Ecoflo vs. Presby AES-type septic systems buying guide

Looking for the best advanced septic system for your home or cabin and feeling a little lost with all the options? You’re not alone.

Plenty of property owners have a tough time finding a septic system that fits their needs, values, and long-term goals.

To make your decision easier, let's compare two solutions: the Ecoflo compact biofilter and combined treatment and dispersal systems similar to Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic. We’ll put them head-to-head in a few categories: installation footprint, ease of installation, sludge accumulation, long-term cost, and warranty.

Table of contents

1.	What is the Ecoflo compact biofilter?
2.	What is a Presby AES-type system?
3.	Required space
4.	Ease of installation
5.	Sludge accumulation
6.	Long-term costs
7.	Warranty
8.	Conclusion

What is the Ecoflo compact biofilter?

3D image of the Ecoflo compact biofilter septic system in the United States.

The Ecoflo compact biofilter is a secondary advanced treatment system that treats wastewater using a natural filter made of coconut husk fragments. It is certified under NSF/ANSI standard 40.

An Ecoflo septic installation treats and disperses wastewater in three stages:

Primary treatment in the septic tank
Wastewater flows into the septic tank, where it separates into three layers: solid matter settles to the bottom, while lighter matter and scum float to the top. In the middle, a layer of partially clarified wastewater flows downstream into the Ecoflo compact biofilter.
Secondary treatment in the Ecoflo compact biofilter
When wastewater enters the Ecoflo compact biofilter, it flows into a tipping bucket, which then disperses wastewater onto perforated plates. From there, water percolates through a filter made of coconut husk fragments. The filter acts as a physical barrier that retains wastewater contaminants and supports the growth of bacteria that break down pollutants.
Infiltration or final dispersal
After passing through the Ecoflo compact biofilter, treated wastewater is safely returned to the environment. For most installations, it flows into a septic drain field (also known as a leach field), where it infiltrates into native soil and returns to groundwater.

A different method is needed if water cannot infiltrate into native soil, or if local regulations call for higher treatment standards. In these cases, the Ecoflo compact biofilter sends wastewater to a disinfection system (called tertiary treatment) that safely disperses effluent into a watercourse or ditch.

What is a system similar to Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic?

3D image of the Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic system in the United States.

Combined treatment and dispersal installations similar to Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic are another type of secondary advanced system certified under NSF/ANSI standard 40.

These systems treat wastewater by using various materials in pipes or modules to support helpful microbes. These pipes or modules rest on a sand layer in the drain field and are buried once installed.

Combined treatment and dispersal systems work in two stages:

Primary treatment in the septic tank
Wastewater flows into the septic tank, where it separates into three layers: solids settle to the bottom, while lighter matter and scum rise to the surface. The middle layer of partially clarified water flows into the combined treatment and dispersal system.
Secondary treatment and dispersal in the treatment modules or pipes
In some systems, wastewater accumulates in perforated pipes covered with layers of permeable synthetic membranes. In others, it flows through modules of synthetic material. These materials support the growth of bacteria that partially treat wastewater. After wastewater trickles through these membranes or modules, it percolates through an underlying layer of filtration sand. This process removes any remaining contaminants and allows wastewater to return to native soil.

An important note

Like any septic system that relies on an infiltration zone, combined treatment and dispersal installations are not realistic options for situations that require disinfection or other tertiary treatment.

Space occupied by the Ecoflo compact biofilter vs. combined treatment and dispersal systems

When choosing a septic system for a home or cabin, it is important to consider the space the system requires.

Most of a septic system is buried. But the space it occupies must remain clear of traffic, structures, or anything else that could disrupt its proper functioning or maintenance.

Comparison for in-ground installations

If your property has sufficient and permeable soil and low groundwater, your septic system can be installed directly in your soil. These types of projects are referred to as in-ground installations.

For the Ecoflo compact biofilter, the only visible system components are the access lids. Clean-out ports may also be visible with some installations.

Combined treatment and dispersal systems similar to Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic are less discreet. They have vent pipes that stand 3 to 10 ft above the surface of your yard.

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Comparison for raised or above-ground installations

An in-ground installation may not be possible if your property has limited or impermeable soil or high groundwater. In these cases, a raised or above-ground installation is required.

These installations add a layer of fill (usually sand) on top of native soil. The extra material provides the project's required infiltration capacity. It also ensures that wastewater is properly filtered by the time it returns to the environment.

As the name suggests, raised and above-ground installations create visible mounds. Because they rely on a sand layer, combined treatment and dispersal systems have an infiltration area that is roughly 1 ft taller than the dispersal area for the Ecoflo compact biofilter.

In these situations, combined treatment and dispersal systems also have a larger footprint because they need backfill berms.

Good to know

Backfill berms are mounds of soil placed around raised or above-ground septic drain fields. They stabilize the infiltration area, prevent erosion, ensure proper drainage, and blend the system into the surrounding landscape.

Installing Ecoflo vs. systems similar to Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic

Deadlines are often tight for septic projects. That’s why it’s important to choose a system that is quick and easy to install.

To evaluate a septic system’s ease of installation, you need to consider several factors:

machinery needed for installation
required materials, including gravel, sand, and backfill
time needed to complete the job
lag time between installation and effective wastewater treatment

Installation and start-up for the Ecoflo compact biofilter

Most Ecoflo compact biofilter models are pre-assembled. Premier Tech's team assembles them in a controlled environment with a strict quality-control plan.

Each model is adapted to certain site conditions and soil types. Installation equipment, required materials, and start-up time vary by model.

Polyethylene models are ideal for permeable soils, sites that are difficult to access, and sites with limited installation space. The tanks are compact and ready to use and can be moved and installed with small to medium equipment.
Polyethylene Pack models are like regular polyethylene models except for one key feature: they combine the septic tank and the Ecoflo compact biofilter in a single configuration. Pack models require one excavation instead of two, which reduces the materials and time required for the job.
Concrete models are suitable for all soil types and high water tables. Given their weight, heavy machinery is needed to move and install these tanks. Most concrete models come pre-assembled and ready to use.
Fiberglass models are compact and ideal for small lots with permeable soil. They can be moved and installed with light equipment. Infiltration of treated wastewater occurs directly beneath the unit. This reduces the space, materials, and time needed for installation.

Ecoflo installations need a pump if gravity alone cannot transport wastewater between different system components.

Once installation is complete, the Ecoflo compact biofilter is immediately operational and ready to treat your property's wastewater.

Wastewater professional installing the Ecoflo biofilter Pack on a rural property in Québec, Canada.

Installation and start-up for systems similar to Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic

Combined treatment and dispersal systems are not ready to use. They must be built entirely on site, which increases the chances of errors during installation.

These types of systems require large quantities of a specific sand to carry out wastewater treatment. One or more ventilation pipes at the beginning and end of the system are also needed for treatment.

A pump may be required if gravity cannot transport wastewater from the septic tank to the system's treatment and dispersal area.

After installation is complete, combined treatment and dispersal systems like Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic are operational and ready to treat wastewater.

Sludge accumulation in Ecoflo vs. systems similar to Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic

Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic system installation.

Every septic system accumulates sludge as a natural by-product of the wastewater treatment process.

This black or brownish substance is made up of partially decomposed solids. Bacteria that treat wastewater cannot fully break down this material, so it builds up over time.

If left unchecked, the accumulation of sludge in a septic system can have negative consequences:

incomplete treatment of wastewater
environmental contamination
public health risks
full system replacement
septic tank odors
backflow of wastewater into your home
stagnant water or spongy soil on your lawn

These situations can be avoided when you choose a septic system that properly manages the buildup of sludge.

Sludge accumulation in the Ecoflo compact biofilter

In the Ecoflo compact biofilter, wastewater passes through a 100% coco filter (or one made of coco and peat moss).

In addition to removing pollutants, the filter creates a physical barrier that retains sludge. This protects the septic system’s downstream components and prevents the drain field from clogging.

The design of the Ecoflo compact biofilter allows easy access to all components through its lid. This makes it easy to monitor sludge accumulation and to troubleshoot the system.

When properly used and maintained, the Ecoflo compact biofilter’s coco filter is guaranteed for 10 years, but its lifespan can extend to more than 15 years. Near the end of its useful life, we renew it by removing the old coco filter and placing a new one in the original biofilter unit.

The renewal process takes just a few hours. There is no damage to your landscaping and, after the work is done, Premier Tech automatically resets the original performance guarantee for your system.

This means the Ecoflo compact biofilter can be restored to day-one performance without any excavation or full-system replacements. And it’s done at a fraction of the cost you would need to pay to install a new system.

Ecoflo compact biofilter filtering medium renewal in Pennsylvania.

Sludge accumulation in systems similar to Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic

In combined treatment and dispersal systems, wastewater passes through membranes or modules that trap suspended particles. Over time, these particles clog the components. When this happens, wastewater gets trapped in the pipes because it can no longer seep into the underlying sand layer.

In most cases, the problem worsens, eventually requiring excavation and full system replacement.

Some combined treatment and dispersal systems offer a potential solution: flushing the sludge from the distribution pipes. While this can provide temporary relief, it doesn’t address clogging or contaminants in the sand layer. That means full-system replacement will still be necessary at some point.

Costs of Ecoflo vs. systems similar to Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic

The result of clogged pipes in the Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic system.

The Ecoflo compact biofilter has a slightly higher purchase price than the Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic system. But if we compare maintenance and operating costs over 25 years, Ecoflo is the better long-term investment for your property.

Learn more about the price of the Ecoflo compact biofilter.

Like all advanced secondary treatment systems, Ecoflo and Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic systems both require annual maintenance to ensure they continue to properly treat your wastewater.

This maintenance is in addition to septic tank pump-outs, which take place every 3 to 5 years depending on sludge accumulation.

Operating and maintenance costs for the Ecoflo compact biofilter

Here are the expenses you can expect throughout the life of the Ecoflo compact biofilter:

annual maintenance
effluent pump replacements every 7 to 10 years (on average) if your system needs a pump
filter renewals every 12.5 years (on average)

The Ecoflo compact biofilter is installed for life, meaning you never need to replace it. You can easily restore the system to its original performance by renewing its coco filter.

Learn more about the advantages of Ecoflo filter renewals.

Operation and maintenance costs for systems similar to Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic

Here are the expenses you need to plan for during the lifespan of combined treatment and dispersal systems like Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic:

annual maintenance
effluent pump replacements every 7 to 10 years (on average) if the system needs a pump
system rejuvenation (if possible) or full-system replacement after 15 to 25 years, depending on use

Although annual maintenance is required, it has limited value because the heart of the system is buried and inaccessible. The maintenance technician can inspect the visible part of the system and measure its water levels. But there is no way of spotting most breakages, clogs, or other problems.

When the time comes to replace the system, the soil it occupied will be saturated and contaminated. The replacement system will need to be installed in another part of your property. You may need to create space for it by removing structures, landscaping features, and trees.

Warranties for Ecoflo vs. Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic systems

It is essential to compare warranties before you choose the septic system that is right for you.

Remember, you’re paying for more than just a system and its components. You’re paying for the expectation that it will work properly over the long term.

Ecoflo compact biofilter warranty

Treatment process and compoments	Original warranty*	Replacement warranty*
Natural, renewable, and compostable coco filter	10 years	10 years
Treatment performance
No clogging or excess sludge
Tipping bucket and distribution plates
Access covers and sampling device

*Parts and labor

Not only does the Ecoflo compact biofilter come with a 10-year warranty for both the tank and its components, but it also guarantees treatment performance.

The coco filter warranty covers its physical integrity and the absence of clogging. It also guarantees your wastewater will be properly treated after it passes through the compact biofilter. These points ensure your downstream treatment components are protected.

When the time comes to remove your old coco filter and install a new one, the 10-year warranty on the filter is automatically renewed.

Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic warranty

Treatment process and components	Original warranty*	Replacement warranty*
Treatment performance	No mention	No mention
No clogging or excess sludge
Filtration sand
Presby components	1 year

*Parts and labor

The Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic system’s one-year warranty covers only the physical integrity of the distribution pipes. In other words, only manufacturing defects in the pipes are guaranteed.

The warranty does not cover clogging in the distribution pipes, the condition of the filtration sand, or whether or not your wastewater will be properly treated.

The bottom line

Choosing the right septic system is crucial for the long-term protection of your health and the environment.

Whether you pick the Ecoflo compact biofilter or a system like Presby Advanced Enviro-Septic, make sure your decision is well-informed. Consider key factors like the system’s footprint, ease of installation, sludge accumulation, long-term cost, and warranty.

By carefully weighing these criteria, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your system provides reliable performance and enhances the overall value of your property.