Alternative Septic Systems

Alternate Septic Systems

We Are Your Go-To for Alternative Septic Pumping, servicing, and maintenance!
Virginia Health Department Law requires all Virginia residents with alternative septic systems to have an annual contract with a licensed service provider.

 • Why might you need an alternative septic system?
• What Is an alternative septic system?
• Why do I need a contract for my alternative septic system, and why do I need annual service?
• What Is an alternative septic system contract?

Why might you need an alternative septic system?

There are two types of septic systems: traditional conventional and alternative (or engineered) systems.

An alternative septic system differs significantly from the more common conventional septic system. It is required when the site and soil conditions on a property are limiting or when the wastewater strength is too strong for the receiving environment.

Alternative systems clean the wastewater by reducing the organic load, removing excess nutrients, and minimizing pathogens before dispersal to the receiving environment. Alternative systems require less soil, so the drain fields are smaller, and the standoffs to the water table and soil restrictions are reduced.

What Is an alternative septic system?

With conventional systems, the soil cleans the wastewater just as much as the septic tank. With alternative systems, most of the cleaning takes place in the advanced treatment unit, which is just the fancy name for a tank or container with a blower and/or filtering media.

Why do I need a contract for my alternative septic system, and why do I need annual service?

Alternative systems require more maintenance because they have more moving parts, equipment, and different processes. They are complex systems in a corrosive environment. Improperly functioning alternative systems affect public health and welfare, and the risk of failure is high if improperly maintained.  Some photos courtesy of Chris natureworksinc.com 

Routine maintenance by a licensed service provider optimizes treatment and dispersal, reduces the likelihood of costly repairs, and protects the environment. The Virginia Department of Health has performance requirements for alternative systems, and the home or business owner must follow the Systems Operation and Maintenance Manual and have the system inspected by a licensed service provider at least annually.

What Is an alternative septic system contract?

An alternative septic system contract is an annually signed contract between the septic system owner and licensed system maintenance professional. The licensed professional routinely cares for your system based on manufacturers’ specifications.

The health department requires contracts for the reasons stated above. Alternative systems are more complicated and have more chances for failure, which poses a greater risk to public health and the environment. Monitoring your system by a licensed professional reduces the risk of potential system failures. This, in turn, saves you money by reducing the risk for large, costly problems and protects the environment from possible harm.

Grease Trap Pumping

Call and schedule your Grease Trap Pump-Out for your Restaurant, Hotel, or Retirement Community. You need a reliable grease trap & drain cleaning company on speed dial 703 895-4109. Restaurant owners, Hotel Operators, & Community Maintenance Managers in Gainesville, VA, and Tysons Corner, VA, rely on Freedom Plumbers.

We can pump out, repair, or replace your grease trap any time of day or night.