For newer customers, the septic system may seem a bit daunting compared to previous experiences with the sewer system. So with that in mind, we want to share some pros and cons of septic systems (versus sewer).

Pros:

--Gives independence. You’re not connected and dependent on a city system, their chemical treatments, and their waste management prices (which are often inflated in order to cover their existing costs for a large wastewater treatment plant and for anticipated growth demands and upgrades). Additionally you’re not impacted by sewer system overflows, shut downs, or back-ups.

--Less expensive. Usually, even with an inflated economy, a septic system is less expensive to have designed and installed than hooking up to the city’s sewer system, if that’s even an option.

--Environmentally friendly. Septic systems use less energy. They also process the effluent in such a way that, when used and maintained properly, releases treated water back into the soil, which won’t contaminate local water sources and can provide nourishment for trees and plants while replenishing groundwater.

Cons:

--Space. The size of a septic system depends, in part, on how many bedrooms are in your house as well as what system is possible for your property. However, the system requires space and establishing a reserve drain field is also a newer requirement for many counties.

--Maintenance. Most of the time with a sewer system, maintenance impacts the household minimally. However, with a septic system, it’s important to take care of your system. Regular checkups and occasional pumping are routine costs. Plus over time, even under a well-cared watch, a septic system will reach its geriatric years and will require more repairs and ultimately, replacement. (Tip: Put aside a small amount of money each month for a replacement septic system, understanding that an average system lasts about 35 years, depending on owner usage.)

One of the questions we are frequently asked is how the designer determines what kind of On-Site Sewer System (OSS) can go on a property. We always try to achieve a gravity system at the feasibility, however, that isn't always possible. When our designer goes to a feasibility appointment, he evaluates the type of soil and the depth of the soil. He'll also evaluate the slope on the property. Then, based on the current codes and regulations determined by the Kitsap Public Health District (KPHD), he'll come up with a design that can be proposed to the KPHD. 

Once a design is submitted, the KPHD inspector will go out and evaluate the soil logs, to make sure that what we have proposed can be achieved. If everything works out, then the design will be approved and installation can begin. For additional information on the septic design process, please click here. 

***Please note, all approvals, denials and additional requirements are at the discretion of the Kitsap Public Health District, and many factors are considered in this decision that may not be mentioned in this post.***  

Whether it's a new design, a modification or a repair, we are often asked what the septic design process entails. 

One of our first steps is to schedule and complete the feasibility appointment, where our designer, Rod, will meet with you on site. At this appointment, Rod is able to determine what type of septic system design can be proposed to the Kitsap Public Health District (KPHD). Once the initial appointment has occurred, and you elect to move forward with your project, an email with all of the necessary items and steps will be sent to you.

Whether you are starting with undeveloped land, dealing with a failing septic system or simply trying to obtain a building permit, one thing that sets Acme apart is a link we include to an online interactive presentation which is sent to our customers. This presentation will walk you through the design process, from the initial feasibility to submitting the final Record of Construction (ROC) at the end of your design project. It includes photos, tips, required documents and other information needed from the customer in order to complete the design, as well as letting our customers know exactly what they can expect from us during this process. 

We have a multi-member team who are more than happy to answer questions and partner with our customers through this time. We fully understand that septic designs can present a wide range of emotions, from the excitement of building a dream home to the frustration of a failed system. Our goal is to partner with our customers throughout this process, making the design process as user-friendly as possible, while completing project goals in an effective and timely manner. 

If you have any questions, or wish to begin a septic design, please call our office at 360-698-8488 or click here to fill out our online intake form. Once we have received an intake form, we will contact you directly.  

During a septic design, there are many things that need to be provided to Acme by the customer. A full list of the items we need is sent out in the initial design overview, which customers receive before their feasibility appointment with the designer. This list includes, but is not limited to, setbacks, easements and buffers. 

This information is important, as it can all impact the potential drain field area. For example, if you have a utilities easement running through your property, this easement is "off limits" for a septic system. Setbacks are a specific set of requirements to keep the drain field away from other components on a property. Setbacks to wells, property lines and buildings are some of the most common. While Acme is aware of general setbacks, there may be setbacks specific to your property that we need to be made aware of. Buffers are also important, as they can vary from as little as 15 feet to over 100 feet. 

We always ask our customers to provide us with this information, in writing. This information can typically be found at the Department of Community Development (DCD), or with the City of Bainbridge Island (COBI), if your property is on Bainbridge Island. Their contact information can be found here. 

This was a gravity system designed by Rod and installed in the Bremerton area. Rod's goal at the feasibility is always to design a gravity system. The soils don't always qualify for gravity, however, this property did and this customer was able to achieve a 4 bedroom gravity system. To learn more about the design process, or to see samples of some of our designs, click here.