Preventing Plumbing Problems

4 Ways To Prepare For A Septic Tank Installation

6 August 2018 by Calvin Simmmons

Getting a septic tank installed is an intensive project, so it's a great idea to prepare for the installation of a tank to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible. Since installing a tank requires your water to be turned off for at least part of the project, and since installations are a large investment, getting ahead of any potential delays can make things run more smoothly, cut down on any water-related downtime, and even save you some money.

1. Know Your Area's Regulations

With a system that handles so much waste, it's safe to assume there are plenty of regulations involved with it. Regulations may vary by state, but there are also federal requirements as well, and these cover everything from the slope of the land the tank will be installed in, how many seepage pits are allowed, and the depths at which trenches can be dug.

It can be a lot to wrap your head around, but it can help to familiarize yourself with them before the installation begins -- and to make sure your contractor knows what they're working with as well. This way, when the digging finally starts, you'll know for certain that your tank is going in the right place.

2. Map Out Utility Pipes & Lines

Even if you have plenty of yard space, you may be more limited in your options for tank location than you might think. Before you start digging, it's good to do a little research on the layout of your home to avoid breaking any pipes or cables. One of the easiest ways to do this is to look at blueprints for the layout of your house and surrounding area to see where all the utility lines are. 

You can also contact your utility companies and ask them to help you mark the locations of these lines to indicate which areas are off limits. This little bit of research can potentially save you expensive repairs later on -- not to mention the cost of having to restart your dig elsewhere. 

3. Test Your Soil

One requirement for a septic system is that the soil is of a certain consistency and absorbency. This is because of your septic system's drain field, which takes excess water and lets it be absorbed into the surrounding soil. This prevents your tank from filling up every few weeks. If the soil isn't right, then the drain field won't work probably, rendering your entire septic system nearly useless, or at the very least, very expensive to maintain.

This is one of many regulations, but "fixing" your soil can be one of the most intensive parts of the project if it becomes necessary, and so it's a good idea to make sure this part is taken care of quickly. Have your soil inspected and see if it meets the necessary regulations. If it does, that's one major roadblock out of the way! If not, you'll have time to start fixing the problem before the installation starts.

4. Triple Check Your Contractor, Contract, & Budget

Since installing a septic system is such expensive and delicate work, one last good idea is to make sure that you're absolutely confident with who will be doing your work, exactly what that work entails, and how much it will cost. The last time you want to be surprised by an unknown fee or work that was never agreed upon is when your whole house's water is shut off.

Take some time to make sure you have a highly rated contractor and that they have all the necessary licenses. Next, look over any contracts and compare them to what services are typically offered during an installation. Make sure you're getting everything you need from start to finish. Finally, make sure the price you've agreed upon is in writing and signed. All this combined doesn't take much time, and it can make the whole process that much smoother.

For more information, contact your local septic installation service. 

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