Septic System FAQs

If the system is designed, installed and maintained properly, there is no limit to the life expectancy of Enviro-Septic^® Technology. In the event that the System malfunctions due to abuse, AES or Enviro-Septic^® may be rejuvenated in as little as 72 hours, eliminating the need for a replacement.

Not at all. Presby Environmental and NexGen Septics’ training and certification courses are free of charge – regardless of your background. Available online or via DVD, these classes are designed for anyone who wants to learn more about installing this revolutionary septic system technology.

If you have additional questions about these courses, contact us today.

The official gallons per day (GPD) threshold for individual septic beds varies from state to state. And in some jurisdictions, you can petition for higher wastewater treatment limits. If your needs exceed the state-mandated threshold, you may need to combine several Enviro-Septic^®units together.

If you have additional questions about septic system limits, be sure to read your state-specific installation manual.

No. Both Advanced Enviro-Septic® and Enviro-Septic® were designed in New Hampshire and rigorously tested in Canada to ensure they could endure even the harshest winters.

Part of this endurance stems from the unique design of this powerful septic technology. Thanks to passive filtration and bacterial ecosystems, there is enough latent heat to prevent any freezing.

Moreover, the septic field frequently receives periodic doses of warmed water from the accompanying tank, which further elevates the internal temperature of the entire system.

On rare occasions, the distribution box may freeze. This typically occurs due to improper venting or insufficient foam insulation. But even in wintry Canada, this almost never happens.

Yes. The system relies on aerobic bacterial treatment processes, so oxygen is essential. Venting is required on all Enviro-Septic^®Technology, whether or not it is required by your jurisdiction.

If you’re concerned about aesthetics, we can recommend a number of ways to minimize the visual impact of protruding vent stacks. For some helpful tips, simply contact us directly.

Yes. Your property’s vent can serve as your septic system’s high vent – provided that there are no other restrictions or obstacles between the low vent and your rooftop.

If you’d like additional information on proper septic system venting, contact us directly.

It is not recommended. For starters, Enviro-Septic^® treats all wastewater internally, meaning that it doesn’t release any noxious odors or fumes. So charcoal filters are entirely unnecessary. In fact, they can actually make the problem worse by masking smells that signal a much larger underlying issue. And without that important cue, you won’t know to intervene and correct the problem.

Moreover, filters can sometimes restrict the free flow of oxygen, which inhibits the bacterial growth required for proper wastewater treatment.

Yes. Both Advanced Enviro-Septic^® and Enviro-Septic^® allow for this configuration. But if using this setup in colder climates, make sure you properly insulate the distribution box (d-box) to prevent it from freezing. If you have additional vent-related questions, feel free to contact us directly.

Yes. This configuration will work with our Advanced Enviro-Septic^® and Enviro-Septic^® treatment systems. Just make sure that the 2 lines aren’t plumbed in together.

You can safely plant shallow-rooted ground covers, native wildflowers, and most strains of grass above the treatment field. However, you should avoid planting trees or large shrubs within 10 feet of the treatment field to prevent roots from damaging your Enviro-Septic^®system.

In addition, we don’t recommend planting any vegetation with heavy water requirements. Similarly, you shouldn’t cultivate plants intended for human consumption near the drain field.

Remember that Enviro-Septic^® technology works best when it has access to a steady supply of oxygen. So be careful not to add too much soil or mulch over the drain field. Doing so could potentially suffocate the bacterial cultures needed for proper wastewater treatment.

No. Doing so could flood the system and negatively impact its wastewater treatment capabilities. Additionally, nearby gutter systems, sump pumps, roof drains, and floor drains should all be installed so that there discharge never comes near your septic system.

You can use grading, landscaping, and surface diversions (i.e. swales) to help redirect rain runoff away from your Enviro-Septic^® system. And the soil over the treatment field should be properly crowned to prevent surface water from pooling over the treatment field.

Advanced Enviro-Septic^® and Enviro-Septic^® grant a tremendous amount of leeway when it comes to installation depth. Usually the limiting factor on how deep an AES or Enviro-Septic^® System can be buried is the depth to the seasonal high water table or some other restrictive feature.

Just keep in mind that neither Advanced Enviro-Septic® nor Enviro-Septic® products should ever be buried more than 10 feet deep. Any septic system installed 18+ inches in the ground will likely need to be vented.

It depends. Driving over a treatment field can potentially damage your Enviro-Septic^® system if it wasn’t designed for H20 loading. The same is true of any excessive weight since this extra load can compact the underlying soil, thus, limiting the free flow of oxygen. You also need to think about the negative impact that heavy farm animals, agricultural machinery, and construction equipment (including ATVs) could have on your septic system, and keep any such traffic to a minimum.

Most states mandate annual inspections of septic systems and other wastewater management technologies. Although the exact requirements vary by jurisdiction, you may be qualified to conduct these inspections on your own – provided that you’ve successfully completed the free Presby certification course (separate courses regarding inspections TBD).

Advanced Enviro-Septic^® and Enviro-Septic^® both come with raised connections that are already tapered to fit one another, so gluing is not required. However, gluing them is highly recommended to ensure connections remain assembled during the backfill procedures.

The pipes used with our septic system technology are designed to contract during cold weather and expand during warm weather. If the fabric falls short of reaching the fitting, it is not cause for alarm. Installers can very easily pull or push the pipe to make it slightly longer or shorter. If a space remains between the fabric and fitting, the System Sand will bridge over exposed pipe perforations, preventing additional System Sand from entering the pipe and suspended solids from exiting the pipe.

No. After System Sand is spread between rows it is recommended that the installer straddle each row of pipe and walk heel-to-toe its entire length, ensuring that System Sand fills all void spaces beneath the Advanced Enviro-Septic^® or Enviro-Septic^® pipe. Pneumatic tired equipment and/or mechancial compactors should not be used to compact System Sand, fill or fill extension areas. Mechanical compaction will damage the soil’s ability to disburse liquid and may inhibit oxygen supply to the system.

No. After System Sand is spread between rows it is recommended that the installer straddle each row of pipe and walk heel-to-toe its entire length, ensuring that System Sand fills all void spaces beneath the Advanced Enviro-Septic^® or Enviro-Septic^® pipe. Pneumatic tired equipment and/or mechancial compactors should not be used to compact System Sand, fill or fill extension areas. Mechanical compaction will damage the soil’s ability to disburse liquid and may inhibit oxygen supply to the system.