Low-Pressure Pipe (LPP) Septic Systems in Northwest Missouri
Been told your property needs an LPP septic system? Low-pressure pipe systems use controlled, pressure-dosed distribution to provide another onsite wastewater option for properties where a basic gravity system may not be appropriate.
Digger Dave installs LPP systems for new construction and septic replacement projects throughout Northwest Missouri and the Kansas City area. Already have a soil report or design? Send it over. Just getting started? We can help with that too.
What Is an LPP Septic System?
LPP stands for low-pressure pipe. Instead of relying entirely on gravity to distribute wastewater through a drain field, an LPP system uses a pump to send wastewater through a network of small-diameter perforated pipes.
The system applies wastewater to the disposal area in controlled doses, helping distribute flow across the field rather than allowing it to concentrate in one area.
This type of pressure distribution can be useful when the site or soil requires a more controlled approach than a conventional gravity system.
Why Would a Property Need an LPP System?
An LPP system may be considered when the property’s soil or site conditions call for pressure distribution rather than a traditional gravity lateral field.
- Soil or site limitations
- Need for more even distribution
- Limited usable soil depth
- Challenging elevations
- New construction on a difficult site
- Replacement of a failed septic system
- Limited suitable disposal area
- Need for pressure dosing
- Property layout constraints
- Conditions unsuitable for a basic gravity field
If you’ve been told a conventional gravity system won’t work, don’t assume that means the property is out of options.
How Does a Low-Pressure Pipe Septic System Work?
1. Wastewater Enters the Septic System
Wastewater from the home first enters the treatment portion of the septic system.
2. Effluent Moves to the Pumping System
After the appropriate treatment, wastewater is collected for controlled delivery to the disposal area.
3. The Pump Creates Pressure
A pump sends wastewater into the LPP distribution network under pressure.
4. Wastewater Is Distributed Across the Field
Small openings in the lateral piping distribute wastewater throughout the designed disposal area during each dosing cycle.
5. The Soil Provides Additional Treatment
The soil receives and treats the wastewater as it moves through the disposal area.
LPP vs. Conventional Gravity Septic
Conventional Gravity
A conventional gravity system relies primarily on gravity to move and distribute wastewater through the septic system and disposal area.
When the soil, elevations and available area are favorable, this can be a simple and effective approach.
Low-Pressure Pipe
An LPP system uses pumping and pressure distribution to deliver wastewater to the disposal field in controlled doses.
The added control can make LPP appropriate for properties that need a different approach to wastewater distribution.
The goal isn’t to choose the more complicated system. It’s to install the system that fits the property.
LPP Septic Systems for New Construction
If you’re building a new home and the soil or site evaluation points toward an LPP system, Digger Dave can help take the project from planning into installation.
If you already have the soil report, send it over. If you already have the system design too, even better.
If you’re still at the beginning of the process, start with the property address and we’ll help determine the next step.
LPP Systems for Septic Replacement
A failed conventional drain field doesn’t necessarily mean the replacement system has to use the same type of disposal field.
Site limitations, soil conditions, the location of the old system and the remaining usable area can all affect the replacement design.
When pressure distribution is appropriate for the property, an LPP system may provide another replacement option.
LPP Systems Use Pumps, Controls & Alarms
Unlike a simple gravity system, an LPP system depends on mechanical and electrical components to dose the disposal field properly.
- Pump tank or dosing chamber
- Effluent pump
- Float controls
- High-water alarm
- Pressure piping
- Distribution laterals
- Valves and accessible system components
Proper installation matters because the pump, piping and distribution field need to operate as a complete system rather than as separate components.
Already Have an LPP Design?
Send it to Digger Dave.
If your soil work and septic design are already complete, send us the plans, property address and any permit information you have.
We’ll review the project from the installation side and determine what is needed to get it priced and built.
Don’t Have the Design Yet?
You don’t need to figure it out before contacting us.
If you’ve only been told you need an LPP system—or you don’t yet know what type of septic system the property needs—send us what you have.
Digger Dave can help get the project moving through the appropriate site, design and permitting steps and then into installation.
LPP Septic Installation Throughout Northwest Missouri
Digger Dave installs low-pressure pipe septic systems throughout Northwest Missouri and the Kansas City area, including the Kansas City Northland and communities throughout our broader service area.
If you’ve received a soil report or septic design calling for an LPP system, send it over. We’ll take a look at the project and help determine the next step.
LPP Septic System FAQs
What does LPP mean in a septic system?
LPP stands for low-pressure pipe. The system uses a pump and pressurized distribution piping to dose wastewater across the disposal area.
Why would I need an LPP septic system?
An LPP system may be used when soil or site conditions call for controlled pressure distribution rather than a conventional gravity lateral field.
Does an LPP septic system require electricity?
Yes. The pump, controls and alarm require electrical power to operate the dosing system.
Does an LPP septic system have an alarm?
LPP systems commonly use a high-water alarm as part of the pump and control system so the property owner can be alerted when operating conditions require attention.
Is LPP the same as a drip septic system?
No. Both use pressure and controlled dosing, but they use different distribution methods. LPP distributes wastewater through perforated pressure laterals, while drip systems use specialized drip tubing and typically include additional treatment and filtration components.
Can an LPP system replace a failed conventional system?
Potentially. Whether LPP is appropriate depends on the soil, site conditions, available replacement area and applicable project requirements.
Can Digger Dave install an LPP system from an existing design?
Yes. Send us the design, property address and available project information and we’ll review it for installation.
Been Told You Need an LPP Septic System?
Send Digger Dave your soil report, septic design or property address. Whether you’re ready for installation or still figuring out what the property needs, we’ll help get the project moving.