Where can I get local installation code and product technical questions answered?

Many installation requirements and options are governed by local codes instituted by the health department or other regulatory bodies in your area. When in question, check with the local regulatory department for specifics and follow their code instructions. Any installation questions not answered here can be directed to the Infiltrator Systems' Technical Services staff by calling 1-800-718-2754.

In what types of systems can Infiltrator chambers be installed?

Infiltrator chambers can be used in almost any septic leachfield application. Wherever stone and pipe can be installed, Infiltrator chambers can be used. This includes trench, bed, and elevated mound installations, chambers provide superior treatment capabilities in pressure dosing, level distribution, serial distribution, evapotranspiration, sand filter applications and other common systems.

When I install Infiltrator chambers, how much can the size of the leachfield be reduced?

System sizing is determined by local regulatory departments. Typically, health departments have approved sizing reductions of 25 to 50 percent when Infiltrator chambers are specified. Check your local codes for the specifics in your area or call Infiltrator Systems at 1-800-718-2754.

What is the required distance between trenches? What is the required distance between chambers installed in a bed system?

Trench spacing requirements are determined by local health codes so check with your local health department. In beds, Infiltrator Systems recommends a minimum of 6 inches separation between the feet of the chambers.

Can chambers be installed under a driveway or paved surface?

Some health codes do not allow septic leachfields to be installed under impervious surfaces such as a driveway. This is because the surface pressure can compact the soil, resulting in a negative affect on the soil's ability to treat effluent (wastewater). Check with your local health department for the specific codes for your area. If this type of installation is allowed, call Infiltrator Systems' Technical Services staff at 1-800-718-2754 for design and installation instructions.

Can chambers be installed under a driveway or paved surface?

Some health codes do not allow septic leachfields to be installed under impervious surfaces such as a driveway. This is because the surface pressure from stone in conventional systems can compact the soil, resulting in a negative effect on the soil's ability to treat effluent (wastewater). Check with your local regulatory department for the specific codes for your area. If this type of installation is allowed, call Infiltrator Systems Technical Services staff at 1-800-718-2754 for installation instructions.

Can the chambers be cut to accommodate site constraints?

With the exception of the QuickCut Equalizer® 36 chamber, Infiltrator Systems does not encourage the cutting of chambers. Contact Infiltrator Systems Technical Services staff at 800-718-2754 before cutting any other Infiltrator chamber.

What is Infiltrator Systems' specification for minimum and maximum system cover?

Infiltrator Systems recommends a minimum of 12 inches of compacted cover over the chambers. Maximum allowable cover over the chambers in a trench system is 96 inches. In bed systems, the maximum cover is 48 inches. If the drainfield is located in a non-traffic area, minimum cover can be reduced to six inches. Exercise caution with equipment when installing a system at the 6-inch depth. Infiltrator Systems does offer a line of Shallow Cover (SC) Chambers that allow for six inches of cover with an H-10-equivalent loading rate, however these are only available in specific markets. Always check with your local health codes for specific cover requirements.

Can Infiltrator chambers be installed around obstacles?

Yes. To accommodate existing obstacles in system installation, Quick4 Chambers allow for 10 to 15 degree turns, right or left.

Can the inspection port opening be used as an inlet?

Yes, on the top of each chamber there is a knock-out area that is typically used for an inspection port. When inletting into the inspection port, a splash plate is needed under the inlet. Use caution when backfilling so as not to dislodge the inlet pipe.

Are inspection ports required?

Inspection ports are not a manufacturer’s requirement. They may be a requirement of your local code. Check with your local regulatory department for details.

Are distribution boxes required?

Distribution boxes are not a manufacturer’s requirement, but may be a requirement of your local code. Check with your local regulatory department.

Should the trench bottom be level?

Most local codes require the trench bottom to be level. Some may allow for a minimal slope. Check with your local regulatory department for details.

What is the maximum length of a trench (or lateral)?

Local codes vary. The maximum length of a trench is typically no more than 100 feet. Check with your local regulatory department for details.

What prevents soil from entering the chambers through the sidewall louvers?

Infiltrator chambers have a patented MicroLeaching™ louver design that corresponds to the angle of repose of the soil. This permits effluent to leach out of the sidewall while preventing soil from entering the chamber.

Should filter fabric be used over Infiltrator chamber sidewall louvers?

Infiltrator MicroLeaching™ sidewall louvers are designed to keep soil out; therefore filter fabric is not needed. Contact Infiltrator Systems Technical Services for additional information at 1-800-718-2754.

Do I need to compact the trench base when installing in sandy soils or fill/mound systems?

When installing the chambers in sandy soils, mound, or fill systems, the sand base should be compacted. This gives the chambers a solid footing and does not adversely affect the infiltration rate of the sands.