© Presby Environmental, Inc., Maine Design & Installation Manual, June 2019 Edition -25-
37.3 System Maintenance/Pumping of the Septic Tank
a) Inspect the septic tank at least once every two years under normal usage.
b) Pump the tank when surface scum and bottom sludge occupy one-fourth or more of the liquid depth of
the tank.
c) If a garbage disposal is used, the septic tank will likely require more frequent pumping.
d) After pumping, inspect the septic tank for integrity to ensure that no groundwater is entering it. Also
check the integrity of the tank inlet and outlet baffles and repair if needed.
e) Inspect the system to ensure that vents are in place and free of obstructions.
f) Effluent filters require ongoing maintenance due to their tendency to clog and cut off oxygen to the
System. Follow filter manufacturer’s maintenance instructions and inspect filters frequently.
37.4 Site Maintenance
It is important that the system site remain free of shrubs, trees, and other woody vegetation to within a minimum of 10
ft. of the system, including the entire System Sand bed area, and areas impacted by side slope tapering and
perimeter drains (if used). Roots can infiltrate and cause damage or clogging of system components. If a perimeter
drain is used, it is important to make sure that the outfall pipes are screened to prevent animal activity. Also check
outfall pipes regularly to ensure that they are not obstructed in any way.
38.0 Glossary
This Manual contains terminology which is common to the industry and terms that are unique to Presby Systems.
While alternative definitions may exist, this section defines how these terms are used in this Manual.
38.1 Advanced Enviro-Septic
(AES) Pipe
A single unit comprised of corrugated plastic pipe, Bio-Accelerator fabric along its bottom which is surrounded by a
layer of randomized plastic fibers and a sewn geo-textile fabric, is 10 ft. in length, with an outside diameter of 12 in.
and a storage capacity of approximately 58 gallons. Each foot of Advanced Enviro-Septic provides over 40 sq. ft. of
total surface area for bacterial activity. The sewn seam is always oriented up (12 o'clock position) within the bed. A
white tag is sewn into the seam indicating the product is Advanced Enviro-Septic pipe. Pipes are joined together with
couplings to form rows. Advanced Enviro-Septic is a combined wastewater treatment and dispersal system.
38.2 Bio-Accelerator
Bio-Accelerator fabric screens additional solids from the effluent, enhances and accelerates treatment, facilitates
quick start-up after periods of non-use, provides additional surface area for bacterial growth, promotes even
distribution, and further protects outer layers and the receiving surfaces so they remain permeable. Bio-Accelerator is
only available with Advanced Enviro-Septic.
38.3 Enviro-Septic
(ES) Pipe
A single unit comprised of corrugated plastic pipe which is surrounded by a layer of randomized plastic fibers and a
sewn geo-textile fabric, is 10 ft. in length, with an outside diameter of 12 in. and a storage capacity of approximately
58 gallons. Each foot of Enviro-Septic provides over 25 sq. ft. of total surface area for bacterial activity. A white tag is
sewn into the seam indicating the product is Enviro-Septic pipe. Pipes are joined together with couplings to form the
rows. Enviro-Septic is a combined wastewater treatment and dispersal system.
38.4 Simple-Septic (SS) Pipe
A single unit comprised of corrugated plastic pipe which is surrounded by a single layer of sewn geo-textile fabric, is
10 ft. in length, with an outside diameter of 12 in. and a storage capacity of approximately 58 gallons. Simple-Septic
is similar to other single-layer fabric, large diameter, gravelless pipe (LDGP) systems on the market today yet
provides the added benefit of patented skimmer tabs and cooling ridges to protect the bacterial surface area of the
fabric. Each foot of Simple-Septic provides over 15 sq. ft. of total surface area for bacterial activity. A white tag is
sewn into the seam indicating the product is Simple-Septic pipe. Pipes are joined together with couplings to form
rows. Unlike Advanced Enviro-Septic and Enviro-Septic, Simple-Septic cannot be rejuvenated if the system
malfunctions.
38.5 Drop Connection (Multi-Level™ Systems)
A drop connection is a PVC Sewer & Drainpipe configuration which is used to connect upper level rows to lower level
rows in a Multi-Level™ bed. Drop connections extend 2 in. to 4 in. into the pipe and are installed with at least 2 in. of
drop from the upper level row to the lower level row (see illustration in para. 16.0, pg, 12). All PVC joints should be
glued or mechanically fastened.
38.6 Basic Serial Distribution
Basic Serial distribution incorporates pipe rows in serial distribution in a single bed (see Basic Serial Distribution in