Septic systems are commonly installed in rural and cottage areas. Waterfront properties often tend to be more of a challenge for septic installation due to the moist soil. Depending on the soil conditions, the system may not be as efficient in terracing the wastewater and harmful bacteria may enter your system. It is imperative to know what you are doing when installing a septic system. If you have any doubts, call a licensed professional.
A trip to the local municipal office needs to be made in order to acquire any permits and guidelines. This includes the proper size of tank which is determined by the number of persons in the household. If the municipal office is not able to help, measure the size for your property and then ask a home inspector.
You must decide what type of tank you want. Concrete is the most common choice, but plastic tanks are now becoming more popular. Plastic tanks are more easily handled because they are lighter in weight and they do not break down over time as fast as concrete.
Placement of the tank on the property must be determined. A home inspector can help determine the distance required from the house, property lines, and water frontage-etc. A field bed will also be required. This is the place where the waste water can be filtered. It has to be a size that will properly correspond with the size of the septic tank. It also needs to be composed of the proper soil or sand. Make sure that you do not forget to get the proper construction permits or all your efforts will be wasted.
Once you have made the measurements, make sure that you have an inspector double check everything before you begin. An inspector will request that a "perc test" be done. This test is performed in order to see how long it takes for water to filter through the soil. This will determine if anything has to be added to your soil to prepare it for the system. Once the 'perc test' is approved, the time to dig has finally arrived.
Unless you have had experience installing a septic system, you should hire a professional to come to your property to dig the hole for the septic tank. Once the hole has been dug, the septic tank is to be lowered into the hole, making sure it is level by shoveling in a bit of rock or gravel to firm the base into place. At the same time, have the field bed bug out to the specifications established by the inspector.
Now it is time to lay out the PVC pipe that will connect your homes plumbing system to the septic tank. Make sure that all of the connections are tight so that there are no leaks. Once the system is connected and fully sealed, test your work by flushing the toilet to see if there are any signs of leaks. Depending on your municipality rules, you may be required to have another inspection.
When the inspection is complete, add soil around the septic tank and pipes. Leave the hatch uncoovered so that you can access it for water or maintenance.
Once the tank is covered, fill the tank with water in accordance with the septic tank manufacturers' instructions. Do not over fill it because this could cause the tank to burst.
When the septic system is in place, you can sprinkle a bit of grass seed to help landscape the area. Make sure you mark where the system is located as well as the field bed in case there are issues in the future and repairs are needed.
Installing a septic system should only be done by people with experience. If you are concerned that you may cause damage, enlist the services of a professional.