Co-Owner · May 20, 2019
Septic Step System - BBB Septic Solution - (479) 271-0058 - Northwest Arkansas
“Hey guys, It’s Amanda Gainey with The Brandon Group. Can you tell me generally how a STEP system works? I have a client I would like to connect with you, but for right now, we are trying to understand the general idea of a STEP system. You guys are always so helpful. Thank you in advance!”
Good morning, Amanda.
The term STEP (Septic Tank Effluent Pumping) system refers to the sewer setup you will find in cities like Cave Springs, Bethel Heights, Elm Springs, and subdivisions where there is no city sewer hookup to a standard wastewater treatment plant. In our area, the infrastructure has not kept up with recent growth, so homebuilders are left with a dilemma.
In order for a lot to support its own septic system, it must be very large to accommodate the absorption lateral lines. One method of getting more houses into a smaller area is to incorporate a STEP system. The idea is that every home has its own septic tank, but instead of putting a lateral line system on each lot, the effluent water from all the tanks is sent to a central location where it can be collected, treated, and sent out to the community lateral lines.
In Cave Springs, for example, each house has its own septic tank and pump chamber, and each homeowner takes care of their own. The effluent water gets pumped from each house into a shared pipe that runs to the collection plant behind The Creeks Golf Course. Once it's treated, the water is spread out just under the grass all over the golf course, so it waters the course too.
Bethel Heights has several fields around town where the effluent water gets spread out the same way, just under the grass. Each house on the system has its own septic tank and pump chamber, but the city handles all the upkeep out of the sewer fees it collects. The homeowners use it just like city sewer.
“Hi, When you say “each house connected to that system has its own septic tank and pump chamber, and each homeowner is totally responsible for its upkeep and maintenance,” what all does that involve? Is there monthly or annual upkeep and maintenance that I will need to factor in? Is there some sort of owner manual that will explain to me the proper way to maintain the tank? And is there an expected lifespan for how long a properly maintained system should last?”
Hi Amanda, Great questions.
- The city will charge you a monthly sewer bill. There are no reoccurring fees besides that.
- The septic tank needs to be pumped out every 3 to 5 years depending on occupancy and use.
- The only other expenses will be repair costs if you have any malfunctions with the pump or alarm systems. This is not common but can happen. That being said, you don’t ever have to worry about a failure in your absorption lateral field because you won’t have one. The city has to maintain the lines for everyone.
A septic system can last forever as long as those points are taken care of. There are no manuals about a STEP system’s operations. You can find out everything you need to know about septic systems and best practices for their care and operations on our website, bbbseptic.com.
Blessings,
Jon J