What To Know About Installing a Septic Tank

Most homeowners wouldn’t dream of installing a septic tank on their own. Typically homes outside of municipal septic systems require septic tanks to handle waste. There are a few things to know about septic tank installation. Knowledge can help you ensure the installation is handled correctly by the professional.

EPA Codes and Regulations

The Environmental Protection Agency has codes and guidelines in place for septic tanks. Not only are these guidelines essential to protecting the environment, they can extend the life of your system up to twenty years. The EPA requires a licensed contractor to handle the septic tank installation. Building or health departments on the local level must approve the design of the system prior to starting the project. There are rules for how far the septic system must be from drinking water. A drain field must be created with the size dependent upon the system installed and soil type. Avoid odors by placing the septic tank at the right depth.

Professional Designers and Contractors

The installation process starts with a professional designer. The contractor may also be a designer but doesn’t necessarily have to be one. The designer/contractor ensures the system meets EPA and local regulations and codes. Comparing costs between two or three companies can help you determine the best price and company to go with for the installation. Once the design is approved, construction commences. The time it takes to complete the process often starts with the length of time needed to get the design approved. Once the contractor has the approved design, the timetable often shortens unless the ground or weather is uncooperative.

A septic tank installation done right can minimize future problems and issues. Regular maintenance needs to be performed to keep the septic tank working properly. A company specializing in pumping septic tanks can often give you the name of a good installer.