3 Things You Need Before Installing a New Septic System

A new septic system is a large undertaking; months of planning often occur before the system can finally be installed. The land must be perc’d, inspected and permits must be obtained to begin the final process. Septic systems require the right distance from the home, soil that will allow for filtration and the pipes in place for waste transportation. There are many steps that must accomplished before the system can be completed. Here are three of the things you will need before your septic system can be installed.

  1. Layout. A layout plan is needed to prepare for your septic system installation. This is like a blueprint for a home, outlining the different components of the septic. The layout will show where the pipes, tank, drain field and distribution box will be located. Keep in mind the trees and landscaping that are in place that could interfere with your plumbing.
  2. Permits. You will need permits from your county or city for your septic system. Your septic system installation company can often help with this process. An inspection is usually required before permits will be issued.
  3. Tank size. Before you can install your system, you need to decide what size tank will be needed for your home. You want a tank that will be large enough for your current and future needs. Your septic professional can help you decide what size you need.

Of course, these three steps are just a few of the many factors that should be considered before installation. Having a professional septic company to help you navigate the preparation process will make sure that your installation goes smoothly and your system will last for many years to come.

Posted on behalf of:
Septic Service Pro, LLC
Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(678) 292-8728

Is it Possible to Move a Septic Tank?

When a septic system is put in place, it is meant to last for decades. The position of the tank and drain field is carefully designed to best suit the property and building it serves. However, down the road, the property owner may decide that they want to build or make changes to the property. When that happens, the septic tank could be a hindrance.

While it is not a simple task, septic tanks can be moved. This involves digging up the tank, disconnecting pipes and putting in a new tank at a different location. New pipes will need to be added to connect the building with the new tank and to divert waste water to the drain field.

There are considerations that must be factored in when deciding to move a septic tank. Some old cement tanks may not survive the move. They can break or crumble when removed, requiring disposal of the old tank and purchasing a new tank for the revised location. In some cases, a larger tank may be needed, especially if the reason for moving the tank is to make room for additions to the home. For gravity systems, the right amount of downgrade is needed for proper drainage in the pipes leading to and from the tank. Everything will need to be re-fitted and secured once the new tank is in place to ensure proper function.

Before deciding to move a septic tank, have an inspection done by your local septic service and installation pro. They can help you determine the best options for moving your septic tank to accommodate your new project and give you a quote on the moving costs.

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

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

What to Expect When Your Septic Tank is Installed

When you are having a new septic tank installed, you need to be prepared for the process. It is not as simple as digging a whole and dropping in the tank. There is planning and permits that are needed, whether it is a new or replacement tank for your septic system. Most homeowners will only have one tank installed in their septic system over a few decades, so knowing what to expect can help the process go smoother.

Planning and Permits

Before the installation can be scheduled, you need to complete the planning process. First, you need to decide the size of tank needed. If you are replacing an existing tank, this is an opportunity to upgrade to a larger tank. Talk to your septic tank professionals to determine the best type and size of tank for your home.

Placement of your tank will also need to be planned. If it is a replacement, it will most likely be placed in the same location. However, for new tank installations, your installer can help choose a location that will meet the local regulations.

Once you decide on the tank, you can make sure you apply for your permits. Often your septic installer can help with getting the right permits from the city or county office in your region.

Day of Installation

When you have the permits and planning completed, your contractor will schedule the day of your installation. Expect a significant amount of soil removal for new installations, including trenches for pipes and a deep hole for the tank. Replacement should not need as much digging, but the old tank will need to be disconnected and removed before the new tank can be lowered and buried.

When the correct planning and preparation is completed, your septic tank installation can be done expediently when you hire experienced installers. Make sure to plan your tank installation carefully with your contractor to ensure it is done right and legally from beginning to end.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221

Different Types of Septic Tanks

Who knew that there are different types of septic tanks?  Well, probably the people who install septic tanks or work with such tanks on a daily basis.  However, for the typical customer, the idea that different types of septic tanks exist may be news!  Within cities, public sewer systems are usually in place.  However, there are areas where public sewer systems do not exist and in such places, septic systems are installed to properly dispose of household waste water.

If you need a new septic system installed, you will also need to consider the different types of septic tanks which include concrete, plastic, and fiberglass  Pre-cast concrete septic tanks are the most popular options.  These generally last a long time unless the tank is made with inferior quality concrete.  Cheaply made septic tanks can deteriorate over time and begin leaking.  Your only option is to replace the leaky tank.

In addition to concrete septic tanks there are plastic and fiberglass tanks.   In addition to lower cost, the main advantage of these types of tanks is their light weight.  If the area where the tank is to be installed is difficult to reach, then these tanks make installation much easier.  Fiberglass and plastic septic tanks are much easier to lift and carry to the work site.  The downside of fiberglass or plastic tanks is that they are more prone to popping out of the ground when the water table is high and the tank is empty.  In addition, some local building codes prohibit plastic  or fiberglass tanks so  be sure to check your local ordinances before you buy a plastic or fiberglass water tank.

Hooking Up To An Existing Septic System

If you own a piece of property that has a septic system on it and you are planning to build a home and hook up to the existing septic system, you should do some homework before you begin construction.  In fact, it would be wise to do some checking before you even design the new home or decide where to put it.  Don’t just assume that you will be able to hook up to the existing system.

This comes up frequently when people own lakefront property, vacation property or hunting land that has had a small cabin, trailer, or other dwelling on the property for years.  When the property owner decides to replace the old dwelling with a new, larger home they assume that they can to tear down the existing structure, build the new home in the same location, and hook up to the existing septic system.

Unfortunately, that may not be the case and it’s best to find out before you build the new home rather than after.  If the septic system has been on the property for years, it is possible and even likely that it no longer meets code and you will need to bring the system up to code.  For all practical purposes, this probably means installing a modern new system in a different location on the property.

If you get lucky and the septic system meets code, have the septic tank pumped and the entire septic system thoroughly inspected by a sewer septic professional to make sure the system is in good working order and is capable of handling the anticipated load of your new home.

Concrete or Plastic Septic Tank?

If you are installing a new septic system or replacing your septic tank, you have the choice of either a concrete septic tank or a plastic septic tank.  Each has advantages and disadvantages.  Your sewer septic contractor can help you decide which is the best tank for your septic system.

Concrete septic tanks have been in use for decades and are still the standard in the industry.  They are heavy which means a much lower likelihood of floating up out of the ground when empty, it also makes the tank more cumbersome to install.  The site must be accessible to a crane to lift the tank into place.

Concrete septic tanks are also very durable, but they are more expensive than plastic tanks.  In addition, they can crack in certain conditions are more susceptible to leaks than plastic tanks.  One advantage that could be very important is that concrete tanks are approved for use in every state.

One of the primary advantages of plastic tanks is their lower weight makes it much easier to move them into position for installation.  This can be crucial if access to the work site is limited.  However, their lighter weight makes them more likely to “float” or pop up out of the ground when they are empty if groundwater levels are high.

Preventing plastic tanks from floating and preventing damage during installation requires careful installation techniques that can increase the cost of the system.  Once they are properly installed, a plastic tank is very durable and resistant to cracking.

Another plus is that plastic tanks cost less than a comparably sized concrete tank.  However, plastic septic tanks are not approved for use in all states so check your local laws before spending your money on a plastic septic tank.

Septic Tank Size Considerations

If you are installing a new septic system in your new home or replacing the existing septic system, it is important to make sure that the septic tank is properly sized for your situation.  Your sewer-septic professional will be able to help you determine the minimum size for your septic tank, but a basic understanding of the variables to consider will help you make an appropriate choice.

A septic system is made up of a drain line, a septic tank, the leech field, and the soil under the leech field.  Each of these components has an important job to do and the septic system will fail if any of these components is not functioning properly.

The septic tank is designed to hold wastewater from your home long enough to allow most of the solid material to settle out to the bottom of the tank.  The septic tank also allows greasy scum to float to the top of the tank.  The septic tank is designed with baffles to hold the scum layer and the solid waste in the tank, but allow the effluent to flow out to the leech field.

A properly sized septic tank will be large enough to hold the wastewater for about 24 to 48 hours before it flows into the leech field.  Based on average water usage, a septic tank for a three bedroom home should be at least 1,000 gallons.  A 1,200 gallon tank is appropriate for a 4 bedroom home, and a 1,500 gallon tank is suitable for a 5 to 6 bedroom home.

If your home is equipped with a garbage disposal or if you anticipate unusually high water usage, it is a good idea to use the next higher septic tank size.