A septic tank is a buried, water-tight container, whose job it is to receive and partially treat domestic sanitary wastewater. It works by separating solids from wastewater, storing and decomposing solid material, and allowing effluent to go to the drain field. A properly installed and well-maintained septic tank can, on average, last between 20 and 30 years.
On the point of proper installation, in this blog post, we will highlight everything you need to know about septic system installation. This includes a step-by-step guide to installing a system, from ensuring you are properly prepared to fitting the manhole cover and everything in between. Let’s get started with this guide to installing a septic system.
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Get Ready for Your Septic Installation
Before the actual installation of the system, you should perform a number of prior steps. These include:
- Check the new tank for signs of damage
- Check you have the correct invert depths
- Double-check your ventilation arrangements
- Double-check your planned installation location
When you partner with an experienced installer, such as Madisons Home, you can be confident that everything will be ready for the installation phase. They will also help you to understand your septic system requirements.
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Dig the Hole and Install the Base
Ensure that the hole you have excavated is large enough for the tank as well as any recommended backfill. It is important to consider the drainage falls required during this step.
It is also important that the tank has a solid base to sit on, as this ensures stability. A professional installer will be able to instruct on the most suitable type of base and its recommended thickness.
Sit the Tank and Backfill the Hole
Always use the manufacturers recommended lifting system when lowering the septic tank into the pre-dug hole. While doing this, check that the inlet and outlet orientation is correct and that the tank is level.
Once this step has been completed, secure the tank in the ground with the correct backfill. Sand, gravel, or concrete can be used for this job.
Install a Septic Drainage Field
Also known as a leach field, a septic drainage field is used to manage and eliminate waste and other impurities which comes out of the water released from the tank. At this point in the installation phase, you will simply need to lay the pipes for the drainage field.
Then, connect the drainage pipe from the house to the tank inlet and the drainage field to the outlet. The final step is to fit the manhole cover(s).
Your Brief Guide to Septic System Installation
Whether you are installing a septic system on a new property or replacing an old septic system, it is highly recommended that you partner with an experienced installation company.