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Now I know

DianaT - 5-2-2007 at 06:30 PM

So that is what a septic system looks like in Baja

We have been so excited, but hesitant that something may happen to prevent this deal. We never thought we would buy a place in Baja, but we fell in love with Bahia Asuncion and Abreojos. If all goes well, and it should, we are buying a second home in Bahia Asuncion. All nomads, please keep a positive thought for us.

It is all because of this board! Without this forum, we may have never turned right at Vizcaino.

Thanks, and come see us when we are there in Bahia Asuncion. It is a beautiful place. Yes, this time of year, the wind is strong in the afternoon, but the morning and the evenings are calm and wonderful. . :spingrin:

Are we excited with our new project? :yes:

Oh no, we just don't sleep at nights. At three o'clock in the morning, we may be discussing walls, storage, colors, or whatever.

See you in Baja!

Diane and John

Paulina - 5-2-2007 at 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter
So that is what a septic system looks like in Baja

Are we excited with our new project? :yes:

Oh no, we just don't sleep at nights. At three o'clock in the morning, we may be discussing walls, storage, colors, or whatever.

Diane and John

Congratulations Diane and John, we can feel the excitement in your writing. We also like the design of your septic, being above ground level, avoiding run off. Good luck with your new adventure!

P y D <*)))><

fdt - 5-2-2007 at 06:57 PM

Felicidades y am very happy for you. :yes:

DENNIS - 5-2-2007 at 07:01 PM

Looks like your pooch wants to be the first one to use it.

I know what you mean. I've built my house a million times in my midnight mind.

Good luck on yours.

Natalie Ann - 5-2-2007 at 07:04 PM

Kudos to you Diane and John! I'm real pleased for ya. :spingrin:

BajaWarrior - 5-2-2007 at 07:09 PM

Best wishes on your project!

We'll be in Acunsion this August, the pictures that Shari has on her website are very inviting and I looked at your collection on Webshots, your right, fantastic place!

Cypress - 5-2-2007 at 07:25 PM

Best of luck with the new home.

Keep us updated on your progress. :yes:

Bob H - 5-2-2007 at 07:43 PM

jdtrotter..... I love your photos of the area on Webshots. Campo Rene Beach looks like a fantastic place to hang out a few days. Can you give us directions to that place?
The best of luck on your project. How exciting for you.
Bob H

DianaT - 5-2-2007 at 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H
jdtrotter..... I love your photos of the area on Webshots. Campo Rene Beach looks like a fantastic place to hang out a few days. Can you give us directions to that place?
The best of luck on your project. How exciting for you.
Bob H

Thank to everyone-- I know that nomads really understand the excitement.

Bob, there are two ways to reach Campo Rene---just a great place. For a beautiful adventure, drive to Bahia Asuncion and then take the approx. 60 mile dirt road to Abreojos and then out to Campo Rene. You will see some beautiful totally pristine coast lines.

But the easier way to reach Campo Rene is to continue on Highway One past Vizcaino and several miles down the road, you will see a turn off for Abreojos. Much of that road is paved---not the last part, however. Before Abreojos there is a turn off to Campo Rene, well marked---we really love the place and will visit again. Not fancy, very basic, but a decent bed and shelter---we like cabin 12.

I could just sit and watch the tide drain and fill the estuary. Then there is the beautiful shell beach---dang, it is great.

Hope you will visit Asuncion even if you decide to drive back to the main highway to reach Campo Rene. The environs in Asuncion are very different---but we think it is all an often forgotten part of Baja.

So much Baja, and all of it is magical---can someone explain why that is??
Diane

Edit ---can't believe I put my age !

[Edited on 5-3-2007 by jdtrotter]

vgabndo - 5-2-2007 at 08:34 PM

Oh Diane, the adventure "heats up". Now that our place is essentially complete, I really miss being able to put myself to sleep with long nightly imaginings of how it was all going to come together. I stumbled upon some sketches the other day from twelve years ago. There is no comparison with what actually exists. :lol:

DavidT - 5-2-2007 at 08:48 PM

Get your dog to face the other way and you will never have to carry "doggie bags" again. :biggrin:

Building the dream house

Loretana - 5-2-2007 at 09:52 PM

Ms. Diane,
Buena suerte with your Baja home project.

I am also spending sleepless nights dreaming about my "fishing shack". My wall is coming along nicely.

Here's a picture of my concrete crew.
Cute, huh?

Viva Baja!! :dudette:

Concrete crew

Loretana - 5-2-2007 at 09:58 PM

One more try..
here are my concrete boys.......

concrete nomad.jpg - 49kB

shari - 5-3-2007 at 07:11 AM

So now I can officialy welcome you two daring youngsters (at heart) to lovely Bahia Asuncion...you will be an asset to our community and I know you will learn alot about being "human" not just american! Living in baja is a whole new ballgame...an exciting, frustrating but rewarding one...ya win and lose some innings...but it's all about playing! bienvenidos amigos

rts551 - 5-3-2007 at 07:34 AM

Web site for campo Rene

http://www.camporene.com/punta-abreojos.htm

oladulce - 5-3-2007 at 11:49 AM

Very exciting Diane. Now we'll see your focus shift to Baja homebuilding questions. At least mine did a while back so I asked Doug if he would consider starting a "Baja home" topic on a BB for Baja traveler's because there's no other source of information out there. I was full of questions and didn't want to clutter the board for those looking for travel info only. He agreed, and the "casa and living" subtopic was created.

I've gained valuable info from here and try to share some of what we have learned. Please post your progress and any tips you may have along the way. I still have a million questions and enjoy seeing other's building projects.

I said this once regarding home building photos:

"... I'll spare you the photos of chalk lines on a vacant lot amongst lava rocks and stickers, or shots of a fresh block wall, intricately tied rebar, or a newly poured roof. I discovered that photos of a construction project are sort of like baby pictures- to the parents they're the most beautiful things in the world. Share them with others, and eyes can start to glaze over.

Me, I like construction photos, especially when accompanied by some "After" shots to show the owner's vision. Hope you'll show us some more. "

I've discovered that many Nomads enjoy construction photos whether they've been thru it themselves or are dreaming of the future. So please post photos too, or better yet, start a blog of your adventure - you'd write a great one based on that great travelogue you wrote.

Here's some fond memories:

Septico on a lava bed with broken handtools at the bottom

Finalmente.

(Thanks to Juan del Rio for the photos)

DianaT - 5-3-2007 at 04:08 PM

Oladulce,

Well, our basic little abode is already built---needs finishing, and we will be doing some more building and some changes. I am writing about this entire experience---will keep a log.

We don't plan on stopping our travels---we are still Baja Snoops, we will just now have another place to which we can return.

Loretana---they have great smiles! But a real cement mixer? Now that is a real luxury. :yes:

vgabndo--- I need more sleep --- soon, I hope.

Quote:

you will be an asset to our community and I know you will learn alot about being "human" not just american!

Shari, don't really understand what you mean???

Well, off the the Baja homebuilding forum.

Diane

Bob and Susan - 5-3-2007 at 04:30 PM

did you EVER think you be "talking" with others about septic systems??? :lol:

DianaT - 5-3-2007 at 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
did you EVER think you be "talking" with others about septic systems??? :lol:

Not since by parents hooked up to the sewers in the 1950s. :lol:

We have also learned that if one person in town builds it, anyone else who builds anything will criticize how it was built. As non-handy people, ignorance can be bliss, sometimes. :lol:

Love your web page, and love your project!

Diane

[Edited on 5-4-2007 by jdtrotter]

Roberto - 5-3-2007 at 06:01 PM

Great choice! One of the most untouched, beautiful areas in Baja. Plus, you don't need A/C in the summer! From someone who has had and has property in Baja, I can tell you this: unless you have unlimited funds, you are in for quite a learning experience. Come to think of it, even if you DO have unlimited funds, you will learn a thing or two.

"La Bahia"

Pompano - 5-3-2007 at 08:41 PM

That is the name of this Conception Bay waterfront project.

Seems like very good construction methods are happening here.

Like this 3-chamber septic tank. Ain't she beautiful?

-0 9 (Custom) (2).jpg - 40kB

Iflyfish - 5-3-2007 at 11:43 PM

Congrats! You really did it! Good for you!

I too appreciate the photos. I enjoyed watching Juan build a rock wall. Really an art.

I hope your life in Asuncion is good for you and your family. You will be surrounded by some wonderful people who I have met who are also building there.

Saludos!

Iflyfish

JDTrotter

Baja Bernie - 5-4-2007 at 06:50 AM

Look at your picture and then look at Pompano's.......His has the pass trough pipes that I didn't see in yours..........It is not unusual for the Mexicans to fail to put this little thing in and that makes your septic system much less efficient

See my story here on Building a dream home...just posted yesterday.

DENNIS - 5-4-2007 at 07:43 AM

Bernie ---

It's Mexican block construction. They'll poke a hole in the walls for a cross-over pipe. Just like building a block house then chiseling channels for electrical wiring.
At least, that's what I'm assuming they did.

DianaT - 5-4-2007 at 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Bernie ---

It's Mexican block construction. They'll poke a hole in the walls for a cross-over pipe. Just like building a block house then chiseling channels for electrical wiring.
At least, that's what I'm assuming they did.

It does not show well in that picture, but it does in others. That is exactly what they did---they poked a hole in the wall.

Diane

Baja Bernie - 5-4-2007 at 10:22 AM

Just as long as the hole gets there.

Bob and Susan - 5-4-2007 at 10:46 AM

here's ours by the garage
the pipes flow over the walls

now that we are building on the beach we are doing something a little different

we have 4 different locations
where plastic tanks serve as the septic receivers instead of concrete

this way none of the "bad stuff" will leak into the bay :light:

by the time ANY water gets to the ground it should be clean....er... :saint:

DianaT - 5-4-2007 at 12:11 PM

Can hardly wait until someone adds a picture of a used septic tank. :barf:

Diane

DENNIS - 5-4-2007 at 01:17 PM

Diane ----

With proper use and maintenance, they don't look bad.

Used improperly, they look like s**t.

What size, how many gallons is your tank?

Sharksbaja - 5-4-2007 at 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
here's ours by the garage
the pipes flow over the walls

now that we are building on the beach we are doing something a little different

we have 4 different locations
where plastic tanks serve as the septic receivers instead of concrete

this way none of the "bad stuff" will leak into the bay :light:

by the time ANY water gets to the ground it should be clean....er... :saint:

question: Why are those 3' pipes bent down like that on both sides? Does that keep the "floaters" on one side?

DianaT - 5-4-2007 at 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Diane ----

With proper use and maintenance, they don't look bad.

Used improperly, they look like s**t.

What size, how many gallons is your tank?

Dennis,

While we measured almost everything else, we did not measure the septic---don't know the size, but will find out next trip. Shari was with us and said it was a lot bigger than the ones she had seen in the area.

I know, it is a question we should have asked, and will.

At this time, none of the grey water will go into the septic---it will be used for other things --- plants, car washing, dog washing, etc.

Diane

Cypress - 5-4-2007 at 01:59 PM

Good not to waste the "grey water". :spingrin:

Septic tanks should be built to deal with about a thousand gallons of wastewater. :spingrin:

DENNIS - 5-4-2007 at 02:05 PM

Diane ----

Don't know how many will be using it regularly but, for two yours looks plenty large. Rule of thumb is 1000 gallons for a family of two. If you have good percolating soil in the drain [ leech ] field, don't be afraid to run your kitchen sink into it. Otherwise you run out greasy water with the gray water. It draws flies and has other bad effects and your dog will be a grease-ball.

Sharks guessed right on the lower opening for the pipes although if "floaters" are bobbing around the surface, your tank isn't doing its job of decomposing waste. At the surface will be a layer of "scum" which the cross-over pipes go below.

The drainfield is just as important to the whole process as the tank. It can make or break the system.

I know I'm going on and on about these systems but they have to be understood, especially in Mexico where many builders don't understand the difference between a septic system and a cesspool.

Anyway, it looks like you guys have it together. Good luck.

By the way.......To figure volume ----- Establish cubic footage and take it to a conversion site on the web.

[Edited on 5-4-2007 by DENNIS]

oladulce - 5-5-2007 at 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pompano
... Conception Bay waterfront project.
Seems like very good construction methods are happening here. Like this 3-chamber septic tank.

As part of the Environmental Impact study and review of our building plans, SEMARNAT required the block/concrete design in the photos I posted with a fourth round filtration chamber filled with graduating sizes of aggragate. "Because you're next to the Federal Zone" was their rationale. Each chamber is about 8'x8' and 10' deep. Definitely no leach fields allowed.

The criteria they used which required the 4th chamber could be location-dependent, or new vs old rules, or may just depend which way the wind is blowing that day that'll determine the rules that'll apply to each project?

Bob and Susan - 5-5-2007 at 09:54 AM

i think someone told me about the bent pipes but i don't remember the reason...

but they said that's just a different way...more like the USA

we do have four chambers too...

septic design

bajadock - 5-5-2007 at 03:39 PM

Septic design for my new home. How many sanitation engineers lurk on nomad?

[Edited on 5-5-2007 by bajadock]

septic.jpg - 27kB

DENNIS - 5-5-2007 at 04:50 PM

bajadock -----

Interesting design, to say the least. I see the "entrada" on the left but don't see the "salida" on the opposite end. Where does the efluent exit the chamber?

Also, the entrance pipe drops into the chamber. It doesn't have to drop at all. It just has to be higher than the exit pipe, which you don't seem to have anyway.

If your contractor builds that tank as shown, you will have a huge problem.

Bob and Susan - 5-5-2007 at 04:52 PM

here's how i read the diagram... :lol:

DENNIS - 5-5-2007 at 04:56 PM

Oh, yeah. Now it makes sense.

My Aquifer

bajadock - 5-5-2007 at 04:58 PM

B&S, I am laffing my bunz off!!! I KNEW that someone from the scientific community, like you, would provide proper analysis and evaluation of my "aquifer". If my contractor sees this, he'll add big surcharge to final bill. PURRFECT!

DianaT - 5-5-2007 at 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
here's how i read the diagram... :lol:

Good one!

Diane

DENNIS - 5-5-2007 at 05:09 PM

Come to think of it, I've seen what a contractor will call a septic tank built much like the original drawing but without a drain line and unsealed on the inside. In fact, they leave some block ungrouted leaving large holes in the walls. What this is, is a cesspool poorly disguised to resemble a septic tank. God only knows why.

septic design

bajadock - 5-5-2007 at 05:31 PM

DENNIS,
Thanks, all is well with septic design/construction. My construction experience provies my healthy mistrust of contractors, so I'm on-site constantly. My dad was a commercial master plumber(He's the "1925" on my logo/avatar), so I can't wait to get his reaction upon seeing Bob/Susan's diagram! loveitloveitloveit!!!