[theMama]

Septic system question: We are building a large home on just over 12 acres. The design that was done for our septic system (field) will involve almost two of those acres. We were told that we should not plan any other use for those two acres, but growing lawn and mowing it mechanically. Is this really the only use we can make for so much of our land?

 

[jefferson]

In most places you must have your planed field. Then an equal amount (stated in your plan) for a back up field. No driveways or roads on or across the field or tank. Every county has same plan with some exceptions. Don't forget the endangered critters; hungry tax men, and nosey neighbors.

 

[Ozarks Tom]

Wow! That's a big field. How big is the house? How many baths?

We just had new lateral lines put in here, 3 bedroom 2 bath house - 2 100' lines.

 

[Awnry Abe]

It will be soggy in spots, but don't think of it as wasteland. We graze ours.

 

[theMama]

Thank you for your responses......house is just over 6,000 sq ft.....four full baths........would we be able to graze horses, or just smaller animals, do you think?

 

[copperkid3]

Septic system question: We are building a large home on just over 12 acres.
The design that was done for our septic system (field) will involve almost two of those acres.
We were told that we should not plan any other use for those two acres, but growing lawn
and mowing it mechanically. Is this really the only use we can make for so much of our land?

******************
Or the general regulations for the county you will be residing regarding
septic systems; as well as the soil type and its ability to absorb waste water,
it will be nearly impossible to say whether that amount of land is needed or not.
But it seems rather excessive on the face of it. I know places that are even larger,
that use far less land in the field set-up. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to get 'an expert'
to advise on whether this is calculated correctly for all the given and known factors.
This site might give you a few ideas to use:
https://www.thenaturalhome.com/septic.html

 

[Evons hubby]

That sounds pretty reasonable, depending on your soil conditions. You should be able to graze the land (horses, calves sheep goats should be ok, wouldnt run elephants or rhinos out there) but plowing and tilling is not a good idea. Something about disturbing the lines themselves. We have a two bedroom bath and a half, and the septic system takes up about a half acre. Based on your house size being over three times what ours is (1800 sq ft) and if you have soils with low absorption rates it takes more of it.

 

[7thswan]

2 acres.that is insane. Tundra with bedrock under? Bringing in 400 million sq of soil. What is the estamate in $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ for this monstrosity?

 

[theMama]

Yes, minimum price tag on several different quotes is over $50,000.....if we can graze goats or sheep, then we're content......but to sacrifice that much turf for lawn seems silly

 

[7thswan]

I plant an entire garden over my septic. It is very far under ground,like 5 feet or more. It's a bear when the tank lid has to be dug for pumping. Tell us what state and county you are in-we need to stay the heck away from there.
Sheep walking on your field is not going to be any more diffrent than you walking or your mower going on it.

 

[Nevada]

Wow! That's a big field. How big is the house? How many baths?

We just had new lateral lines put in here, 3 bedroom 2 bath house - 2 100' lines.

I agree. A two acre drain field is huge for a single family residence. That's huge for even the most stubborn soil.

 

[Evons hubby]

I agree. A two acre drain field is huge for a single family residence. That's huge for even the most stubborn soil.

Four full baths? 6000sq ft?? Thats not your average single family home.... You have to figure they have space for at least 12 kids, maybe more... that is a LOT of water to dispose of. Figure the laundry.... several hundred gallons right there, not to mention the amount of water doing dishes, and showers for that many people... Now, they could just be a normal couple with one or two kids, but the house size is what counts... these good folks might decide to sell someday or cut the place up into apartments.... nope, two acres for field lines isnt outrageous at all for this type of structure. You also need to bear in mind there is only one acre actually being used most likely, with the other acre being dedicated for a replacement someday if needed.

 

[Danaus29]

Non-planted lawn area ideas; small movable livestock pens, portable playground for kids, container gardens, outdoor seating and grilling area (use pop-up tents or screened gazebos), kiddie pool.

Depending on how deep the line is you could plant annual flowers over it or something like buckwheat or sunflowers.