Forums > Specific Focus > Home, Garden & Construction in Mexico

visualjohn

Feb 4, 2008, 9:50 AM

Post #1 of 14 (13206 views)

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Mexican vs American septic systems???

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As we review our building costs for our new home in Baja...one of the options we have is a mexican style septic system....around 4,000 or an american septic system for nearly twice the price. We had heard that some U.S banks are less likely to bankroll a mexican home without a americanized septic system.

Would really love your thoughts and suggestions

Visit my site, bookmark it and leave a comment!

http://www.johnandbrianbuildinmexico.com

Esteban

Feb 4, 2008, 4:23 PM

Post #2 of 14 (13184 views)

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Re: [visualjohn] Mexican vs American septic systems???

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An "American" system is very subjective. I knew systems in the west and now, after spending almost two years in Louisiana, where 90 percent of the land is WET and FLAT, there are definitely systems that are different than west coast systems. So, what do you mean by "American septic systems"?

Here, they have an electric digester that utilizes NO drainfield. The effluent is pumped into drainage ditches.

visualjohn

Feb 11, 2008, 5:52 PM

Post #3 of 14 (13135 views)

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Re: [Esteban] Mexican vs American septic systems???

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We had been told that Americans looking to buy our house at some point can get financing IF we have an engineered septic.

We had heard some horror stories about the local septic systems that have a more difficult time breaking down toilet paper....but like you have said...there are so many different systems.

Visit my site, bookmark it and leave a comment!

http://www.johnandbrianbuildinmexico.com

BajaGringo

Jun 12, 2008, 3:19 PM

Post #4 of 14 (13063 views)

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Re: [visualjohn] Mexican vs American septic systems???

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I have found that as long as a septic system is properly sized, there are many different designs that can work. To "help" your system break down solids just add a teaspoon of Bakers Yeast once a week down a toilet. It will help feed the bacteria that breaks down and digests the solids. Worked for me on a septic tank I had for several years in Argentina. Never once even required to be "pumped".

Our House Building Project in Mexico...
Lomas de San Martin
Loving Life on the Baja Peninsula

visualjohn

Jun 12, 2008, 5:20 PM

Post #5 of 14 (13054 views)

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Re: [BajaGringo] Mexican vs American septic systems???

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Thanks Baja Gringo...I'll definitely schedule a weekly routine of the yeast.

And thanks for the link to the website...is it yours?

In Reply To

Visit my site, bookmark it and leave a comment!

http://www.johnandbrianbuildinmexico.com

BajaGringo

Jun 12, 2008, 5:25 PM

Post #6 of 14 (13052 views)

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Re: [visualjohn] Mexican vs American septic systems???

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Yes, it belongs to Mr. BajaGringo himself.

Su servidor en persona...

Our House Building Project in Mexico...
Lomas de San Martin
Loving Life on the Baja Peninsula

Esteban

Jun 17, 2008, 6:32 PM

Post #7 of 14 (13007 views)

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Re: [BajaGringo] Mexican vs American septic systems???

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[quote]just add a teaspoon of Bakers Yeast once a week down a toilet[/quote]

Are you sure that's not going to cause a big foamy blowout? Sounds a lot like making beer?

BajaGringo

Jun 18, 2008, 11:17 AM

Post #8 of 14 (12979 views)

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Re: [Esteban] Mexican vs American septic systems???

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Man, wouldn't that be an "innovative" brew? I won't even post some of the names for the label that come to mind...

What happens is that to keep the septic system active you need a "healthy" bacteria colony. Some septic systems don't "feed" the bacteria enough due to extended stays away, mostly shower/runoff water, etc. So unless you get a bus load of people stopping by on a regular basis after just having a big breakfast and four cups of coffee, it might make a lot of sense to "help" that colony stay fed and active.

Just my dos centavos...

Our House Building Project in Mexico...
Lomas de San Martin
Loving Life on the Baja Peninsula

Esteban

Jun 18, 2008, 11:21 AM

Post #9 of 14 (12976 views)

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Re: [BajaGringo] Mexican vs American septic systems???

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Oh yea, I totally agree with you. Plus it would be nice if we could find some kind of soaps/cleaning supplies that would not further inhibit bacterial growth.

BajaGringo

Jun 18, 2008, 11:26 AM

Post #10 of 14 (12974 views)

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Re: [Esteban] Mexican vs American septic systems???

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You got it!

Our House Building Project in Mexico...
Lomas de San Martin
Loving Life on the Baja Peninsula

Mighty Mac

Jan 14, 2010, 7:01 PM

Post #11 of 14 (9928 views)

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Re: [BajaGringo] Mexican vs American septic systems???

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yeast does not work:
http://www.epa.gov/...5r00008/html/fs1.htm

Contact www.h2obaja.com

We build treatment plants in Mexico and service over 150 units. The bacteria in your intestines is all it takes.

(This post was edited by Rolly on Jan 15, 2010, 8:58 AM)

Papirex

Jan 14, 2010, 9:31 PM

Post #12 of 14 (9916 views)

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Re: [Mighty Mac] Mexican vs American septic systems???

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That is correct, a properly designed septic system will self generate the digestive bacteria, everything needed is in your belly. It does no harm, but it is an exercise in futility to add any yeast, RidEx, or any other additive to a properly designed septic system, they are a digester. In theory, they digest everything and never need to be pumped. As a practical matter, they will probably need to be pumped about once every 20 years in a moderate climate, more often, possibly annually in very cold climates.

Many of the “septic tanks” in México are nothing more than cribs, or cesspools with little or no digestive action. If a property is too small to have a drain field installed it's a sure bet that it is not a septic tank.

Rex
"The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved" - Victor Hugo

Mighty Mac

Jan 15, 2010, 8:07 AM

Post #13 of 14 (9893 views)

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Re: [Mighty Mac] Mexican vs American septic systems???

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Hope this attachment goes through.

Bill

Mighty Mac

Jan 15, 2010, 8:11 AM

Post #14 of 14 (9891 views)

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Re: [Mighty Mac] Mexican vs American septic systems???

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http://www.mightymac.com.mx/...ase%20Out%20copy.pdf

(Copy and paste in the URL field up at the top of your screen. Google won't find it yet, as we have a new web page.)

I wrote this last year and it was published in a magazine in Cabo San Lucas. I hope that it will give the reader a better understanding of their wastewater.

Take care,
Bill

(This post was edited by Rolly on Jan 15, 2010, 8:57 AM)