Plastic Septic Tank How Deep To Bury?

Whatever the case may be, knowing the depth of your septic tank can be a difficult thing given the circumstances, especially if you don’t know where the lids are. The general rule of thumb is that most septic tanks can be buried anywhere from four inches to four feet underground.

  • How deep can you bury a plastic septic tank. Your tank foundations must be prepared as per normal. As a guide we recommend burying your poly tank no more than 1 metre into the ground. Place the pipes in the leach field a minimum of 6 inches and most likely between 18 to 36 inches deep according to the clemson cooperative extension.

What should be the depth of septic tank?

Septic tank shall have minimum width of 750 mm, minimum depth of one metre below water level and a minimum liquid capacity of 1 000 litres.

Why is my septic tank buried so deep?

the further the tank is located from the building, if the system uses gravity to move sewage, the deeper the tank will be. If a sewage effluent pump is used to move septic effluent from the septic tank to the drainfield, then of course we can place the tank “downhill” from the drainfield as well.

How deep are drain fields buried?

A typical drainfield trench is 18 to 30 inches in depth, with a maximum soil cover over the disposal field of 36 inches.

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.

How do you keep a plastic septic tank from floating?

How can you prevent this from happening?

  1. Fill the tank with water after it’s pumped to keep weight in the tank and prevent floating.
  2. Divert rainwater runoff away from your system.
  3. Avoid pumping the tank during wet seasons if there is a risk that the tank could float.

How long do plastic septic tanks last?

A septic tank can last between 20 and 40 years. The lifespan depends on the tank’s material. A steel tank lasts 20 years, while a concrete tank lasts 40 years. Plastic tanks can last as long as 30 years.

Are plastic septic tanks good?

Plastic septic tanks are watertight and are immune to water-based corrosion. They are also rust-resistant. Plastic tanks are less prone to cracking since plastic is flexible, and thus a plastic septic tank does not crack as much as a cement septic tank. Plastic septic tanks are more hygienic than cement tanks.

What is the minimum depth of a sewer line?

How Deep Is a Sewer Line? Sewer lines on private property can be as shallow as 18–30 inches deep or as much as 5–6 feet deep. In areas with cold climates, the pipe will be buried deeper to prevent freezing in the winter.

Should septic tank lids be buried?

In most cases, all components of the septic tank including the lid are buried between 4 inches and 4 feet underground. Unless the septic tank has special risers that position the lid at ground level, you’ll have to dig for it.

Can I put dirt over my drain field?

Never add additional soil over the drain field unless it is a minimal amount used to restore an area that may have been eroded or pulled up by removing another plant. Try not to be overly zealous when tilling the soil for planting. Remember that the drain lines may be as close as 6 inches from the soil surface.

Can you have a septic tank without a leach field?

The waste from most septic tanks flows to a soakaway system or a drainage field. If your septic tank doesn’t have a drainage field or soakaway system, the waste water will instead flow through a sealed pipe and empty straight into a ditch or a local water course.

What can you put on top of a septic field?

Put plastic sheets, bark, gravel or other fill over the drainfield. Reshape or fill the ground surface over the drainfield and reserve area. However, just adding topsoil is generally OK if it isn’t more than a couple of inches. Make ponds on or near the septic system and the reserve area.

How Low Can You Go?

Receive articles, stories, and videos about trucks delivered directly to your email! Now is the time to sign up. Trucks+ Receive Notifications The topic of whether or not there are guidelines for septic tank burial levels was put to me a few months ago and it seemed easy enough. Of course, there are standards, and they are based on the strength of the materials used in the tank’s construction as well as the materials’ capacity to bear all of the forces acting vertically and laterally on the tank where it is located.

As I continued to think about the subject, I began to think about all of the different types of tanks and all of the different manufacturers, and I realized that I should take a closer look at the specifications as well.

In the codes

In the first, it was specified that “tank components such as fitting, riser, and apertures (openings) must: Be capable of carrying long-term vertical stresses appropriate for the conditions in which the tank will be positioned.” Among these loads are: saturated soil load (based on 130 pounds per cubic foot); being capable of withstanding a lateral load for the conditions in which it will be installed; being resistant to corrosion and degradation caused by sewage or sewage gases (including risers and maintenance hole covers) with proper maintenance and venting; and being structurally capable of withstanding exposure and stresses caused by freezing conditions.” Tanks must be “structurally built to sustain all predicted earth or other loads,” according to the second code of practice.

When constructed as described above, the tank is capable of supporting an earth load of 300 pounds per square foot, and if the top of the tank is more than 2 feet below finish grade, the septic tank and its cover are capable of supporting an additional earth load of 150 pounds per square foot for each foot of additional cover.” Several other parts of both codes stipulate that prefabricatedconcrete septic tanks must fulfill the requirements of the “Standard Specification for PrecastConcrete Septic Tanks C1227-03,” which was produced by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAMPO) has released “Material and Property Standards for Prefabricated Septic Tanks, IAMPO PS-1 2004,” which specifies the materials and properties of prefabricated fiberglass and polyethylene tanks.

If you go directly to the publishers, these standards may have received additional updates and revisions after the date of incorporation; copies of the standards are also available for a price if you order them straight from them.

Precast concrete manual

The National Precast Concrete Association (NPCA) maintains an online Best Practices Manual that may be accessed from any computer. It typically encompasses all parts of a precast process, from the selection of materials through the production of a watertight, structurally sound product; storage; transportation to an installation site; and the procedures for installing the product. Anybody who works with precast concrete products will find it to be an invaluable resource. According to the guideline, a septic tank must be built to endure a wide range of loading situations during the manufacturing, installation, testing, and operation phases of the tank.

  1. If these calculations are to be completed by a competent professional engineer, they should be tested according to ASTM C1227.
  2. It is available in English and Spanish.
  3. Consequently, the rules come into play by stating the pounds per square foot of soil backfill that will be placed over the tank’s surface.
  4. Consider approaches to minimize permeability, enhance durability, and boost strength for consideration by the readers of this article.
  5. It also emphasizes the importance of regular water-cement mix ratios in order to assure the strength of the concrete.
  6. Because of this, it is vital that the product can stand empty, then endure the soilpressures applied vertically and laterally, as well as withstand temperature variations in my region of the world.
  7. It is possible that failing to follow these recommendations could result in the tank breaking during installation or will cause difficulties with watertightness down the road.

Other tank materials

With regard to fiberglass and polyethylene tanks, the manufacturer’s information sheet on their goods will include information on the maximum depth of burying required to avoid deformation. Some of the tanks I have been working with have a maximum bury of 30 inches, which is a standard amount. Additionally, because these tanks are often lighter than concrete (which is one of its selling advantages for difficult-to-reach regions), greater attention must be paid to buoyancy issues during and after installation.

Because of this, each manufacturer has particular backfill instructions and regulations to fill the tank “as you go” throughout the installation process in order to prevent lateral tensions.

Septic Tank Design Depth – how deep should the septic tank be located

  • When establishing a septic tank, you may ask a QUESTION or make a COMMENT regarding how deep the septic tank should be located.

InspectAPedia does not allow any form of conflict of interest. The sponsors, goods, and services described on this website are not affiliated with us in any way. Design depth for a septic tank: What are the most frequent depths to which septic tanks, cesspools, seepage pits, and drywells are buried? Is it necessary to locate the septic tank below the frost line in order to prevent it from freezing? Septic tanks are placed at a certain depth, and there are various elements that impact the actual depth to which a septic tank (or cesspool, drywell, or soak-pit) will be sunk, which are discussed below.

For this topic, we also have anARTICLE INDEX available, or you may check the top or bottom of the page.

Septic Tank Installation Depth

Table of Contents for the Article Series

  • SEPTIC TANK DESIGN DEPTH- this article
  • SEPTIC TANK DESIGN DEPTH
  • SEPTIC TANKDRAINFIELDFREEZE PROTECTION

How Deep Should WePutthe Septic Tank at Original Installation?

Septic tanks may be built almost anywhere in the soil, regardless of its depth. When operating in a freezing climate, even in uninhabited homes, it is unlikely that the septic tank serving an occupied home or even an unoccupied one will freeze. This is due in part to latent heat received by the septic tank’s bottom from earth, in part to heat generated by bacteria in the septic tank, and in part to warm wastewater entering from a building served by the septic system, and in part to warm wastewater entering from the building served by the septic system.

You’ll kill the bacteria, damage the drainfield, and taint the surrounding ecosystem as a result of this.

Factors Determining Septic Tank Depth

The following are the primary elements that influence the actual depth at which a septic tank is likely to be buried (and, consequently, the depth to which you may have to dig to locate the septic tank) at a specific site:

  • The depth to which the lowest sewage line departs the structure that the septic tank serves is referred to as the sewer line depth. Given that we often rely on gravity to transport sewage from a building to a septic tank, the tank will be lower than the waste line that exits the building that it serves. a spot where the contractor discovered site characteristics suited for burying a septic tank because of its form, rocks, and impediments If a location has bedrock or huge rocks that are near to the surface, the tank may be relocated
  • The greater the distance between the tank and the structure, and the greater the depth of the tank if the system relies on gravity to carry sewage, the deeper the tank will be. We don’t place septic tanks any deeper than they need to be since we are normally transporting effluent from the septic tank to the drainfield by gravity as well as by pumping it out. Plumbers often build sewage lines to slope down from the inlet to the outlet at a rate of 1/8″ per foot to 1/4″ per foot of linear run of the waste pipe, depending on the kind of waste pipe. In order to avoid septic drainfield burial at an excessive depth, we must ensure that there is sufficient air in the soil, since the absence of oxygen deep in the soil will inhibit certain desired bacterial action (the aerobic bacteria) that is required to break down and process sewage. It is certainly possible to locate and position the septic tank anywhere, including uphill from the building, if a sewer ejector pump or grinder pump system is utilized to transport sewage from a structure to an underground storage tank. If a sewage effluent pump is used to transport septic effluent from the septic tank to the drainfield, we may, of course, locate the tank “downhill” from the drainfield as well
  • But, if a sewage effluent pump is not utilized, we cannot. Growing grass: If the septic tank is just 2 or 3 inches below the surface of the earth, you might as well have left the top of the tank visible, because grass will not grow in such thin soil as you would expect. Adding 6″ to 12″ of backfill may be sufficient to allow grass to grow over the septic system
  • However, this is a purely aesthetic issue and does not affect the system’s functionality. See SEPTIC SYSTEMS, OVERHAULED PLANTS
  • Recommendations from the manufacturer: Some modern septic treatment system designs need the use of a skilled system operator to perform highly specified inspection and maintenance intervals. According to the information provided atBAT MEDIA SEPTIC PLANTS, BAT septic systems (biologically accelerated treatment) are maintained or examined at 6-month intervals, among other things. According to the maker of that technology (Jet Inc.), it is extremely critical that the finishing grade slope away from the facility when completed. In addition, the grade must be at least 1″ below the bottom of the access covers to be considered. (Jet retired in 2016)

A service riser should be put in deep septic tanks to provide access to the tank. Plungers are large-diameter “wells” that are installed over the entrance and/or outlet ports of a septic tank in order to provide simple access for tank pumping, inspection, and baffle repair. Plungers are also used for septic tank pumping, inspection, and baffle repair. If the septic tank is sunk more than a few inches below the surface of the earth, good practice calls for the installation of a septic riser, which is a high diameter pipe that allows for easy access to the septic tank for inspection and cleaning.

See also:  What Can Be Used To Make A Septic Tank Lid?

Continue reading atSEPTIC TANK DEPTH to learn how to determine the depth of a septic tank’s cover, or choose a topic from the closely-related articles listed below, or see the completeARTICLE INDEX for more information.

Alternatively, view the FAQs on SEPTIC TANK DESIGN DEPTH – questions and answers that were originally posted on this page. Alternatively, consider the following:

Septic Tank Articles

  • Installation of a service riser is recommended for deep septic tanks. Plungers are large-diameter “wells” that are installed above the entrance and/or outlet ports of a septic tank in order to provide simple access for tank pumping, inspection, and baffle repair. Plungers are used to pump out septic tanks, check them, and repair baffles. Septic riser installation is recommended when the sewage tank is buried more than a few inches below the ground surface. Septic riser installation is a big diameter pipe that allows for easy access to the septic tank for cleaning and inspection. SEPTIC TANK RISERS has more information. If you’re looking for the depth to the cover of an existing septic tank, continue reading atSEPTIC TANK DEPTH, or choose a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the completeARTICLE INDEX. Visit the FAQs section of this website for questions and answers about SEPTIC TANK DESIGN DEPTH. Alternatively, have a look at
  • A service riser should be fitted in deep septic tanks. Plungers are large-diameter “wells” that are installed over the entrance and/or outlet ports of a septic tank in order to provide simple access for tank pumping, inspection, and baffle replacement. Plungers are used to pump out septic tanks, check them, and replace baffles. If the septic tank is sunk more than a few inches below the surface of the earth, good practice calls for the installation of a septic riser, which is a high diameter pipe that provides easy access to the septic tank for inspection and cleaning. More information is available at SEPTIC TANK RISERS. Continue reading atSEPTIC TANK DEPTHto determine the depth of a septic tank’s cover, or choose a topic from the closely-related articles listed below, or see the completeARTICLE INDEX. Alternatively, check FAQs on SEPTIC TANK DESIGN DEPTH – questions and answers that were originally posted on this page. Alternatively, have a look at these
  • THE MISTAKES MADE IN SEPTIC TANK PUMPING
  • THE SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE
  • THE SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE
  • THE SEPTIC TANK RISERS
  • THE U.S. SEPTIC AUTHORITIESDESIGN SPECIFICATIONS
  • THE MISTAKES MADE IN SEPTIC TANK PUMPING

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DEPTH AT INSPECTION OF SEPTIC TANK DESIGN An online encyclopedia of building environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, and issue preventive information is available at Apedia.com. Alternatively, have a look at this.

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES:ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

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» Installation Instructions

Underground Plastic Tank Installation|Above Ground Plastic Tank Installation is a type of underground plastic tank installation.

Underground Plastic Tank Installation

EXCAVATION

  • Choose a location with adequate subsoil drainage. Allow enough space around the tank for the backfill to be properly placed and compacted around the lower half of the tank Provision of a well-compacted or undisturbed bedding of sand/gravel combination or clean, granular soil: 6 inches or more in rock terrain, depending on the kind of terrain. Form the bedding to fit the underside of the tank.

SETTING UP THE TANK

  • Input and outlet orientations, as well as shipping damage, are all recorded on the Warranty Form.
  • To level the inlet and exit, place a pipe level across the access cover. It is critical that the outflow is located below the level of the entrance. CAUTION: Use caution when handling. A heavy hit, particularly in cold weather, might cause the tank to break.

IN ORDER TO AVOID FLOTATION OR DISTORTION

  • If poly tanks are pumped out during periods of high water table, they run the danger of floating or distorting at the base. During really rainy weather, keep the tank just partly full. Installation of a vertical length of 4′′ perforated drainage pipe beside the tank with a detachable cover above grade level to monitor the water table level after it has been filled is recommended. Attach the label provided on the standpipe. Avoid pumping the tank out below the water table at all costs. Drainage lines should be run from under the tank out to daylight and downward away from it if the tank is on sloping terrain.

BACKFILLING

  • It is required that the tank be refilled when it is either empty or less than 30 percent full. The backfilling technique does not necessitate the use of water. If the tank has been filled for leak testing, empty it to 30 percent or less before refilling it. Backfill with a maximum of 12′′ layers of granular soil or clean fill and stomp the dirt to ensure uniform distribution. THERE WILL BE NO CLAY BACKFILL. The backfill must be correctly put and compacted around the lower part of the tank, which is very important. Do not place the machine compact near the tank. It is not recommended to dump significant amounts of fill near to the tank. Check the level of the tank on a regular basis. Make certain that the backfill under the inlet and output pipe connectors is compacted. Build up the support beneath the pipelines to prevent probable pipe breakage caused by the settling of backfill over time. If the tank has become heated due to exposure to sunshine, leave it to cool before continuing with the backfilling. If there is no riser, waterproof tape should be used to seal the lids.

CONNECTIONS FOR PIPE:

  • CONNECTION OF PIPE SYSTEMS

CONNECTION OF PIPE:

  • Tanks are used for burying the dead. For above-ground installations, consult the manufacturer. In the absence of special approval, tanks are designed to withstand up to TWO FEET of earth cover at 300 lbs./square foot. A SUPERTANK is capable of withstanding four feet of earth cover and 480 pounds per square foot of floor space
  • FLOUT DOSING TANKS are capable of withstanding four feet of earth cover and 480 pounds per square foot of floor space
  • A FLOUT DOSING TANK is capable of withstanding four feet of earth cover and four pounds per square foot of floor space
  • Do not place yourself in the line of moving cars or heavy equipment. Keep a safe distance from big roots or rocks. Placement of the tank should be avoided in locations with a high water table. Use a reinforced tank in areas with a high water table
  • Avoid putting the tank in damp clay soils
  • And Surface runoff should be diverted away from the tank area. Fresh backfill has pores in it. Runoff might clog the area around the tank.

Download the Underground Tank Installation PDF Note: Installation instructions may differ depending on the jurisdiction in which the tank is installed. If you live outside of British Columbia, check with the factory. NOTE: If the manufacturer’s instructions are not followed exactly, the warranty will be voided.

Above Ground Plastic Tank Installation

WHAT KIND OF FOUNDATION IS REQUIRED?

  • It is necessary to have a sturdy, flat base that is continuous under the whole tank
  • Sand, fine gravel, clean soil, cement, or boards that are adequately supported and precisely spaced can be used as a base. Remove any pebbles that are bigger than half an inch in diameter. After filling the tank, check to see that it has not sunk and is still upright.

It is necessary to have a stable, flat base that is continuous under the whole tank. Sand, fine gravel, clean dirt, cement, or boards that have been adequately supported and precisely spaced can be used as a foundation. It is necessary to eliminate pebbles larger than half an inch in size. After filling the tank, check to see that it has not settled and that it is upright.

  • The weight of above-ground tanks may be approximated by dividing the gallon capacity by five, which yields the following result: For example, a 1000-gallon tank will weigh around 200 pounds. For subterranean tanks, multiply the gallon capacity by three to get the volume.

DO THEY APPEAR TO BE EASY TO MANAGE?

  • Almost all of the tanks may be transported using a pickup truck or a trailer. Considering that polyethylene is a fairly robust substance, it is doubtful that any damage would occur during cautious handling and transit. Extreme cold weather necessitates extra caution due to the fact that the tank will become harder and more fragile.

Is it possible to put pressure in the tank? NO! At all times, polyethylene tanks must be exposed to the outside environment or vented. Because they are mounted at a greater height, they can be utilized to supply a head of water, but they are not capable of being exposed to any external pressure sources. If required, install a float valve on the intake line. WHAT ABOUT THE PRODUCTION OF ALGAE? The entry of light into the tank encourages the growth of algae. Keeping the tank away from direct sunlight and using a darker tank color, as well as sanitation, can help to keep algae development under control.

  • Tanks are designed expressly for usage above or below ground, depending on their intended function. Above-ground tanks feature smooth sides and are exclusively intended for installation on the ground. The tanks may, however, be lowered into the ground to a depth equal to 20 percent of the tank’s height in order to lower the tank’s above-ground profile

WHAT ACCESSORIES ARE INCLUDED WITH THE TANK?

  • The bottom of the majority of above-ground water tanks is equipped with a 1 inch or 2 inch female threaded pipe connection, while the top is equipped with a 16 inch access cap. Breather valves are included into the access caps, allowing air to enter and exit when the water level changes. Making the necessary connections can be accomplished with the assistance of a local plumber or plumbing supply company. Check to verify that the bulkhead drain/outlet fittings are securely fastened to the tank. As a result, while tightening external connections, the lock nut on the fittings features a reverse thread to prevent it from coming free. Hand tighten threads several rounds to ensure that the threads are aligned and that the possibility of stripping is minimized. When the tank is completely full, check for leaks and tighten only enough to prevent any leaks. Excessive tightening may result in the threads of the pipe being stripped or the bulkhead fittings being cracked, requiring replacement. Additional connections for intake pipes are provided on an as-needed basis in response to client requests. Pipe Sizing Chart may be used to determine approximate pipe sizes.

DOES SUNLIGHT HAVE ANY IMPACT ON THE TANKS?

  • Over time, exposure to sunshine causes the plastic to harden, making it more prone to shattering if the tank is subjected to a significant amount of force. Almost all of Premier Plastics’ tanks are treated with a UV inhibitor, which helps to reduce the hardening process. Tanks that are darker in color or black will likely survive longer.

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT COLLECTING RAINWATER?

  • THEN THERE’S THE ISSUE OF COLLECTING RAINWATER

WHAT IS THE DURATION OF THE WARRANTY?

  • However, you can expect many more years of service from your above-ground tanks, which are covered by an eight-year warranty. All underground water tanks and septic tanks are covered by a ten-year manufacturer’s guarantee. Polyethylene will persist practically indefinitely in the subsurface environment. Fill out the warranty form and send it back to Premier Plastics Inc.

ARE THE TANKS SAFE FOR USING AS DRINKING WATER STORAGE?

  • WHEN IT COMES TO DRINK WATER, DO THE TANKS SAFE?

WILL I BE ABLE TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE IN TASTE?

  • Ideally, your pipework should be linked in such a manner that incoming water is constantly flushing through the tank
  • Water that has been sitting in any form of vented container for an extended amount of time will develop a “flat” flavor. This is due to the fact that the water has lost its ability to hold air. This may be partially remedied by half-filling a closed jar with water and rapidly shaking it to introduce air back into it

HOW CAN A STORAGE TANK ASSIST A SLOW PRODUCING BUSINESS SUCCESS?

  • Numerous customers are reporting a decrease in the flow rate from their water wells. Well pumps are often designed to generate water “on demand,” which means that if your bathtub fills at a rate of 5 gallons per minute, the well must supply water at a rate of 5 gallons per minute for the whole time the bath is running. Using a storage tank, short times of high demand may be met by drawing from the tank rather than straight from the well. If a storage tank is employed, a household consuming 400 gallons per day would require their well to generate no more than 400 gallons over the course of 24 hours. On average, a well only has to produce half a gallon per minute for 24 hours to fulfill a family’s water demands. A popular technique is to drop a truckload of water down a slow-producing well in order to speed up production. There would be no loss of water due to seepage if all water deliveries were stored into a storage tank, resulting in cost savings. Your local well driller can provide you with system sizing and planning information.

HOW DOES IT EXPERIENCE IF MY TANK FREEZES?

  • It is improbable that a tank that is just partly filled will rupture. The ice will cause the walls to bulge as a result of the pressure. Only over prolonged periods of cold weather can a tank become prone to freezing. Piping should be shielded or drained during freezing weather since the lesser volume of water in the piping will freeze more quickly and may cause the pipe to split. Consult with a contractor who is knowledgeable with the conditions
  • The tank can be insulated with a waterproof insulation or housed in an insulated shed if the risk of freezing is high. An underground tank provides the best protection against freezing conditions. It will also help to keep the water cold throughout the hot months.
See also:  What Bacteria To Add To Septic Tank? (Correct answer)

7 Steps to a New Plastic Septic System

Plastic septic tanks are only one important component of a home’s wastewater management system. There are several other components as well. When you are preparing for your plastic septic tank installation, it is critical to recognize and remember that there are several critical steps to take when installing a new septic system, and if you do not complete each of them carefully, you may be faced with some very expensive consequences down the road.

Step 1: Design Your System

The first step is to take your time and properly design your complete system. There is some critical information that you will need to investigate and get in order to complete this task. You will require a site survey to assist you in determining the borders of your land so that your septic system can be installed in accordance with local restrictions about how near to your neighbor’s property wastewater may be discharged underground. The following are the most crucial pieces of information to look for during the site survey:

  • In addition to the quantity of space available, the land’s topography should be considered as well as the purpose and estimated usage of water based on the size of your home, so you know how much water your septic system will have to treat on a regular basis the position of any wells on your property or on the properties of your neighbors

In addition, you will need to conduct a percolation test on the soils in the region where your plastic septic tank installation will take place. Performing this test is critical because it will determine whether or not the ground is suitable for a plastic septic tank, as well as what type of structural precautions you will need to take to ensure that the plastic septic tank does not fracture or crack under the pressure exerted by the surrounding ground. The following parameters will be measured by the soil test:

  • The kind of soil and the composition of the soil (sand, clay, rock, etc.)
  • Layering (in which different soil types are found at different depths)
  • The capacity of the earth to drain and filter effluent

Once you have completed these tests, you will have the information necessary to build a septic system that is appropriate for your home.

Step 2: Seek Permits

The second stage in the installation process is to submit your plans and applications to your local government in order to obtain the permissions and approvals that are necessary. In order to gain clearance for these designs, you must ensure that they are in compliance with all applicable plumbing and construction requirements. It is possible that you may be punished and compelled to remove your equipment if you do not obtain these critical permissions.

Step 3: Gather Equipment

Bring together all of the items that will be needed for your plastic septic tank installation. The following is a list of the equipment and parts that you will require:

  • Backhoe – this is by far the most effective method of digging the holes that will be required to install your septic system in the earth. In order to conduct some more accurate digging in the holes you dig with your backhoe, you’ll need a shovel. In order to assure exact measurements for digging, a laser transit surveying equipment is used. A grade pole is a surveying equipment that is used to accurately measure the depth of a hole while digging. (1) – 4′′ Sch. 40 PVC pipe – this is the input pipe from your house, and it may also require fittings
  • And (2) – 4′′ Sch. 40 PVC pipe – this is the output pipe from your home, and it may also require fittings
  • (1) – 4′′ perforated pipe in accordance with ASTM D2729 – output pipe for dispersing effluent into draining field
  • (1) – 4′′ASTM D3034 pipe with suitable fittings
  • (2) – 4′′ASTM D3034 pipe with appropriate fittings
  • – 4′′ Sch. 40 vent caps and test caps – to disperse gas buildup resulting from the degradation of waste in the septic tank
  • – 4′′ Sch. 40 test caps – to ensure that the tank is functioning properly. To join PVC pipes together, PVC primer and PVC adhesive are used. Cutting PVC pipe to the required length requires the use of a manual hand saw or an electric hand saw. The usage of a hammer drill and bits is required if you need to drill through the wall of your house in order to install the septic system. If you drill a hole through a PVC pipe, you may use hydraulic cement to seal the gap between the pipe and the wall of your home. The stone should be 1 12 inches in thickness and should be put below your septic system to guarantee proper drainage. Small and big tape measures – you will need at least 100 feet of tape, therefore it may be beneficial to have both a small and a large tape measure on hand
  • Septic fabric — You will need roughly 3 feet of fabric cut from a roll. Plastic septic tank and risers – check with your local rules to ensure that plastic septic tanks are permitted. Silicone caulk is used to seal the risers of the stairwell. If a septic filter is necessary, it should be installed. Check out the plumbing codes in your area. Distribution box made of plastic – this is utilized when running a system with many laterals to the draining field.

Step 4: Install Intake Pipe

Choose one of the sides of your home or structure from which you want the septic tank to take in waste water for treatment. It is necessary to dig down at least 2 feet and either make a hole in the wall or dig further into the footing of the home or structure at that location. If you have a gravity-fed system, you should design the flow such that it flows downhill, rather than uphill, because gravity-fed systems do not require mechanical techniques to transport waste from a tank to a drain field.

  1. Install the 4 inch Sch.
  2. It has to be level at the wall and slope down about 1/8 inch per foot toward the plastic septic tank, according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  3. In the event that you swap pipes, make certain that you utilize the proper adaptor while connecting it to the plastic septic tank.
  4. If you decide to drill a hole in the wall, you must use hydraulic cement to seal the area around the hole, both on the inside of the building and on the outside as well as the inside.

If the pitch is excessively steep, the wastewater will flow too quickly through the system, causing the particles to become caught in the pipe. It is also possible that you will have insufficient space left to adequately drain the effluent into the draining field.

Step 5: Install Plastic Septic Tank

Excavate a huge hole deep enough to accommodate your plastic septic tank below the surface of the ground. Make use of your laser transit to identify the top of the intake pipe and measure the distance between the top of the intake pipe and the bottom of the tank with your tape measure. In order to get the depth you want, double that amount by 1 12 inches and add it to the measurement taken from your laser transit to your grade pole. Continue digging until you reach the desired depth. Afterwards, you must dig out your draining field (also known as a leach field) in accordance with the parameters of your survey results as well as any applicable local restrictions.

Step 6: Install Draining Field

Generally, a 12 inch coating of washed drain rock will be required surrounding the pipe in order to keep it stable while it is transporting stuff. According to your local health criteria, the size of the gravel and the depth of this layer will be determined. If you are placing perforated pipe in a gravity septic system drain field, keep in mind that the pipe has no slope on either end and is capped on both ends.

Step 7: Inspection and Filling In

Following the permission of your local health inspector, it is time to cover everything with dirt and finish the job. To cover your cleaned drain rock before covering it with soil, you will most likely need a specific cloth that functions as a filter, untreated construction paper, or four inches of straw to cover the drainage region.

Bonus for Pump Plastic Septic Tank Installations:

If you have a pumped plastic septic tank installation, there will only be a few variations in the process you will go through. Before you can connect your plastic septic tank to your draining field, you must first construct a pump chamber in your home. The pump chamber is constructed in a manner similar to that of the septic tank, but the electrical aspects of the pump will necessitate the services of a certified electrician to ensure that you are in compliance with state standards. Those who live in areas with a lot of groundwater may find that their pump chamber is mostly empty most of the time, and others may find that they need to add more weight to the floatation mechanism that switches the pump on and off.

Not until you have obtained your permits and asked for assistance from local septic specialists at the first indication of problems, not after you have put everything together, filled it in, and discovered evidence of sewage leakage when you first turn on the water, should you begin digging.

If any part of this instruction seemed unfamiliar to you, there’s no shame in asking for clarification! Early involvement with the specialists will save you a great deal of time, money, and the frustration of having to repair a septic system that was badly constructed.

Septic Tank Depth

Trevor, The amount of heat created by biological activity in a septic tank is unknown to me, but I think that a tank that is actively functioning will generate more heat than a tank that is in “holiday” mode. The overall amount of warm water and “food” placed into the tank may not be very much if you have a two-person family like mine, hence the tank may not contain very much in general. If you are away from home for an extended period of time, it is possible that the temperatures in the tank will stratify.

  • If the frost line penetration corresponds to the tank height, the total temperature in the tank may be able to reach freezing temperatures at some point.
  • Even though the ground temperature 6′ down may only be 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit in the middle of winter, that should be sufficient to keep an idle tank from freezing.
  • When flowing into a 1500 gallon tank, the amount of heat provided by a warm shower is not very significant.
  • Ice spreads in all directions, which may put pressure on the tank’s walls as a result of the expansion.
  • Because the tank I have is relatively thin in comparison to the ones I remember from decades ago, I’m hoping that someone out there can offer anecdotal evidence regarding how robust the new thin tanks are.
  • When the ice penetrated deep enough into the earth to freeze all the water pouring from the house during a particularly harsh winter, my next-door neighbor was forced to rescue a friend.
  • Oddly enough, I don’t recollect my neighbor mentioning whether or not the output pipe had frozen as well.
  • The hypothesized explanation is that automobiles push ice into the ground while on the road.
  • I believe that driving a car across the tank top would be a more serious problem.
  • Snow provides some insulating properties, however it appears that windy circumstances may cause the snow to become thin, as your sand has done in your case.

Perhaps Michael can contribute some real-world insights concerning the inlet and outflow danger in your region based on his own experiences. Although I live in a 6B zone, temperatures can drop below -20 degrees Fahrenheit at times.

Septic System Basics

Trevor, The amount of heat created by biological activity in a septic tank is unknown to me, but I think that a tank that is actively functioning will generate more heat than a tank that is in the “vacation” state. The overall amount of warm water and “food” placed into the tank may not be very much if you have a two-person family like mine, therefore the tank may not be particularly full in general. If you are away from home for an extended period of time, it is possible that the temperatures in the tank will become stratified.

  • Depending on how far the frost line penetrates and how high the tank is, the total temperature in the tank may eventually reach freezing.
  • A tank that is not in use should not freeze, even if the ground temperature is only 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit 6 feet below the surface.
  • When flowing into a 1500 gallon tank, the amount of heat provided by a warm shower is not significant.
  • It is possible that the ice may extend in all directions, putting strain on the tank walls.
  • Because the tank I have is relatively thin in comparison to the ones I remember from decades ago, I’m hoping that someone out there can offer anecdotal evidence regarding how robust the new thin tanks are in reality.
  • When the ice penetrated deep enough into the earth to freeze all the water pouring from the house during a particularly harsh winter, my next-door neighbor was forced to save a buddy.
  • My neighbor didn’t mention anything about the outlet pipe freezing up, which is strange because I don’t remember him saying anything about it either.
  • The hypothesized explanation is that automobiles push frost into the ground when driving through the snow.
  • Driving a car across the tank top would, I believe, be a more serious problem.
  • The insulating value of snow is debatable, however it appears that windy circumstances may keep the snow thin, as your sand has.

Perhaps Michael can provide real-world insights regarding the inlet and outflow danger in your area based on his own experiences. Despite the fact that I live in a 6B zone, temperatures can drop below -20 degrees Fahrenheit occasionally.

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.

See also:  How Long Will A 250 Gallon Septic Tank Take To Fill? (Solution)

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?

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.

How deep in the ground is a septic tank?

This is mostly determined by the square footage of the house and the number of people that will be living in it, as well as other factors.

A typical household septic tank holds between 750 and 1,250 gallons of water. Typically, a 1000 gallon tank will be required for a three-bedroom home that is less than 2500 square feet in size.

The Benefits of a Septic Tank Over a Holding Tank

What type of tank do you have? A septic tank or a holding tank? Which is preferable? Prior to comparing the advantages of a septic tank system and a holding tank, we must first examine each system and how it functions. Tank for storing liquids When a holding tank is used as part of a Holding Tank Septic System, it is a sealed and underground tank that collects wastewater from a residence or business and stores it (HTSS). These systems are commonly seen on smaller estates and in residences that are close to water or shorelines.

Pumping and carrying away the waste typically costs between $100 and $150 per gallon of wastewater, with pricing determined on the amount of wastewater being pumped and hauled away.

Septic Tanks are a type of septic tank that is used to dispose of waste.

According to the number of bathrooms in your home, the size of the septic tank you’ll require is determined by this factor: Despite the fact that septic tanks are supposed to be self-contained, they still require professional pumping out every three to five years in order to maintain their efficiency and effectiveness.

A septic tank system is preferred by the majority of households over a holding tank system.

If you are having difficulty selecting which system is the greatest fit for your property, contact Affordable Pumping Services for assistance.

A Brief History Of The Septic Tank – Septic Tank Pumping – B&B Pumping – Top Rated Septic Cleaning Services

The difficulty of dealing with garbage has been a problem for humanity from the beginning of time. It became necessary for humans to transition from nomadic bands of hunter-gatherers to established communities of farmers as they transitioned from nomadic bands to settled communities of farmers. Septic systems and sewage treatment facilities became increasingly necessary as these cities expanded. While humans have been devising ingenious methods to dispose of their waste for millennia, it has only been in the last few decades that septic tanks and systems have become a standard feature of established life.

Ancient Waste Management

Chinese “toilet” and waste management systems are among the world’s oldest known examples of human ingenuity. Around the year 200 BCE, they created something that looked a lot like a toilet. Later, in Europe, cultures began to construct outhouses in order to avoid having to continually search for new areas to relieve themselves.

However, while these systems were effective in keeping human waste contained to one section of a town or city, they also required the covering of waste pits and the excavation of a new latrine whenever an existing latrine became full.

Enter Mouras

The human race was happy with digging latrine pits for literally thousands of years, right up to the turn of the nineteenth century. Jean-Louis Mouras, a French inventor, determined at that point to develop a new waste management system for the world. The drop in temperature served as the incentive for his research. You would have to go outside to use an outhouse until that time if you needed to relieve yourself. As a result, while you were able to keep the scent out of your home, you were subjected to some extremely chilly trips to the bathroom throughout the winter.

From his house, he connected the pipes to the tank, which was submerged beneath the earth.

He was taken aback when he discovered that the tank was full with liquid waste and had a coating of scum on top of it.

It wasn’t until 1881 that Mouras and his partner had developed the system and secured a patent for their design, allowing them to market their innovation around the world.

Septic Tanks in the United States

However, while a French inventor can claim credit for the invention of the septic system, it was the United States that would refine the idea. The first septic tanks came in the United States in the early 1880s. The concept gained popularity fast, and many households began to construct septic tanks built of concrete, steel, and clay as a result. It was intended that these systems would drain onto a drainage field. By the end of World War II, septic systems could be found in homes and businesses all around the United States of America.

These early systems were prone to breaking and being coated with rust, which corroded the pipes and tank, causing them to burst and collapse.

Septic Tanks Today

Americans were concerned about a variety of issues related to their septic systems, in addition to failed sewage disposal systems. There was worry that leach fields were emptying sewage into groundwater sources because urban areas were growing faster than sewage treatment plants could be built. This resulted in the creation of modern septic tanks that are composed of materials that are sturdy and long-lasting, such as fiberglass, precast concrete, polyurethane, PVC, and other polymers. With regular septic tank maintenance, these systems were considerably easier to operate and care for, and they resulted in a lower number of complications.

In a similar vein, the adoption of robust plastic pipes has increased the performance of drain fields. They are also erected in elevated mounds to prevent water from seeping into groundwater that is close to the surface. These pipes are also diverted away from groundwater sources.

Your Go-To Source For Septic Tank Pumping

These modern systems, which are constructed of cutting-edge and long-lasting materials, may outlast their predecessors from the nineteenth century in terms of longevity, but it does not imply that they are without flaws. Failure to properly maintain your septic tank can result in a wide range of difficulties and complications. That’s why it’s so vital to collaborate with the experts at BB Pumping to ensure that your septic tank receives the regular maintenance it need to function properly. Make contact with us right now to make an appointment!

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SEPTIC 101- LET’S TALK TANKS & TRENCHES — JT’s SEPTIC

We want you to be informed about septic systems, so please read on! The initial step in education is to become familiar with the components of the system. Tanks and trenches are the topics of discussion today. Please feel free to browse our website for further information, photographs, and advice, or to contact our office at any time for additional information about your system!

THE BASICS

Traditionally installed septic systems are composed of two major components: the tank itself and a soil absorption system. Tanks are waterproof containers that can retain wastewater discharged from the home for up to 48 hours, providing enough time for the scum and sludge to settle out of the wastewater. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to ensure that the septic tank is properly maintained and that the effluent is not released into the environment. Septic systems are required for the treatment of sewage in regions where there is no connection to major sewage pipelines provided by the local government or private organizations.

“SEPTIC” REFERS TO THE ANAEROBIC BACTERIAL ENVIRONMENT THAT DEVELOPS IN THE TANK AND DECOMPOSES OR MINERALIZES THE WASTE THROWN INTO IT!

THE TANKS

In most cases, a tank is made up of one or more concrete or plastic sections with capacities ranging between 1,000 and 2,000 gallons each. On one end, the tank is linked to the input sewage pipe, and on the other, the tank’s exit, it is connected to a septic drain field. In most cases, these sewage pipe connections are built with a plastic T-shaped pipe made of PVC plastic (with older tanks, the connection may be concrete). Tanks are often divided into two sections by manhole-like coverings that serve as access points.

Water enters the tank through the first chamber, where solids settle and scum float, allowing solids to settle and scum float.

Following its passage through the separating wall, the liquid component enters the second chamber, where it undergoes additional settling. Extra liquid flows from the outlet into the drain field, which is now really rather clear due to the change in temperature (commonly known as the leach field).

CONCRETE SEPTIC TANK:

In most cases, a tank is made up of one or more concrete or plastic sections with capacities ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 gallons each. Inlet sewage pipe is linked to one end of the tank and the outlet is connected to a septic drain field at the other end. Plastic PVC T-shaped pipes used to connect sewage pipes are the most commonly encountered (with older tanks, the connection may be concrete). For access, tanks are often divided into two sections by manhole-style lids. Both compartments are divided by a separating wall with holes situated approximately midway between the tank’s floor and ceiling, which allows for easy access between the two.

Dietary fibers are digested from the settling solids.

Extra liquid drains from the outlet into the drain field, which is now really rather clear due to the change in pH.

KNOW YOUR TERMS:

A three-step bacterial respiration process that happens in the absence of oxygen is referred to as anaerobic process. Effluent is defined as the cleared, partially treated liquid that exits a septic tank after it has been partially treated. Large particles have been separated using a variety of methods, including settling, flotation to coagulate in a grease and scum layer, and filtering. Effluent is discharged from the tank and into the absorption/treatment system, where it is further treated.

Septage is a combination of solid wastes, scum, sludge, and liquids that is pumped out of septic tanks and into the environment.

Sludge is solid waste that has accumulated at the bottom of a septic tank.

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