Getting a good understanding of all the things involved in the procedure is imperative before you hire a company that will handle the installation. This article outlines the process that septic services companies follow during the installation of a septic system.
5 Steps to Septic Tank Installations
1. Site Evaluation
Before the start of the installation process, the site where the system will be installed should be evaluated first. A site evaluator is going to check the soil and ensure that its consistency is suitable for septic systems. The professional will excavate holes in the soil profile to determine the suitability of the area. The evaluator will also check the soil’s consistency for the appropriate drainage in the drain field and the right depth for burying the septic tank. Finally, the evaluator will identify the most ideal areas that can serve as the drain field. Believe it or not, some land can denied for septic installations depending on state/county rules, water tables and soil. There are ways around it sometimes by using different septic systems. Be sure to check with the county and hire a professional.
2. Design
Once the evaluator determined that the area is favorable for a septic tank, an engineer will then design the septic system. The engineer will identify the most ideal type of system that fits your property, the best layout, and the right size. The plan will also include the optimal placement for the septic tank and drain field. During the plan creation, the engineer is going to ensure that all standards are met to guarantee that the system will comply with all necessary regulations and standards.
3. Approval
After the completion of the design, it needs approval. The local authorities and the local health department should scrutinize the plans and make sure that these will meet all the implemented regulations and standards. They will also check if the layout was created correctly and that the wastewater and drainage treatment will not contaminate the groundwater. Once approval is given, the local health department is going to issue a discharge permit that allows the start of installation.
4. Installation
Upon the approval of the designs and issuance of the necessary permits, your chosen septic services provider can then begin with the installation of the system. The system will be installed by a licensed installer. The installer may have two types of licenses. An installer 1 license can install simple systems like the standard system. An installer 2 license can install all kinds of septic systems that include more complex ones like aerobic systems. If you hire a septic services company to perform the process, they will see to it that an installer with the right license will handle the installation.
Use and Operation
When the installation is finished, the installer will check that things are working properly. If any issue is detected, it will be repaired by the installer before he leaves the site of installation. Once everything starts working properly, the installer or any team member of the septic services company is going to give an explanation of how the system works. You will also be given critical instructions like proper maintenance and items that are safe and unsafe to flush down your toilet. The installer will make sure that you have a complete understanding of the system and the proper way of using it before they leave your premises.
It is imperative to know how to maintain and care for your septic tank. A lot of people to keep things working at peak levels will only allow sewage. So no toilet paper, while it may be weird for some to put toilet paper in the trash. It's quite common in countries like Mexico or further south. Given you would add live bacteria to break down waste, not having toilet paper in the system is sometimes ideal.
Cost
As a basic number to throw out, you would be looking at $1500 to $4000 for the system. Installation companies would also charge a price on top of that. But often times it's not too bad of a cost in comparison to building costs. YES, the price can go much higher, but for living off gird and doing a basic living situation, you can get away with this.
