Four Factors To Consider When Having A New Septic Tank Installed
If you're having a new septic system put in a new construction house or an old renovated home, you'll have many decisions to make along with the help of your contractor. The tank placement, size, and type depend on local codes, the conditions of your lot, and the size of your family. Here are four decisions to make when planning your septic tank installation and the placement of the drainfield.
1. The Location For The Tank
Concrete is a popular choice for septic tanks since steel tanks rust and fiberglass tanks aren't always allowed by local codes. The size you choose is determined by the number of bedrooms in your house or the number of people living in your home and if you have a garbage disposal. There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to placement.
A tank shouldn't be placed at the bottom of a hill where rainwater collects. Level or elevated ground is best. While you'll want the tank near your house, there will probably be a distance requirement set by local codes that you must follow. It's also important to place the tank somewhere away from trees and cars.
2. The Need For A Pump
Some septic tanks need pumps to get rid of the water they hold. Others work by gravity. A gravity system may not always be possible, so your contractor has to assess the conditions of your lot to determine the right type of tank to install based on where the tank needs to go and the land surrounding it.
3. The Need To Bring In Sand
A septic tank needs a drainfield, and for the drainfield to work properly, water has to quickly drain through the soil. The perfect soil for this is sand or a sand mixture. For instance, hard clay isn't a good material for a drainfield. If it's necessary, your contractor may need to bring in sand and create a sand mound or mix in the sand for ideal drainage conditions.
4.The Addition Of Markers
The lid on your septic tank may not be buried and out of sight. In the past, lids were buried, and sometimes they were deep under the ground. This made it difficult to find and service the tank. Septic tanks are often shallower now, and the lid or riser is left exposed. It may have a green color so it's less noticeable, but an exposed lid riser makes it much easier to maintain your tank.
Your drainfield pipes may be marked in the same way, and the markers are flat so you can mow right over them. Knowing where the pipes and tank are located reminds you not to drive over them or plant trees above them.
For more information, reach out to companies like Honest John's Septic Service Inc.
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