When it comes to septic systems, emphasis should be placed on their environmental friendliness. Septic systems are a better substitute for sewer lines- the toxic option.
However, getting a good septic system is not always easy. What exactly will you look out for?
I have been using the septic system for several months now, and I can only say that it’s been a wonderful experience.
In this Presby septic system review, I’ll share my opinion about the brand. Read on.
Presby Septic System Features
Every brand brings something unique to the table when they make their product version. Of course, Presby is on the list.
Their septic system is a clever move from the regular septic systems that existed before them. Here are some of the features you’ll get when you buy and install the Presby Septic system.
- Size
When Presby set out to get into the septic system field, they had one goal; simplify septic system installation by size reduction.
Of course, they’ve handled it well so far. The installation process was always tricky with regular septic systems, especially in small spaces.
There was always just not enough space for the system to be installed. Thankfully, Presby caught on and jumped on the innovative train.
They made the sizes of their septic system portable enough to simplify the installation process for on-site installers.
Although the size of the Presby septic system depends heavily on the state you live in, it is generally smaller compared to other septic systems. Hence, the installation cost for a Presby septic system is affordable.
- Durable
If you’ve had issues with your septic system to the point that you’ve had to replace it more than once, you should consider changing the septic system brand.
Surely, nothing lasts forever, but a Presby septic system will last you for a while. Designed with high-quality material, you only need to maintain the septic system.
Also, you have to get the best hands to handle the installation process. Otherwise, the septic system might develop problems.
The best part is that, if it develops problems, you won’t necessarily need to replace it. A little rejuvenation within 72 hours is all you need to get your Presby septic system working again.
- Perforated Pipe (Air Duct)
Your septic systems are buried underground. One way to help them function properly is to encourage proper airflow.
Presby nailed this feature by using the perforated pipe in designing their septic system.
As a result, it encourages smooth airflow and the growth of good bacteria in the septic system.
In case you’re wondering, your septic system needs the presence of good bacteria. These bacteria mainly prevent your septic system from clogging, etc.
But of course, you have to maintain and flush your tank from time to time.
- Fin Distribution Unit
Another exciting feature of the Presby septic system is the presence of the fin distribution unit (FDU). The role of the FDU is to tackle suspended solids.
It prevents these solids from floating in the water, allowing them to settle. Then, it gets rid of them by breaking them into smaller bits.
It also acts as the conductor that directs effluent into the other fins slated for water waste treatment.
In addition, the FDU is the factor responsible for regulating water flow from one unit to another. It’s safe to say that the FDU is part of why the Presby septic system will last you for a long while.
- Coarse Green Fibers
Although the FDU tackles suspended solids, the coarse green fibers built into Pesby’s septic system handle suspended solids that might have escaped the mighty wrath of the FDU.
This feature gets rid of the suspended solids after they’ve been broken down, and it acts as the protective layer to the outer geo-textile surface designed for the bacteria treatment.
It also works as the treatment spot for bacteria.
- Air Ports
What’s a septic system without airports? This feature was designed to encourage the growth of aerobic bacteria in the septic system.
This type of bacteria requires air to grow. To release harmless effluent into the environment, aerobic bacteria are essential to eliminate harmful substances in the effluent.
When it joins clean water, it won’t contaminate it. Hence, humanity has clean water to drink as it gets recycled into the earth.
But of course, aerobic bacteria need air to grow properly- that’s the essence of the airports in the septic system.
- Skimmer Tabs
The Presby septic system also includes skimmer tabs. Their work is to trap grease and suspended solids in the FDU.
They also play a vital role in preventing the geo-textile and green fibers from getting clogged. If you need an installation video of this septic system, watch this video.
How Do Presby Septic Systems Work?
Here is an overview of how a Presby septic system operates:
- Septic tank – Raw sewage first flows into a standard septic tank. Here solids settle out and partial breakdown of waste begins.
- Transfer tank – Wastewater then moves to a transfer tank or additional treatment chamber. This stabilizes flow.
- WPU – The wastewater next enters the proprietary WPU (Wastewater Processing Unit). Inside are layers of filters that screen out particles down to 1/8th of an inch.
- Disinfection – Chlorine tablets in the WPU disinfect the filtered water, killing bacteria and viruses.
- Soil drainage field – The treated, disinfected water is finally dispersed into the soil via a pressurized pipe and gravel drainage field. Here it receives further natural filtration.
- Groundwater – The water gradually makes its way back to groundwater through the soil, now cleansed of contaminants and safe for the environment.
This multi-stage filtration and disinfection process allows a Presby system to clean wastewater more thoroughly than a conventional gravity septic design.
Key Benefits of Presby Septic Systems
Presby septic systems offer some notable benefits compared to standard septic tank systems:
Advanced filtration – The multi-layered screens in the WPU filter waste down to 1/8 inch versus 1/4 inch in a typical septic tank. This removes more solids and contaminants.
Disinfection – Chlorine tablets kill bacteria, viruses, and other disease-causing pathogens. This protects groundwater and wells from contamination.
Smaller drainage field – Due to increased treatment, the soil drainage field can be 25% – 50% smaller than a conventional system’s. This saves space.
Pressurized system – The filtered effluent is sent to the drainage field under pressure for even distribution throughout the entire area.
Monitored performance – Many Presby designs have monitoring ports that allow easy checking of chlorine levels and filtration performance.
Quiet operation – The system runs very quietly compared to traditional septic systems with noisy motors and pumps.
Manufacturer support – Presby provides owner manuals and troubleshooting advice. Certified contractors can provide service and repairs.
For homeowners who want advanced wastewater treatment with minimal maintenance, a Presby septic system offers an appealing option over traditional septic designs.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While Presby septic systems have some clear benefits, there are also a few downsides to consider:
Higher upfront cost – The Presby system costs approximately 50% – 100% more than a conventional gravity septic system. This is a significant added expense.
Maintenance requirements – Owners must regularly re-chlorinate the system every few months and clean or replace the internal filters on occasion.
Power needs – The system requires an electric outlet to operate the pumps and chlorine dispenser. Power outages interrupt operation.
Complex design – With pumps, motors, filters, lines, and controls, there are more components and electronics than a standard system. This may raise the risk of repairs being needed.
No residual disinfection – Unlike municipal sewage treatment, there is no residual chlorine left to continue disinfecting as water exits the WPU. Pathogen regrowth is possible.
Cold climate concerns – Freezing temperatures can damage the WPU filters, pumps, and plumbing. Careful winterization steps must be followed.
These downsides may make a Presby system impractical or cost-prohibitive for some homeowners. Getting a system professionally designed for your property is recommended.
What Needs Improvement With Presby Septic System?
Although some products are majorly great, they always have certain flaws that could be fixed. Sometimes, it might not be a flaw with the product but a particular restriction.
Keep reading to find out.
- Environmental-friendliness
Although the Presby septic system designed its products with environmentally-friendly materials, the environmental friendliness can be improved with a sustainability boost.
It is not entirely sustainable as it can still break down, needing the magic of rejuvenation to get it back on track.
- Cost
The higher install cost puts Presby systems out of reach for some homeowners. Bringing down manufacturing costs could make them more affordable.
- Cold Weather Handling
Freezing temperatures can damage components. Improved insulation or heated housing could prevent winter freeze-ups.
- Power Reliance
Not having a power source interrupts operation. A battery backup system could provide power when electricity is out.
- Residual Disinfection
There is no leftover disinfectant as water exits the system. Adding a chemical dose point after the WPU could provide residual disinfection.
- Tank Durability
Plastic tanks degrade over time. Sturdier fiberglass or concrete tanks could extend system lifespan.
- Field Size
Although smaller than conventional fields, some properties can’t accommodate the minimum area needed. Using highly treated effluent could potentially allow for even smaller fields.
- Monitoring
Direct measurement of treatment performance could improve on checking just chlorine levels. Telemetry systems could monitor operations remotely.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
The longest-lasting septic system depends on the material used to design it. Most of the septic systems that last for a long are usually carved from concrete.
There are different types of septic systems, and the best depends on where you’re going to install them. If the plan is to get a septic system to treat water on-site, you’re better off with an aerobic septic system.
The Presby system works by trapping solids in and treating the effluent with bacteria before it comes in contact with the soil. That way, it keeps clean water clean.
Frankly speaking, the Ecoflo biofilter septic system is the most environmentally septic system you’ll ever encounter. It uses an energy-free technique for water waste treatment.
With proper maintenance, the average lifespan of a Presby system is 15-25 years, although some systems last 30+ years. Key factors affecting life expectancy include proper installation, chlorine replenishment, avoiding hydraulic overloading, and performing periodic maintenance. The plastic tanks and WPU components degrade over time and will require replacement at some point.
Key benefits include advanced multi-stage filtration and disinfection, smaller required drainage field, pressurized effluent dispersal, quiet operation, and regular serviceable components. Owners also cite the minimal maintenance required when performed properly.
Conclusion
Now that this Presby septic system review has exposed you to the facts about the Presby septic system and how it works, you can finally learn to trust the brand.
Although it might not be the most environmentally-friendly septic system in the universe, it is compact and effective in treating water waste.
More so, it is affordable, and the installation is easy. As long as you’ve received adequate training, anyone can design and install their Presby septic system.