I appreciate the suggestion. However Mike already bought some of the required materials for the drain field and I think his plan is pretty good. I don't (knock on wood) anticipate too many problems. I think the people that decided a bucket was good enough were actually trying for the seepage pit idea, but went with a paint can sized bucket rather than a large drum. I'm sure they had good intentions. I think the seepage pit (what a terrible word - "seepage") is a good plan if the drain field eventually dies and the future owners (our kids) have to replace it. I'm hoping to live to be at least 120, but I also don't ever want to have to deal with septic crap again.