independently'. There is already a huge market for wood shavings of various kinds. Very popular for horse stalls and other animals. Works for them pretty much like the human composting toilet. It is also creates a lot of labor for those that manage the indoor animals. But for those that like peeing and pooping in their house and living with a pile of human pee and poop and sawdust nearby, go for it. I have appreciated learning about it. If SHTF happens, I might need to know how to make a human compost pile.
You're not limited to using sawdust... Like you can use peat moss, coconut shavings, Sugar Cane Bagasse, rotted leaves can be used in an emergency, fresh leaves, rice hulls, coco coir, and even shredded junk mail. Composting is a natural process that has been utilized by people for thousand of years and is not limited to those who lived around carpenters... Composting also actively helps kill pathogens... For example, in food waste composting the first stage of bokashi preserves the ingredients in a lactic acid fermentation. The acid is a natural disinfectant, used as such in household cleaning products, so that what enters the second (digestion) stage is essentially free of microbial pathogens. Many other elements in the composting process similarly helps eliminate everything that can be harmful, which you wouldn't get with a simple hole in the ground... and when properly done there should be no leeching of harmful waste into the soil on your property or any real change of it happening by accident... Just healthy soil that's good to grow plants with and helps prevent soil degradation... Composting toilets aren't even limited to a small container in your bathroom... You can have the waste go to a composting bin outside of the toilet and then it's just like using a flush toilet... There are even flushable composting toielts on the high end of options... It'll just cost more to set up but it can be done... While, if you puked, or had any other similar mishap in your bathroom... You will have to clean it up regardless of what kind of toilet you have as those kind of actions will spread particulates all over the place no matter how good your aim is... Regardless, it's good to know what composting really is and how it really works... Such as for SHTF situations or simply knowing what options really work or not and what can work best for any given situation rather than just assume something will work and hope for the best...
But you still have to obtain all that stuff, and a lot of it. I cant believe that rotted leaves would do much for the smell, or fresh ones for that matter. I would think wood saw dust and wood shavings would be the only thing that would work for that. And junk mail? reminds me of putting paper down for the puppy to use. Great for absorption, and clean up, but that is about it. I know composting human waste can be done safely, but it has to be done, knowing what you are doing. And with children living in the house, I can see some serious sanitation problems. Its hard enough to keep kids washing their hands and 'sanitized' about bathroom duties with conventional toilet systems. How many kids would be playing in all that like it was a sand box or something, a lot of them. lol
The basic process is that you need carbon based organic matter that can dry out the waste and allow the process of composting to begin... Leaves become mulch, so unless soaking wet it shouldn't smell...While as I pointed out, you could always up for the more premium option of a flushable composting toilet and then just check the bin once a week or so and toss in the cover material... The kids would never have to touch it...Or vermicomposter has been known to work with water flushing systems and that way you don't need cover material... Mind, even the high end flushable composting toilets, while hardly cheap, are still cheaper than installing a septic system and can last longer, with the benefit of having compost to restore your soil and make it easier to grow stuff, which can come in handy when SHTF and food becomes hard to come by... The process of composting can also be sped up, which generates heat and that can be used to grow in the winter and/or even heat your house... Sure, it's not for everyone but it's hardly a terrible solution... It's more something to get used to than anything else and is only a hassle if you use the very basic version of it... But that would be like using a porta potty instead of a septic system for a equivalent comparison of the range of options... Mind, you could just have the composting toilet as a backup... Or to cover parts of your property that may be too far from the septic tank... No one is saying it has to be one or the other...
I must be missing a point here, You got a plastic tank because; It was about the same price, It is so light that you and 2 friends can wrangle it into the hole in the ground, and being so light you could pick it up yourself on your own trailer. But you will build the leech field with perforated pipe and crushed rock to save money, HMMMMM maybe 200 feet of trench filled with maybe 2 cu feet of rock pr. linear foot = 400 cu. foot = 44.5 cu yard = 89 ton of rock = THREE tractor trailer loads of rock. Even if the plastic shells were gold plated they MUST be cheaper then 3 loads of rock, or am I missing something else completely ? Keep up the great work
First let me say, this comment is not asking you to devulge your income....You must be a very good plumber to afford all the money this venture is costing.Good job!
Hey I have seen people using these things as storm shelters and bunkers etc.... You had mentioned something about filling with water before back filling. So will these collapse if there empty?
Not likely however it will blow out of the soil if it's empty and the water table rises due to a rain. It's like holding a balloon underwater, too much buoyancy.
if your not on city here and you change your system you have to pay them to come out and set it they do it all and its $7000 and you have to pay them $250 a year to inspect it. HAVE TO. that's why i'm building my house behind my old one and if they ever show up I can say i'm grandfathered into it. but if they catch me before I get it all built I have to pay to get the new system. but around here they pretty relaxed I get the permits and build what ever you want.
Hmm... The way this guy tells it, why would anyone ever use a concrete tank? Simple, plastic tanks tend to collapse and they do with regularity. Especially buried in heavy clay soils, and even more so if there is seasonal high ground water. As far as corrosion goes, yes hydrogen sulfide is reactive with concrete but regular tank pumping will control the amount H2S in the tank and pumping in necessary to control the waste strength for the drainfield. THE ONLY reason to use a plastic tank is if there is no access for a crane truck. That being the case you should always backfill with sand and never place the top of the tank more than 6" deep. And let's just say I'm a septic contractor and let's furthermore say that plumbers should stick to water heaters (or whatever) and leave the septic system to the pros. How would that be?
I couldn't agree with you more! Even for just my wife and I , septic is the only way.Let alone 5 kids! I have been a builder for 40 yrs. and know the value of a good septic and well! Id still use a light steriliser on the well! Though here in Pa, they are using mostly sand mound systems nowadays! And are very strict about health/safety.
The bad thing bout a plastic is,,,,,,,, they will foat,,,,they will crush ,,,,,and u need a pump port beside the tank to strip the water out of the hole before you pump the tank out when that time comes, if it is water round it and u pump it out it will literally jump out of the hole
Thank you for sharing the SEPTIC concept with those who don't want to have a personal relationship with their waste. I'm all about storing it elsewhere and not recycling my own. You need to however right your image with the Off Grid composters of UA-cam and at least pee on your compost pile..lol
With a septic system that filtrates waste with natural media and fertilizes the vegetation is the same concept. For the people who compost daily or weekly it can be just a larger system. When you septic which is considered off grid, you must be water conscious and conservative, it's your own system of. To those who have a non circulating system, you're ok unless SHTF and you need it pumped but depending on size of family and waste habits, that could be decades...ijs
To many rules and regulations,state this state health official that ,state approved fuck the positions of power these states use to tell you how to why to and their authorities you call that being free
This plumber is also a gifted communicator. Great video.
Patrick, I like this Dude 😋 He's Kool 😎
Came apon this much later. We had one of these, and when the particulates built up, was told that it would need to be pumped out . I had just did a home brew of beer. Poured the dregs down the sink. The yeast ate all the particulates, the council checkers said they would tell all those they visit about it, as the unit was as new.
This is nonsense and indeed laughable!
We pump these tanks to remove indigestible solids and better believe it!
This guy has yeast?
The tank belongs to the bacteria that live in it and any yeast you put in that tank are dead in short order!
Want to help me pay for my race car?
Home beer dregs it is!
Thank you for explaining the difference between septic Tanks versus compost method. I glad to hear how how it works! I've never heard it explained before and it makes sense to me. I sure you may get others who might not get this but you are looking out for your family which to me means Safety comes first which is been a concern of mine for years in working in Property Management for over 25 years.. I'm looking forward to seeing your project on this when the weather permits. 👍👍👏☝️🏡🇺🇸
thank You Sir!!! For a educated and honest explanation!!! that is priceless!!! And may mother nature start working with you!!!
As always Your whole operation is
OUTSTANDING!!!! And may God continue to bless You and Your Family!!!
thank you for the information like I said I'm coming to Idaho look for land all that you say helps me
Really good info. Still bugs me to no end how Govt has there hands in everything people want to do. I need to move to Texas where no permits are needed for anything outside city limits. I have done a ton of things here and not once pulled a permit. Hell with them.
You and me both buddy!
Rob Lambert I use to build in Tx and there are loopholes to getting a septic and many grandfathered. I came to find out why people are not doing them, I'll be dead before I worry about poo with a septic. I'm gearing up for detaching but I can't get past the waste disposal. We water reservoir and septic here, Tx is use to off grid and hook-ups. It's a set it and forget it and worth the investment, it's not that expensive for peace of mind.. I'm OCD
Might work for you out in the middle of no where but when you allow most people the opportunity to be cheap, lazy or unethical they will. Without the EPA and health depts we would have quiet a problem with a libertarian approach to living around other people. Try living on an island with people who want to cheap and believe the government has no right... people get very sick and can die.
@@cowlumbus exactly. Our neighbors have had all kinds of nasty issues by NOT following the rules and regulations...and paid for expensive biohazard clean ups... I'll take the regulations thank you
@@cowlumbus
That is exactly why humans, as a means of organizing societies, left the libertarian way of thinking, in the dustbin of history.
Great video !! Plumber here for 31 years
Attaboy!
as a person that has used a composting toilet for 6 years and love it , your concerns about hepatitis is unfounded, not to be rude but you are carrying a bias towards the system you chose .... I am cool with that so do not be offended
we would suggest no on the septic not to mention wasting a very valuable resource off grid WATER
OFF GRID with DOUG & STACY as a fan I am not being rude to either one but I must say if it were just myself and spouse compost toilet would be something I would consider. However there would be no way I would even consider it with household of children. Along with children often have friends visiting. I know my house full of neighbor kids...and with all of that traffic I would not even consider compost..
they use the compost system at concerts and they have a ton of people. Just look it up. It is a proven and reliable way to compost humanure =)
If you can afford it, there are high end flushable composting toilets too... Ever been to the Bronx Zoo? They've been in use in public places for quite awhile now...
Look up Clivus Multrum, Envirolet FlushSmart VF, and SunMar Central Flush for three of the most common options that will look and still function like flush toilets but will still compost your waste...
The Envirolet's compost bin, for example, can be placed up to 70 feet from the toilet, so it doesn't even need to be inside the house and your bathroom will look just like any other...
You can also opt for a dryflush toilet for guest use as a temporary solution... Or a porta potty... as those can be small and still flush and you can store them away when not in use as more affordable options that don't need to be part of your compost system...
OFF GRID with DOUG & STACY I'm a fan you guys but let's not be judgemental or hypocritical. There is only one righteous one and many ways of doing things to escape the system. Let's support each other.
OFF GRID with DOUG & STACY, can you please explain what it is about off gridders and love for composting crappers? A septic system is far superior to a composting toilet and is also off grid!
Thank you so much for this video. I thought about a compose toilet but wasn't comfortable with the idea. I hope you post more info in the near future.
Watch the video series on the septic system. We will continue to talk about the process as we get established on the ranch.
Great information, thanks!
fantastic video well said
The only thing that it might float in the spring if it not full. It is a lot cheaper to install.
Just doing my septic on my house now.
Can you do a follow-up video that shows the tank, how much it costs, and where you got it.
We're going to do a few videos of the install process. I will talk about some of these things
A septic system is off-grid because you are dealing with your waist on site. They just take more water the composting toilets. If you design your plumbing systems where you are using gray water to flush your toilets I feel you are better off. Thanks for the up date. - Jeff
Thanks Jeff!
Red-Head-Ranch coming from building and knowing he's a plumber was a no brainer.
I look forward to all your videos that u will be posting about the septic we are about to do the exact same thing so any information is greatly appreciated like all your videos started following u when u first started you guys are awesome.....
I'm planning to install the 500 gallon one... just 2 people here... It will be secondary to our old tank...I'll be installing a new drain field... Do these have to be fastened down? Read something to that affect somewhere...
Great info, very well explained!
whoa Hepatitis! that was a bold statement. To tie the compost toilet to the disease, probably should have put some context to that or research. 2) you have 5 kids was a good enough reason I think most would get.
maximus78028 yeah never heard this hepatitis complaint before,
Very nice
Good idea on the septic. So when will that go in?
Soon. We need it to dry out a bit
Yes indeed - great info. Wonderful to hear the septic side of the debate from one who knows; some seem to think that one is not homesteading unless using composting toilets! We didn't have much choice as we bought a 'fixer upper' house. Took awhile to find the septic, was under a huge porch - no access and hadn't been serviced for almost 50 years!!! Expected the worst when I got to it. Once cleaned out though inspector said this 1000 gallon septic was in great shape - that saved some loot. All the Best!!
Yeah, one of the good reasons for septic permits is it leaves a record of the septic system in the public records for the property and helps to make sure you or anyone else doesn't crash into one when digging on your property as well as the option of using it if it's still serviceable...
Thus always good to check the records on the property to see what it can tell you of its history...
Did you have to get a perk test????? For one or two people composting is ok not for a large family
We did the perk test last year with the health inspector.
Yes my mom replaced her concrete tank after 30 years.
Is your plastic tank still working? I looked at those Home Depot tanks like that and ended up going with an Infiltrator tank instead after hearing about how the home depot tanks would collapse if pumped out to far.
20 years in construction and I am still overwhelmed about septic systems, and there regulations. Soil is my largest concern. Can you please send me a message, I have some questions about it.
beavercreekfabrications@gmail.com
Email me at redpoppyranch98@gmail.com
I’m curious to ask how big the septic tank is and how many bathrooms it’s for? Looks like it’s high quality
Is that a NORWESCO tank? How many gallons? What leach field do you end up going with -- Do you have any Infiltrator experience do they ever have issues thatyou have heard of?
im in the process of installing a similar tank up at my cabin, and the county gave me such a hard time when i said i was going to do it myself. I finally won and they said ok, but i would be have the inspector visit more. its seems unfair but what can i do, i think they wanted me to go through local sewer guy, but i talk to him last year and he wanted 13k to put a mound system.
skynet000001 Just put it in and dont tell anyone.
Which county employee is related to the sewer guy...all of them?
I was very interested in this video. I am looking to moving to a different region in the middle of fields and the house I have set my eyes on, I've just discovered, has a cesspool, no septic tank. I am shocked. As a plumber, could you please explain any downsides of this system before I commit? I have read about cesspools online but I would really appreciate your comments.
It's been two days, not sure when he'll respond to you but my two cents on the matter...
Cesspools are high maintenance unless coupled with a septic tank to eliminate large particulates before reaching the cesspool... It can be used as temporary solution by itself but unless you're using it rarely and/or not anywhere near capacity then it's still advisable to get a septic system installed... But you can use it and keep up with the maintenance to buy yourself some time to get the septic system if it's not something you can immediately do...
Though, you can add to the septic system to give it more capacity... But mind what the local rules are, as it's likely it was installed long before the modern regulations and concerns about soil type, ground water level, etc. and long term safety is what matters...
ZeoCyberG - Thanks very much for your response. I was a bit late in posting my question. I have done more reading online and as you mentioned they seem to need a lot of maintenance... I have found someone online who will meet me at the house to give me an estimate on a septic tank. We'll see if the additional expense will be affordable or not. Thanks again!
No problem, and btw... another reasons to check the local rules and regulations is because some places offer a credit for upgrading a cesspool to a septic system that may help lower costs...
If you have an excavator or know someone who'll let you use theirs, you can probably negotiate a reduction on the installation costs by digging the hole yourself...
Also, make sure whoever you hire has insurance... There are multiple ways the tank could get damaged during the install and that can be costly... and preferably hire someone local as they will know the land the best for your soil type, water level, etc. and will know what local rules need to be followed, as well as help speed up the permit process...
Great idea about a possible credit! Will check on that. Thank you.
I totally agree with you about the composting toilet thing. I have lived in houses with septic systems most of my 57 years and never a failure from them. And they were not new houses. My parents lived with one for 50 years and it is still working. My in laws have had the same one for 4o years without a fail. Neither have even needed them cleaned out. I would rather have an outhouse than a composting toilet. Really enjoying your journey.
Sorry LindyTN, but an outhouse is basically just a hole in the ground and it does nothing to treat the waste and prevent the spread of diseases or even prevent it from stinking... So that would be the worst choice and only works as long as your ground water table isn't high...
Composting, as a natural part of the process, on the other hand actually eliminates the harmful microbes and leaves nothing but perfectly safe compost at the end of the process and as long as you're doing it right you never touch the waste, ever!
It's like arguing whether or not you ever touch sewage water with a septic system... If the system is working, then of course not!
While having a septic doesn't change whether you're spreading germs and pathogens in your bathroom... Simply flushing the toilet sprays a little bit of the fecal matter all over the bathroom and water by itself doesn't disinfect anything...
If you don't believe me then look up Discover Channel's Mythbusters as they did a episode testing that and they proved it to be true... Everyone can have an opinion but science doesn't lie!
Sanitation has to start with how clean you keep the bathroom no matter what system you use to dispose of your waste.
Contrary to his contention, the main reason for the decline of the spread of hepatitis and other infectious diseases was actually things like improvements in medicine, the fact fewer of us actually share toilets anymore except for public restrooms where you can still catch hepatitis and improvements in keeping our environment cleaner...
Modern, indoor plumbing took off during the 1920's... but what also took off was the growth of cities and automobiles. So there wasn't things like horse manure everywhere anymore and it stopped being socially acceptable to just do your business anywhere... Drinking alcoholic drinks was no longer the only wide spread way to kill germs after the 1920's... among other changes like adding fluoride to our drinking water, water treatment plants to clean the water, laws stating where people could dump their waste, etc.
So his argument against composting is not based on the actual facts as the historical changes he was basing them on had nothing to do with composting... and less to do the plumbing than how people lived day to day changed...
Fact is Millions of people around the world compost their waste to this day, yet there are no wide spread epidemics! You're more likely to get sick from contaminated water that got mixed with sewer water...
Again, everyone can have an opinion but the science shows composting works and it's as simple as that... You don't have to go for it if you don't want to but it's false to say there's something wrong with it when there's not! As well as pretending another system is perfect when it clearly is not!
My preference to the outhouse over a composting toilet is because peeing, pooping and puking in a bucket in my house isn't much different than a litter box for the cat, wood shavings for the pet rabbits and other pocket pets, and other indoor places for pets to do their business. The only way a bucket of pee and poop is going to sit in my house is if there was no other options. Even then, it would be hauled out after every use. (and emptied. How fun)I cant even imagine that set up with a house full of humans. The same thing could be accomplished with a bucket, or hole, outdoors. I also have no intention of having a human poop and sawdust pile nearby. Besides, when SHTF where are you going to get all that sawdust. And unless you own a sawmill, or know someone that will give you their sawdust in exchange for hauling it off, you will have the expense of buying it. If sawdust becomes the thing for toilets, more trees will come down to make sawdust for those that want to live 'independently'. There is already a huge market for wood shavings of various kinds. Very popular for horse stalls and other animals. Works for them pretty much like the human composting toilet. It is also creates a lot of labor for those that manage the indoor animals. But for those that like peeing and pooping in their house and living with a pile of human pee and poop and sawdust nearby, go for it. I have appreciated learning about it. If SHTF happens, I might need to know how to make a human compost pile.
You're not limited to using sawdust... Like you can use peat moss, coconut shavings, Sugar Cane Bagasse, rotted leaves can be used in an emergency, fresh leaves, rice hulls, coco coir, and even shredded junk mail.
Composting is a natural process that has been utilized by people for thousand of years and is not limited to those who lived around carpenters...
Composting also actively helps kill pathogens... For example, in food waste composting the first stage of bokashi preserves the ingredients in a lactic acid fermentation.
The acid is a natural disinfectant, used as such in household cleaning products, so that what enters the second (digestion) stage is essentially free of microbial pathogens.
Many other elements in the composting process similarly helps eliminate everything that can be harmful, which you wouldn't get with a simple hole in the ground... and when properly done there should be no leeching of harmful waste into the soil on your property or any real change of it happening by accident... Just healthy soil that's good to grow plants with and helps prevent soil degradation...
Composting toilets aren't even limited to a small container in your bathroom... You can have the waste go to a composting bin outside of the toilet and then it's just like using a flush toilet... There are even flushable composting toielts on the high end of options... It'll just cost more to set up but it can be done...
While, if you puked, or had any other similar mishap in your bathroom... You will have to clean it up regardless of what kind of toilet you have as those kind of actions will spread particulates all over the place no matter how good your aim is...
Regardless, it's good to know what composting really is and how it really works... Such as for SHTF situations or simply knowing what options really work or not and what can work best for any given situation rather than just assume something will work and hope for the best...
But you still have to obtain all that stuff, and a lot of it. I cant believe that rotted leaves would do much for the smell, or fresh ones for that matter. I would think wood saw dust and wood shavings would be the only thing that would work for that. And junk mail? reminds me of putting paper down for the puppy to use. Great for absorption, and clean up, but that is about it. I know composting human waste can be done safely, but it has to be done, knowing what you are doing. And with children living in the house, I can see some serious sanitation problems. Its hard enough to keep kids washing their hands and 'sanitized' about bathroom duties with conventional toilet systems. How many kids would be playing in all that like it was a sand box or something, a lot of them. lol
The basic process is that you need carbon based organic matter that can dry out the waste and allow the process of composting to begin... Leaves become mulch, so unless soaking wet it shouldn't smell...While as I pointed out, you could always up for the more premium option of a flushable composting toilet and then just check the bin once a week or so and toss in the cover material... The kids would never have to touch it...Or vermicomposter has been known to work with water flushing systems and that way you don't need cover material...
Mind, even the high end flushable composting toilets, while hardly cheap, are still cheaper than installing a septic system and can last longer, with the benefit of having compost to restore your soil and make it easier to grow stuff, which can come in handy when SHTF and food becomes hard to come by...
The process of composting can also be sped up, which generates heat and that can be used to grow in the winter and/or even heat your house...
Sure, it's not for everyone but it's hardly a terrible solution... It's more something to get used to than anything else and is only a hassle if you use the very basic version of it... But that would be like using a porta potty instead of a septic system for a equivalent comparison of the range of options...
Mind, you could just have the composting toilet as a backup... Or to cover parts of your property that may be too far from the septic tank... No one is saying it has to be one or the other...
This is awesome
As a plumber, you think these are much better than concrete tanks?
It was easier for me because I could move it around as needed. I still like concrete tanks.
I must be missing a point here, You got a plastic tank because; It was about the same price, It is so light that you and 2 friends can wrangle it into the hole in the ground, and being so light you could pick it up yourself on your own trailer. But you will build the leech field with perforated pipe and crushed rock to save money, HMMMMM maybe 200 feet of trench filled with maybe 2 cu feet of rock pr. linear foot = 400 cu. foot = 44.5 cu yard = 89 ton of rock = THREE tractor trailer loads of rock. Even if the plastic shells were gold plated they MUST be cheaper then 3 loads of rock, or am I missing something else completely ? Keep up the great work
In most places stone is cheap, usually costs more to get it delivered than the stone itself.
In most places stone is cheap, usually costs more to get it delivered than the stone itself.
I wish he would reply to you.
i can agree in many ways. and it can be leached to trees and plants no ?
The state requires I do an underground leach field. I may take the gray water and use it to water the trees etc.
thats what i meant the gray water part not the poo part :)
my bad
First let me say, this comment is not asking you to devulge your income....You must be a very good plumber to afford all the money this venture is costing.Good job!
I find deals...
Nice video , you presented pros Vs cons
Hey I have seen people using these things as storm shelters and bunkers etc.... You had mentioned something about filling with water before back filling. So will these collapse if there empty?
Not likely however it will blow out of the soil if it's empty and the water table rises due to a rain. It's like holding a balloon underwater, too much buoyancy.
The official instructions say to fill as you backfill. Gradually, 12 inches at a time. And compact each layer.
if your not on city here and you change your system you have to pay them to come out and set it they do it all and its $7000 and you have to pay them $250 a year to inspect it. HAVE TO. that's why i'm building my house behind my old one and if they ever show up I can say i'm grandfathered into it. but if they catch me before I get it all built I have to pay to get the new system. but around here they pretty relaxed I get the permits and build what ever you want.
Hmm...
The way this guy tells it, why would anyone ever use a concrete tank?
Simple, plastic tanks tend to collapse and they do with regularity.
Especially buried in heavy clay soils, and even more so if there is seasonal high ground water.
As far as corrosion goes, yes hydrogen sulfide is reactive with concrete but regular tank pumping will control the amount H2S in the tank and pumping in necessary to control the waste strength for the drainfield. THE ONLY reason to use a plastic tank is if there is no access for a crane truck. That being the case you should always backfill with sand and never place the top of the tank more than 6" deep.
And let's just say I'm a septic contractor and let's furthermore say that plumbers should stick to water heaters (or whatever) and leave the septic system to the pros.
How would that be?
Concrete tanks r more expensive too
I couldn't agree with you more! Even for just my wife and I , septic is the only way.Let alone 5 kids! I have been a builder for 40 yrs. and know the value of a good septic and well! Id still use a light steriliser on the well! Though here in Pa, they are using mostly sand mound systems nowadays! And are very strict about health/safety.
For me the cost of trucking and rocks made my infiltrator leach field over $2,000 cheaper.
Burrowing rodents say you'll wish you paid for the rock!
Cholera, good video lesson, plastic tank it is
We're not in Idaho no more...
The bad thing bout a plastic is,,,,,,,, they will foat,,,,they will crush ,,,,,and u need a pump port beside the tank to strip the water out of the hole before you pump the tank out when that time comes, if it is water round it and u pump it out it will literally jump out of the hole
I love it state approved.. Ohh so you need a government permission slip to install on you own so called property..
Its more to protect your neighbors if you do a horrible installation, and contaminant the ground water around you.
Thank you for sharing the SEPTIC concept with those who don't want to have a personal relationship with their waste. I'm all about storing it elsewhere and not recycling my own. You need to however right your image with the Off Grid composters of UA-cam and at least pee on your compost pile..lol
I have seen some use 18 inch plastic drain pipe cut in half to build their own chamber system. Infiltrator is very expensive, no doubt about that.
Chambers are junk
Burrowing rodents love them, and why not?
Free Rent!!!!
@@dirkmcmeans625 I haven't encountered that issue. However, I have had to replace field lines due to clogging. I guess it is a preference.
Your tank weighs 450. Official suppliers info.
Just use InpliX instructions. you will make it. its so easy
I searched it. Only solar info.
Looks smaller than 1500 I bought 1250 this year looks bigger than that one
Mines 1,000 and this looks the sane size to me.
With a septic system that filtrates waste with natural media and fertilizes the vegetation is the same concept. For the people who compost daily or weekly it can be just a larger system. When you septic which is considered off grid, you must be water conscious and conservative, it's your own system of. To those who have a non circulating system, you're ok unless SHTF and you need it pumped but depending on size of family and waste habits, that could be decades...ijs
And it's a pretty yeller color don't cha know.
1st comment! woohoo!
To many rules and regulations,state this state health official that ,state approved fuck the positions of power these states use to tell you how to why to and their authorities you call that being free
That’s crap and that is not true. Come on I don’t know what your thinking there.