Why do soil absorption components on STS commonly fail?

Soil absorption components in sewage treatment systems can fail due to improper sizing. This is a critical factor because when these components are not designed correctly for the volume and characteristics of the wastewater they will handle, they may become overwhelmed or underutilized. If the system is too small, the soil may not adequately absorb the effluent, leading to surface ponding, backing up, or contamination of groundwater. Conversely, if the system is oversized, it can lead to insufficient treatment as the effluent may not be distributed effectively, resulting in slow percolation and poor treatment performance. Proper sizing ensures that there is a balance between the amount of wastewater generated and the capacity of the soil absorption system, which is essential for effective wastewater management and prevention of environmental contamination.

Using high-quality materials, correct installation, and suitable soil conditions are all important, but they do not address the foundational issue of whether the system is appropriately sized for its intended use.