A closer look at a project where limited space and challenging soil conditions shaped the system choice—and a pump chamber was part of the installation.
For this project, the available installation area was limited and the soil’s percolation characteristics were a concern. An Eljen system was selected, and the installation also included a pump-up arrangement. The photos below show the field work and mechanical components before they disappeared underground.
01 / Site conditions
Work with the available space.
The location and layout of a septic system need to reflect the property. A compact-looking installation still needs the right design for the soil, wastewater flow and available area.
02 / Treatment field
An Eljen field installation.
Eljen GSF uses geotextile modules with specified sand as part of an onsite wastewater treatment and dispersal system. It is one possible approach—not a universal answer for every difficult site.
03 / Pump system
A separate job for the pump.
The pump chamber, floats and controls manage delivery of effluent to the next part of the system. They serve a different purpose from the treatment field.
Two parts of the installation
Eljen is the field system. “Pump-up” describes how effluent gets there.
A pump-up system moves liquid effluent from a chamber when gravity alone cannot provide the required delivery. The pump, controls and field must work together as a complete system.
An Eljen installation does not automatically require a pump. The distribution method depends on the site and the system design.
Learn more about the field technology from Eljen’s GSF overview. Suitability and installation details depend on the approved design and applicable requirements.
Septic tank
Wastewater enters the tank, where solids settle and liquid effluent moves onward.
Pump chamber and controls
The pump delivers effluent according to the system’s design. Floats and controls manage operation and high-water signaling.
Distribution and field
Piping carries effluent to the field arrangement, where treatment and dispersal continue.
Photos from this installation
See the work below the surface.
These original project photos show the field modules, piping, distribution box and pump components. Select any photo to open a larger view.
Eljen modules and distribution piping in the trench.Eljen modules laid out in a field trench.Distribution box and outlet connections before covering.Three float switches for the pump system.Pump-system control panel.Access riser at the pump chamber.
View 16 more project photos
Distribution box with its cover in place.Piping connections between the distribution box and field.Field piping and excavation during installation.Excavation and piping along the field.Vertical piping connection during installation.Float switches inside the pump chamber.Float mounting and wiring inside the chamber.Piping connection inside the chamber.Excavated trench during site preparation.Field modules and piping during installation.Vertical pipe and elbow connection beside the field.Cover fabric placed over a field row.View across the excavated installation area.Field trench before backfilling.Pump equipment and wiring at the access opening.Piping run through the excavation.
Planning work at your property
Start with the site—not a product name.
You don’t need to decide on Eljen or a pump system before calling. Tell Dominick what you are planning, what you know about the existing system, and whether you already have soil results or plans.
Provide the address, your goals and any inspection findings or previous system problems.
Review the information available
Soil testing, elevations, site access and design documents help define the work.
Understand the proposed scope
Discuss the installation, excavation, pump equipment and related work before moving forward.
Common questions
Clear answers before you commit.
Every property is different. This project illustrates one installation, rather than a design to copy onto another site.
Does poor soil mean I need an Eljen system?
Not automatically. Soil conditions are one part of the evaluation. Available space, elevations, wastewater flow and design requirements also influence the options. A specific system should be selected based on the property’s evaluation and approved design.
Does every Eljen system need a pump?
No. Eljen systems can use different distribution arrangements. Whether pumping is needed depends on the site elevations and the design.
Is a pump-up system the same as septic pumping?
No. A pump-up system uses an installed pump to move liquid effluent as part of normal system operation. Septic pumping is the separate maintenance service that removes accumulated material from a tank using a vacuum truck.
What affects the cost of this type of installation?
Site access, excavation, field size, tank and chamber requirements, piping, electrical work and restoration can all affect the scope. Share your plans and property details so the estimate reflects the work actually needed.
Can you help with an existing pump-system problem?
Contact Dominick with the symptoms and any alarm information. We can discuss investigation and repair work. An issue with a pump or control does not, by itself, establish that the entire septic system needs replacement.
Explore your next step
Installation, repair or inspection?
Septic installations
Discuss new systems, replacement tanks and field work for your property.
