Infiltrators for septic?

[jimgranite]

We are beginning to think about doing our septic system ourselves after getting a rough estimate of $8-10,000.  We have slow-draining soils that require a 1500 sq ft. drainfield and a perimeter drain.

Using the infiltrators looks a lot faster and easier than pvc and rock.  Anyone used these?  How does it compare in materials cost?

Thanks.

[glenn kangiser]

Easy to use - I set them with a laser.  

Cost is similar by the time you add up everything.

[Daddymem]

Check out the Presby system for another gravel free install.
http://www.presbyenvironmental.com/
Depending where you live and the approvals they have, you may be able to do a multilevel and install it yourself.  I prefer more of a trench system in poor soils as it will most likely last longer than a gallery type system because the trenches distribute the waste along the bottom of the system more evenly.
Having said that, we had two galleries put in for our system and it was much smaller and cheaper than the pipe and gravel quote (results may vary by location).  In our case I went with it because we are in sand and I was required to put in an advanced treatment system so the effluent is much cleaner than tank effluent.

[Kevin]

I used them at my cabin. Installed them myself. Easy to install. The supplier said everyone is going this way.
Kevin

[JRR]

The current edition of Fine Homebuilding, "Houses - annual issue" (Summer, 2007): includes "10 big ideas for smaller houses".  

Lots of interesting reading.  On page 75 is a drawing and brief description of a multiple chamber anaerobic/aerobic septic system tank that minimizes the required drain field area.