Bob is joined by Carl Thompson of Infiltrator Systems as the new leach field and Infiltrator chambers are laid out. The main drain from the house, the concrete septic tank, and the distribution box are standard, but the Infiltrator system allows for a more efficient leach or drain field beyond the tank. Thompson explains how a leach field takes the partially treated water from the tank and puts it through another treatment process where microrganisms break down the effluent further. The wastewater is then filtered through the soil, where final treatment occurs. In traditional leach fields, gravel is placed in the trench. This means that there is less room for the microorganisms to treat the effluent, because the water cannot pass through the stones. With the Infiltrator, the same partially treated water passes into snap-together chambers constructed of high-density polyethylene and polypropylene. The chambers have a completely open bottom and has louvers on the sides so there is more contact between the soil and the effluent. There is no stone, less digging, and up to 60 percent better performance with the Infiltrator chamber system. Thompson tells us that Infiltrator drain fields can be 40 percent smaller than traditional leach fields, which represents a significant savings in time and labor. Accepted by health boards throughout the US and Canada, according to Thompson, one in four new septic systems are Infiltrator Chamber Systems.

Bob meets with Tom Florence to install the Flo-Well Polyvinylehelene septic system. The tank is much lighter than concrete systems, costs about 20% less, and will also last much longer.

Here s another great tip from BobVila.com. What you grow in your yard can actually keep your air conditioning costs from growing out of control this summer. Most people know that planting a tree to shade your house is a great way to keep it cool. But contrary to what you d assume, the south-facing fa ade is not the best place for a tree. In winter, the south fa ade is the one that gathers the most heat, but that s not true in the summer. To prevent the most summer heat gain, plant trees to the east or west of the house to block low early and late-day sun. Deciduous trees work best in colder climates since they obligingly lose their leaves at the start of the heating season. Be sure not to plant trees where their roots could damage septic systems, water lines or your foundation. Plants have a kind of built-in air conditioning system called evapo-transpiration. Foundation and yard plantings can really lower your home s temperature if you keep shrubs a few feet away to allow air to circulate. And don t plant a row of them where they block the flow of air from cooler areas like valleys, ponds or woods. Vines on a trellis set a few feet from the house or on a pergola over the patio will also create shade and cool the air naturally. Vines grow faster than trees and are great for color and privacy as well. Replacing paved or bare areas in your yard with low ground covers can turn down the heat by 10 degrees. But before you plant groundcovers, shrubs or trees, find out which ones do best in your area. Hardy natives are more likely to thrive with less water and fertilizer. Work with nature rather than against it and stay cooler this summer! Find out more at BobVila.com: the ultimate home improvement web site! 2008 BobVila.com

Bob joins John Druley at another of the Quaker Homes that is nearly completed and ready for landscaping. This home is virtually the same as the first-time homebuyer model that Bob visited under construction. Landscaping will be standard for all of the homes with gardens out front, a picket fence and rose bushes, a clamshell driveway, and cobblestone edging. Initially, the septic systems were problematic for Druley since the burden of eight homes with lawns on the groundwater system and adjacent salt ponds presented concerns for the enviromental review board. According to Title 5, denitrification systems costing about $7,000 apiece would be required for each of the homes. Druley proposed reducing the size of the lawns, using low-nitrate fertilizers, and passing the savings on to the two affordable homes in the development. This further reduced the selling price of the homes from $145,000 to $119,900.

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