Having a durable, working septic system is important for any property or home. You should expect any quality system to last for decades. An important component of septic systems are the leach field chambers utilized because some are more durable than others. GoodFlow Solutions offers versatile septic products that increase land value, reduce system footprint, and enhance property value for both commercial and residential applications. In this article, we’re going to discuss the Elgin GSF (Geotextile Sand Filter) vs. the GoodFlow concrete leach field chambers and why choosing the wrong drain field chamber can be a costly mistake. We want to make sure you make the right choice when it comes to choosing chambers for your septic system.
What is GoodFlow Concrete Leach Field Chamber?
A GoodFlow leach field chamber is an under the surface wastewater treatment system that uses concrete chambers when it receives the wastewater from the septic tank. Once received, contaminants and impurities are removed from the remaining liquid. The solids from the house or building (the original starting point) rest at the bottom of the septic tank and the effluent is then transferred into the leach chamber where it travels through and gets absorbed into sand, with the native soil its’ final destination. It’s a durable septic system because concrete is resilient and very resistant to damage. The system has a smaller footprint and is H-20 rated for installation under pavement.
What is An Elgen GSF (Geotextile Sand Filter)?
An Eljen GSF (Geotextile Sand Filter) consists of modules that are made with geotextile fabric and a plastic core material. It’s an alternative to onsite septic leach field systems, with the modules working together to provide vertical surface area and oxygen transfer. The GSF septic system applies treated wastewater to the soil. The system cannot be installed under pavement.
H-20 Traffic Loading Rating
The GoodFlow concrete leach field system is H-20 rated; this means it was tested and can withstand loads more than 10,000 PSF (Pounds per Square Foot). This allows for installation under driveways, patios, tennis courts, and other hardtops. The GoodFlow system can increase the value of the property as installation under a hardtop allows the homeowner to build an addition or a pool, and/or increase the size of the patio. In addition, more office space, condos, or retail space can be added by developers who take advantage of this extra space.
Here are some additional benefits of concrete leach chambers vs. Eljen GSF systems:
- Concrete Leach Chambers can be driven over because precast concrete is H-20 traffic rated and can withstand heavy loads. GoodFlow Systems are superior to Eljen GSF systems because GSF cannot withstand vehicular traffic. For that reason, you can’t put it under a driveway or parking lot. Even if you were to bury it more than three feet deep – you will be restricted with an Eljen GSF system.
- GoodFlow Systems can go under driveways and in other unique spots where traditional systems cannot go.
- GoodFlow concrete leach field chambers are also a great choice because most residential installations can be installed, inspected, and backfilled in one day. They don’t require crushed stone for backfilling.
- With a GoodFlow leach field concrete chamber, the size and usability of your property will create new room for other property enhancements and increase its’ value.
- Concrete is an incredibly durable option.
- GoodFlow will leave a much smaller environmental footprint than a GSF Systems.
- Concrete will be more expensive than plastic but will overall be a more cost-effective when longevity is considered and a smaller footprint.
- The Eljen GFS system is wrapped in fabric; this is a liability for a septic system. Structurally, it is very frail system, and it has very low storage and a small contact area.
- The bottom of the Eljen GSF System is significantly less than the one of the GoodFlow System because affluent drains out of the bottom of the system. The amount of water that drains down is close to 100% and if the water doesn’t go down, the system will fail. The bottom area is very important for the affluent to be absorbed into the ground and that’s another reason why the GoodFlow System will not have a failure and other systems may fail. The GoodFlow System is wide and has all that bottom open area where the affluent can go into the ground vs. Eljen GFS – they don’t have a wide bottom area that allows the affluent to go into the ground. Because of that, they more easily backup and have less liquid storage capacity.
About GoodFlow Leach Field Systems vs. GSF Systems
Is Eljen GSF easy to install?
No, the Eljen GSF system is difficult to install. Also, there’s a lot of added costs that you don’t see and don’t necessarily think about. At the end, it is more expensive long-term when you consider labor and other costs.
What’s the Eljen GSF vs GoodFlow Cost of Ownership?
Overall, GoodFlow’s cost of ownership is lower because it will last much longer – in many cases, 40-50 years.
Contact the Product Specialists At GoodFlow
Contact GoodFlow Solutions for more information on our durable, reliable, innovative septic solutions. We’ve got specs, instructions, and a wealth of knowledge to share and look forward to speaking with you!
Related Leach Field Chamber Articles:
1. Can Leachfield Chambers be Repaired?
2. Concrete vs Plastic Leach Field Chambers
3. What is a Leach Field Chamber?
4. Leach Field Chamber Case Studies
