Distance Between a Private Well and Septic Tank

September 6th, 2018 Posted in Septic System
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When planning to add both a well and a septic tank to the same piece of property, it is important to make accommodations for distance. Contamination of drinking water from sewage can be deadly. If you are building a new home or business with both a private well and septic system, here are some considerations to keep in mind.

Ample Distance

Every local environmental agency may have their own rules and regulations, but there are some basic standards that can be used when planning wells and septic systems. The tank should be at least fifty feet from the well, while drain fields should be at least 100 feet from the well. However, you should always check your local regulations to ensure you are meeting the standards for your region.

Plan Before Your Build

Determining where the well and septic tank/drain field should be determined before you build. You must have the right spots for a well and for a drain field – not all ground will perc for a drain field, nor is it easy to sink a well. It is easier to find the right places for these systems and then plan the spot for your building.

Professional Advice

Your local septic service company can be of great service to you as you plan the plumbing for your new building. They can do the necessary testing to find the best spot for your drain field and septic tank, and they will know the local regulations on placement regarding water wells. Their advice in the planning stages can help save you time and money to ensure you meet all the local regulations and protect the quality of your water.

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

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Drain Field Installation Basics

August 9th, 2016 Posted in Drain Field
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If you are installing a new septic system, you will also need to install a drain field. The septic tank and plumbing are just the first half of your entire septic system; the drain field is the critical second half. Having a drain field that is properly sized, in the right location and with the right environment is all important to ensure that it will function for many years to come. Here are a few basic tips that you should know about installing your new drain field.

  • Size matters. You must have a large enough drain field to handle the amount of waste water coming from your septic tank. Your septic professional will discuss this with you – however, you will need to dedicate a sizable portion of your property to this area. If it is too small, it will not leech into the soil fast enough and can cause a backup.
  • Landscaping. You will want to keep trees and large shrubs away from your drain field. These larger plants can have extensive roots that can grow into the field, clogging the system. It is best to only have grass covering the drain field and no large plants nearby.
  • Protect the area. You should have your drain field in an area where it won’t accidently be drove over or covered by any material. A good drain field should be difficult to spot; it should just look like part of your lawn. However, if someone drives over it or pours a material on top of it, you may need to replace it.

Hiring a qualified professional to install your drain field is the most important tip. A quality drain field that is correctly installed can perform for decades without any issues. Find a septic professional that is experienced in drain field installation to perform the job.

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

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What is a Perc Test?

January 9th, 2012 Posted in Drain Field
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A “perc test” is a measure of soil’s ability to allow water to flow through it.  Perk is short for “percolation” and is sometimes spelled “perk”.  Before installing a septic system, a perc test is performed to determine the rate at which the soil where the drain field will be installed can absorb water.  This information is used to determine the minimum size of the leech field or in some circumstances, whether a traditional gravity fed septic system can be installed on the site.

Most jurisdictions require a perc test to be performed before a permit will be issued to install a septic system.  The exact procedure for the test varies by jurisdiction, but essentially it consists of digging or drilling one or more holes, filling the holes with water, and timing how long it takes for the water to be absorbed.  The type of soil and the local water table both influence the percolation rate.

Local ordinances specify the number and size of the holes and how much water should be poured into them.  The ordinance will also specify the minimum rate at which the soil should absorb water for the property to pass the perk test and qualify for a septic system permit to be issued.  If the property cannot pass a perc test, an alternative sanitation system will need to be installed instead of a traditional gravity fed system.

The results of the perc test are also be used for planning the drain field installation. A larger drain field would be specified for property with a passing, but relatively low perc rate compared to a property with a much higher perc rate.

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Understanding Drain Fields

November 3rd, 2011 Posted in Drain Field
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If you are on a septic system, it is a good idea to understand how your system operates so you will be better able to take care of it and so you will know when to call a sewer-septic professional to handle any repairs.

The drainfield is a vitally important part of most septic systems.  The waste water from your home first flows into your septic tank where it is held for at least a day or two to allow solid material to settle to the bottom of the tank.  The waste water then flows into the drain field which consists of a series of perforated pipes (called leech lines) that are surrounded by gravel ad buried a foot or two below the surface of your yard.  The drain field is often called a leech field because it allows the water to leech into the gravel and the into the soil. The wastewater is purified naturally as it slowly leeches through the soil.

Problems with drain fields can be caused by flushing chemicals, paint, solvents, and other materials down your drains.  These materials collect in the soil around the leech lines and prevent the wastewater form properly leeching into the soil.

Overuse of the your septic system can also cause drain field problems.  If too much water gets into the drain field, it may not leech into the soil fast enough, causing the system to back up and waste water to make its way to the surface.

If you notice any problems with your drainfield, call a sewer-septic contractor with experience in the installation and repair of drainfields.

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