An Overview of Having a New Septic System Designed and Installed
If you build a cabin or home in the country, you'll probably need to put in a septic system if city sewer lines are not available. First, you'll need to hire a septic design company to determine the best way to lay out the system which includes the sewer lines, tank, distribution box, and drainfield. Here are some steps in the process.
1. Drawing Plans in Accordance with Codes
Your city or county may have codes concerning the placement of your septic system. Since you'll need your design plan approved and the final installation inspected by a local codes enforcement officer, your system has to comply with the codes. This includes things like how close the tank can be to your house and how far the system has to be from a setback area, water well, and other structures on your land.
The septic design professional is familiar with local codes and will ensure you're in compliance, but it's good to learn about the codes yourself that may govern the placement and future use of your septic system so you never have to worry about fines.
2. Completing a Site Survey
The design professional will visit your property to test the soil and examine the land to choose a good place to install your septic system. The type of soil you have could affect the layout and type of septic system you need.
The location chosen will comply with local codes, not be in the way of future buildings on your land, and be in an ideal location as determined by the designer based on the geography of your land. Ideally, the tank will be fairly close to your house, but sometimes, it's necessary to place the tank and drainfield farther away.
3. Creating the Design Plan
Once all the data is gathered from your property, the design is created for your septic system. When the design is complete, you'll need to submit it to your codes office and apply for a permit so the building can begin.
The codes officer will then visit your property to make sure the plans are suitable. If there's a problem, the plans are sent back to the designer and amended until they are approved by the codes office.
4. Installing the System
Once the plans are approved, the contractor will use the septic system design plans to install your new tank and drainfield. By that time, all materials have been chosen and their placement has been identified, so all that's left is to put the system in the ground. Once that's done, there will be a final inspection by the codes office, and when your septic system passes the inspection, you'll be ready to start using the plumbing in your new house.