How to Construct a Small Septic System

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Dig a ditch 4 feet (1.2 m) wide

   See the "Things You'll Need" list below. , It should be near the edge.
   
   A saber saw is best for this task. ,,,, Level the drum.
   
   The top of the drum should be at least 4 inches (10.2 cm) below grade. ,,, Cut another nipple about 2 1/2" long and glue it in the other end. , The end with the short nipple should go into the upper drum.
   
   It should look like the photo in Step
   9. , We will deal with sealing the connection to the upper drum later. , Align the "Y" to meet the incoming waste line, and glue it into the toilet flange. , The face of the two 45 degree bends should be perpendicular to the trench. ,,,,, Pound the stake down until the level shows level when the block is on the second stake.
   
   The second stake is now 1" lower than the first, or 1/4" per foot. ,,,, Slide one end into the 45 degree bend of the lower drum.
   
   Repeat on the other side. , Adjust by adding or removing gravel under the pipe. , Try a two part epoxy.
   
   You could also use silicon caulk.
   
   See the photo in step 6 for finished view of epoxy.
   
   Consider using flex pipe for this, so that if the ground shifts it will give a little. , Bury the trench to the top of the bottom drum with the remaining gravel. , This will prevent the soil from seeping into the gravel. ,,
2. 2

   Step 2: 26 feet (7.9 m) long

3. 3

   Step 3: and 3 feet (0.9 m) deep.

4. 4

   Step 4: Assemble all the supplies

5. 5

   Step 5: and equipment.

6. 6

   Step 6: Cut a hole in the top of each drum the size of the toilet flange pipe outside measurement.

7. 7

   Step 7: Attach a 4" toilet flange to each hole.

8. 8

   Step 8: Cut two holes in the top side of the lower drum

9. 9

   Step 9: as shown in the photo

10. 10

    Step 10: 45 degrees away from a perpendicular line drawn from the hole on top to the far side.

11. 11

    Step 11: Cut one hole in the upper drum opposite the hole in the top

12. 12

    Step 12: as shown in the photo.

13. 13

    Step 13: Place the drum with one hole in the side at the end of the trench.

14. 14

    Step 14: Dig a hole about one foot deeper for the placement of the second drum in front of the first.

15. 15

    Step 15: Dig the hole mentioned in step 8 a little deeper and fill with gravel until the 90 ell fits perfectly from the hole in the side of the top drum to the toilet flange of the lower drum.

16. 16

    Step 16: Cut a 3 1/2" piece of 4" ABS pipe (nipple) and glue it into one end of the 90 ell.

17. 17

    Step 17: Test the fit for alignment between the two drums.

18. 18

    Step 18: When you are sure about the fit

19. 19

    Step 19: glue the end of the 3 1/2" nipple into the toilet flange.

20. 20

    Step 20: Glue a "Y" to 3 1/2 nipples and add a 45 degree bend to the left side of the "Y".

21. 21

    Step 21: Cut and glue (2) 2 1/2" nipples to the remaining two 45 degree bends at one end only and insert into holes in the side of the lower drum

22. 22

    Step 22: as shown in the photo in step 7.

23. 23

    Step 23: See photo in Step 7

24. 24

    Step 24: Pound a stake into the ground so that the top of the stake is level with the bottom of the 45 degree bend coming out of one side of the bottom drum.

25. 25

    Step 25: Tape a 1" wide block to the end of a 4 foot (1.2 m) level

26. 26

    Step 26: as shown in the photo to the right.

27. 27

    Step 27: Start the second stake a little less than 4 feet (1.2 m) down the trench from the first.

28. 28

    Step 28: Lay the end of the level without the block on the first stake and the block on the second.

29. 29

    Step 29: Repeat this process until you have stakes the length of the trench.

30. 30

    Step 30: Place the gravel in the trench until the top of the gravel is equal with the top of the stakes.

31. 31

    Step 31: The gravel should now slope away from the drums at 1/4" to the foot.

32. 32

    Step 32: Place two pieces of 10 foot (3.0 m) 4" perforated drain pipe connected with a slip coupler (holes down).

33. 33

    Step 33: Check the drain pipes with the level and block to see if the 1/4" grade is consistent along the length of the pipe.

34. 34

    Step 34: Seal the 45 degree bends and the 90 degree bend to the lower and upper drums

35. 35

    Step 35: respectively.

36. 36

    Step 36: If sealant has cured

37. 37

    Step 37: fill drums with water to prevent the drums from collapsing under the weight of the gravel.

38. 38

    Step 38: Lay landscape fabric over the gravel.

39. 39

    Step 39: Fill the remaining trench area with soil

40. 40

    Step 40: compacting well to the original grade.

41. 41

    Step 41: Fill the upper drum with water.

Detailed Guide

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