Conventional Septic Systems in Northwest Missouri
When the property has suitable soil and site conditions, a conventional septic system can provide a straightforward and dependable onsite wastewater solution.
Digger Dave installs conventional septic systems for new homes and replacement projects throughout Northwest Missouri and the Kansas City area.
What Is a Conventional Septic System?
A conventional septic system typically uses a septic tank followed by a soil absorption area, commonly called a drain field or lateral field.
Wastewater from the home enters the septic tank, where solids are retained and wastewater moves onward to the disposal area. The soil then becomes an important part of the wastewater treatment process.
When the property has appropriate soil, adequate space and a suitable layout, conventional systems are often one of the simplest onsite wastewater options.
Is a Conventional Septic System Right for Your Property?
Maybe—but the property needs to support it.
The right septic system is determined by site conditions rather than simply choosing the system you’d prefer to install.
- Soil characteristics
- Usable soil depth
- Available installation area
- Property slope and drainage
- House size and wastewater flow
- Property boundaries
- Well location
- Required setbacks
- Existing improvements
- Applicable local requirements
If you don’t know whether your property will support a conventional system, that’s okay. Start with the property and we’ll help determine what needs to happen next.
New Construction Conventional Septic Systems
Building a new home on rural property? If the soil and site conditions are favorable, a conventional septic system may be an option.
It’s best to consider septic early in the building process. The house, well, driveway, shop and other improvements can all affect the space available for the septic system.
Digger Dave can help get the septic process started before construction gets too far along.
Replacing an Existing Conventional Septic System
If an older septic system or drain field has failed, replacement doesn’t automatically mean the new system will be identical to the old one.
The existing tank, lateral field, available replacement area, soil conditions and current project requirements all need to be considered.
If the property remains suitable for a conventional system, Digger Dave can install the replacement. If it doesn’t, we can help determine what other onsite wastewater options may be appropriate.
Gravity Septic Systems
When site elevations allow it, wastewater may be able to move from the home through the septic system by gravity without requiring a pump for distribution.
A gravity system can reduce the number of mechanical components involved, but the property layout and elevations have to work.
During planning, we consider how the home, septic tank and disposal area relate to one another so the system can be laid out appropriately for the site.
What If Gravity Won’t Work?
Not every property has enough elevation difference to move wastewater where it needs to go by gravity.
When necessary, a septic system can incorporate pumping and pressure components to move or distribute wastewater to the appropriate area.
A property that can’t support a simple gravity layout doesn’t automatically mean the project has a major problem. It just means the system needs to be designed around the site.
What If My Property Won’t Support a Conventional System?
This is where having experience with more than one type of septic system matters.
Poor soil, limited usable area, shallow restrictive conditions or other site limitations may make a conventional system unsuitable.
Depending on the property and applicable requirements, other options may include:
- Drip irrigation systems
- Low-pressure pipe systems
- Mound systems
- Presby systems
- Aerobic treatment systems
- Lagoon systems
- Other advanced onsite wastewater systems
A difficult property doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t build. It means we need to find the system that fits the property.
How a Conventional Septic Project Starts
1. Send Us the Property
Give us the property address and tell us whether you’re building a new home, replacing an existing system or planning another project.
2. Determine the Site & Soil Requirements
If the necessary soil and site information hasn’t already been completed, we’ll help get that portion of the process moving.
3. Plan the Septic System
Once the property information is available, the system can be laid out around the home, site conditions and applicable requirements.
4. Permitting
The required project information is submitted through the appropriate permitting process when a permit is required.
5. Installation
Digger Dave installs the septic tank, piping, distribution and disposal components according to the approved project requirements.
Already Have a Soil Report?
Send it to us along with the property address.
If the site and soil work has already been completed, we can review the information and help determine what needs to happen next for design, permitting and installation.
Conventional Septic Installation Throughout Northwest Missouri
Digger Dave installs conventional septic systems throughout Northwest Missouri and the Kansas City area, including the Kansas City Northland and communities throughout our broader service area.
Whether you’re building a new home or replacing an old system, send us the property information and we’ll help determine whether a conventional septic system is a good fit.
Conventional Septic System FAQs
How do I know if my property can use a conventional septic system?
Soil and site conditions are major factors. Appropriate site information needs to be considered before determining whether a conventional system is suitable.
Do conventional septic systems need electricity?
A simple gravity system may operate without a pump, while other configurations may use pumping or other electrical components. It depends on the site and system design.
How long does a conventional septic system last?
There isn’t one lifespan that applies to every system. Soil conditions, design, installation quality, wastewater use, maintenance and physical damage can all affect service life.
How often should the septic tank be pumped?
Pumping frequency varies with tank size, household use and solids accumulation. Routine pumping helps keep excessive solids from carrying out of the tank and reaching the drain field.
Can I install a conventional septic system anywhere on my property?
No. Soil conditions, setbacks, wells, property lines, structures, topography and other site features can affect where the system can be located.
What happens if my soil isn’t suitable?
Other onsite wastewater options may still be available. Digger Dave installs advanced systems as well as conventional systems, so we can help determine the next step when a simple conventional system isn’t appropriate.
Need a Conventional Septic System?
Send Digger Dave the property address and tell us what you’re planning. If you already have a soil report, send that too. We’ll help determine what system fits the property and what needs to happen next.
