5 Things You Need to Know About Installing a New Septic System

If you are building a new home that will need a septic system, you want to make sure you start with everything you need for success. A septic system is a large investment and you want to ensure the one you install will last for decades to come. Planning and preparation are the most important aspects of building a new septic system that will last. Here are five things to consider when building a new septic system. 

  1. The type of system. There are several different systems available – gravity, mound, aerobic and others. The type of system you have will help determine the steps you need to take next.
  2. Tank placement. All septic systems need a tank that will hold the waste while it is treated. If you are building a home, this should be considered before you start the structure if possible.
  3. Drain field or mound. All septic systems need a place for the treated waste water from the tank to disperse. Whether you need a mound system or can use a drain field, you will need a place that will filter the water before it does into the ground. Drain fields will need to have the soil perc’d to ensure proper filtration will occur.
  4. Size of tank. The size of home and the amount of people in the home will help determine the size of septic tank you need. It is better to go larger than not big enough to avoid over-stressing the system.
  5. Find the right contractor. You need an experienced septic pro that can perform the inspections, install your system and ensure you have all the permits needed to meet local regulations.

Building a new septic system should be carefully planned to avoid problems in the future. Make sure you have a quality septic professional on your side to ensure your system is installed correctly and made to last.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

Buying Property? Have a Septic Plan before You Buy

If you have dreamed of buying property and building your own home, you may also be looking at land that will require a septic system. Often larger lots of land are located in areas that are not connected to a municipal sewer system. When looking at property that will require a septic system, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some factors to consider when shopping for undeveloped property.

  • Soil quality. The soil on the property will determine the type of septic system you can use, as will the local regulations. Has the property been ‘perked’ for a septic system? Keep in mind that gravity systems with a drain field are much less expensive, but some soil or regions may require a mound or other alternative septic system.
  • Home and septic placement. You may be picturing where to best place your home for the view, but you also need to consider where the septic system will need to be placed. The right grade, slope and soil are all important to where your septic should be located. Figuring this out beforehand can save you time and money later.
  • Get a professional inspection. Before you buy the land, call a septic service company to inspect the property. Find out exactly what it will entail to add a septic system for the size of home you plan to build. Knowing what it will cost to have a septic system installed for that particular property could make a difference in your purchasing decision.

If a septic system will be required on your new property, it is essential to make this an important part of your buying considerations. It could save you thousands of dollars down the road.

Posted on behalf of:
A-Flo Free Septic
Lawrenceville, GA
(770) 927-7926

Septic System 101: Components of a Gravity-Based System

If you own a home or business with a gravity-based septic system, you most likely know that it contains a septic tank and a drain field. Yet these are only two the components in an efficient system, which treats and filters all the waste water from your building. Each part of the system works with the next, so understanding how they are connected can be helpful for maintenance and troubleshooting problems.

Sewer Lines

Starting at the building, the sewer lines are the first part of your septic system. These pipes carry your wastewater from the inside plumbing to the septic tank to begin treatment. These pipes can become cracked, clogged or broken, causing sewage spills into the ground or sewer backups into your home.

Septic Tank

Your septic tank is the large container where solid waste is separated from water, allowing the solids to break down in a pool of bacteria and other natural agents. The solids sink to the bottom of the tank while they’re decomposing while the grease rises to the top, with the water portion slowly being released out to the distribution box and drain field.

Distribution Box

Near the drain field, a distribution box made of plastic or cement receives the wastewater from the septic tank. This box is important part of ensuring that the wastewater is evenly distributed to the different pipes and trenches located in the drain field. It often contains a filter to keep large objects out of the drain field pipes.

Drain Field

The final stop for septic wastewater is the drain field. Underground pipes located in trenches release the wastewater into the ground, leeching or filtering it before it trickles down into the ground water below.

If you are concerned that you have a problem with any of your septic system components, call in your local septic professional for an inspection. Early intervention and repair can often prevent septic system failures.

Posted on behalf of:
Hunter’s Septic Service
Nesbit, MS
(662) 429-1686

 

 

What Is A Septic D-Box?

One of the many components found in traditional septic systems is a distribution box, or d-box. This is a small collection box located between the septic tank and the drain field, usually only a few feet wide and long with a few different outlet which disperse affluent to different areas in the drain field that comes from the septic tank.

D-Box Basics

Many d-boxes are made from concrete, but they can also be made from fiberglass or plastic. The box will have several outlets, as well as an inlet from the septic tank. The d-box must be sealed, with a removable lid. Specifications for installation may vary in different states, counties and cities, but most boxes are put in the ground, no more than 12 inches from the surface.

The importance of the d-box is in the distribution of affluent. This spreads the affluent to several different drain pipes, which allow the affluent to be properly filtered through the soil. Never remove a d-box without replacing it with a new box. Your local septic service company can install a new box or repair it.

A leaking or flooding d-box is the most common problem with this component. Most flooding issues are a problem with the drain field, not the box. Leaks can happen as the box corrodes though, creating a need for replacement. If you notice pooling or flooding around your d-box, you should call your septic professional immediately. Problems with the d-box can lead to destruction of your drain field and end in expensive septic system failures. Your septic service technician can offer solutions for replacement or repair.

Posted on behalf of:
A-Flo Free Septic
Lawrenceville, GA
(770) 927-7926

Types Of Septic Systems

Although most people think of a conventional system when they think of a septic system, there are actually several different types of systems. These are generally broken into two categories, conventional and alternative, with different types in each. With new technology and a greater concern for the environment, the types of septic systems available is constantly growing and changing.

Conventional Septic Systems

There are two types of conventional sewer systems: gravity and pressure. Both consist of a septic tank and drain field, but the way the waste water or effluent is distributed to the drainfield is different. Basic or standard systems use a gravity flow system. However, most newer conventional sewer systems use pressure, which uses a pump to more evenly disperse waste water throughout the drainfield.

Alternative Septic Systems

Alternative septic systems are generally used in areas where a conventional drainfield is not possible or prudent. These include:

  • Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU). An ATU uses oxygen to further breakdown solids within the septic tank to release cleaner waste water into the drainfield. This is often used when the drainfield is not able to properly treat the waste water, or in environmentally sensitive areas.
  • Sand filter systems. A sand filtration system is usually made with a concrete box which contains sand and gravel to filter waste water before it is pumped to a drainfield. This is typically used in areas without sufficient soil for the treatment of waste water.
  • Mound system. In areas which do not have the soil capacity for proper treatment of waste water before it enters the ground water, a mound system may be used. This essentially raises the drainfield above the ground and is man-made.

If you are replacing an old septic or creating a new system, talk to your septic professional about what would work best for your property. There are also other proprietary systems which may be a good fit for your needs.

Posted on behalf of Keith Lee, Metro Septic and Plumbing

Google