5 Things to Consider Before Installing Septic Tanks

Some people install their own septic systems without the help of a professional. There are a lot of things you have to consider before installing septic tanks. Some of them include the water table, perk rate, and depth of the soil. This article will discuss some of the things you need to consider before installing septic tanks.

Rainwater

Before installing septic tanks, you need to pay attention to where rainwater is diverted. Rainwater from paved areas and roofs should be diverted away from the soil absorption system. If it is not diverted, it can increase the amount of absorbed water. This may cause the system to become overloaded and fail prematurely.

Soil

The soil is something else you have to consider before installing septic tanks. The tank or soil absorption system should never be installed while the soil is wet. If they are installed during wet conditions, it will increase the likelihood of puddling and soil compaction. This will reduce the permeability of the soil and reduce the lifespan of the system.

Water Table

One of the most important things to consider before installing septic tanks is the water table. If the water table is high, it will be difficult to install a regular tank. There needs to be at least four feet of dry soil between the bottom of your drainage field and the seasonal water tables. If the water tables are too high, you will likely need an engineered system instead of a regular septic tank.

Depth

You also have to consider the depth of the soil before installing septic tanks. In some areas, there may be too little top soil. It is common for mountain areas to have less than six inches of top soil. This is not nearly enough to install a regular septic tank. If the soil is not deep enough, you will have to have a system engineered for your location.

Perk

One of the final things to consider before installing septic tanks is the perk rate of the soil. The perk rate is the rate at which the soil will absorb water. You may put out water faster than the soil can absorb it can cause the system to overload if the perk rate is too slow. If it is too fast, the waste will not be treated properly before being discharged from the system.

These are some of the things you must consider before installing septic tanks. You have to make sure there is at least four feet of dry soil between the bottom of the drainage field and the seasonal water tables. You should also know the perk rate of the soil before installing septic tanks.