If you have a septic tank installation coming up, it’s natural to wonder what the process will look like. You might also be anxious if you’re a new homeowner or unsure how septic systems work. Besides, a septic tank is quite the beast, and installing one is a pretty big deal.
Have no fear; Paradise Valley Septic system is here. We’ve explained the process, below, to help you understand what happens during a septic tank installation.
What Happens During a Septic Tank Installation
In general, here’s what a septic tank installation involves:
- Removal of Old Septic Tank
If your service is a septic tank replacement, we will remove the old one first. Our team will dig up the soil around the tank, and then lift it out with heavy machinery.
- Soil Excavation
Potential tank movement after installation is measurable, predictable and preventable. Proper evaluation of the original soil, bedding materials, depth to groundwater, backfill materials and potential stress loads reduces the likelihood of later problems. Our technicians will verify the elevation and orientation of the tank(s) relative to the design.
- Septic Tank Installation
Since septic tanks are stored below ground, tank installation generally requires a backhoe to dig an adequate hole. The exact location of your leaching field within your yard will vary, based on a number of factors, including local regulations, the slope of your yard and your home’s location on that slope, and the composition of the soil in different parts of the yard.
- Septic Tank Inspection
Once the tank is in the ground, we examine the structure for damages or cracks. Any necessary repairs are performed promptly.
- Pipe Installation
Next, our team installs pipes connecting the tank to your house. We also install the pipes in the leach field. These pipes will connect to the pipe coming from the distribution box and extend the full length of the drain line.
- Septic Tank Test
Once the tank and pipes are in place, we run several tests to ensure the tank is watertight. This involves measuring water loss over a certain period of time.
- Backfilling
After a septic tank is set, it must be appropriately backfilled. All tanks should be backfilled with successive tamped “lifts” or depth increments of uniform gradation. We will verify that the backfill material is free of clods, large rocks, frozen matter and debris that can result in voids in the backfill that may allow settling over time.
How to Prepare for a Septic Installation
First and foremost, you’ll need to prepare for a septic installation. This includes the following steps:
- Easy Access
Site preparation is essential to making sure your installation goes as smoothly as possible. Leaving easy access to wherever your septic system will go is one of the best things you can do to prepare. Make sure the path is clear of any objects and debris, while you’re at it, you may want to find the plans for your old system for your technicians to look at.
- Water Use
While your septic system is being installed, your water will be turned off. This means you will not be able to shower, bathe, use the toilet, or access drinking water. Coordinate with your friends and family to have a bathing schedule that works for you and stock up on a large supply of clean drinking water. In general, we recommend having another place to stay while your septic tank is being installed.
- Let Neighbors Know
Septic tank installation can be noisy, long, and may take up road space. Informing your neighbors of your septic tank installation out of courtesy is the polite thing to do, and something they will surely appreciate!
3 Mistakes You Do Not Want to Make on a Septic Installation
- Installing the Wrong Size Tank
Our installation professionals will assess your family size and water usage to ensure you get the best tank size for your home or business. Getting the wrong size tank on your septic installation can cause many problems to the plumbing system, including overflow, flooding into your home or business, and/or costly repairs.
- Learn About Septic Systems Before the Septic Installation
A major problem that happens shortly following a septic installation is that users do not learn ahead of time the do’s and don’ts of a septic system. This can include flushing items that will cause damage, not knowing the signs of clogging and more. You do not want to learn what you can and cannot flush the hard way.
- Consider Your Landscaping Before Installation
If by chance there was an issue with your septic system that could cause a clog or flood, you may want to consider your tank placement before your septic installation. By this we mean that if you have large trees with large roots in your landscaping, avoid those areas when considering where to install your septic system.
Call West Coast Sanitation Today!
When the appointment is set for the septic inspector to come out, make time to be there and watch how things proceed. This commitment to the sale is important. Everyone involved wants a fast sale and this is one you do not want to shortcut to come at your expense.
At West Coast Sanitation, we understand the value and importance of a septic system inspection prior to buying or selling a home. Our professional inspectors strive to exceed your expectations and help you obtain the essential information you need to make an informed decision.
Call us at (951) 780-5922 right away. We have professionals ready to answer your questions.