Terry Novak moved away from concrete tanks and rock-and-pipe drainfields for onsite systems about 15 years ago. He uses plastic tanks and chambers from Infiltrator Water Technologies for nearly all the conventional systems he installs.

Novak, owner of Novak Backhoe in Lankin, North Dakota, finds that chambers hold up well and accommodate an inrush of wastewater, such as discharge from loads of laundry, baths and showers.

Plastic tanks, meanwhile, are easier to work with than precast concrete tanks, many of which in his service area are deteriorating and even in some cases collapsing with age. Novak observes that today’s plastic tanks are reinforced for
high strength.

Infiltrator says its lightweight, watertight IM-1060 tanks are suitable as septic tanks, pump or trash tanks, and it’s a lightweight, strong and durable tank choice for nonpotable rainwater storage. This and other tanks in the Infiltrator line accommodate the company’s custom-fit risers and heavy-duty lids. 

The injection-molded polypropylene tanks represent a major improvement in plastic septic tank design, according to the manufacturer. They come fully assembled and are available through a network of certified distributors.

The IM-1060 tanks have a 1,094-gallon working capacity and weigh 320 pounds, light enough to be maneuvered and placed without heavy-duty machinery. Inboard lifting lugs allow for easy delivery and handling. They can be buried to depths up to 48 inches.

Reinforced structural ribbing and fiberglass bulkheads add strength. Structurally reinforced access ports eliminate distortion during installation and pumpouts; the tanks can be pumped dry during cleaning. No special installation, backfill or water-filling procedures are required. Tanks can be backfilled with suitable native soil. 

Infiltrator chambers are made of recycled plastic and are engineered for strength and performance. They are designed to be easy to install and to provide greater flexibility and a smaller footprint than rock and pipe. Benefits also include time-saving and lower costs for labor and materials.

The company’s Quick4 standard chambers fit in a 36-inch-wide trench and are well suited for curved or straight systems, the company says. A Contour Swivel Connection permits turns up to 15 degrees. A MultiPort endcap provides multiple piping options and eliminates pipe fittings. The chambers’ 4-foot length provides installation flexibility.

Each chamber has a 43-gallon storage capacity and an 8-inch invert height. A latching mechanism allows for quick installation. The units support wheel loads of 16,000 pounds per axle with 12 inches of cover. They are IAPMO-certified.

Learn more about Novak Backhoe in the contractor profile in the April issue of Onsite Installer.