Alternative (advanced) septic systems in Suffolk
Not every septic system is just a tank and a drainfield. Where soils are wet, shallow or tight, which describes plenty of land in coastal Virginia, systems often need extra parts to treat wastewater before it reaches the soil. Virginia calls these alternative onsite sewage systems (AOSS).
If your system has any of the following, it's likely an alternative system:
- An alarm box or control panel on a post or the side of the house
- A pump tank after the septic tank
- A treatment unit (aerobic unit, media filter, peat or textile filter)
- Drip lines, a mound, or low-pressure distribution instead of a gravel trench field
- An operation and maintenance (O&M) manual that came with the house
What Virginia requires
These systems need regular professional attention. According to the Virginia Department of Health, an alternative system must be inspected by a qualified AOSS operator within 180 days of system approval, then inspected annually and sampled once every five years (VDH). Operators report their inspections to the health department.
During a visit, the operator is required to inspect all the components and take field measurements, samples and other observations as the regulations and your system's O&M manual call for. If something isn't working and routine maintenance can't fix it, the operator must tell the owner right away what's needed (12VAC5-613-180).
How this fits Suffolk's 5-year pump-out program
Owning an advanced system doesn't exempt you from the city's pump-out program. The city says tank pumping still applies to alternative systems, but a copy of your latest maintenance inspection report can take the place of the hauler's pump-out receipt when you respond to a city letter (city FAQ). Keep your operator's reports somewhere you can find them.
See the full 5-year pump-out guide for the rest of the process.
Keeping an advanced system healthy
- Don't ignore the alarm. An alarm usually means a pump has failed or the water level is high. Use as little water as you can and call for service. Many alarms have a silence button. Silencing it doesn't fix anything.
- Keep the power on. Pumps and aerators need electricity. A tripped breaker can quietly flood a pump tank.
- Follow the O&M manual. Some treatment units have filters that need cleaning on a schedule.
- Protect the field. Drip lines and mounds are easy to damage with vehicles, digging or new landscaping.
- Watch what goes down the drain. Grease, wipes, harsh chemicals and medications can upset the treatment process.
Finding an operator
Some septic companies have licensed operators on staff. Others only pump. When you call, ask:
- Do you hold the license needed to operate and maintain my type of system?
- Will you file the inspection report with the health department?
- Does the visit include pumping, or is that separate?
- Can you give me a copy of the report for the city's pump-out program?
We can point you to companies that work on advanced systems in Suffolk. Tell us what you have.