Septic Installation

Properties that are not connected to public sewers require a septic system to treat and dispose of wastewater. If you aren’t sure whether your home is serviced by a public sewer, follow these steps to find out:

• Ask the previous property owner or real estate agent
• Check property records, such as the home design plans
• Determine if your water supply is on a public system
• Look at your utility bills for sewer charges
• Contact a septic professional for assistance

The price of a septic system installation or replacement can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors such as soil type and property layout. While most homeowners can expect to pay between $3,000 and $8,000 for a new septic, it’s best to get a customized estimate from a professional to more accurately anticipate the cost of your project.

Once construction begins, most septic tank installations take between a few days and a couple of weeks to complete. Timelines largely depend on unique property factors such as slope, soil type, and tank size. It’s also important to note that permitting, soil testing, and designing can extend the project by days or weeks, though at that point you won’t have to worry about contractors on your property.

Although it’s possible to DIY your septic tank installation, these projects can become very complicated and mistakes could cost you significantly. From soil type and topography to local regulation compliance, there are dozens of critical factors to take into account during the design process alone. Small errors during construction also could lead to sewage leaks, property damage, and a whole host of other problems. That’s why it’s always best to enlist the help of a professional for septic tank installation or replacement projects.

Septic systems fall into one of two categories: conventional or alternative. Conventional tanks have been around for decades and are still widely used, though alternative options use modern technologies to increase efficiency and longevity. Here’s a breakdown of the main system types:

• Conventional tanks: As the most widely used type of septic system, conventional tanks are a great choice for a variety of homeowners. After solids are filtered out into a tank, the wastewater travels from a pipe into a shallow underground trench of gravel – known as the drainfield. A combination of stones and microbes break down the effluent even further.
• Gravity septic systems: A gravity septic system works much the same way as a conventional septic system, except instead of relying on electronic pumps to disperse effluent into a drainfield, the system simply uses gravity. The simplicity of this design often means that gravity septic systems are easy to service, but they still do need professional septic maintenance every few years.
• Sand filter septic systems: A sand filter septic system is a great choice if you live on a property with insufficient soil. A pit gets dug and a wooden frame is added and filled with sand. The septic tank is buried in this giant sandbox and wastewater gets filtered into the system and effluent is discharged through the sand and gravel.
• Pressure distribution systems: This kind of septic system allows even discharge of effluent into a drainfield — even in locations where that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. For example, if you live on a hill and effluent would naturally flow downhill, a pressure distribution system forces out effluent evenly so it doesn’t all pool in one place. Pressure Distribution Septic Systems are also used if your septic system needs to be placed further away from your house than normal.

Still not sure which septic system is right for you? Don’t worry – that’s what we’re here for! Our qualified technicians can provide recommendations based on your property layout, usage needs, and budget to help you determine which septic system is best for you. Just contact us today to get started!

Septic system failure can be messy and dangerous to your home and health, which is why it’s important to know when your system needs to be replaced. Though many problems can be fixed or avoided with regular maintenance, sometimes your septic system needs a total upgrade. Here are some signs that it’s time for a septic system replacement:

• The system is 30 years or older. 
• Your tank is too small for your home. 
• Sinks, bathtubs, or toilets are backing up.
• There is standing water in your yard. 
• You notice foul odors by the drainfield.