During What Stage Of Construction Is The Septic Tank Installed? (Correct answer)

Ideally, the septic system should be installed on level ground (and high ground if possible) to avoid flooding and seeping.

  • Once the site is ready, your contractor will lower the new tank into the ground. Plastic septic tanks can be installed by hand, but heavy concrete models may require a backhoe or other construction equipment. At this stage, they’ll also install the pipes and connect the septic tank to your plumbing.

What comes first septic or foundation?

Tank will be set after concrete is poured and foundation is backfilled. All of course at the correct grade elevations so everything will flow down hill. This house will have town water. You could ask your building inspector if there is a rule for your area, if you haven’t already.

Where is a septic system usually located?

Your septic tank will most certainly be installed along the main sewer line that runs out of your home. Look for the 4-inch sewer that exits the crawl space or basement, and locate the same spot outside the home. Septic tanks are usually located between ten to 25 feet away from the home.

What is septic tank construction?

The septic tank is a buried, water-tight container usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. Its job is to hold the wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle down to the bottom forming sludge, while the oil and grease floats to the top as scum.

What are the steps to building a house?

The 10 Steps to Build a New Home Are:

  1. Prepare Construction Site and Pour Foundation.
  2. Complete Rough Framing.
  3. Complete Rough Plumbing, Electrical HVAC.
  4. Install Insulation.
  5. Complete Drywall and Interior Fixtures, Start Exterior Finishes.
  6. Finish Interior Trim, Install Exterior Walkways and Driveway.

What comes first plumbing or electrical?

For most home building projects, it’s ideal for the plumbing fixtures to be installed before the electrical. It’s often safer and easier for the electrical components and wiring to be installed around the larger pipes and plumbing materials.

How deep should a septic tank be buried?

In most cases, septic tank components including the lid, are buried between 4 inches and 4 feet underground. You can use a metal probe to locate its edges and mark the perimeter. If you do not find the lid by probing, shallow excavation with a shovel along the tank’s perimeter should reveal the lid.

How do you tell if your septic tank is full?

Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:

  1. Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
  2. Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
  3. Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
  4. You Hear Gurgling Water.
  5. You Have A Sewage Backup.
  6. How often should you empty your septic tank?

When and where septic tanks are used?

Septic tanks are often used in rural areas, campgrounds, and picnic areas in place of sewer systems to treat human waste and separate solids and liquids in wastewater. The liquid portion of the waste is disposed of through a drain field where natural filtering takes place in the soil.

Does shower water go into septic tank?

From your house to the tank: Most, but not all, septic systems operate via gravity to the septic tank. Each time a toilet is flushed, water is turned on or you take a shower, the water and waste flows via gravity through the plumbing system in your house and ends up in the septic tank.

What are the parameters used for the design of a septic tank?

A new approach to the design of septic tanks was developed based on a number of critical parameters, namely: residual detention time, minimum residual detention time, resid- ual depth and minimum residual depth. A predetermined desludging interval ensures septic tanks are efficient and durable.

How do I determine the size of my septic tank?

The formula is length (feet) x width (feet) x 1 foot x 7.5 gallons, which is the volume for 1-foot depth. To find the volume for 1 inch I divide the volume by 12 to give me gallons per inch. For our example this is 5.16 feet x 7.5 feet x 1.0 foot x 7.5 gallons per cubic foot = 290.2 gallons.

How does septic tank system work?

How does a septic tank work? Septic tanks, whether they are single or multi-chambered, utilise the simple process of gravity to separate the liquid waste from the solid waste that flows into it from your property. The lighter solids in the waste, along with oil and grease, float to the surface and form a “scum” layer.

When during construction is the septic system installed?

This time we’re taking a closer look at a bank-owned property that needs some TLC. The house was built in 2007 and was halfway finished when it was abandoned for an extended period of time. One of the issues that has to be addressed is the septic system. Something concerning a “septic environment” is hinted at in the listing’s cryptic language. I’ve reached out to the county about this, but it looks that the person who handles this only works two hours a day and isn’t all that interested in getting back to me.

The property has some black tubing that comes out of the crawl area and continues into the brush/woods for a long distance without connecting to anything when viewed from the outside.

So, at what point in the building process does the full septic system become operational?

I find it difficult to believe that a septic system has not been installed before, but it is clear that there is some type of problem with the system.

Thank you, and if it would be of any use, I do have photographs of the black tubing item.

Well and Septic before or after the house? in Timber Framing/Log construction

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.The moment has arrived.I am placing my application for well and septic so I can get my county building permit.Talked with the county inspecter and he is cool with me cutting my own timber trusses and is not going to require a grade stamp although he does want an engineers sign off on the design.He seems to have an appreciation for me overbuilding the home and sees I am not cutting corners but just trying to build a quality and energy efficient home.The question is now, when the best time to install the well and septic.Have seen it done before and after.I am thinking it is best to do at least the septic after to ensure that it is put where the fall to the tank is sufficient for the piping in the house.Well could go either waybut the drillers I have spoken with do a package deal with well, pump and pressure tank and that can’t all be hooked up until you have power so that would place it after.Not real comfortable building without knowing I have good water supply but all the neighbors have hit water (although some had to go 300’+).Would like to get some opinions based on experience and what the preference is.LoggedNorwood LM2000 24HP w/28′ bed, Hudson Oscar 18″ 32′ bed, Woodmaster 718 planer,Kubota L185D, Stihl 029, Husqvarna 550XP


THW, around here (Raleigh, NC), most builders do both afterward.Personally, if it were me I’d drill the well first, so that I was 100% sure about the quality, quantity, and overall availability of water to my building site.That way I could also have water available for clean up, etc while building.I’ve known a few folks that ended up sinking a lot of $ into multiple dry holes, and at least if you drill first you can always cut your losses if you have to before the house is built.ScottLoggedPeterson 10″ WPF with 65′ of track Smith – Gallagher dedicated slabber Tom’s 3638D Baker band mill and a mix of log handling heavy equipment.


Most places around here the well is put in after the house is built.That’s what I did.But I wanted a house here on the old farm.The well is always the scary part.You just never know what will happen. If the neighbors have good water than you should.I had my contractor put in the sewer.He did all the layout.Been here 6 years.I guess he did it right.This was done before the house really got going.LoggedModel 6020-20hp Manual Thomas bandsaw,TC40A 4wd 40 hp New Holland tractor, 450 Norse Winch, Heatmor 400 OWB,YCC 1978-79


In my area it is required that the well go in first. Something to do about not disturbing the soils for some reason, not to sure about all that. My logger tells me all the time about having to clear for the well drilling rig so it can do the well. Then after the house is built they come back put in the line to the house and the tanks or whatever in the cellar. Also that the well has to be at least 100′ from the septic. The project I’m working on now has the septic field in now, no tank yet, as cellar hole hasn’t been dug. Tank will be set after concrete is poured and foundation is backfilled. All of course at the correct grade elevations so everything will flow down hill. This house will have town water.You could ask your building inspector if there is a rule for your area, if you haven’t already.Good luck with your project.Jim RogersLoggedWhatever you do, have fun doing it! Woodmizer 1994 LT30HDG24 with 6′ Bed Extension


Here you have to do perc tests to locate and design the septic before you can get site plan approved and get building permits issued.Installation can happen anytime in the process.We drilled the well first (two years ago) as it’s behind the house and would be a real challenge to get a big drilling rig to once the foundation was excavated.Our well wound up being 166ft. and has great flow, having it done in advance was a great weight off my mind.The well sat capped and waiting while the rest of the construction happened, only last month did the pump, lines and pressure tank get installed.Now if I only had electricity.Logged. he was middle aged, and the truth hit him like a man with no parachute.-GodleyCremeStihl 066, MS 362 C-M24+ feet of Logosol M7 mill


I have to have the perc before the county will issue building permit as well.House is going on slab and all the plumbing will be under the slab. Could always bury the tank a little deeper but hard to jack up a house on slab.LoggedNorwood LM2000 24HP w/28′ bed, Hudson Oscar 18″ 32′ bed, Woodmaster 718 planer,Kubota L185D, Stihl 029, Husqvarna 550XP


You really need to get your septic inspector to sign off on your design including grade and location before you put yout foundation in. That way you know how far you final height has to be relative to your house. In my case, got septic permit, then put in foundation. Put logs up and TF up. Drilled well. Did septic slowly during that time. I actually did septic myself and it was surprisingly easy. Saved $5k +Logged


Hey Bob,Joel Here.We had to have the well and septic site marked and signed off on by the county Enviro. Health before we could get our permits.We had the septic intalled when our foundation was complete and we were able to shoot our final levels for the tank.It sat like that as we built the house and at the time of rough in we connected it to the house.For water during construction we ran a hose from our very helpful neighbor.A few months before we got our final inspection we had the well dug and hit a gusher as seen below.It is 300 ft deep and running at 40-50 gpm at the bottom and about 16 gpm out of the top of the pipe with no pump.All the systems work great but they were expensive.Our septic was a pump type and when combined with the well they made up about 30% of the overall building budget.JoelLoggedThe saga of our timberframe experience continues at boothemountain.blogspot.com.


I like to have the well in and very well marked/protected. We have had one septic tank damaged during construction. In some areas, WI being one where we ran into it, if you have a pump type septic field, nothing, I mean nothing at all, can cross the field area or it is disqualified. I’ve never seen that here, but it’s a good idea at any rate not to compact the field area.I looked at a addition prospect last week. Best we can figure, over the years, the drainfield is now under the driveway.LoggedThe future is a foreign country, they will do things differently there – Simon Winchester


i won’t get into the permit reasons or the inspectors either, cause we don’t have neither one here. but i will say i have my well already done i will build the house first then install the septic tank and leach lines after all the construction is finnished. i do not want to worry about some concrete truck driver messing up the septic system.Logged


We put the well in about the time we finished the footers, just because the well driller was in the area. The septic tank they set at the same time that the plumbing to go under the slab was roughed in.; was the best time to get all of the slopes right. We waited until we were doing the final grading to put in the drainfield. There was a funny story a few years ago about a fellow building a house near here. He called the well driller to come drill the well, told him he had marked the location. Well he didn’t want the well truck to drive over his septic tank so he but a stick in the ground at his new tank. Of course that was the first thing the well driller saw, so he drilled a hole into the septic tank!Logged


I know ya guys gonna poke fun at me but this is how I do it.Witch the location for the well, get it drilled, than let the engineer figure out the septic system.Just put in a septic system few months ago.hit bedrock 4′ down right where the engineer said to put the tank.Fortunately we were able to hook up to rural water and didn�t have to drill a well.LoggedLarry, making useful and beautiful things out of the most environmental friendly material on the planet.We need to insure our customers understand the importance of our craft.


Larry,that’s exactly how I did ours.I had a neighbor do the witching.I think in this area you have to get a soil test and than “they” will tell you what kind of system you will have.That’s what I had to do anyways.LoggedModel 6020-20hp Manual Thomas bandsaw,TC40A 4wd 40 hp New Holland tractor, 450 Norse Winch, Heatmor 400 OWB,YCC 1978-79


Larry,No laughs from me.I “witched” the property Sat. and am quite confident in two locations.I have had a lot of success in the past finding telephone lines, gas lines and water lines and know from experience that there is more too “witching” than just superstition.The health dept. requires a sketch with proposed homesite, well location, septic location etc. and I have flagged them on site.I guess they will aprrove it when they come on site to do the soil work and give me a drawing for the drain field. I have little doubt that a basic tank/drainfield will suffice.There is plenty of space.Rock is my only worry.I think I will go ahead and drill the well as soon as the permit is issued as it will be easier to get the drilling rig in before the house is in the way. It will also be nice to have it for cleanup as mentioned earlier.If I’m as blessed as Joel I won’t need a well Pump:)I also see the wisdom in waiting on the septic tank etc. until the heavy equip. is done.Great advice and responses as always!LoggedNorwood LM2000 24HP w/28′ bed, Hudson Oscar 18″ 32′ bed, Woodmaster 718 planer,Kubota L185D, Stihl 029, Husqvarna 550XP


I know ya guys gonna poke fun at me but this is how I do it.Witch the location for the well, get it drilled, than let the engineer figure out the septic system. Just put in a septic system few months ago.hit bedrock 4′ down right where the engineer said to put the tank.Fortunately we were able to hook up to rural water and didn�t have to drill a well.Around here, Even if I had rural water running right past my front door, I would probably put in a well instead, because the cost of rural water would pay for the well in about 5 years.Logged


I agree about rural water.We have “city” water that runs by our driveway and could have paid a similar amount to hook up to it.The problem is that the county water system is always having problems, getting fined, switching from swamp to swiming pool taste and can’t find anyone worth anything to run it.Other than that it is a great system.Ill take our artestian spring water anyday.JoelLoggedThe saga of our timberframe experience continues at boothemountain.blogspot.com.


The first thing I did when I bought my place was drill the new well. The old one had sat idle for 5 years and stank to high heaven. the old pump didn’t work but the well guy had powered a hose and took a test sample of the water andsuggested drilling a new one. Of course. My rural neighbors said he was just rtying to make a buck and maybe he was but I didn’t want to spend the money on a new pump and everything and still have a stinky well. i have no regrets. The water has no smell at all and tastes great. But to answer your question I persoanlly wanted to have water available as soon as possible. We didn’t install the new septic until after we drilled all the piers for the add-ons though, so machinery etc. wouldn’t be a concern running over it.LoggedThe oil is all in Texas, but the dipsticks are in D.C.


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New construction: which order should these things be.

It seems to me that I would start with the shingles, roll out the felt under the shingles, and then put the plywood under the shingles, then slip the truss under the plywood, roof deck (being careful not to tear the felt), then put up the dry wall, and then before the wall I would run the electrical and plumbing because it would be easier with out the studs in the way, and then put the studs in, and then you will know where to put the floor and then you will know where So.

What is the best order in which to do these tasks?

Any other type of flooring layout is not appealing to me.

I would suggest starting with the dirt work for the pad, getting it packed and leveled, then depending on the situation, if the stem wall foundation is a separate pour from the floor, I would do that with a sleeve in place for the sewer to exit, (if the sewer passes throught the concrete I believe most codes require that it be sleeved in any case), (some of the dirt work is if you can use a tractor or loader, I would recommend that you do

Septic Tank Installation and Pricing

To process and dispose of waste, a septic system has an underground septic tank constructed of plastic, concrete, fiberglass, or other material that is located beneath the earth. Designed to provide a customized wastewater treatment solution for business and residential locations, this system may be installed anywhere. Although it is possible to construct a septic tank on your own, we recommend that you hire a professional to do it owing to the amount of skill and specific equipment required.

In this post, we’ll go over the several types of septic systems that are accessible to homeowners, as well as the procedure and costs associated with installing one.

Who Needs a Septic Tank?

For the most part, in densely populated areas of the nation, a home’s plumbing system is directly connected to the municipal sewer system. Because municipal sewer lines are not readily available in more rural regions, sewage must be treated in a septic tank. If you’re moving into a newly constructed house or onto land that doesn’t already have a septic tank, you’ll be responsible for putting in a septic system on your own.

How to Prepare for Your Septic Tank Installation

Here are a few pointers to keep in mind to make sure your septic tank installation goes as smoothly as possible.

Receive Multiple Estimates

Receiving quotations from licensed septic tank installers and reading reviews about each firm using trustworthy, third-party customer evaluations should be done before any excavation or signing of any paperwork is done. Examine your options for a contractor and make sure they have the appropriate insurance and license, as well as the ability to include critical preparations such as excavation and drain field testing in their quotation.

Test the Soil and Obtain a Permit

For septic systems to function properly, permeable soil surrounding the tank must absorb and naturally handle liquid waste, ensuring that it does not pollute runoff water or seep into the groundwater. The drain or leach field is the name given to this region. Before establishing a septic tank, you are required by law to do a percolation test, sometimes known as a “perc” test. This test indicates that the soil fits the specifications established by the city and the local health agency. In most cases, suitable levels of permeable materials, such as sand or gravel, are necessary in a soil’s composition.

Note: If you wish to install a septic tank on your property, you must first ensure that the ground passes the percolation test.

Plan for Excavation

Excavation of the large amount of land required for a septic tank necessitates the use of heavy equipment. If you are currently residing on the property, be sure to budget for landscaping costs to repair any damage that may have occurred during the excavation process. Plan the excavation for your new home at a time when it will have the least impact on the construction process if you are constructing a new home. Typically, this occurs prior to the paving of driveways and sidewalks, but after the main frame of the home has been constructed and erected.

The Cost of Installing a Septic Tank

There are a few installation charges and additional expenditures connected with constructing a new septic system, ranging from a percolation test to emptying the septic tank and everything in between.

Percolation Test

A percolation test can range in price from $250 to $1,000, depending on the area of the property and the soil characteristics that are being tested.

Ordinarily, specialists will only excavate a small number of holes in the intended leach field region; however, if a land study is required to identify where to excavate, the cost of your test may rise.

Building Permit Application

A permit will be required if you want to install a septic tank on your property. State-by-state variations in permit prices exist, however they are normally priced around $200 and must be renewed every few years on average.

Excavation and Installation

When you have passed a percolation test and obtained a building permit, your septic tank is ready to be professionally placed. The cost of a new septic system is determined by the size of your home, the kind of system you choose, and the material used in your septic tank. The following is a list of the many treatment methods and storage tanks that are now available, as well as the normal pricing associated with each.

Types of Septic Tank Systems

Septic system that is used in the traditional sense Traditionally, a septic system relies on gravity to transport waste from the home into the septic tank. Solid trash settles at the bottom of the sewage treatment plant, while liquid sewage rises to the top. Whenever the amount of liquid sewage increases over the outflow pipe, the liquid waste is discharged into the drain field, where it continues to disintegrate. This type of traditional septic system is generally the most economical, with an average cost of roughly $3,000 on the market today.

Drain fields for alternative systems require less land than conventional systems and discharge cleaner effluent.

Septic system that has been engineered A poorly developed soil or a property placed on an uphill slope need the installation of an engineered septic system, which is the most difficult to install.

It is necessary to pump the liquid waste onto a leach field, rather than depending on gravity to drain it, in order to ensure that it is equally dispersed across the land.

Types of Septic Tanks

  • Septic system that is conventional Traditionally, a septic system relies on gravity to transport waste from the home to a holding tank. From there, the sewage is divided into layers, with solid waste settling at the bottom and liquid sewage rising to the top of the separation process. When liquid sewage reaches to the level of the outflow pipe, the liquid waste goes into the drain field, where it decomposes even more quickly than before. Standard septic systems are often the most economical, with an average cost of roughly $3,000 to install. Septic system alternatives Instead of employing naturally existing bacteria to break down waste, alternative septic systems use oxygen to accomplish so. An alternative septic system collects sewage in the same manner as a conventional system. When using alternate technologies, drain fields typically take up less space and discharge cleaner effluent. But this advantage comes at the expense of a higher price, with systems typically costing approximately $12,000 to purchase. Septic system that has been engineered. A poorly developed soil or a property placed on an uphill slope need the installation of an engineered septic system, which is the most difficult of the three. Engineered systems collect and segregate waste in a tank in the same way as alternative and traditional septic systems do. Instead of depending on gravity to drain the liquid waste, it is necessary to pump the waste into the leach field in order for it to be equally dispersed over the land surface. The average cost of these systems is around $8,000.

More information may be found at: Septic Warranty Coverage and Costs.

Using Your Septic Tank

It is important to maintain the area around your new septic tank’s drain field and to frequently check your tank using the lids included with it. Never use a trash disposal in conjunction with your septic tank since it might cause the system to clog. Additionally, avoid driving over the land where your septic tank is located or putting heavy gear on top of your septic tank or drain field to prevent damage. Most of the time, after five years of septic system use, you’ll need to arrange a cleaning and pumping of the system.

Consequently, there will be no accumulation of solid waste that will leach into the surrounding soil or groundwater. Send an email to our Reviews Team [email protected] if you have any comments or questions regarding this post.

New Construction with Septic and Well

It is important to maintain the ground surrounding the leach field and to frequently examine your septic tank using the lids included with it. You should avoid using a garbage disposal in conjunction with your septic tank since it might cause clogging. Aside from that, avoid driving over the land where your septic tank is located and using heavy machinery on or near your septic tank or drain field. If you’ve been using a septic system for more than five years, you’ll likely need to arrange a cleaning and pumping.

Alternatively, you may send an email to [email protected] if you have any comments or questions regarding this piece.

Why We Installed Our Septic System ASAP, By a Contractor

When you decide to purchase raw property in order to construct an off-grid house, you are practically beginning from scratch—there is so much to do! Finding out where to begin might be intimidating. We had to prioritize what we worked on first, even though it appeared like we needed to concentrate on everything at once. We discovered, of all things, that we needed our septic system built by a professional as soon as possible. When we were planning to relocate to our bare property, we had a general notion of what we wanted to do and a rough plan for how we wanted things to proceed once we got there.

  • A 19′ travel trailer was selected after weighing the advantages and disadvantages of various temporary living situations, including renting an apartment, living in a tent or purchasing one.
  • We assumed that because we had our RV, which could hold up to 18 gallons of each black and gray water, we would be fine for quite some time in terms of septic.
  • After we had lived on our farm for more than one month, we understood that we needed to bring the construction of a septic system to the top of our list of priorities.
  • We also opted to obtain a septic permit (click here to read more about our permitting procedure, which includes a percolation test) for the property.
  • As you can see, our finished septic system, which includes plumbing for our trailer, looks like this.

This decision may come as a surprise to those who read this blog, and we don’t feel the need to defend ourselves in any way, but we thought we’d share our thought process in the hopes of helping others who are considering whether or not to install a traditional septic system, and whether or not to do it themselves or hire a contractor, come to the same conclusion.

We’ve outlined below the reasons for moving our septic system to the top of our priority list, why we obtained a permit, and why we decided not to build it ourselves.

Romantics vs. Reality

Many people choose to start on this sort of adventure because it appeals to their sense of “romanticism.” How romantic is it to be able to claim that you constructed your own house from the ground up with your own blood, sweat, and tears? Some people find it rather romantic! Having said that, we are not attempting to be superheroes in our own right. We are aware of our own advantages and disadvantages. While we do want to accomplish the bulk of things for ourselves (for educational, personal, and financial reasons), we are fully aware that we might quickly get in over our heads if we try to do everything on our own without assistance.

clearly, this journey is a great leap from what we’re accustomed to!) are critical when embarking on a journey of this magnitude.

Due to our current living situation, we are still in the process of learning how to crawl and hence cannot run.

), but we’re working our way up to the major tasks by completing smaller projects like these sawhorses, which we made from leftover lumber that we milled ourselves.

Why We Got a Permit

If you have been reading this blog, you are aware that we were on the fence about whether or not to obtain a septic permit for our property. We went to the state health department to find out what the logical justification was for getting a permit, and the best they could come up with was “oh, it’s unlawful if you don’t,” which, in our opinion, isn’t a very intelligent response. We won’t go into great detail on the permit problem, but we will provide a few key points.

  • Septic permits are available for public inspection: This is something we discovered, and it may be really useful to be aware of the history of not only the septic systems on your property, but also the septic systems on surrounding properties. In the event if you dug a well too close to an unknown, unpermitted septic system, I’m willing to guess that you’d be very disappointed! Occasionally, a property is purchased and sold several times, increasing the likelihood of an unknown septic system being installed on the site. In other words, while we despise the notion of a permit, we see the value in having this sort of information available to the public since you have the ability to contaminate property and health that is not your own. Many professional contractors will not install without a permission, for the following reasons: Furthermore, our preferred contractor would not install a septic system without a permit, and we were very certain that we did not want to construct it on our own given the limited time period
  • However, this was not the case. The following advice from our inspector was beneficial and spared us a lot of headaches: Despite the fact that we continue to disagree with the permission, we were grateful for the guidance and criticism provided by our inspector during our percolation test. She assisted us in comprehending setbacks, size, soil composition, and other topics. Due to runoff, we would very certainly have ended up building the septic system at the bottom of our hill, which would have resulted in a failing septic system if it hadn’t been for her assistance. The expense of the permit was justified solely on the basis of such recommendation. We also shared our short- and long-term goals with her, and she was able to collaborate with us on a variety of solutions.
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We’re having a good time with our inspector.

Our Time FrameRapidly-Approaching Winter

Winter is swiftly arriving in our corner of the woods, and we’re not prepared. It is early November, and the first flakes of snow should begin to fall any day now, according to the prediction. By 5 p.m., it’s almost completely dark, and the nightly temperatures have already dropped below freezing. We have a lot to get done before winter arrives in full force, including completing our hot tub deck, collecting firewood, and winterizing our trailer, among other things. We want to have our septic system in before winter since we don’t want to have to move the trailer on ice-covered roads or in bad weather throughout the winter.

  1. In the span of two months, it appears as though we had hauled the trailer to the landfill several times.
  2. Aside from that, winterizing our trailer will most likely include insulating it with hay bales and constructing some form of enclosure with fake walls, as it will not be convenient to move the trailer every 4-5 days to empty the septic tank.
  3. According to how many showers we took, our RV tanks needed to be refilled every 4-5 days on average.
  4. Some projects, such as the construction of our hot tub deck or the winterization of our trailer, are too large to enlist the assistance of others.

We were constructing this structure at the same time that the septic system was being built. The deck is considerably more forgiving, which is something we need need to get some practice with at this point in the game.

Education is Priceless

Following that, Jesse and I are both great supporters of education. Information from persons who are well-versed in their field might be quite valuable. We’d never built a septic system before, so we were intrigued by the prospect of standing back and seeing the procedure from the perspective of seasoned installers, so that we could take notes and ask questions about the process. We were engaged in every stage of the installation process, and we had the opportunity to ask some really insightful questions along the way.

We are familiar with tank size, leach field size, location, setbacks, elevation drop, components, materials, and other aspects of tank and leach field design.

Weighing the Risks

As a result, we learned that when you do things yourself for the first time, there is always a certain element of danger involved. We’re fine with taking the chance of doing things ourself the majority of the time because the dangers are minor. It is possible that we will not realize we made a mistake for a year or two in the case of a septic system, and the repercussions might be devastating. If our rookie error resulted in a broken septic system, the cost to repair or replace it may be in the thousands of dollars.

They had to go out and get a new tank (which was worth more than $1,000).

Even if you handle your own septic system installation, there will be a large material cost involved if everything is done well and thoroughly.

It’s a good thing we weren’t the ones who put it in, even though we don’t want this to happen to anybody else!

The True Cost

Consequently, we arrive to our next point of cost. Our septic system ended up costing us somewhere in the neighborhood of $3,500, including both components and labor. We calculated the cost of the system’s components, and the components themselves are somewhat expensive. The labor itself is a relatively insignificant expense. In the event that we had done the labor ourselves, we could have saved around $1,500, assuming that everything went smoothly. Things, on the other hand, seldom go perfectly the first time, and a single error, such as shattering the tank during installation, might have cost us upwards of $1,000.

We may wind up spending more money than it would have cost us to simply hire a professional to do the job, and in the meantime, we would be liable for any mistakes we made along the way.

Ultimately, it comes down to romantics, timing, and risk assessment. When it comes to establishing your septic system, take the time to carefully explore all of the options.

Alternative SepticGray Water Solutions

Many people who are interested in living off-grid are also interested in alternate septic and gray water disposal systems, which is something we are also interested in. One of the reasons we were hesitant to build a septic system right away was that we wanted to consider other options, such as composting, first. Be clear on one point: Just because we established a wastewater treatment system does not imply that we have eliminated the possibility of using an alternate system in the future. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be learning about composting and waste management in a way that is beneficial to our land and our environment.

The development of an off-grid, environmentally friendly property does not happen in a single year.

It is necessary for everyone to begin somewhere.

Closing Thoughts

To summarize this blog post, we are EXTREMELY HAPPY that we were able to get our septic system done before the winter months arrived! To empty our travel trailer, we no longer have to take 1.5 to 2 hours out of our day every 4-5 days; instead, we simply pull the tank levers open and dump, which takes no more than 3 minutes. This allows us to devote our time and efforts on winterizing our trailer, finishing our hot tub deck, and constructing our barn instead. If you are on, or will be going on, a similar trip, we hope this blog article will be of assistance to you.

  1. All you can do is conduct thorough study, prioritize your tasks, give your all, and go fearlessly along the route you have chosen.
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  6. What this blog is all about is me finally figuring out what I want in life and how to get there, and that is what this blog is all about.

What You Need to Know Before Septic System Installation (A Checklist)

23rd of May, 2019 Septic Systems, Commercial Septic Systems Septic systems, and particularly septic system installation, are unfamiliar to a large number of individuals.

Even just thinking about it might make it seem like completing all of the necessary preparations is a huge undertaking. To make things easier for you, we’ve put up an 8-step tutorial to get you started. Please follow the instructions carefully. Take a look at what follows!

Septic System Installation: A Checklist

You must first obtain approval to construct your septic tank, as well as approval to utilize your septic system, before you can begin construction. It is important to submit an application, together with all of the appropriate documentation, to your local government or the Executive Director, Public Health. Once you have received authority to proceed with construction, you may begin work on the septic tank and leach drain system. It should be noted that proceeding with construction or installation without first obtaining consent from the proper regulatory bodies is considered an offense.

2. Have your soil evaluated and your property assessed for land capability

Is your property capable of supporting your septic system? Your land is a significant factor in this equation. It must be evaluated to ensure that it is compatible with the requirements of your septic system. Land capacity is determined by the soil’s ability to properly absorb, filter, and dispose of pollutants in effluent, as well as the simplicity with which it can be excavated in preparation for installation, the danger of flooding, and the risk of water contamination.

Soil

In addition to having a role in deciding the size of your leach drain and the eventual location of your complete septic system, the soil plays an important role in the overall efficacy of the entire construction. The soil on your property makes it easier for the residual liquid from your septic tank to be absorbed by the soil. It acts as a natural filter for any impurities that may linger in wastewater after it has been treated. As a result, the soil’s absorptive capacity must be determined. Some soil types have low permeability, which makes them difficult to work with.

As an example, soil like coarse sand can drain so quickly that it renders the process of filtering out contaminants from your wastewater inefficient (see Figure 1).

As it turns out, soil is critical to the health of our groundwaters’ underground ecosystems.

Landscape

Preventing premature damage and potential environmental hazard through proper siting is critical to success. Septic tanks are supposed to be built at the shortest possible distance from the highest groundwater source, buildings/boundaries, subsoil, as well as other water sources such as dams and bore holes by federal regulations. Additionally, it is not recommended to construct septic tank systems in heavily trafficked locations because this might cause damage to the entire system as well as affect the soil’s ability to absorb wastewater as a result of soil compaction.

3. Consider your septic system options

In some cases, a more complex system may be required to efficiently treat your wastewater, depending on the soil type and/or groundwater conditions on your site.

Obtain a list of septic system alternatives from your local government to see which systems are suited for your property. Modern septic tank systems come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including lightweight poly septic systems and fibreglass.

4. Learn about septic system maintenance early on

Once you’ve determined which septic system is best for your needs, you need get familiar with the required maintenance procedures. It’s preferable to accomplish this ahead of time so that you’ll be better prepared for the subsequent maintenance and installation expenses.

5. Get several quotes from various septic installers

It is critical to select an installation who will deliver value for money. Choose someone who is trustworthy and who will provide you with accurate information so that you may make an educated decision about your future. Look for a septic system installer who also offers septic system maintenance and pumping. Knowing that there is a potential that he (or she) may return for regular maintenance will provide an additional motivation for him (or her) to complete the installation correctly the first time.

6. Be there during the installation of your septic system

Being there throughout the installation process has a number of advantages. For example, you must be aware of the location of your septic system in order to know where to look for signs of a septic system failure when it occurs. This is also an excellent opportunity to ask more questions. You can inquire about the most prevalent reasons of septic system failure that your installer has personally experienced, as well as dos and don’ts for avoiding failure. You can even inquire about landscaping recommendations.

Root infiltration is a term that refers to the infiltration of roots into the soil.

7. Acquire approval to use

As previously stated in this article, after construction is completed, you must obtain approval before using it in order to guarantee that it is properly placed. Failure to get approval is regarded as a criminal offense!

8. Ask for installation records

If you have completed your septic system installation and received all necessary permissions, and you are now able to utilize your septic system properly, it doesn’t harm to get an as-built map from your installer. Receipts, permits, and other paperwork pertaining to the installation, as well as copies of these documents, must be retained for future reference. Articles that are related: Methods for Resolving the Most Serious Issues with Septic Tanks and Systems Septic Systems: 10 Frequently Asked Questions (with Answers)

NEW CONSTRUCTION – 24/7 Septic Pumping and Service – (352) 330-6400

So you’ve made the decision to put a septic system in your home. Perhaps you have recently purchased land on which to construct a new house. Alternatively, it may be necessary to replace an aging tank that has been in use for 20 years or more. Whatever the reason, you’re surely ecstatic about the prospect of making the investment and upgrading your home. For any homeowner, this is an exhilarating moment! However, if you have laundry to do and company to entertain, you may be wondering how long it takes to install a septic system in your home.

After all, a functional home is dependent on a well functioning septic system, therefore it’s critical to grasp the estimated completion time frame. Here’s what you need to know so that you may make the appropriate preparations.

BEFORE INSTALLATION BEGINS

Installing a septic system, like building a car or a house, takes meticulous planning. Furthermore, the procedure entails considerably more than simply digging up the dirt and dumping it in a tank of water. It necessitates a range of crucial duties and procedures. This will include the following items: 1. Percolation TestThe texture, consistency, and volume of the soil are determined by performing a percolation test. It also assesses the soil’s ability to filter wastewater in a proper manner.

  1. Considering the wide range of soil conditions in central Florida, this is a very necessary test to do.
  2. This process can take up to three weeks, although it is usually completed within a week or less.
  3. Obtain a permit You’ll need to obtain a permission from your city or county in order to proceed.
  4. Every county and city has its own set of standards, therefore it’s critical that we familiarize ourselves with the local codes.
  5. However, once again, this will vary depending on the region.
  6. 4.
  7. Because your septic system must be customized to your specific site, this process may take a number of days or more to complete.

HOW LONG DOES INSTALLATION TAKE?

It’s time to arrange your professional septic tank installation when you’ve gotten the results of the percolation test, building permits, and design drawings. The installation procedure might take anything from a few days to three weeks from start to finish depending on the complexity of the project. Your property’s soil type and size, as well as other considerations, will influence how quickly the project is completed once again. In addition, one or more inspections will be carried out to ensure that everything is proceeding as planned throughout the procedure.

FULL CIRCLE SEPTIC IS READY TO INSTALL YOUR NEW SEPTIC SYSTEM

Every septic system is unique in its own way. As a result, it is hard to predict how long it will take to establish a septic system with precision. However, when you work with a reputable company like Full Circle Septic, you may get a personalized estimate right away. We supplied residential septic services to homeowners and businesses across central Florida and the surrounding areas. Our knowledgeable specialists are native Floridians who are well-versed in the particular soil characteristics of Florida, so we understand how to deal with the unique soil conditions in our area.

We can estimate the length of time the job will take after learning about your requirements and evaluating your home. As a result, whether you’re relocating or throwing a party, you’ll be able to plan ahead more effectively.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Septic Tank Installation — Santucci Construction

At first glance, the decision to have a septic tank placed on your Chappaqua, New York, home may appear to be a complicated procedure. It’s natural to be concerned about the process of installing a new septic tank and the actions you’ll need to take to be ready. Here’s what you need to know. Read our guide to learn how to build a septic tank and take the mystery out of the process.

Preparing the Property

Septic tank installation begins with a site assessment and soil testing, which is the first stage in the process. In order to assess how much open space you have, as well as the topographical aspects of the site, and the position of adjacent wells, a site survey is performed. Soil tests are performed in order to determine what type of soil you have and how effectively it will absorb fluids in the future. These considerations will assist you in determining which type of septic tank is most appropriate for your site.

See also:  How Long Is A Septic Tank Certification In California Good For? (TOP 5 Tips)

It will be necessary to account for and maybe remove obstacles such as overhead wires, tree branches, and even structures in order to guarantee that delivery and installation can take place as planned.

You should also check with utility companies to find out where phone, gas, electric, and water lines are located.

Excavation

Excavation can commence after all of the necessary licenses have been obtained. When excavating, huge tractors and heavy machinery will be on your property, causing some inconvenience for a short period of time. However, if the site has been adequately prepared, the homeowner should be able to complete this step with little assistance. Septic tank installation necessitates the excavation of a hole large enough to accommodate the tank and any necessary work around it. During the excavation process, the site will be graded and slopped to its proper elevation.

You should have a strategy in place for disposing of any leftover items.

Installation

Following the completion of the excavation, it is necessary to install the septic tank. Reinforced concrete, plastic, and fiberglass septic tanks are the most commonly used materials. While the opening will be the same for any type of tank, it is critical to use the proper bedding material to keep the tank from sinking too much. Following the installation of the septic tank, it will be thoroughly inspected for cracks or other problems. It will also be necessary to seal the tank to ensure that it is completely waterproof.

Immediately before backfilling the area around the tank with water, the tank will be filled and any water loss will be monitored.

Over the course of a 24-hour period, it should not lose more than an inch of water. Once the tank has been shown to be waterproof, it should be insulated in order to prevent it from being frozen.

Backfilling

Now that the tank is full and ready to be used, it is possible to fill the hole around the tank with water. It is recommended that at least 6 inches of dirt be put over the tank. A related article: How to Landscape on and Around Your Tarrytown, New York New Septic Tank It is necessary to indicate entry locations to septic tanks since the location of septic tanks might become misplaced over time. Risers constructed over the tank’s inlet and outflow will allow for future repairs and maintenance to be performed without having to go into the tank.

How to Install a Septic System

Documentation Download Documentation Download Documentation In rural areas of the country where waste water treatment is not available, private on-site wastewater treatment systems (POWTS), also known as septic systems, are used primarily to treat waste water. Gravity fed/conventional systems are divided into two broad categories: 1. gravity fed/conventional systems and 2. alternative (pump) systems, which include aerobic treatment units (ATUs.) In most cases, electric pumps are used in alternative systems.

However, in many health jurisdictions across the United States, it is still possible for an individual property owner with heavy equipment operation skills to use a backhoe to install a septic system on their property.

Steps

  1. Read More About ItRead More About It In rural regions of the nation where waste water treatment is not accessible, private on-site wastewater treatment systems (POWTS), also known as septic systems, are utilized largely to treat wastewater. Gravity fed/conventional systems are divided into two broad categories: 1. gravity fed/conventional systems and 2. alternative (pump) systems, which include aerobic treatment units and other components (ATUs.) Electric pumps are commonly used in alternative systems. Because of the possible harm to the environment posed by contamination of the watershed, this project is advised for a professional with relevant experience. However, in many health jurisdictions around the United States, it is still possible for an individual property owner with heavy equipment operation skills to build a septic system with a backhoe.
  • The following are some of the conclusions from the site survey that have an impact on the design:
  • Available space
  • Terrain
  • Intended purpose and projected water demand depending on the size of the residence or building that the system will serve
  • Location of the well and/or nearby wells
  • And other factors.

The following are examples of soil test findings that have an impact on the design:

  • The soil type and layering (sand, clay, rock, and where it is placed in relation to depth)
  • The soil’s ability to drain and filter wastewater
  • And the soil’s ability to drain and filter wastewater

2Wait for clearance before proceeding. The system may be deployed once all of the relevant permissions and approvals have been obtained. Make certain that all of the steps listed below are carried out in accordance with all applicable laws, plumbing rules, and building codes. Advertisement Please keep in mind that the following procedure assumes that the system is being installed for the first time and not as a replacement.

  1. 1 Assemble all of the equipment and tools that will be used in the dig. You will require the following materials:
  • Backhoe
  • Transit using lasers and a grade pole
  • 4 “PVC pipe (and fittings, if necessary) in size 40
  • 4 “Perforated pipe in accordance with ASTM D2729
  • 4 “Pipe and fittings according to ASTM D3034
  • 4 “scholastic scholastic scholastic scholastic scholastic scholastic scholastic scholastic scholastic 40 vent caps and test caps are included. Primer and adhesive made of PVC
  • Tool for cutting wood (either a hand saw or a cordless reciprocating saw)
  • Hammer drill with bits (in order to drill through a wall if required)
  • The following items are required: hydraulic cement (to seal surrounding pipe if pipe is going through wall)
  • Shovel
  • Stone measuring an inch and a half and cleaned (amount varies depending on system size)
  • Tape measurements (both ordinary and at least a 100-foot-long tape)
  • Fabric for septic tanks (reduce a roll to around 3′ length)
  • Drainfield and risers (concrete or plastic if permitted)
  • Septic tank and risers Sealing risers using Con-Seal (for concrete) or silicone caulk (for plastic) is recommended. If necessary, a septic filter (such as a Zoeller 170 or equivalent) should be used. If there are more than two laterals, a distribution box (either concrete or plastic) is required.

2 Determine the location of where you want to enter the building in relation to where you want to install the septic tank. Make an excavation at least 2 feet deep and drill a hole through the wall, or go deeper and drill a hole beneath the footing, depending on your preference or the need. Because this is precisely what a gravity-fed system is designed to accomplish, expect the flow to continue to flow downhill from here. When transferring waste from the tank to the drain field, it does not employ any mechanical methods other than gravity.

  • The pipe should be 4″ Sch. 40 and should extend at least five feet outside the structure toward the tank, either through the wall or beneath it. Set it level where it will pass through a wall or under a footing, and from there, run it with approximately 1/8″ of pitch (slope) every foot of length toward the septic tank until it reaches the tank. If necessary, go even farther into the tank or all the way into the tank. If this is the case, switch to 4″ 3034 with the necessary adaptor and pipe toward the tank with 3034 instead.
  • The pipe should be 4″ Sch. 40 and should extend at least five feet outside the structure toward the tank, either through the wall or under the footing. Start at the lowest point possible, such as where it will pass through a wall or under a footing, then work your way uphill with a 1/8″ pitch each foot of pipe toward the septic tank. If necessary, continue to the bottom of the tank or all the way to the bottom. If this is the case, switch to 4″ 3034 with the appropriate adaptor and pipe 3034 toward the tank.

3 Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the installation of the concrete aerobic tank below ground. Make use of the laser transit to “shoot” the top of the pipe that leads out to the tank with the laser. The distance between the top of the intake and the bottom of the tank is measured in feet and inches.

To the number you fired off the top of the pipe, add this (go up on the grade pole) + 1 1/2″ to get the total. The depth of the grade pole has now been adjusted to the desired depth. Using this, dig the hole to the desired depth.

  • Prepare your leech field by laying it out and excavating it according to the results of the test performed during the permit application procedure. Maintaining a good flow between the tank and the drain field should be considered when planning out and digging the tank.

Using the results of the leech field test conducted as part of the permit application procedure, lay out and dig your leech field. Maintaining a good flow between the tank and the drain field should be considered when planning out and digging.

  1. A pump chamber after the septic tank should be installed The pump chamber, also known as a pressure tank, dosing tank, or dosing tank, is where the electric pump is housed, which is responsible for transporting effluent from one location to another and finally into the drain field for disposal.
  • 1 After the septic tank, install a pump chamber. It is in the pump chamber, also known as a pressure tank or dosing tank, that the electric pump is housed, which is responsible for transporting the effluent from one location to another and ultimately into the drain field for final disposal.

All construction details, including the layout of all sewers outside the home, the location and depth of all tanks, the routing and depth of pressurized effluent lines, and other system components such as the drain field and any additional ATUs, must be consistent with the septic system plans approved by the county health department. 3 Once the inspector has given his final permission and the system has been started, cover the tank and pressurized lines with plastic sheeting. Advertisement Create a new question

  • Question I had a tank put, but it isn’t level with the ground. What will be the ramifications of this, and should it be leveled? It is necessary to keep the tank level. It is difficult to predict what it will have an impact on because we do not know which direction it is off level. Question Is it necessary to be concerned about tree roots growing into the drainage area when using a gravity flow kind of tank? Whether or whether you have lateral lines is dependent on the kind of trees that are growing close or above them. Tree species that tend to extend roots into the lateral lines and obstruct them are known as ramifications. Due to the fact that they are buried deep in the ground and surrounded by a pocket of gravel that allows waste water to drain out, they are rarely affected by grass, weeds, and shrubs. Question What is the maximum depth that a pipe may be lowered into the leech bed? The majority of systems require 12 volts “in the form of rock The perforated pipe should be suspended in the top area of the rock
  • It should not be touching the rock. Question Maintaining a lush green grass on or above your pitch is it safe, or is it a good practice? According to what I’ve heard, brown or dead grass is preferred so that your field can breathe more easily. It is necessary for your field to take a breath. The presence of green grass across your field indicates that it is functioning well. With lush grass covering your field, it will be able to breathe. There should be no planting of woody shrubs or trees over the leach field. Question What is the recommended distance between the septic tank and the house/boundary? A minimum of fifty feet is required. States have different laws, but this is the most common distance
  • Nonetheless, other states have stricter laws. Question What is the average amount of soil that goes into a residential leach field? It is dependent on how chilly it becomes. There are no less than 12 in the northern United States “in the leach field’s surface
  • Question Is it possible to build a septic system during the cold months? What you should do will depend on whether or not you reside in a place where the ground freezes. Question What amount of water should I put in the tank to get it going? None. A typical tank holds 1,000 gallons and will fill up quite quickly if used on a regular basis. When liquid effluent is discharged to the drain field, the goal is to catch and pre-treat particles that have accumulated. It is possible that a pump system will require water to prime the pump. Question There is a misalignment between my septic field’s underground line and the pipe on the tank. Is it OK to utilize a 90-degree elbow on my septic tank? As long as you have decent downhill flow, you should be fine. Instead of using a 90, I would use two 45s. Question If I’m installing a septic system, when should I contact an inspector? Immediately following system installation but before earth is used to cover the system in place Always check with the inspector ahead of time to verify that they can satisfy your inspection needs

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  • Keep the perforated pipe for the leech field in a vertical position while installing it to avoid having the holes in the pipe turn downward. It is necessary to lay the perforated drain field pipe ASTM 2729 dead level, so that the printed line on the pipe is facing up. The perforations on both sides of the pipe are on both sides of the pipe. All of the sections of perforated pipe are cemented together, and the ends of each leach line are capped to complete the installation. So, when waste water enters the pipe, it will fill the pipe to the height of the perforations and overflow from ALL of the holes, utilising the whole leach field as a means of treatment. By orienting the perforated pipe at any angle on a slope, the water will be directed to the lowest hole in the pipe, which will result in the concentration of sewage in a small portion of the drain field. Depending on the health jurisdiction, waste water can be used to water grass, decorative plants, trees, vegetable gardens, and fruit trees, among other things. However, the water must first be cleaned by the system (tertiary treatment includes disinfection) in order to prevent pathogens (germs) from the septic system from being discharged into the environment throughout the process. Make sure to check with your local health authority to verify if the practice known as “reuse” is permitted in your community.

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Things You’ll Need

  • The following tools are required: backhoe tractor, trencher, shovel, contractor’s laser level and rod, or a surveyor’s transit. Septic tanks
  • PVC pipe with perforations
  • Material for embedding
  • PVC adhesive, PVC fittings, and a septic tank outlet filter are all included. Hand saw
  • Course file
  • Sandpaper If necessary, effluent pumps and floats are installed. If an alternate system is used, a control panel is installed.

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