What It Is
SeptiSurge is a specialised distribution box apparatus designed for gravity-fed septic systems (i.e, systems where wastewater flows by gravity, not pump pressure).
In more detail:
- It acts as a "dynamic fluid manifold" or "active even flow distribution box" that ensures effluent is evenly distributed among the lateral field lines in a septic bed.
- If features a "purge" mechanism: when wastewater enters the distribution box, it accumulates in a liner, triggers a float/valve, and flushes rapidly out through all of the field line outlets - thereby helping ensure each outlet gets flow even if the box is not perfectly level or lines are partially blocked.
- It's marketed as a retrofit solution (you can install it in an existing system) as well as for new construction.
Key Features & Benefits
Some of the features and benefits highlighted by SeptiSurge include:
- Even distribution of effluent: The purge mechanism helps ensure all lateral lines receive flow rather than some lines carrying the entire load. This helps prevent overloading of some field lines while others are under-utilised.
- Extends lifespan of the drain field: Because the distribution is more even, the soil infiltration capacity is better respected, which may reduce risk of premature clogging or failure of the drain field.
- Robust and designed for challenging conditions: On its Canadian site it mentions being used in cold harsh climates (e.g., northern US states) for many years
- Retrofit capability: Can replace old concrete distribution boses or help fix systems where distribution imbalance is part of the failure.
- Easy installation and future servicing access: The unit comes with riser(s), insulating panel (for freezing ground) and features to allow the lid to come to surface for access.
How it works (in simple terms)
- Wastewater from the septic tank enters the SepticSurge box via the inlet.
- The fluid accumulates in an internal liner/tub; when the level gets high enough, the float/valve assembly triggers a purge
- The poruge discharges the fluid quickly out of all available outlet ports into the field lines (the lateral trenches) so that the effluent front moves evenly across the field.
- After the purge, the float resets, the liner refills, and the cycle repeats as the septic system discharges. Meanwhile, the lateral lines get intermittent "flushing" of flow rather than slow trickle which might favour one line over another.
Because of this mechanism, even if the box is slightly out of level, or the soils shift, or some lines are slightly different in resistance, the purge action essentially helps equalise distribution - which traditional passive boxes may not do.
When (and why) you might use it
You might consider using a SepticSurge in the following scenarios:
- You are installing a new septic drain-field (gravity fed) and want to optimise distribution among field lines (especially if soils are marginal, or you expect settling or freeze/thaw movement).
- You have an existing system whose field is failing (or at risk of failure) and where investigation suggests the distribution box is favouring some lines (over-loading) while others are under-utilised. The installation instructions even provide a method: open the old box, run flow, observe which field lines get flow. If some are not receiving it, SeptiSurge may address the imbalance.
- You are in a region with ground freezing or shifting soils, where maintaining level and even distribution is more challenging - the system's design claims to handle those conditions.