BajaNomad - A hole in the ground that you through money into

A hole in the ground that you through money into

fishbuck - 12-28-2016 at 05:22 PM

Three tank aerobic sceptic tank.
Yes, I know it's gross but is an adult reality of life and part of living offgrid. The CC@R's in my neighborhood are very strict on this issue for the obvious reason.
I intend to begin this project on day 1 of my arrival to my fishcamp. Otherwise, I guessing I will be making weekly (minimum) trips to town to service my trailer. And I trying to get as big a trailer as I can so would prefer not to move it.

My question is...
Does this qualify as a DIY project.
Can 1 man with a shovel, wheelbarrow, bags of cement, etc. complete this? I'm guessing shovel men are cheap in San Quintin. The farm hands make like $5-10/day.
I know there is an air pump (aerobic) and water pump to pump out the clean water.
I guess that water goes to my palm trees.
Or is this something that needs a contractor?
I know a backhoe would help a lot. And I can probably buy all the parts pre-made (tanks, pumps, plumbing, etc).

Sweetwater - 12-28-2016 at 05:44 PM

Mostly, I throw my money away.
But that's just me.....

DENNIS - 12-28-2016 at 05:49 PM

Questions persist whether three chambers are better than two. I'm convinced it makes no difference as long as the amoebic environment is kept healthy.
Some say the additional interior wall serves no practical purpose other than supporting the top. I agree.

I bought my tank on line delivered to a freight depot in San Diego. Threw it into a pickup and brought it home.

1000 gallon capacity for around 1000 bucks. Dig a hole...toss it in, plumb it and you're done.

http://www.tank-depot.com/product.aspx?id=116

DENNIS - 12-28-2016 at 05:52 PM

By the way, Mike, it'll require a leech line. Otherwise, you can start calling it a cesspool.

woody with a view - 12-28-2016 at 05:55 PM

...and wherever you throw your money make sure it goes through the hole.

fishbuck - 12-28-2016 at 06:41 PM

The systems I've scene have chlorine treatment and then 1 last tank and then the water is pumped to the surface. Locally I watched a guy water his palm trees with a hose and it was manually switched on and off.
In the diagrams I've scene this is a float switch and the water sprays out to irrigate a lawn I guess.
But the last part of the process treats the water and sterilizes it so it's safe.
We can't use a leech field or line because we are too close to the bay and it might leech into it.

[Edited on 12-29-2016 by fishbuck]

DENNIS - 12-28-2016 at 07:25 PM

Don't know how "sterilized" water could be good for anything. like distilled water......no nutrients left.

How about a composting toilet?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composting_toilet

fishbuck - 12-28-2016 at 07:29 PM

Interesting.

DENNIS - 12-28-2016 at 07:36 PM

Yeah. Just tell your neighbors you BBQ a lot.

fishbuck - 12-28-2016 at 07:44 PM

I hire a guy or 2 for $10 a hour and supply them with shovels. I have them dig a 20' L x 10' W x 8' D trench.
I use cement blocks to build my 3 tanks. I use PVC pipe and plumb it all up. I buy the aerator pump, and a water pump.
I may need to put this under my driveway so it will need to be strong enough.
I run irrigation lines right to my palms.

What could go wrong?

[Edited on 12-29-2016 by fishbuck]

Bajaboy - 12-28-2016 at 08:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck

I hire a guy or 2 for $10 a day and supply them with shovels. I have them dig a 20' L x 10' W x 8' D trench.
I use cement blocks to build my 3 tanks. I use PVC pipe and plumb it all up. I buy the aerator pump, and a water pump.
I may need to put this under my driveway so it will need to be strong enough.
I run irrigation lines right to my palms.

What could go wrong?

My guess is that your place gets broken into within a year :light:

$10 bucks a day :?:

mtgoat666 - 12-28-2016 at 09:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck

A lot. Use a backhoe.
Show some respect and compensate backbreaking physical labor at better than $10/day. P-nche gringo!

Septic systems are totally low maintenance hands-off if you build the right. Sounds like you are going to roll the dice with a DIY using cheapest labor and materials,... good luck!

motoged - 12-28-2016 at 09:53 PM

I hope yer sewage treetment plan is better than yor speling :biggrin:

pacificobob - 12-29-2016 at 07:18 AM

i use these. fast, easy install....still need a drain field or an absorption pit. available at you local mex building supply

http://www.rotoplas.com.mx/productos/saneamiento/biodigestor...

baronvonbob - 12-29-2016 at 07:39 AM

Just dig a ditch at midnight and hook into Orndeins Septic tank. You neighbor.

Bajaboy - 12-29-2016 at 07:59 AM

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck

My guess is that your place gets broken into within a year :light:

$10 bucks a day :?:

Tbone - 12-29-2016 at 08:04 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck

He said $10 per hour not day.

DENNIS - 12-29-2016 at 08:08 AM

Don't confuse him with details. :lol:

mtgoat666 - 12-29-2016 at 08:13 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Tbone

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote: Originally posted by fishbuck

He said $10 per hour not day.

He said $10 per day, not per hour.

DENNIS - 12-29-2016 at 08:18 AM

Mike....I'm guessing your place is surrounded with cesspools rather than septic systems, which makes your concerns for ocean pollution debatable. I'm not saying it isn't a noble idea, but what do your neighbors think, and do?

http://abccesspoolandsepticpumping.com/septic-tank-cesspool/

woody with a view - 12-29-2016 at 09:41 AM

How much sewage does one or two people generate in a day? Not much is my guess. Run all of you sinks and shower drains to water your plants, not into the pit. If it's yellow let it mellow and flush once a or twice a day. If it's brown flush it down. A few gallons of waste a day is negligible. How far above sea level is your toilet seat?

DENNIS - 12-29-2016 at 10:39 AM

Actually a healthy septic system thrives on waste. It's food to amoeba.
Occasionally I'll flush a kilo of the cheaper ground beef, along with a cup of brewers yeast into the tank. Kind of a reward for the little critters for doing a good job.
I also stick the tank to be aware of sludge build-up on the floor. That is the best indicator of a healthy or problem system. So far, nothing.
Septic systems need to be maintained , and they'll let you know when you don't do that.

hermosok123 - 12-29-2016 at 11:16 AM

There is a business here in Ensenada that sells poly 2 chamber septic tanks. North on Reforma just past Smart and Final on the East side of the road. You can also order one at Home Depot. These are leach line septic tanks.

DENNIS - 12-29-2016 at 11:31 AM

That surprises me. I'm curious as to the construction and size. Ensenada, as well as every other place I know of here, is more into cesspool design due to the lack of space required for a leach field.
Add to that, the widespread ignorance and concern of the concept.

hermosok123 - 12-29-2016 at 11:44 AM

rotoplas tanques pdf They are called biodigestors. At the time I purchased mine you had to drill the leach line pipes yourself but the tanks were basically plug and play. I think Home Depot said 3 weeks to order one but the place on Reforma had it in stock.

ligui - 12-29-2016 at 11:45 AM

http://www.bioinge.com/ing/index_eng.html

Hello boys

DENNIS - 12-29-2016 at 11:57 AM

Rotoplas Biodigestor
=============

I think one would be better off with a porta-potti
==========================

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM8rRk-cnUI

http://www.sodimac.com.pe/sodimac-pe/product/1298968/Biodige...
========================

https://translate.google.com.mx/translate?sl=es&tl=en&am...

Bob and Susan - 12-29-2016 at 01:40 PM

don't build a cement block septic tank...
for new construction they are illegal

get the plastic two/three chamber and add a leach line
on top of gravel
cover the leach line with paper and fill with dirt

if you use a backhoe the job will be completed in a few hours

do not put it under the driveway...one day it could need replacing and cement drives are expensive

flush your toilet every use...

plants LOVE the nitrates in the "cleaned water"

DENNIS - 12-29-2016 at 02:11 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

don't build a cement block septic tank...
for new construction they are illegal

get the plastic two/three chamber and add a leach line
on top of gravel
cover the leach line with paper and fill with dirt

if you use a backhoe the job will be completed in a few hours

do not put it under the driveway...one day it could need replacing and cement drives are expensive

flush your toilet every use...

plants LOVE the nitrates in the "cleaned water"

Yes..Yes....Yes....and let me add......do your homework on setting a leach line. Level...not almost level...is the operative word. Don't listen to anything different.
Home Depot USA sells a sock that fits over a 4" line [standard for this purpose] to keep fine dirt from accumulating inside the pipe. That's the function of the paper Bob mentioned. Both would be even better, but.......
You probably won't be able to find leach line in Baja. so it's easy enough to drill your own. Just do it correctly.
Every mistake in septic tank construction will be paid for down the road.

DENNIS - 12-29-2016 at 02:14 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan

don't build a cement block septic tank...
for new construction they are illegal

In Mexico? How's that? Rural building code?

bajaric - 12-30-2016 at 07:28 AM

I think the issue is that due to local restrictions leach lines are not allowed. That might be overkill, as a properly constructed and maintained anaerobic septic system (perc tested, properly sized leach lines, etc.) is a proven low maintenance system that here NOB is permitted to be within 50 feet of a drinking water well.

In some cases, however, if the soil is impermeable, or the lot is too small, there are approved aerobic tanks where the stuff that comes out the end is clean enough for irrigation use. Of course that would involve maintenance, pumps and electricity, what could go wrong? You could probably find plans for approved aerobic systems from your local health department. PS hire a backhoe.

DENNIS - 12-30-2016 at 08:25 AM

There are hundreds of beachcamps along the coasts of Baja. I would guess not even one has a proper system. Cesspools by the sea. Actually, cesspools IN the sea.

DENNIS - 12-30-2016 at 08:28 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaric

I think the issue is that due to local restrictions leach lines are not allowed.

I believe the concept of leach fields is all but unknown to the area.

bajaric - 12-30-2016 at 10:45 AM

Dennis, the OP asked about an aerobic system and several comments down said leech (sic) lines were not approved in his camp. I was just responding to the post. Sounds like they want people who build there to have their own little mini treatment systems to cleanse their effluent to sparkling clarity, like dew drops on blades of green grass. As you said not exactly the norm for Baja. As an aside, several of my health inspector friends had vacation homes at Rcho Bufadora back in the day and not one of them had a septic system that would meet NOB standards. Oddly enough, the little concrete block tanks seemed to work just fine, even though there were no inspections or permit fees involved.

DENNIS - 12-30-2016 at 11:25 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajaric

Dennis, the OP asked about an aerobic system and several comments down said leech (sic) lines were not approved in his camp. I was just responding to the post.

As an aside, several of my health inspector friends had vacation homes at Rcho Bufadora back in the day and not one of them had a septic system that would meet NOB standards. Oddly enough, the little concrete block tanks seemed to work just fine, even though there were no inspections or permit fees involved.

Yeah...I was just doing the same...or something like that

Anyway, I had a place in Toscano's[Rancho La Bufadora] back in the 60s and just as today, the entire development is on individual cesspools. There's not a septic system in the place.
As we all know, cagada drains to the lowest point, and that's the ocean.
It's probably against Dept. of Tourism laws to test the water in Ensenada's best known tourist attraction where busloads of visitors stand above the turbulent geyser and marvel at the spray blowing in their faces.

By the way...those little concrete tanks, cesspools, are no more than a box with drain holes in the side.

Martyman - 12-30-2016 at 11:50 AM

Stay with a passive system if allowed. Chlorine or sewage electrical pumps will be a headache over time. A passive greywater system for your landscape would help to minimize the size of your system/tank. A 300 gallon septic tank should be sufficient if you have a greywater system.

DENNIS - 12-30-2016 at 12:14 PM

Agreed. Don't run your shower or washing machine drain into the sewer tank. Kitchen sink...yes. Don't want greasy flowers.

surabi - 12-30-2016 at 07:00 PM

The septic system I installed at my place on the mainland north of PV:

A "fosa"- pre-digester tank, looks like a tinako except has 4" inlet and outlet and a filter basket full of bits of plastic pipe (came like that from the store). The solids break down in this and the water flows into a leach field 1 and half meters cubed built from cement blocks. I live alone with the occasional visitor and one Christmas had my whole family, 11 people, for 10 days. The system has never needed any maintenance (nor do I add meat or anything else), never needed pumping out in the 10 years since it was installed.

Septic systems work best the less water you put into them. All my grey water- 2 bathroom sinks, 2 showers, a washing machine, and the kitchen sink have their drain pipes extended into whatever part of the garden is closest to them. For this I just add more 2" pipe to the existing 2" drain pipe, drilling 3/8 inch holes on the underside (obviously this has to be done before gluing the extension pipes on) wherever I have plants that need water. I put a cap on the end, but don't glue it on, just keep it in place with a rock. This way if the holes get plugged up or the pipe gets too cruddy inside, I just remove the cap, stick my water hose up inside the pipe as far as it will go, and pull it back out slowly, which flushes it all out. All of this pipe lays above ground, not buried. I painted it so you can barely see it.

And no elbow connections, which can get plugged and are hard to get a plumbing snake or hose thru- two 45s instead.

So I don't overload the septic system, pee and nose blowing paper goes in the basket and I don't flush after yellow. If brown, it all gets flushed, including the paper.

willardguy - 12-30-2016 at 07:31 PM

certainly not a solution.....but it sure would help if all you tourists would load up on imodium when crossing south and deposit your beloved taco's when you get home, where they could be properly processed!

DENNIS - 12-30-2016 at 07:39 PM

The Pacifico Diet........ :lol:

willardguy - 12-30-2016 at 07:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by DENNIS

The Pacifico Diet........ :lol:

works for me!

ncampion - 12-31-2016 at 04:23 PM

OK, I have to jump in here. If you are setting up a new septic system in Baja Sur anywhere near the coast you cannot have a leech line system. We learned this when building our house several years ago. PROFEPA will only allow approved treatment systems to go in. After having our system in for about seven years now I can say it is hands down the best system, although it does require an air pump and an effluent pump (both of which are still operating perfectly). Everything goes into to it, black water grey water, everything. It is an active aerobic system that produces clear, colorless, odorless water that we pump around our lot for irrigation. So 100% of your water is recycled. The product water is so clear and odorless that it looks like you could drink it, but you can't - too many coli-forms. Only maintenance is to clean a particle filter about every six months or so. Here's a link, the company is in Cabo. Here's a link

http://mightymac.com.mx/

fishbuck - 12-31-2016 at 05:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by ncampion

OK, I have to jump in here. If you are setting up a new septic system in Baja Sur anywhere near the coast you cannot have a leech line system. We learned this when building our house several years ago. PROFEPA will only allow approved treatment systems to go in. After having our system in for about seven years now I can say it is hands down the best system, although it does require an air pump and an effluent pump (both of which are still operating perfectly). Everything goes into to it, black water grey water, everything. It is an active aerobic system that produces clear, colorless, odorless water that we pump around our lot for irrigation. So 100% of your water is recycled. The product water is so clear and odorless that it looks like you could drink it, but you can't - too many coli-forms. Only maintenance is to clean a particle filter about every six months or so. Here's a link, the company is in Cabo. Here's a link

http://mightymac.com.mx/

Thank you! Perfect.

DENNIS - 12-31-2016 at 06:44 PM

PROFEPA isn't so active up here. Not at all in the beachcamps.