Do you own a conventional septic system on your property? Are you tired of the extra maintenance and additional repair costs? Then, maybe you should consider switching to an Alternative Sewage System (AOSS).
One popular example of an AOSS is the peat moss biofilter system. It’s eco-friendly and low-maintenance.
Read on to find out more about the peat moss septic system cost and how it operates.
Conventional vs Peat Moss Septic Systems
Before we discuss the cost of peat moss septic systems and how they work, let’s compare them with conventional septic systems to understand why they’re superior.
Conventional Septic Systems
Traditional septic systems are installed to treat wastewater produced by bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry. They’re installed in rural areas where a centralized sewer system is unattainable. They’re made up of two main parts: a septic tank and a soil absorption field.
These systems rely on technology and nature to absorb organic matter and separate floatable matter, like grease and oils. Once cleaned and filtered, wastewater moves to the soil.
Peat Moss Septic System
Peat moss septic systems are quite similar to traditional septic systems. The main difference is that with the former, wastewater goes through layers of peat before it’s discharged into the soil.
Studies show that these systems can remove over 90% of fine solids and polluted wastes. Some of these pollutants include biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids (TSS), and fecal coliform bacteria.
How Does a Peat Moss Septic System Operate?
This filtration system is called an Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU). It uses aerobic bacteria to break down the waste in the septic tank. It was first developed in the late 1970s by Dr. Joan Brooks.
These systems are highly sustainable and can be placed either below the ground or on the surface.
Peat moss septic systems typically consist of three parts: effluent dosing system, peat filter media, and drainage system. The following paragraphs help shed light on each component.
Effluent Dosing System
Peat filtering systems can receive their effluent in two ways: gravity or a pump system. Once the effluent fills a bucket, gravity (or the pump) tips the bucket over to dispense its content.
This distributes the effluent into the peat moss media to begin the filtration process. There’s also an aerator that circulates oxygen in the tank so the ATU can do its job.
Peat Filter Media
Peat pods, or units, come ready to be installed and sit in layers roughly 2-3 feet high. They can be placed in either a concrete or plastic tank, or in a fiberglass shell.
It’s important to mention that not just any kind of peat is used in these systems. It has to be an air-dried peat moss that has been specially treated and prepared.
This type of peat is more efficient in filtering out waste and bacteria. Not only that, but it has a longer life expectancy of about 8-20 years.
The peat you get from your local landscaper has a shorter lifespan. Plus, it’ll do a much less efficient job of filtering out waste material from the effluent.
Drainage System
After filtering through the peat layers, septic effluent then trickles into the soil in a variety of ways. One way is with the aid of a stone bed that lies underneath the layers of peat pods. Another is for a second dosing tank to distribute the filtered effluent into the soil.
How Much Does a Peat Moss Septic System Cost?
Aerobic tanks are more complex to install than conventional anaerobic ones. This is why they cost more.
However, it’s worth noting that aerobic tanks are better for the environment and require less maintenance over the years. So, you get your money’s worth, providing they’re used properly and well-cared for.
On average, these systems have a lifespan of about 15 years. After that time, the peat moss within the tank will need to be replaced.
An aerobic septic system can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000. This price factors in the following:
- Your location: Not all locations are suitable for the installation of an aerobic septic system.
- Tank size: A 3-bedroom home needs a 1,000-gallon septic tank, which can cost between $600 and $1,000
- Building permits: Can cost anywhere between $500 and $2,000
- Labor costs: Professional tank installers can charge between $1,500 to $4,000
Bear in mind that any initial work or repairs must be done with a permit from the Department of Health. Also, it should only be carried out by a licensed and trained service provider.
The Most Sought-After Peat Moss Septic System Modules
There are several peat biofilter modules to choose from, but the two most popular ones are Ecoflo and Puraflo.
They’re both easy to manage with very little energy consumption. Yet, while Ecoflo has a smaller footprint, Puraflo is more affordable.
The price of one Puraflo peat pod is approximately $1,400 to $1,500. Sourced from Ireland, Puraflo peat comes in bags of 1,000 pounds each. Each pod accommodates a little over one bag of peat.
Ecoflo peat is sourced from Canada. Each pod has an average cost of $3,500. Each pod requires 30 bags of peat; 15 bags placed on each side of the pod.
The Ecoflo system is more compact than traditional septic systems and blends easily into the landscaping.
For best results, it’s recommended that you install one pod per bedroom. So, for a 3-bedroom house, you’ll need three pods.
That comes to an average total of $4,200 to $4,500 for the Puraflo peat moss system. If you install the Ecoflo module, the total will come to an average of about $10,500 for all three pods.
Add to that the extra costs we mentioned above. That should give you a basic idea of the overall range of the peat moss septic system cost.
A Final Note
Whether you’re installing a new septic system or replacing your old one, it’s time to consider going green. Alternative sewage systems, such as peat moss septic systems, offer better wastewater management. They’re also better for the environment.
In addition, knowing how much a peat moss septic system costs can help you get your priorities in order. This way, you can rest assured knowing you’ve invested in an efficient, no-fuss system that’s guaranteed to last for many years to come.