Septic Tank Installation Requires Careful Planning

You may be used to scheduling and having septic tank services like maintenance done quickly and without delay, but the same isn’t always true for septic tank installation. 

This process takes time to plan and complete, but the end result is well worth it. In order to give you and your property the septic tank and system that it needs, there is a clear process to follow that begins with identifying the need for a septic tank replacement. 

Septic Tank Installation: The First Steps

You may be wondering how you’ll know that you need a replacement septic tank, and the answer to this question isn’t always as simple as seeing or smelling a problem.

Often, you’ll find out that you need a new septic tank during routine maintenance, which can be a shock, especially if there’s no other indications that your system is in trouble. This is why having these services (inspections, septic tank pumping) is so important. After issues are discovered, and you’ve decided to go ahead with a new septic tank installation, the real planning begins.

Luckily for you, this is a process that many septic tank installation professionals are comfortable and skilled with. Where does it start? 

First, you’ll need to completely evaluate the site. 

Every home is different, meaning that information needs to be collected about your specific property. 

This information allows a solid plan to form, and includes data on:

– The layout and history of the the current septic system

– Information about the property parcel (structures and land)

– Soil report for the entire property

The more information you have to work with from the get go, the smaller the amount of revision you’ll need to complete will be.

After this information is gathered, the second step is to perform the actual site inspection.

This provides information pertaining to the current system’s condition and function. It gives your installation team an idea of what they will be working with, and what needs to be done in order to make this process possible. 

During this step, hazards, soil quality, utility placement and other relevant information are noted.

Consulting with you is the next step a septic tank installation professional takes.

It’s important that you know and understand what happens throughout every step of the process. Once all relevant information is collected and organized, it’s time to loop you in on the installation plan.

Based on the information collected during the earlier steps, it’s time to choose your new septic system and its components, learn an estimated cost and timeframe for the replacement, and begin to work on the “tests” necessary for installation.

This is the first time that OUPS (Ohio Utilities Protection Service) gets involved, as well as the Health Department. During this step, it’s also time to schedule a soil scientist visit, submit a sample of the soil for analysis, and wait for the repair and installation recommendations from the local governmental agencies.

Skipping any of these steps results in later delays – which no one wants.

After all of this information is submitted and reviewed by the septic tank installation professionals, they will return to you with an estimate for repair/installation. This is when you learn the total remaining cost estimate for your septic tank installation services. 

Estimate Approval Leads to Generating Specific Septic Tank Installation Plans

Submitting the plan to the Health Department for final approval is the goal, but before that happens, these plans must include: 

1. Scale drawing featuring property features, borders, elevation and contours
2. Calculations for the effluent pump TDH
3. Specification / information sheets for all desired products and components of the septic tank installation

Approval of this plan for installation of a septic tank means it’s time to begin scheduling the actual installation project. Before it can begin, customers need to be notified, permits are filed and obtained, OUPS is called, and subcontractors are hired and scheduled.

To ensure that everything runs smoothly, it’s important to order all products and materials as soon as possible, leaving enough time for delivery before the scheduled installation. Delays sometimes cannot be avoided when products are out of stock, or take longer to arrive, but giving yourself ample time alleviates this likelihood. 

Septic Tank Installation Done Right 

Even though the process of installing your new septic system differs depending on the plans and specifications of your property, the overall process is the same. 

The area is excavated, the pipes and components inserted and carefully positioned, and then they are connected. Everything is visually inspected before the system is re-covered and ready to use.

The final steps for septic tank installation is ensuring everything works properly. Before your septic tank installation professionals leave your home, they’ll test the system and make sure the job is completed. 

After installation, you’ll receive a rundown of how the system works, what you need to do in order to monitor it and keep it functional, and what to avoid. It’s important that you listen to these directions and recommendations, as every action you take now helps to prevent additional problems later. 

Choose the Best Septic Tank Installation Professionals

If you’re unsure where to begin with a new septic tank, look no further than your local professionals. You may feel wary about asking questions or voicing concerns, but that’s what they are available for. 

With so many options for tanks, pumps, filters, lids and risers and maintenance products, why risk picking the incorrect ones? Consulting with experts ensures that you choose exactly what you need to keep your home’s septic system functioning properly for many years to come. 

FAQ

What is a septic tank? 

A septic tank is designed to treat your home or business’ wastewater before releasing it back into the environment. The septic system’s components include a tank, filter, pump, pipes and leach field – also known as a “drain field”. 

This system is typically buried underground, and is located beneath an open, unused portion of your property. 

Do septic tanks last forever? 

Septic tanks and systems are designed to last for many years at a time. Sometimes, they last for decades, especially when careful maintenance is completed. Certain parts wear down over time and will need repair or replacement, but an whole-system overhaul isn’t common. 

The best way to prolong the life of your home’s septic system is to schedule regular maintenance, as well as to ensure that the initial installation is done properly. 

How do I know if my septic tank needs to be repaired or replaced? 

Two of the most common signs that your septic tank needs repair or replacement are a strong odor and standing water. However, not all systems present these issues when they need attention. 

Regular maintenance and septic tank inspections are necessary to ensure that your tank is properly functional. 

Why should I consider replacing my septic tank? 

Since these systems are designed to last, it’s likely that your tank is somewhat old. While perfectly adequate in many cases, there have been upgrades in recent years that may help your system run more efficiently. 

You may not need to replace the entire system at the same time – start by looking into new pumps, having it cleaned out, and then going from there. While you can find and buy “whole system” replacement packages, individual pieces are available, too. 

Who can perform septic tank installation? 

Your home’s septic system is one of the most important systems you have, so make sure it’s installed correctly. Licensed, capable and experienced professionals should be the only ones performing septic tank installation and maintenance.

Finding a local company is as simple as doing a web search. Pay attention to company information, history and reputation. Having the installation done properly saves you time and money later. 

How long does septic tank installation take? 

This depends on many factors, but a typical septic tank installation takes between two and five days. This is in addition to the time it takes you installation company to survey the property, file plans and have required permits granted. 

The installation process differs slightly between individual properties, tanks and systems, so patience is key. 

It’s a complicated process, and would be very easy to skip important steps if an inexperienced individual or team were performing the service. 

What is the cost of installing a septic tank? 

The cost of installing a septic tank changes depending on a few factors. 

• The size of your chosen tank
• The material the tank is made of 
• Existing land and property conditions
• The scope of the project

For an accurate estimate of the total cost of septic tank installation, schedule an inspection and consultation with your company of choice.

Should I get multiple price quotes for septic tank installation? 

Yes. And one tip is to not simply choose the lowest quote. Though it’s tempting to pick the option that will save you the most money, think carefully about why the price might be lower. Don’t sacrifice quality and workmanship to save money, especially for something like a septic tank and system.

How is a septic tank installed?

There are many steps required for proper septic tank installation, but to simplify: 

1. A hole is dug on the property for the tank. This hole is located in a predetermined spot, not chosen at random.
2. Additional soil is removed to run pipes between the tank and the home, and then from the tank to the drain field. 
3. Parts are lowered into the ground and connected together. The tank’s assembly happens before it gets re-covered. 
4. The tank and pipe system are covered and secured, leaving the lids and risers visible as access points. 
5. Testing the septic tank occurs by turning on the pump for the first time and flushing water through the system.

For more information about this process, ask you septic tank installation professionals.

Can you install a septic tank in the same place as your previous one? 

It depends on the property and the septic system in question. Some companies will remove old systems and install new ones in the same place, but many won’t. 

There are a few reasons for this, but moving your new septic system to a different location ensures that nothing compromises the new system (pipes, concrete, overloaded drain field, etc.) and you’re starting fresh.

When installing a new septic tank, does everything need to be replaced? 

In most cases, yes. If you have a newer pump or upgraded septic tank lids and risers, those can be kept, but the tank and pipes are typically fully replaced.

Septic tank installation professionals make allowances when certain areas of the system can’t easily be reached (pipes covered by patios or steps), but if you get a new septic system installed, expect all new parts with the service. 

How close to a property line can a septic tank be?

This differs depending on local regulations, and is one of the reasons why surveys and consultations are done. When your septic tank installation plan is submitted to the city or municipality, it ensures that you’re planning on stalling in the “correct” location on your property based on where you live.