How to Install a Septic System

Have you ever wondered where all the waste from your household goes? What happens to the dirty water and other waste? There is an underground drainage system known as the septic system, which collects the entire waste of the neighborhood. This waste then goes from the municipal sanitary sewer, to the sewage treatment plant where it is treated. Every house should have a septic system installed for hygienic reasons. Even though you can get professional designers and excavators to dig a septic system, you can also do it on your own. Here are a few guidelines which will explain the procedure for setting up a septic system. You must also be aware of the working of the septic system so that you can clear out any issue related to it in terms of blockage, foul smell and overflowing tank.

Instructions for Installing a Septic System

It is essential to check out with the local authorities regarding the permits, rules and regulations before you install a septic system. You can avail the help of a design inspector regarding the septic tank design. Once you have the design and the blueprint of the septic system, you can get to the task of installation. During the process of the installation of the septic system, your area's health inspector may supervise the entire procedure.

• Before getting to the task of installing a septic system for your house, determine the exact location where you would like to place the septic tank. Contact the local authority for the permit regarding the placement of the tank. After completing the formalities, you can proceed towards the septic system installation.
• Lay out a plan for the septic system on paper before you dig the septic system. Get all the equipment and tools beforehand to avoid running around to get them every time you require them. You may require things like backhoe tractor, contractor's dummy level and rod, course file, embedment material, hand saw, PVC fittings, PVC glue, PVC perforated pipe, shovel and trencher.
• Now according to the septic site plan, measure the land and mark it with the help of stakes. If you are installing a gravity fed system, make sure that the discharge flows down hill. With the help of the backhoe tractor and shovels, dig a hole deep and wide enough to hold the septic tank. The tank comes in plastic as well as concrete. Choose the one appropriate according to your locality norms.
• Once you have dug the leach field, place the tank it the excavated site. If you have a concrete aerobic tank, lay the bottom section of it in the pit. This section comes with a perforated pipe which is embedded in gravel. To keep the pipe stable, place crushed or river stones around it so that it remains steady and does not move. The size of the gravel and embedment material should match the standards of the health requirements of your locality.
• Along with the tank, place a filter material and once the tank and the rest of the system has been laid, cover it with soil. Before covering the tank and finishing the task, the health inspector will check if all the details are taken care of and if he is satisfied he will give the signal for covering the tank.

The septic tank costs may vary depending on the size and material used for making the tank. However, for the exact price you can visit a hardware store and select the tank which fits your budget.