| Septic systems are commonly installed in rural and | | | | the soil. This will determine if anything has to be |
| cottage areas. Waterfront properties often tend to | | | | added to your soil to prepare it for the system. Once |
| be more of a challenge for septic installation due to | | | | the 'perc test' is approved, the time to dig has finally |
| the moist soil. Depending on the soil conditions, the | | | | arrived. |
| system may not be as efficient in treating the | | | | Unless you have had experience installing a septic |
| wastewater and harmful bacteria may enter your | | | | system, you should hire a professional to come to |
| system. It is imperative to know what you are doing | | | | your property to dig the hole for the septic tank. |
| when installing a septic system. If you have any | | | | Once the hole has been dug, the septic tank is to be |
| doubts, call a licensed professional. | | | | lowered into the hole, making sure it is level by |
| A trip to the local municipal office needs to be made | | | | shoveling in a bit of rock or gravel to firm the base |
| in order to acquire any permits and guidelines. This | | | | into place. At the same time, have the field bed dug |
| includes the proper size of tank which is determined | | | | out to the specifications established by the inspector. |
| by the number of persons in the household. If the | | | | Now it is time to lay out the PVC pipe that will |
| municipal office is not able to help, measure the size | | | | connect your homes plumbing system to the septic |
| for your property and then ask a home inspector. | | | | tank. Make sure that all of the connections are tight |
| You must decide what type of tank you want. | | | | so that there are no leaks. Once the system is |
| Concrete is the most common choice, but plastic | | | | connected and fully sealed, test your work by |
| tanks are now becoming more popular. Plastic tanks | | | | flushing the toilet to see if there are any signs of |
| are more easily handled because they are lighter in | | | | leaks. Depending on your municipality rules, you may |
| weight and they do not break down over time as | | | | be required to have another inspection. |
| fast as concrete. | | | | When the inspection is complete, add soil around the |
| Placement of the tank on the property must be | | | | septic tank and pipes. Leave the hatch uncovered so |
| determined. A home inspector can help determine the | | | | that you can access it for water or maintenance. |
| distance required from the house, property lines, and | | | | Once the tank is covered, fill the tank with water in |
| water frontage-etc. A field bed will also be required. | | | | accordance with the septic tank manufacturers' |
| This is the place where the waste water can be | | | | instructions. Do not over fill it because this could |
| filtered. It has to be a size that will properly | | | | cause the tank to burst. |
| correspond with the size of the septic tank. It also | | | | When the septic system is in place, you can sprinkle |
| needs to be composed of the proper soil or sand. | | | | a bit of grass seed to help landscape the area. Make |
| Make sure that you do not forget to get the proper | | | | sure you mark where the system is located as well |
| construction permits or all your efforts will be | | | | as the field bed in case there are issues in the future |
| wasted. | | | | and repairs are needed. |
| Once you have made the measurements, make sure | | | | Installing a septic system should only be done by |
| that you have an inspector double check everything | | | | people with experience. If you are concerned that |
| before you begin. An inspector will request that a | | | | you may cause damage, enlist the services of a |
| "perc test" be done. This test is performed in order | | | | professional. |
| to see how long it takes for water to filter through | | | | |