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Percolation
test
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In order to get
a permit for our septic system, we had to perform a
percolation test. This photo shows Mike measuring the depth of a
hole we dug to test the percolation. We dug this hole with our
auger attachment for the tractor. I didn't have a photo of
that attachment on the tractor page - sorry!
May 2000 |
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Digging
the big hole for the tank
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The tractor
would only go so deep and reach only so far, before it
was barely scratching the earth. After about 3 feet or so of
relatively soft pumas we hit tuffa which was like hitting
concrete. We ended up renting a jackhammer and going at the
hole by hand! Lots of hard work!
July 2000
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This photo shows
Mike and Liz down the hole for the septic tank. At this point
the hole is near completion. Mike's actually measuring and
checking that it's level.
July 2000
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The tank was
delivered! Phew - we don't have to do that again!
September 2000
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Digging
the Infiltrator Trenches
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Well after our
experience digging the tank hole, we decided our tractor was
too small to conveniently dig all the trenches required for
the Infiltrators. We hired local "excavator/Hauler"
Louis Sandoval to do the honors. This photo shows him easily
finishing off the first trench we started with our tractor.
May 20, 2001 |
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This photo shows
all three trenches have been created. Each is approx. 3 feet
wide and 40 feet long. Bubba is walking in front of one of the
infiltrators that will sit in these trenches and make up the
septic line.
May 20, 2001 |
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Placing
the Infiltrators in the Trenches
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Each infiltrator
is 6.5 feet long and interlocks onto the next. Here Mike is on
the other end of the measuring tape.
May 28, 2001 |
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Well despite all
that digging, we still had to rent a jackhammer to even out
some lumps and bumps so that the infiltrators could sit flat
on the bottom. We also had to widen a couple of spots where
the infiltrators wouldn't quite fit. They wouldn't interlock
properly otherwise and their structural integrity would be
impaired.
May 28, 2001 |
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Nearly all of
the infiltrators have been placed in the trenches in this
photo. Mike still ironing out a few areas before the
very last ones are placed.
May 28, 2001 |
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Filling
in the Infiltrator Trenches
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We filled in
several inches of dirt over the top of the infiltrators, along
the length of the trench. We had rented a dirt compactor (a
vibrating, heavy thumping machine) and Mike ran it back and
forth along the trench before we added more dirt, to ensure
the infiltrators were safely covered.
May 28, 2001 |
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It's about 7
a.m. and still with hot coffee in hand, we inspect our
progress. The trenches, as you can see are almost covered.
Until we get our pipe installed, we have to leave the ends
exposed.
May 29, 2001 |
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Digging
the Pipe Trenches
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We had to
re-expose the Septic Tank which had been covered in dirt while
we were digging the trenches. Rufus is standing on top of the
tank, and you can see we've nearly gone far enough down to
expose the hole for the pip inlet.
May 29, 2001 |
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We've made a
start with the ABS piping which will go to the distribution
box, and then evenly distribute liquid "waste" to
each Infiltrator for ground absorption. The tank has two
compartments and will retain the "solids". mmmmm
May 29, 2001 |
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The
Distribution Box
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We set the
distribution box in concrete.
June 6, 2001 |
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We put a plastic
barrel to protect the distribution box for when we cover
the trenches, just in case we want access to it later.
June 6, 2001 |
