Overview

Gravel-and-pipe septic systems are about the least expensive option available. Just because these systems are less expensive than other types of systems doesn t mean that they are of a lower quality or don t perform as well. The reason pipe-and-gravel systems cost less is simple: they don t require as much material or time to build. Why is this? It s because the soil in which the systems are installed is of a better drainage quality than soils where more complex systems, such as chamber systems, would be required.

If you build houses on spec, you should be particularly alert to the type of septic system your houses will require. When people buy a new house, they don t normally care whether the septic system is of a pipe-and-gravel type or a chamber type, so long as the system meets code requirements and is designed and installed to give years of worry-free service. If you have two houses sitting side by side, one with a chamber system and one with a pipe-and-gravel system, no one will know the difference until you tell them. There will be, however, one big difference that potential buyers will notice, and that s the price. A chamber system can easily cost twice what a pipe-and-gravel system costs. To make the same profit on both spec houses, you will have to price one thousands of dollars higher than the other. This is where you and your customers will notice the biggest difference.

When I was a builder in Virginia, I...