A septic system is an essential component of any home or commercial property that is not connected to a public sewage system. It works by collecting and treating wastewater from toilets, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures, before returning the treated water to the surrounding soil. While septic systems are an effective and reliable way to manage wastewater, installing a new system can be a complex and costly process. In this blog post, we'll cover four important things you should know before starting a new septic installation.
One of the most important factors to consider when installing a new septic system is its size. The size of your system will depend on the size of your property, the number of people living or working there, and your daily water usage. A septic system that is too small will not be able to handle the amount of wastewater produced, while a system that is too large will be unnecessarily expensive to install and maintain.
To determine the right size for your septic system, you'll need to have a professional septic designer or installer perform a site evaluation. During this evaluation, they will take into account the soil type, the slope of the land, the water table depth, and other factors that could impact the design and placement of your septic system. With this information, they can recommend the right size and type of system for your property.
Another critical factor to consider when installing a new septic system is the quality of the soil on your property. The soil plays an important role in the treatment and disposal of wastewater, as it filters and cleans the water before it returns to the groundwater supply.
Soil that is too dense or too porous can create problems for your septic system. If the soil is too dense, it will not allow the treated water to filter through it quickly enough, leading to standing water and potential backups. On the other hand, soil that is too porous will allow the water to filter through too quickly, which can result in inadequate treatment and contamination of the groundwater.
A professional septic installer will be able to perform a soil evaluation to determine the type and quality of soil on your property. Based on this evaluation, they can make recommendations for the best type of septic system for your property, as well as the appropriate location for the system.
Before you can install a new septic system, you'll need to obtain the necessary permits and comply with local regulations. These regulations vary by state and county, so it's important to do your research and understand the specific requirements in your area.
In general, you'll need to obtain a permit from your local health department or environmental agency before starting any septic installation work. This permit will typically require detailed plans and specifications for the septic system, as well as an evaluation of the site and soil conditions.
You may also need to obtain other permits or approvals, such as building permits or permits for land disturbance or excavation. Your septic installer can help you navigate the permit process and ensure that your installation is in compliance with all local regulations.
Once your new septic system is installed, it's important to follow a regular maintenance schedule to ensure its long-term success. Regular maintenance will help prevent backups, minimize the risk of system failure, and extend the lifespan of your system.
Maintenance tasks may include regular pumping of the septic tank, periodic inspections of the system, and proper use and disposal of household chemicals and cleaners. Your septic installer can provide guidance on the specific maintenance tasks required for your system, as well as a recommended schedule for performing these tasks.
Installing a new septic system is a complex process that requires careful planning and attention to detail. It's important to work with an experienced and licensed professional to ensure that the system is installed properly and meets all local regulations and codes. By doing so, you can ensure that your septic system will provide reliable and efficient waste management for years to come.