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6 Considerations Before Installing a Septic System

  • By Admin
  • 24 Aug, 2023

When it comes to wastewater treatment, septic systems provide an effective solution, particularly for properties off the municipal sewage grid. However, installing a septic system is no small task, as it requires careful planning and a substantial understanding of its functionality.

Making informed decisions, in the beginning, can lead to a well-functioning and efficient septic system that serves your household's needs for years. Here are six crucial considerations you should consider before installing a septic system.

1. Size

Choosing the best septic system for your home requires considering its size. The dimensions of the drain field and your present and projected water use will determine how big of a septic tank you need. A septic tank's capacity should be proportional to the number of people living in the home.

A septic engineer or installer should inspect your property to establish the ideal septic tank size. They should consider the presence of additional amenities, such as washing machines, kitchens, bathrooms, and swimming pools.

2. Landscape and Terrain

Water runoff can be disastrous for the system, so it’s best if the area where it will be built is as level as possible. This guarantees that the drain field can distribute the purified water into the surrounding area. If you want to keep your sewage lines free of obstruction from tree roots, your contractor should avoid installing the septic tank near any large trees in your yard.

Also, ensure the tank maintains a minimum distance of five feet from the home. If the local topography and vegetation are unsuitable, it may need to rethink the installation site altogether to avoid costly repairs in the future.

3. Permits and Regulations

To establish a septic system legally, you must obtain all required permits and follow all applicable legislation in your area. All necessary permissions and approvals for construction, land disturbance, and excavation must be obtained, including those from the health department and environmental agency. Research the precise regulations in your area because the requirements differ from state to state.

4. Design

Tanks come in various materials. Thus, picking the right one depends on the specifics of the system. Common materials are fiberglass, polyethylene, and concrete. Conventional tanks, chamber tanks, and aerobic treatment units are only some of the septic tank types that can be used, depending on the system's function and the wastewater treatment method chosen.

5. Soil Characteristics

Septic systems require careful planning and consideration of the ground on the property before installation. Septic tank wastewater treatment relies on soil with the right absorption capability.

Sand-based soils are effective absorbers, while clay-rich soils are inefficient. Further, you should stay away from soils that are predominantly gravelly or have steadily rising water tables.

An expert septic technician will be able to assess the soil on a site throughout the installation process to identify its composition and condition. If the soil is too dense, it won't be able to soak up the wastewater fast enough. If the water table is too permeable, it won't get cleaned up properly, which might pollute the groundwater.

6. Maintenance

If you want your septic system to last for many years, you need to plan ahead and budget for the upkeep it will require. Septic tank maintenance entails pumping the tank on a regular basis, inspecting the system at regular intervals, and disposing of cleaning products and other chemicals in an environmentally sound manner. Your system may experience backups or a lower lifespan if you neglect regular maintenance.

Contact us at Allen's Septic Tank Service for septic tank installation and other septic tank services in the Dothan Area and nearby regions in Alabama.

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Are you experiencing a sewage backup, slow drainage, or a pungent smell around the drain field? Perhaps the grass around your septic drain field is more lush and green than the rest of the yard. If you've noticed any of these signs, you might need to pump your septic tank.

To avoid hazardous and expensive septic system failures, pump your septic tank regularly. For homeowners, a septic tank pump job should happen every three to five years. However, this time frame will depend on the tank size and the number of occupants in the household.

From cost savings to better health, septic tank pump-outs offer numerous benefits. This guide enlightens you on the benefits of septic tank pumping.

Prevent Damage

Failure to pump the septic tank can result in mechanical and physical damage to the system. For instance, the waste could overwhelm and crack the outlet and inlet pipes if the excess sludge is not removed. Also, the excess waste could block the septic system and cause sewage back-ups in your sinks, toilets, and bathtubs. You will pay so much more to fix these issues than you'd have paid to empty the tank.

Regular pump-outs will prevent overfill, clogs, and blockages in the septic system. Also, the pump jobs will not only improve your system's overall efficiency but will also help to avoid extensive system damage.

Protect Your Family

The level of care you provide to your septic tank will correspond to the health of your household and surrounding environment. A brimming septic tank creates a health hazard to your household, neighbors, and even animals. For instance, sewage backup in your home or groundwater contamination can cause bacterial or viral diseases like typhoid, cholera, and rotavirus.

Also, if the septic tank is full, gas will build up in the chamber to produce dangerous fumes with ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. The pungent smells produced aren't only unpleasant but also hazardous. These fumes can be poisonous even in small concentrations to cause shortness of breath, eye irritation, and worsened asthma symptoms. In high concentrations, the fumes can cause organ damage and even death.

To keep your loved ones and neighbors safe, make sure to pump your septic tank at the right time. If you're not sure, contact a septic tank contractor who will conduct an inspection and advise whether you need to get the septic tank pumped.

Protect Your Property

An overfilled or clogged septic tank can wreak havoc in your home. If the wastewater and sludge flood your yard or house, you can incur costly property damages. To avoid these issues and protect your property, empty your septic tank regularly.

Save Money

Overfull septic tanks can easily lead to system malfunctions or failure. In such cases, some septic system components may be faulty and require repair or replacement. If the damage is extensive, the whole system may need a replacement and cost you thousands of dollars.

Also, since an overfilled septic tank will cause damage to other structures such as your landscaping and home, the repair costs might be astronomical. And don't forget the medical expenses if you or your family member falls sick due to the health hazard presented by an overflowing septic system.

Avoid all these expenses through regular pump jobs of your septic tank. While septic tank pump-out will cost you money, you avoid a lot of issues to save in the long run. Also, you only need to empty your septic tank once every few years. Proper maintenance is key for optimal functioning and avoiding costly damages to your septic system.

Regular septic pumps can help prevent damage, prolong the system's lifespan, and improve performance. If you need any septic system services, Allen Turner Septic Tank Service can help.

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