How To Find Septic Tank Setback From Virginia? (Solution found)

What are the regulations for backfilling a septic tank in Virginia?

Backfilling the excavation for all septic tanks shall be done in layers with sufficient tamping to avoid settling. Backfill material shall be free of large stones and debris. §§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-164 of the Code of Virginia. Derived from Virginia Register Volume 16, Issue 16, eff. July 1, 2000.

Are septic tank locations public record?

Contact your local health department for public records. These permits should come with a diagram of the location where the septic system is buried. Depending on the age of your septic system, you may be able to find information regarding the location of your septic system by making a public records request.

How far does a septic tank have to be from a house in Virginia?

Sewage disposal system or other contaminant source (e.g., drainfield, underground storage tank, barnyard, hog lot, etc.) Private wells shall not be constructed within 50 feet of a house sewer line except as provided below.

How do you figure out where your septic tank is?

How to Find Where Your Septic Tank is Located

Consult a Septic Tank Diagram or Map. This is the easiest way to find your septic tank, as it will indicate exactly where the tank and drain field is located on the property.

Follow the Sewer Outlet Pipes.
Search Your Yard.
Ask.

How far does septic tank have to be away from house?

The distance for a Septic Tank, Waste Water Treatment System or Percolation Area from a house is as follows: Percolation Area: 10 metres. Septic Tank: 7 metres. Sewage Treatment System: 7 metres.

How do you find a metal detector with a septic tank?

6 Steps to Locate a Septic Tank

Find Your Main Sewer Drain Line. Sewage from your toilets, sinks, and showers collects into a main drain line.
Check Permits and Public Records.
Determine Septic Tank Material.

Time to Dig.
Mark the Location for Future Maintenance.

Do I have to change my septic tank?

Under the new rules, if you have a specific septic tank that discharges to surface water (river, stream, ditch, etc.) you are required to upgrade or replace your septic tank treatment system to a full sewage treatment plant by 2020, or when you sell a property, if it’s prior to this date.

How close can leach field be to house?

Common guidelines require at least 50′ clearance distance between a well and a septic system tank or 150′ between a well and a septic drainfield or leaching bed but you will see that different authorities may recommend different distances. Local soil and rock conditions can make these “rules of thumb” unreliable.

Can you build a deck over a septic tank?

You should never build a deck over a septic field; doing so will prevent the natural draining and dissipation of the effluent. This can ruin the septic system, not to mention releasing foul smells into the air all around your deck. The dissipating effluent can also rot the deck from underneath.

Does VA require septic inspection?

There is nothing in the law or regulations that requires a septic system to be inspected or pumped prior to the sale of a property; however, some localities may require evidence that the septic tank has been pumped within the past 5 years and some lenders may require a septic inspection prior to approving the loan.

How far down is septic tank lid?

Often, septic tank lids are at ground level. In most cases, they have buried anywhere from four inches to four feet underground.

How many lids are on a septic tank?

A septic tank installed before 1975 will have a single 24-inch concrete lid in the center of the rectangle. A two-compartment tank installed after 1975 will have two lids of either fiberglass or polyethylene, centered at opposite ends of the rectangle.

How often should a septic tank be pumped?

Inspect and Pump Frequently The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.

How far should sewage treatment be from house?

At least 10 meters away from any habitable building.

Should greywater go to septic tank?

A septic tank is not required for disposal of graywater only. A filter system specifically approved by DEP may be used in place of the septic tank as long as no garbage disposal waste or liquid waste from a composting toilet enters the graywater disposal system.

How close to a house can a sewage treatment plant be?

The Sewage Treatment Plant must be sited more than 7m from habitable property. The soakaway must be a minimum of 10 metres from a watercourse, 15 metres from a building and 50 metres from a borehole or spring.

Title 12. Health

As required by Virginia Code 32.1-163.6, AOSSs constructed in accordance with that section are subject to the following horizontal setbacks, which are necessary to safeguard public health and the environment: 2.The vertical and horizontal setback distances as defined in 12VAC5-610 that apply to public and private drinking water sources of all types, including wells, springs, reservoirs, and other surface water sources, except that in cases where an existing sewage system is closer to a private drinking water source, the AOSS shall be no closer to the drinking water source than the existing sewage system;3.The vertical and horizontal setback distances as defined in 12VAC5-610 that apply to shellfish waters;4.The Horizontal separation requirements for AOSSs utilizing septic tank effluent are set forth in 12VAC5-610; b.

horizontal separation requirements for AOSSs utilizing TL-2 or TL-3 (without disinfection) are set forth in 12VAC5-610; andc.

Authority derived from Sections 32.1-12 and 32.1-164 of the Code of Virginia.

Website addresses provided in the Virginia Administrative Code to documents incorporated by reference are offered solely for the reader’s convenience and are not guaranteed to be live or up to date.

The reader is recommended to consult the source material indicated in the regulation in order to confirm that the information included by reference is accurate.

As a result, we will not be able to reply to legal queries or provide legal advice, including the application of law to specific facts, on our website.

Septic, Sewage, and Well Applications

The following applications were formerly needed to be submitted by owners and submitted by legally licensed private sector people prior to the implementation of the new law, which became effective on August 11, 2019.

A sewage system that is not intended for residential use
A system that will consume more than 1,000 gallons of water each day

A system that is different
A design of an on-site sewage system requiring the expertise of a professional engineer
Certificates of conformity

Permissions for voluntary upgrades
Reviews of subdivisions
Real estate that is not meant to be used as the primary residence of the owner(s).

As of the 11th of August, 2019, all applications for onsite sewage systems and/or private wells must include supporting work completed by a private sector consultant who is appropriately certified to perform such work by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). To be eligible for evaluation and design services from the Virginia Department of Health, property owners must submit a petition for services and meet the following criteria: I means testing requirements (household income does not exceed 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines), or ii) a hardship as defined by the Virginia Department of Health’s Hardship Guidelines.

Persons in Household	200% Federal Poverty Guideline s
1	$25,760
2	$34,840
3	$43,920
4	$53,000
5	$62,080
6	$71,160
7	$80,240
8	$89,320

Septic and Well Application 8 11 19 Petition for VDH Services Form For assistance in locating a private sector designer, please see the Service Provider Website.

Onsite Sewage Forms

Local on-site sewage systems (OSSes), also known as septic systems, are an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method of wastewater disposal provided they are planned, constructed, and maintained appropriately. System failures, on the other hand, can and do occur. An OSS failure can be caused by a number of factors, including poor system design, poor maintenance, or simply because the system has reached the end of its useful life. In the event of a malfunctioning septic system, raw sewage can be discharged into surrounding yards, local creeks, and ditches, posing serious health dangers to humans, pets, and the environment.

The activities that we engage in to carry out this supervision are many and include the following:

The process of reviewing installation designs and obtaining building permits. Inspection of installed systems to ensure that they comply with the regulations Provide homeowner education when it is required. Taking enforcement action when it is deemed necessary.

Septic Systems

You may learn about county and homeowner standards, as well as commonly asked questions and a list of licensed inspectors.

Alternative Onsite System Maintenance Report

Read the most recent Alternative Onsite System Maintenance Annual Report for the County of Loudoun, Virginia.

WellSeptic Applications/Permit Guidelines

Visit this page for well and septic installation, repair or abandonment forms, subdivision and soil evaluation forms, and permit rules.

Chapter 1066

The Loudoun County Ordinance Chapter 1066 Onsite Sewage Treatment Systems should be reviewed.

Contractors / Licensed Lists

Examine the numerous listings of inspectors, pump and haul companies, well drillers and pump installers, and other professionals.

Fact Sheets

View the many fact sheets on alternate systems, low-pressure distribution, septic systems, and well operation and maintenance, among other topics.

Onsite WaterSewage Information

On this page, you can find information regarding onsite water and sewer systems in Loudoun County.

Tank Replacement Study (PDF)

From 2000 to 2016, a study of onsite sewage tank replacements in Loudoun County was conducted.

Tank Requirements

Learn about the standards for structural soundness and water tightness in tanks that are used for on-site sewage treatment systems.

What size of septic tank do I need?

Probably one of the last things on your mind when you are constructing a new house is the location of your septic system. After all, shopping for tanks isn’t nearly as entertaining as shopping for cabinetry, appliances, and floor coverings. Although you would never brag about it, your guests will be aware if you do not have the proper septic tank placed in your home or business.

septic tanks for new home construction

The exact size of the septic tank is determined mostly by the square footage of the house and the number of people who will be living in it. The majority of home septic tanks have capacities ranging from 750 to 1,250 gallons. A 1000 gallon tank will most likely be required for a typical 3-bedroom home that is smaller than 2500 square feet in size. Of course, all of this is dependent on the number of people who live in the house as well as the amount of water and waste that will be disposed of through the plumbing system.

For the most accurate assessment of your septic tank needs, you should speak with an experienced and trustworthy sewer business representative.

planning your drainfield

Here are some helpful hints for deciding where to locate your drainfield when you’re designing it.

Vehicles should not be allowed on or around the drainfield. Planting trees or anything else with deep roots along the bed of the drain field is not recommended. The roots jam the pipes on a regular basis. Downspouts and sump pumps should not be discharged into the septic system. Do not tamper with or change natural drainage features without first researching and evaluating the consequences of your actions on the drainage field. Do not construct extensions on top of the drain field or cover it with concrete, asphalt, or other materials. Create easy access to your septic tank cover by placing it near the entrance. Easy maintenance and inspection are made possible as a result. To aid with evaporation and erosion prevention, plant grass in the area.

a home addition may mean a new septic tank

Do not make any big additions or renovations to your house or company until you have had the size of your septic system assessed. If you want to build a house addition that is more than 10% of your total floor space, increases the number of rooms, or necessitates the installation of new plumbing, you will almost certainly need to expand your septic tank.

For a home addition that will result in increased use of your septic system, your local health department will require a letter from you that has been signed and authorized by a representative of your local health department confirming that your new septic system is capable of accommodating the increase in wastewater. It is not recommended that you replace your septic system without the assistance of a certified and competent contractor.

how to maintain your new septic system

Septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services are provided by Norway Septic Inc., a service-oriented company devoted to delivering outstanding septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services to households and business owners throughout the Michiana area.

“We take great delight in finishing the task that others have left unfinished.” “They pump, we clean!” says our company’s motto. Septic systems are something we are familiar with from our 40 years of expertise, and we propose the following:

Make use of the services of a qualified specialist to develop a maintenance strategy. Make an appointment for an annual examination of your septic system. Utilize the services of an effluent filter to limit the amount of particles that exit the tank, so extending the life of your septic system. Waste items should be disposed of properly, and energy-efficient appliances should be used. Make sure you get your septic system professionally cleaned every 2 to 3 years, or more frequently if necessary, by an experienced and qualified expert
If you have any reason to believe that there is an issue with your system, contact a professional. It is far preferable to catch anything early than than pay the price later. Maintain a record of all septic system repairs, inspections, and other activities

common septic questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by our septic customers.

How do I determine the size of my septic tank?

If you have a rectangular tank, multiply the inner height by the length to get the overall height of the tank. In order to find out how many gallons your septic tank contains, divide the number by.1337.1337

How many bedrooms does a 500-gallon septic tank support?

How deep in the ground is a septic tank?

Your septic system is normally buried between four inches and four feet underground, depending on the climate.

Septic System Maintenance

Effective December 7, 2011, the Virginia Department of Health’s regulations governing the operation and maintenance of Alternative Onsite Sewage Systems went into effect. According to this provision, 12VAC5-613-20, the purpose of the rule and the authority to enact it are as follows:

Put in place an ordinance that governs the operation and maintenance of alternative on-site sewage systems. Performance standards for alternative onsite sewage systems should be established. In order to preserve public health and the environment, horizontal setbacks for alternative onsite sewage systems must be established. As far as onsite sewage systems and treatment works are concerned, the board should be relieved of its obligation to monitor and manage the safe and hygienic collection, conveyance, transportation, and treatment of sewage, as well as the disposal of sewage

Preserve the quality of surface and ground water sources
Instruct the commissioner on whether or not a permit or other permission for an alternative onsite sewage system should be granted or rejected. It is necessary to inform owners, applicants, on-site soil evaluators, system designers and other individuals about the procedures for receiving a permit or other permission for an AOSS.

In addition, the following section12VAC5-613-140outlines the responsibility of the owner with regard to the care and maintenance of alternative systems:

Have the AOSS operated and maintained by a professional service provider
Have an operator visit the AOSS on a regular basis, as specified in this chapter. Make arrangements for an operator to collect any samples that may be needed under this chapter. Hold onto a copy of the log given by the operator and keep it on site in either electronic or hard copy form, make it available to the department upon request, and make every reasonable attempt to transfer it to any subsequent owner. The AOSS should adhere to the O M manual and preserve a copy of the O M manual in electronic or hard copy form for their use. They should also make the O M manual available to the department upon request and make a reasonable attempt to transmit the O M handbook to any future owners. When an AOSS is located within a Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area, it must comply with the onsite sewage system requirements contained in local ordinances adopted pursuant to theChesapeake Bay Preservation Act( 10.1-2100 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) and theChesapeake Bay Preservation Area Designation and Management Regulations(9VAC10-20).

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO COMPLY WITH THESE REGULATIONS AND HAVESeptic System MaintenancePERFORMED ON MY SYSTEM?

Maintaining and inspecting your septic system on a yearly basis is comparable to getting your car inspected on an annual basis. Alternative septic systems often involve mechanical and technical components that require careful maintenance, which can only be provided by a DPORlicensed operator who has had the necessary training and experience. Equipment failure or malfunctions might occur if maintenance is not performed on a regular basis, putting your family’s safety and the environment at risk.

WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE MILLER’S SERVICE AS MYSeptic System MaintenancePROVIDER?

Miller’s Advisory Service has been in operation for more than 40 years. As a full service septic firm, Class A contractor, and DPOR qualified operator and installer of Alternative Onsite Sewage Systems, we provide a wide range of services to customers. Our team members have a combined total of more than 100 years of expertise and knowledge. We will not only perform the necessary maintenance and inspections as part of our Annual Service Agreement, but we will also be able to provide the service necessary to complete any additional troubleshooting, repairs, pumping, and installation work that may be required in the event that the system fails.

The quality of our service is enhanced by the use of high-grade materials, and we give a tailored experience to educate our customers on the functioning of their system.

WHAT DOES AN ANNUAL SERVICE AGREEMENT INCLUDE?

Our service agreements cover the needed yearly maintenance and inspection for compliance with Virginia Department of Health AOSS rules, as well as any other necessary maintenance and inspection. When it comes to your system, we are also able to provide sample services if this is necessary. Additionally, in the case of an alert or reportable occurrence, you are entitled to two diagnostic alarm calls every 12-month period at no additional cost. Our technicians will locate and inspect all components of your septic system, as well as verify the structural integrity of all tanks, test for proper operation of electrical components and calibrate any pumps that may be necessary, clean any filters that may be present, evaluate the absorption area, and ensure that the entire system is operational during the maintenance visit.

As the homeowner, you will also receive a copy of the inspection report, which you should save for your own reference.

These digital photographs are available to you at any time, but more significantly, they assist us in developing a visual history of your system in the event that concerns emerge in the foreseeable future.

WHAT TYPES OF ALTERNATIVE SYSTEMS DO YOU PROVIDESeptic System MaintenanceFOR AND INSTALL?

As a registered septic system installer and service provider, we are capable of installing and maintaining all sorts of alternative systems permitted by the State of Virginia. These are the categories of alternative systems that are most frequently encountered: Chemical treatment, media filtering (peat moss, silt, or textiles), or a mix of the two are used to treat wastewater. The manufacturer of the system is more often used by homeowners to identify their system than the treatment technique.

Some of the most well-known producers of these certified treatment systems in Virginia include Orenco Advantex, Biomicrobics FAST (MicroFast, RetroFast), Ecoflo, Clearstream, Delta Ecopod, Puraflo (Anua), Cajun Aire, Multiflo (Consolidated Treatment Systems), Hoot, and Norweco.

Frederick County, VA: General Requirements and Maintenance of On-Site Sewage Systems

When cleaning a septic tank, the sludge and materials taken from the tank must be disposed of by dumping the sludge and debris at a water reclamation plant that has been recognized by the state. It is necessary to connect to an approved public sewer system, or, in the case of an existing sewage system, to a private sewer system, if one is available within the Sewer and Water Service Area, if modifications are required to provide safe and adequate treatment and if the building or structure to be served is within 300 feet of an approved public sewer system or, if one is available within the Sewer and Water Service Area, the property owner shall connect to the sewer system.

Alternatively, if a reasonable connection cannot be established, the Board of Supervisors may permit modifications to the existing sewage system through the use of a waiver.

Unless otherwise specified, every alternative sewage system allowed under the provisions of this chapter must meet the standards and requirements listed below: 1.Any alternative on-site sewage system must be authorized by the Health Department as being in compliance with this section and the applicable rules of the Virginia Department of Health before it may be installed and operated.

Such an agreement must have, as a bare minimum, the following provisions: (1)Notify all parties who may be affected by the property’s alternative on-site sewage system, including but not limited to succeeding owners of the property.
When the land that is the subject of the permit is sold or transferred, the agreement that governs it will be transferred together with the title to the property in question.

These conditions may include, but are not limited to, the necessity for a maintenance contract.
It is required that the inspection be carried out by a person who has been licensed or certified as being able to operate, monitor, and maintain an alternative on-site wastewater system.
During the period that the alternative on-site sewage system is in operation, the property owner is required to maintain a working relationship with an authorised operator.

The property owner shall also file with the Health Department a copy of the inspection report, in a form approved by the Health Department, once a year, within 30 days of the anniversary date of the recorded agreement, or such longer period as may be permitted by the Health Department, and repair or replace such system, as necessary, to correct any deficiencies identified in the inspection report in accordance with this section and the applicable regulations of the Virginia Department of Health.

F.A copy of the operation and maintenance log given by the designated operator must be kept on the premises by the property owner, and a copy of the log must be provided to each subsequent owner of the property.

h.In the case of a system failure, as determined by the operator or the Virginia Department of Health, the repair or replacement of the system shall be subject to any relevant rules enacted by the Virginia Department of Health or the State Water Control Board.

Failure to comply with the provisions of this section constitutes a violation of this chapter and is subject to the fines and other remedies set out in this chapter.

To offset the costs of permits, licenses, and/or inspections that are needed to be granted and/or conducted pursuant to this chapter, the County must create, determine, and charge such fees as it considers necessary and reasonable in its sole discretion.

Warren County, VA: Wells and Sewage Disposal Systems

Warren County has been identified as having fragile hydrogeology, with the potential for depletion and pollution of water supplies, as well as threats to human health, safety, and welfare, among other things. In order to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the general public, the criteria set out in this article are imposed on all wells and sewage disposal systems that are created or installed for the purpose of advancing those interests. According to their definitions in this article, the following terms must have the following meanings: THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH The Environmental Health Specialist, who is appointed by the County Health Officer or his fully authorized agent.

SYSTEMS DE DISPOSITION DE SEWAGE An alternate on-site sewage disposal system or an alternative discharge system, as those words are defined under rules established by the Virginia Department of Health, is a type I, II, III, or IV sewage disposal system.

Use of, or permitting the use of, any well or sewage disposal system to which this article applies, as well as the renting and leasing of such well or sewage disposal system for use, shall be prohibited until such well or sewage disposal system has been approved and permitted by the Health Department and the construction thereof has been completed in accordance with the requirements of this article.

According to this article, the Health Department has the authority to inspect any well or sewage disposal system that is subject to this article for the purpose of verifying whether or not such well or sewage disposal system has been properly erected and is performing successfully.

If the person to whom the permit was issued or such person’s successor in interest fails to comply with the terms of such notice, the Health Department shall immediately remedy the condition that is the subject of such notice, and the expense incurred by the Health Department in doing so shall be charged to the person to whom the permit was issued or his successor in interest, and the expense incurred by the Health Department in doing so shall be collected by legal action or in any other manner authorized by la.

To carry out the purposes mentioned in Sections 179-5 and 179-6, the Health Department shall have the authority to enter into public or private property.

Those who violate any of the requirements of this article, whether as a principal, agent, employee, or otherwise, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and those who cause or facilitate the violation of any of the provisions of this article shall be guilty of a felony Each day that the violation is permitted to continue beyond the reasonable time granted by the Health Department or the County Building Official for repairs shall be deemed a new offense if the violation is shown to be intentional or purposeful.

There should be established a Board of Appeals with the authority to issue deviations to the provisions of this article in the following ways: A.The Board shall be composed of three members, one of whom shall be a member of the Board of Supervisors appointed by the Board of Supervisors, one of whom shall be a resident of and own real estate in an area to which this article is applicable under 179-3 of this article and one of whom shall be appointed by the Health Department.

B.The Board shall be composed of three members, one of whom shall be a member of the Board of Supervisors appointed by the Board of Supervisors, one of whom shall be Initially, the non-Supervisor member appointed by the Board of Supervisors’ term of office will expire with the expiration of the term of the Supervisor representing such member’s election district; thereafter, such member’s term of office will be limited to the portion of the term that has not yet expired.

Members may be reappointed to take over as successors to themselves.

B.The Board of Directors shall have the following powers and responsibilities: Appeals from any order, requirement, judgment, or determination issued by anyone in the administration or enforcement of this article will be heard and decided by the Administrative Law Judge.

To permit, upon appeal or initial application, in specified instances, any variation or variations from the requirements of this article as will not be prejudicial to the public interest, as set out in 179-1 of the Revised Code of Virginia.

Variances may only be granted under the following circumstances: In the event that a thorough investigation determines that the hardship, which may be economic in nature, imposed by this article outweighs the benefits that may be received by the general public, a variance may be granted; however, the granting of a variance shall not subject any member of the general public to unreasonable health risks or jeopardize groundwater resources.

B.Anyone wishing to request a variance must submit a written request to the Board.

The following factors must be considered by the Board in evaluating a variance application:(1)the effect and cost, as well as other economic considerations, of granting a variance as opposed to not granting a variance;(2)the effect that such a variance would have on the protection of public health;(3)the effect that such a variance would have on the protection of groundwater resources; and(4)any other factors that the Board deems appropriate.

D.When granting deviations, the Board may impose reasonable requirements that are consistent with the objective of this article.
F.Unless otherwise noted, all variations are transferrable.

When the permit to which a variance is connected is revoked, the variance and the permit are both withdrawn.
As part of the notice, such neighboring property owners are informed of the nature of the variance application as well as the time and location of an upcoming hearing for consideration of the variance application at which they may appear and express their opinions.

H.A nonrefundable application fee of $100 must accompany all requests for a deviation from the rules. The approval of a variance exempting an applicant from the terms of this chapter is expressly prohibited.

Building Near and Over Septic Tanks

Posted on a regular basis In most cases, minimum setback rules imposed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Equality (TCEQ) preclude the building of a new residence from occuring over any point of an existing sewage disposal system. Foundations, pools, property lines, wells, and other structures must be kept at a certain distance from the septic tank and drainfield in order to meet these setback requirements. It is possible that some homeowners will install objects such as patio decks or house additions over their systems, whether by accident or design.

Building over septic tanks

Construction of a building over any section of your septic system is not recommended. The most typical issue we see is when someone wants to pump out their septic tank but is unsure of where their tank is situated on their property. Tanks hidden beneath a hardwood deck, pool patio, driveways, or even room extensions are not unusual for us to discover and investigate. The majority of the time, this occurs because the homeowner is uninformed of the tank’s location and/or does not have a plan in place for future tank maintenance.

However, in this scenario, the homeowner will be able to pump out their septic tank because no permanent constructions should be constructed over any component of the system.

Building over drainfields

In order for the drainfield to function, water in the solids and some evapotranspiration must be absorbed. In order for bacteria in the soil beneath a drainfield to treat wastewater from a drainfield, the soil beneath the drainfield must have sufficient oxygen. However, if a permanent structure is constructed over a drainfield, it has the potential to reduce the amount of oxygen that can be absorbed by the soil and hence reduce evapotranspiration. The potential of causing the drainfield lines to collapse is a significant concern when constructing over them.

Depending on the age of your system and the restrictions of your local authorities, repairing or shifting your drainfield may need the installation of a whole new system.

We can assist you with any of your wastewater system needs, and our specialists can also assist you with your septic installation and maintenance requirements: 210.698.2000 (San Antonio) or 830.249.4000 (Austin) (Boerne).

West Virginia Septic System Installation

Home-Exterior Septic tanks are a cost-effective method of treating wastewater generated on a single homestead. Before a new home can be constructed in West Virginia, the septic system must be allowed, installed, and approved by the local government. If you currently own a home and want to put in a septic system, there are a few things you need do before breaking ground on the project. When the length of the sources is equal to zero, this.parentNode.removeChild(sources); otherwise, this.onerror = null; this.src = fallback; )(, arguments.target.currentSrc.replace(), ‘, /public/images/logo-fallback.png’) ” loading=”lazy”> ” loading=”lazy”> The installation of a septic tank necessitates the use of heavy construction equipment.

Step 1

Select the septic tank capacity that is appropriate for your unique requirements. A daily design flow capacity of 1,000 gallons per day or less is required by state law in West Virginia, which is generally suitable for a residence with one to four bedrooms. Increase the capacity by 250 gallons for each additional bedroom in the house. Although the size of the drain field varies depending on factors such as topography, percolation, soil and rock conditions, a minimum of 300 to 400 square feet should be allocated for each bedroom in the house.

Step 2

Examine the size of your property. Installing a septic system on a property larger than 10,000 square feet is permissible if you acquired the land before July 1, 1970, and the deed was recorded before that date. If you acquire the land after that date, the land must be at least 20,000 square feet in size. If your lot is too small, but you feel it can still sustain the system you desire, you should request an exemption from the environmental director on your behalf.

Step 3

Decide on a location that meets municipal criteria for minimum safe distances from drinking water sources, streams and lakes as well as residential neighborhoods. There are two ways to measure distances – horizontally (across the ground) and vertically (the depth at which the septic tank and soil absorption system will be built). According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, a distance of at least 50 feet should be maintained between wells and septic tanks.

Step 4

Percolation tests should be performed on the ground at your chosen location to ensure that the soil is capable of absorbing the wastewater discharged by the septic tank. It is required by the state of West Virginia that percolation tests be done by a certified person who can legally attest that the test findings are correct, thus it is best to employ a professional for this portion of the procedure.

Step 5

Check with your local health department or environmental health office to see if there are any differences between local and state health rules. In many situations, local governments simply incorporate state rules into their own body of laws without making any changes to them or to the regulations. When you apply for a permit to build a septic tank system, find out how many copies of your designs must be submitted with your application.

Step 6

The location where the septic tank will be installed, as well as an outline of the soil absorption field, should be marked with small pegs and rope or ribbon. This will give you a better understanding of how much room the system will require and will assist you in avoiding installation issues. The layout will also be useful for measuring distances for the site plans, which will be created later.

Step 7

Detailed design of the proposed septic tank system should be created in the form of a drawing. Include measures such as the holding capacity of the septic tank and the size of the drain field, which is also known as a soil absorption system, in your report.

Measure the distance between the residence and the proposed septic tank system and include these measures, as well as the depth at which the septic tank will be built, in your calculations. (See also Reference 2)

Step 8

Take the needed number of copies to the appropriate government department, complete the permission application form or forms, and pay any costs that may be owed to the government agency responsible. Results of percolation testing should be sent as an attachment to your application packet.

Step 9

Make use of earthmovers and any other heavy equipment necessary to dig a hole large enough to accommodate the size of the septic tank you intend to use. Meanwhile, construct the drain field and add gravel, pipes, and any other objects that are required for your individual circumstance. It is essential that the drain field be positioned such that no cars will ever pass over it and cause harm to the subterranean drainage system.