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Forums > Green Building Technologies > Geothermal Heat Pumps > Subject: combining horizontal field with septic?

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randomhitzUser is Offline
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Posts:8




04/30/2008 2:16 PM  
Does it make any sense to consider in new construction to just dig the leach field trenches deeper, say 7 feet, put in the pipe and and then fill to the appropriate height for the septic lines.  Would the moisture for the septic be a benfit?  Also could you dig a deepr hole in the center of your basement and place pipe there an appropriate depth under an insulated slab?  Newbie DIY just wondering.

thanks in advance for any replies.
GeoTemp Services LLCUser is Offline
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Posts:22




05/10/2008 10:27 PM  
Heres what Ill say about that.....NOT in my state! They do not want loops anywhere near the septic. Check your local codes  before digging.
AltonUser is Offline
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05/11/2008 9:02 AM  

I believe digging the trenches deeper than required for the septic lines would interfere with the horizontal movement of the liquid waste.  Septic lines are spaced a certain distance apart for a reason.

TechGromitUser is Offline
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05/12/2008 12:28 AM  

I think his point was the Geo system would be installed at a deeper depth then the septic system, the trench would be filled in to a depth that is the normal installation depth for the septic system, so the septic system really isn't affected. I peronally don't see a problem, but I'm far from an expert in this area. My only concerns would be if the geo loop ever had to be services/replaced, the septic lines would have to be replaced as well. While you might not need to touch them for 50 years, sooner or later the costs of replacement is going to be a lot more. My other concern is if the closed loop isn't big enough and makes the ground colder than it should, what impact would that have on the septic system? If the ground froze, I would guess it would have a major impact on the system, frozen lines, damaged pipes, since it wouldn't have the same kind of anti-freeze protection that the close loop would have.

geodeanUser is Offline
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05/12/2008 1:13 AM  
Posted By randomhitz on 04/30/2008 2:16 PM
Does it make any sense to consider in new construction to just dig the leach field trenches deeper, say 7 feet, put in the pipe and and then fill to the appropriate height for the septic lines.  Would the moisture for the septic be a benfit?  Also could you dig a deepr hole in the center of your basement and place pipe there an appropriate depth under an insulated slab?  Newbie DIY just wondering.

thanks in advance for any replies.

The experts say not to put your geo lines under or near your septic lines.  I have been to three training courses  and they all addressed this issue and said to stay away.

As far as under your basement goes,  you would need to be at least 3 feet under the slab and most houses need more pipe than could fit under your basement.



Dewayne Dean
PalaceGeothermal.com
Why settle for 90% when you can have 400%
We heat and cool with dirt!
Road BlockUser is Offline
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Posts:46




05/12/2008 7:53 AM  
I asked the same question here and the answers I got said no.
If something goes wrong with either system digging it up takes both systems off line.
Sucking the heat out of the leach field might impact the biological activity that the leach field requires to function properly.
AltonUser is Offline
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05/12/2008 9:05 AM  
The soil below the septic lines should not be disturbed unless you intend to install an engineered septic system.  Ask your local permitting agency for your area.
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Forums > Green Building Technologies > Geothermal Heat Pumps > combining horizontal field with septic?



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