Septic Installations

Systems We Install

ELJEN GEOTEXTILE SAND FILTER SYSTEMS (GSF)

Eljen GSF systems use a two-stage treatment process combining proprietary geotextile modules with a sand layer to create enhanced filtration and biological treatment. Each module is wrapped in a fabric that promotes oxygen flow, allowing aerobic bacteria to thrive.

How It Works

Effluent flows from the septic tank into the GSF modules.
The geotextile fabric spreads wastewater evenly across the module.
Air movement through the fabric promotes aerobic bacterial digestion.
Treated wastewater then passes into a sand layer below for polishing before entering the soil.

Why It’s Installed

Works extremely well on tight lots, slopes, and restricted properties.
Excellent for poor or variable soils, especially where percolation rates are too slow or too fast.
Reduces the size of the drainfield by as much as 40%.

Strengths

Highly reliable treatment technology
Smaller footprint = less impact on landscaping
Handles hydraulic overloads better than conventional systems

Limitations

Requires high-quality sand that meets specification
Needs careful installation to avoid uneven distribution
Periodic inspections of modules and sand layer recommended

Ideal Applications

Residential lots with limited space
Commercial properties with small treatment areas
Waterfront properties and environmentally sensitive zones
Replacement system where existing soil is unsuitable

ECOFLO BIOFILTER / ECO FLOW SYSTEMS

Ecoflo uses a fixed organic or synthetic filtering media inside a fiberglass or polyethylene shell. The media provides long-lasting treatment by supporting a highly active microbial film.

How It Works

Pre-treated wastewater from the septic tank enters the Ecoflo module.
Wastewater is dispersed over a filtering medium (coconut husk, peat, or synthetic).
Microbial colonies on the media treat the wastewater biologically.
Clean, high-quality effluent leaves the module and flows to the soil absorption area.

Why It’s Installed

Often required when environmental standards or health department regulations demand advanced treatment.
Protects groundwater near wells, lakes, streams, and waterways.
Reduces the required size of the drainfield.

Strengths

Very high effluent quality
Long-lasting media choices
Passive system requiring no energy in the module itself
Minimal odor and extremely quiet operation

Limitations

Media must eventually be replaced (usually 8–15 years depending on loading)
Needs periodic inspections and cleaning of distribution devices
Higher upfront cost compared to basic systems

Ideal Applications

Lakeside properties
High-density neighborhoods
Small commercial buildings (offices, daycares, schools)
Properties with limited usable soil

JET WASTEWATER AEROBIC TREATMENT SYSTEMS

Jet systems are complete aerobic treatment units (ATU) engineered to rapidly oxidize and break down solids using high levels of dissolved oxygen. These behave similar to small municipal treatment plants.

How It Works

Wastewater enters a three-chamber aeration tank.
An aerator continuously injects oxygen to support aerobic bacteria.
Bacteria digest organic materials, clarifying wastewater.
Treated effluent flows to a clarifier, then to the soil or discharge system.

Why It’s Installed

High-strength waste or high-usage buildings
Sites with no soil absorption ability
Requirements for enhanced effluent clarity before discharge

Strengths

Excellent for restaurants, multi-family housing, commercial properties
Breaks down solids extremely efficiently
Reduces organic load on the drainfield dramatically
Helps extend the life of an older absorption area

Limitations

Requires electricity for the aerator
Needs regular servicing every 6–12 months
More moving parts = more maintenance than passive systems

Ideal Applications

Commercial buildings with high wastewater output
Multi-unit dwellings
Properties with extremely poor soil
Long-term replacement of failing systems

NORWECO AEROBIC TREATMENT SYSTEMS

Norweco systems use multi-stage aerobic treatment, including pretreatment, aeration, clarification, disinfection, and flow equalization. These systems are engineered for consistent, high-quality effluent with long-term durability.

How It Works

Pretreatment chamber removes solids.
Aeration chamber adds oxygen using a high-efficiency aerator.
Clarification chamber allows solids to settle out.
Disinfection unit kills pathogens (tablets or UV).
Clean effluent exits to the drainfield or dispersal system.

Why It’s Installed

Required by many municipalities where stricter discharge limits exist.
Ideal for high-traffic commercial buildings.
Produces exceptional water clarity, reducing environmental risk.

Strengths

Reliable, proven technology
Quiet, energy-efficient design
Very clean effluent output
Great for areas with sensitive groundwater

Limitations

Requires ongoing service agreements
Periodic replacement of aeration units, diffusers, and chlorine
Higher installation cost

Ideal Applications

Restaurants, offices, apartment buildings
Properties with no usable soil for conventional dispersal
Areas requiring surface discharge (where legal)
Replacement of overloaded or outdated systems

AT-GRADE BED SYSTEMS

At-grade systems create an elevated absorption area directly on the natural soil surface using imported sand and gravel. These are engineered systems used when soil is shallow but still capable of treatment.

How It Works

Sand is placed over the existing soil.
A gravel bed with distribution piping is built on the sand.
Effluent is pumped evenly across the bed.
Wastewater travels through the sand and natural soil for treatment.

Why It’s Installed

When soil depth is inadequate for a standard system.
When restrictive layers are present but not shallow enough to require a full sand mound.
When minimal excavation is preferred.

Strengths

Less intrusive than a mound system
Lower profile, more visually appealing
Excellent when soil has moderate limitations

Limitations

Still requires a pump
Requires imported sand meeting strict specs
Needs careful construction to avoid uneven settling

Ideal Applications

Residential homes on shallow restrictive soils
Commercial buildings where raising site elevation is limited
Replacement systems with moderate soil issues
Sites requiring engineered wastewater solutions

SAND MOUND SYSTEMS

Sand mounds are fully elevated engineered septic systems built when the natural soil cannot safely treat wastewater. These are used on the most difficult sites and require precise engineering and installation.

How It Works

A pump tank doses effluent into a gravel bed atop a large sand mound.
Wastewater is evenly distributed across the mound.
Effluent trickles down through the sand, receiving treatment.
Treated water enters the natural soil below.

Why It’s Installed

When groundwater is too high
When bedrock is too shallow
When the soil is clay or non-absorbent
When no other design will meet regulations

Strengths

Permits development on extremely difficult sites
Highly reliable when engineered properly
Long treatment path provides excellent purification

Limitations

Can be visually noticeable due to height
Requires consistent pumping
Needs high-quality imported sand
Installation must meet engineering standards exactly

Ideal Applications

Residential and commercial lots with major soil limitations
New construction on land previously considered unusable
Areas with high water tables
Properties requiring long-term, engineered wastewater treatment

INFILTRATOR CHAMBER CONVENTIONAL SYSTEMS

Infiltrator systems are a modern alternative to the traditional stone-and-pipe drainfield. Instead of hauling in tons of clean stone, lightweight plastic chambers create an open vaulted trench that stores effluent, promotes aeration, and disperses wastewater evenly into the natural soil. These systems are widely approved in Pennsylvania for sites with suitable soil depth and percolation.

How It Works

Effluent flows from the septic tank into the chamber trenches.
The open-bottom chamber allows wastewater to spread evenly across the natural soil.
Air movement within the chamber promotes healthy bacterial activity.
Effluent gradually moves into the surrounding soil for final treatment.