Septic Tank
How to Set Up a Septic Tank: Comprehensive Guide
Setting up a septic tank involves careful planning, precise installation, and adherence to local regulations to ensure the system functions correctly and safely for years to come. Below is an expanded guide with more details on each step, costs, signs for when an upgrade may be necessary, and ongoing maintenance tips.
1. Site Evaluation and Permitting
1.1. Site Evaluation:
- Purpose: Determines the soil’s suitability for a septic system by assessing the percolation rate, which is how quickly water drains through the soil.
- Process:
- Soil Testing: A percolation test ("perc test") is performed by digging several small holes in the proposed leach field area and filling them with water. The rate at which the water drains is measured.
- Topography Assessment: The slope and layout of the land are evaluated to ensure proper drainage and to prevent runoff from contaminating nearby water sources.
- Distance from Water Sources: Local regulations often require a minimum distance between the septic system and wells, rivers, lakes, or other water bodies to prevent contamination.
- Cost: $500 to $2,000.
1.2. Obtain Permits:
- Required Permits:
- Septic System Permit: Issued by the local health department, ensuring the system complies with local health and environmental codes.
- Building Permit: May be required if the septic installation is part of a larger construction project.
- Process:
- Submit Site Plan: Along with the permit application, you must submit a detailed site plan showing the location of the septic tank, leach field, and any existing or proposed structures.
- Approval: The local authority will review the application and site plan to ensure the system meets all necessary regulations.
- Cost: $200 to $1,500.
2. Designing the Septic System
2.1. System Design:
- Key Considerations:
- Tank Size: Depends on the size of the home and the number of occupants. A typical septic tank size ranges from 1,000 to 2,500 gallons.
- Leach Field Size: Determined by the percolation rate of the soil and the estimated water usage of the household.
- Additional Components: Pumps may be required if the leach field is located uphill from the septic tank, and distribution boxes may be used to evenly distribute wastewater to different parts of the leach field.
- Approval: The design must be reviewed and approved by the local health department or another regulatory body.
- Cost: $500 to $3,000.
3. Excavation and Installation
3.1. Excavation:
- Details:
- Equipment: Backhoes or excavators are typically used to dig the hole for the septic tank and trenches for the leach field.
- Depth and Location: The tank must be buried deep enough to protect it from freezing temperatures and far enough from the house and property lines to meet local codes.
- Cost: $1,200 to $4,500.
3.2. Septic Tank Installation:
- Details:
- Materials: Septic tanks are made from concrete, plastic, or fiberglass. Concrete tanks are the most durable but also the heaviest and most expensive to install.
- Placement: The tank is carefully lowered into the excavated hole, ensuring it is level and that inlet and outlet pipes are correctly aligned.
- Securing the Tank: In areas with high groundwater levels, the tank may need to be anchored to prevent it from floating.
- Cost: $1,000 to $5,000.
3.3. Leach Field Installation:
- Details:
- Perforated Pipes: Laid out in trenches filled with gravel, allowing wastewater to disperse into the soil.
- Distribution Box: Directs the flow of wastewater evenly across the leach field.
- Gravel and Soil: After placing the pipes, they are covered with gravel and a layer of soil.
- Cost: $2,000 to $10,000.
4. Connecting the System
4.1. Plumbing Connections:
- Details:
- Inlet Pipe: Connects the house’s plumbing system to the septic tank, allowing wastewater to flow into the tank.
- Outlet Pipe: Allows treated wastewater to flow from the septic tank into the leach field.
- Ventilation: Vent pipes are installed to allow gases produced by the septic system to escape safely.
- Cost: $500 to $1,500.
4.2. Final Inspection:
- Details:
- Inspection Checklist: The inspector will check the installation of the septic tank, leach field, and all plumbing connections to ensure they meet local codes and that the system functions properly.
- Approval: If the system passes inspection, the inspector will sign off on the installation, allowing the system to be backfilled and put into use.
- Cost: Typically included in the permit fee, with some areas charging an additional $100 to $500.
5. Backfilling and Site Restoration
5.1. Backfilling:
- Details:
- Material: The excavated soil is used to backfill around the tank and leach field, taking care not to damage any pipes or components.
- Compaction: The soil should be compacted lightly to avoid settling over time, which could expose the tank or damage the system.
- Cost: Included in the excavation cost.
5.2. Site Restoration:
- Details:
- Grass and Landscaping: The area around the septic system should be planted with grass to prevent erosion and improve aesthetics.
- Preventing Damage: Avoid planting trees or shrubs with invasive roots near the septic system, as they can infiltrate and damage pipes.
- Cost: $500 to $3,000.
When to Upgrade Your Septic Tank
1. Signs You May Need an Upgrade:
- System Age: If the septic system is over 20-30 years old, it may be nearing the end of its functional life.
- Household Expansion: Adding more bedrooms or bathrooms can overwhelm an existing septic system, requiring an upgrade.
- Persistent Problems: Frequent backups, slow drains, or strong odors can indicate a failing system.
- Leach Field Saturation: If the ground above the leach field is constantly wet or there are signs of wastewater surfacing, the leach field may be failing and require expansion or replacement.
2. Upgrading the System:
- Process:
- Increase Tank Size: Install a larger tank to handle increased wastewater volumes.
- Expand the Leach Field: Add additional trenches or replace the leach field if it’s saturated.
- Advanced Treatment Systems: Consider upgrading to an aerobic treatment unit (ATU) or a sand filter system if local regulations require a higher level of wastewater treatment.
- Cost: $5,000 to $15,000.
Ongoing Maintenance
1. Regular Pumping:
- Frequency: Every 3-5 years, depending on tank size and household usage.
- Cost: $200 to $500 per pumping.
2. Inspections:
- Frequency: Annually or every couple of years, especially in older systems.
- Details: Inspect the tank, baffles, and leach field for signs of wear or failure.
3. Water Usage:
- Tips:
- Install Water-Efficient Fixtures: Reducing water usage decreases the load on the septic system.
- Fix Leaks Promptly: Even small leaks can significantly increase the amount of water entering the septic system, leading to overload.
4. Avoid System Overload:
- Watch What You Flush: Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Avoid flushing wipes, feminine products, diapers, or chemicals.
- Grease and Oils: Do not pour grease, fats, or oils down the drain, as they can clog the system.
5. Protect the Leach Field:
- No Heavy Equipment: Do not drive or park vehicles over the leach field to prevent soil compaction and damage to the pipes.
- Prevent Root Infiltration: Keep trees and shrubs away from the leach field to prevent root damage.
Advanced Septic Systems
1. Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs):
- How They Work: These systems introduce air into the septic tank, which promotes the growth of bacteria that break down waste more efficiently.
- Benefits: ATUs can treat wastewater to a higher standard, which may be required in environmentally sensitive areas.
- Cost: $10,000 to $20,000, higher than conventional systems but required in some locations.
2. Sand Filter Systems:
- How They Work: Wastewater passes through layers of sand after leaving the septic tank, providing additional filtration.
- Benefits: Suitable for areas with poor soil conditions or high water tables.
- Cost: $7,000 to $15,000.
