| Need a "perc" test? Ready to have your system designed? Give us a call and we'll get you started! |
| Frequently Asked Questions about Alternative Septic Systems |
| (520) 405 - 4726 |
| Alternative Septic Systems by Sonomex LLC - Your Authorized Arizona Norweco Dealer |
| We carry Arizona state approved nitrogen reduction septic systems. |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
"When we need
an alternative
septic system we
only use Norweco
alternative septic
systems"
White Mountain
Testing
Taylor, AZ
an alternative
septic system we
only use Norweco
alternative septic
systems"
White Mountain
Testing
Taylor, AZ
What is an alternative septic system?
Unlike a conventional septic system, alternative septic systems actively treat wastewater in a
multi-chamber tank. As the wastewater moves through the chambers it is broken down and
clarified through natural processes involving anaerobic bacteria, aerobic bacteria, and final
filtration. The result is clear odorless effluent.
Unlike a conventional septic system, alternative septic systems actively treat wastewater in a
multi-chamber tank. As the wastewater moves through the chambers it is broken down and
clarified through natural processes involving anaerobic bacteria, aerobic bacteria, and final
filtration. The result is clear odorless effluent.
How do I know if I need an alternative septic system?
The need for an alternative septic system is determined by the soil conditions on your property. A
percolation (perc) test which measures how quickly water absorbs into the ground may be used.
Soil analysis will also be used along with or instead of a perc test. The Engineer will take the
results of these tests and determine what type of system is needed and then proceed to the
design stage. In general, poor soil conditions necessitate an alternative septic system however
you may choose to install a Norweco system on your property even if it is not required because of
its many benefits and environmentally friendly results.
The need for an alternative septic system is determined by the soil conditions on your property. A
percolation (perc) test which measures how quickly water absorbs into the ground may be used.
Soil analysis will also be used along with or instead of a perc test. The Engineer will take the
results of these tests and determine what type of system is needed and then proceed to the
design stage. In general, poor soil conditions necessitate an alternative septic system however
you may choose to install a Norweco system on your property even if it is not required because of
its many benefits and environmentally friendly results.
Why is an alternative septic system used on land that has poor perc?
Alternative septic systems are basically small wastewater treatment plants. After the wastewater
has traveled through the Norweco system it is clear, odorless and virtually free of solids. This
pre-treated effluent can then be disposed of in a variety of ways. Installing a conventional septic
system in poor soil conditions will result in system failure (it's only a matter of time).
Alternative septic systems are basically small wastewater treatment plants. After the wastewater
has traveled through the Norweco system it is clear, odorless and virtually free of solids. This
pre-treated effluent can then be disposed of in a variety of ways. Installing a conventional septic
system in poor soil conditions will result in system failure (it's only a matter of time).
Does an alternative septic system require special care?
This topic should be started with the fact that ALL onsite wastewater (septic) systems require care
(alternative or conventional). An unmaintained system is prone to failure, effluent quality will be poor, and
will need premature major repairs or replacement. It is important to remember that everything that goes
into any septic system may affect its performance. Cleaning chemicals, water softeners (salt), cotton
products, large quantities of influent (hot tub), and anything that won't easily breakdown will disrupt (or
destroy) the balance of the system. Remember, these systems rely on different types of bacteria to
process wastewater.
This topic should be started with the fact that ALL onsite wastewater (septic) systems require care
(alternative or conventional). An unmaintained system is prone to failure, effluent quality will be poor, and
will need premature major repairs or replacement. It is important to remember that everything that goes
into any septic system may affect its performance. Cleaning chemicals, water softeners (salt), cotton
products, large quantities of influent (hot tub), and anything that won't easily breakdown will disrupt (or
destroy) the balance of the system. Remember, these systems rely on different types of bacteria to
process wastewater.
Can an alternative septic system be designed to water my landscape?
In most cases the answer is yes. The system designer must first analyze the soil and the property
layout itself. Depending on the type of system the designer specifies, water savings can be
substantial. Many of our customers report water bill savings and a healthy backyard. A big benefit
of using the water twice! Plant life is actually a fundamental part of certain Nitrogen reducing and
evapotranspiration (ET) designs.
In most cases the answer is yes. The system designer must first analyze the soil and the property
layout itself. Depending on the type of system the designer specifies, water savings can be
substantial. Many of our customers report water bill savings and a healthy backyard. A big benefit
of using the water twice! Plant life is actually a fundamental part of certain Nitrogen reducing and
evapotranspiration (ET) designs.
Why should I choose the Norweco Singulair system?
When choosing an alternative septic system, consider the following benefits of
installing a Norweco Singulair system on your property:
The Bottom Line: The Norweco Alternative Septic System is the
most complete, cost effective, durable, and reliable system on the
market.
When choosing an alternative septic system, consider the following benefits of
installing a Norweco Singulair system on your property:
- No special tools or equipment needed to service a Norweco system. The Singulair system
is simple in design and easy to maintain with basic tools.
- No costly coordinated system service/tank pumping. Maintenance costs of some alternative
septic systems are expensive! Special service equipment combined with a coordinated tank
pumping means high maintenance costs. Whats worse, failure to perform these costly services on
time will void their warranty (leaving you out in the cold).
- No noisy external pumps or compressors. Norweco's internal aerator is quiet, reliable, and
delivers more than 150% of the air required by nationally recognized wastewater treatment design
standards. External aerators and pumps are notoriously noisy.
- No fragile (and costly) media to damage. Media damage is a real problem for some systems.
The Norweco is a hearty system and is constructed with high quality, durable components for long
life and trouble free service.
- No overpriced maintenance contract. The Norweco is very easy to maintain and many of our
customers choose to take care of their own systems (with our guidance). We also offer
reasonably priced yearly maintenance agreements and, of course, we are always available for
service calls. Keep in mind that your new Norweco alternative septic system has two years of
scheduled regular maintenance included.
- Heavy duty treatment tank. Choose from a rebar and fiber reinforced concrete tank or the new
heavy duty UV protected polyethylene tank.
- Norweco’s clarification and filtration process eliminates the problem of solids passing
into the pump tank and/or drain field. Others can’t say that. Solids passing into the leach field
is not only a direct violation of Arizona Rule on septic systems it is also a primary cause of septic
system failures. Don't be fooled (no matter what the salesman tells you). If you are looking
at a system that does not have a high volume filter capable of stopping particles 1/8" and larger it
does not technically meet Arizona Rule and will eventually cause malfunction or failure. A filter is a
good thing (the bigger, the better).
- The Norweco system is a COMPLETE package. It comes with everything needed to produce
high quality effluent and meet Arizona Rule.
- The Norweco system is a compact design. This creates a small "footprint" allowing it to fit
where other systems would not, leaving more room on your property for your home, yard,
driveway, etc.
- The Norweco system is tried and true. We have hundreds and hundreds of systems all over
Arizona. The oldest Norweco system we maintain was installed 30 years ago and is still going
strong!
- The Norweco package is cost effective. We regularly save our customers 30-50% over our
competitors prices (no kidding).
- Best warranty in the business. A three year limited warranty followed by a lifetime pro-rated
exchange program. A testament to the reliability of the Singulair system.
The Bottom Line: The Norweco Alternative Septic System is the
most complete, cost effective, durable, and reliable system on the
market.
A note to our valued customer,
Whether you need an alternative septic system or just want one. The choice of which brand of system is
yours. The Norweco Singulair system's effluent quality is among the best in the industry and can be
used on your project. If you were told you can't use the Norweco system or you are being "steered"
toward a different system by your designer, builder, excavator, etc., then give us a call for a no cost,
no obligation, second opinion. We are confident in our ability to save you money.
Thank you
Whether you need an alternative septic system or just want one. The choice of which brand of system is
yours. The Norweco Singulair system's effluent quality is among the best in the industry and can be
used on your project. If you were told you can't use the Norweco system or you are being "steered"
toward a different system by your designer, builder, excavator, etc., then give us a call for a no cost,
no obligation, second opinion. We are confident in our ability to save you money.
Thank you
My old septic system failed and now needs replacement, will this one
fail too?
Septic system failure is usually defined as a clogged or "played out" disposal field resulting in slow drains
and system back up. Years of high strength effluent and a lack of filtration eventually results in clogged
soils and field failure. The Norweco Singulair system's multi-chamber treatment eliminates this problem.
Wastewater strength is dramatically reduced during treatment, it is then clarified, disinfected, and filtered
before exiting the Singulair tank.
fail too?
Septic system failure is usually defined as a clogged or "played out" disposal field resulting in slow drains
and system back up. Years of high strength effluent and a lack of filtration eventually results in clogged
soils and field failure. The Norweco Singulair system's multi-chamber treatment eliminates this problem.
Wastewater strength is dramatically reduced during treatment, it is then clarified, disinfected, and filtered
before exiting the Singulair tank.