A Few Of The Steps Involved In Getting A Septic Tank Installed
Installing a septic system for your new home is a complex process. Dropping in the new tank is the easiest part. Before that can be done, the drainfield has to be installed, and that could entail bringing in gravel and sand. Here are some things that need to be done when having a septic tank installed.
Learn About Local Codes
There may be local ordinances concerning where you can have the septic tank installed. It may need to be a certain distance from your house. Other things to consider are the distance from a well and other outbuildings. The area above the septic tank and drainfield needs to stay clear, so you won't be able to build anything over that portion of your lot. Local codes might also dictate the type of tank you can have installed. You might live in an area that only allows concrete tanks. You'll probably need a permit for your septic system too. The installer will probably pull the permit and make sure the system complies with local codes, but it's a good idea to make sure you understand regulations so you don't run into any problems later on.
Get The Lot Ready
A tank and drainfield need to have the right drainage slope in order to work. This may require moving land around. At the very least, you'll need to have trenches and a pit dug to house the pipes and tank. You might need to have soil hauled out or brought in so the slope is perfect and so the soil drains properly and filters the wastewater from the tank. Preparing the lot is an important step to having a successful septic system. Once that's done and the drainfield is installed, it's time to put in the tank.
Install The Tank
The tank will probably be delivered precast if it is concrete or as a drum if it is plastic. It can be lifted over your house with a crane if necessary and placed into the pit. Installing the tank involves attaching it to the sewer drain from your home and the drainfield pipe, and sealing the pipes so they don't leak. The size of the tank is determined by the installer based on the number of bedrooms in your home and whether you have a garbage disposal. Once it's installed, it will fill with wastewater rather quickly, but the tank will only need to be pumped when the solids accumulate since the water will continually drain into the field.
It may be a few years before you need to have your new septic tank pumped. During that time, the drainfield and tank will become covered with grass. Be sure your tank has a riser added when it is installed or draw diagrams of the tank's location so you can find it when it is time to have it serviced.