Is It Worth Installing The Septic Tank By Yourself?

Septic tanks are used in areas where waste water treatment is not available. Usually in rural areas, septic tanks are installed, which use two types of systems. They are gravity fed or aerobic treatment units that are the alternate systems.

Installation of the gravity fed system

1.    Assemble the backhoe tractor, trencher, shovel, dummy level rod, PVC pipe, glue, fittings, hand saw, coarse file and embedment material

2.    Obtain required permits that include a test report to determine the size and type of drainage. This test is usually done by the local health inspector and is governed by the local regulations

3.    Plan the flow to go downhill so no mechanical device is used to discharge the water.  You will need a concrete aerobic divided tank and perforated pipe embedded

4.    Excavate a large hole to set the tank which comes in two pieces. One section receives the effluent where it is broken down by bacterial activity while the second section breaks it down further before it flows into the field

5.    Hold the pipe steady by embedding the pipe in gravel. The pipe should have no slope

6.    After inspection, cover the tank as per the health regulations in your area

Installation of alternate septic system

1.    Excavate the ground to set up the pump chamber which moves the effluent

2.    Get a licensed electrician to install the electrical part

3.    Draw the layout of all the sewers, locations and depth of all the tanks so as to route the effluent lines. Get the septic tank plan approved by the local health authority

4.    After inspection, cover the pressurized lines

Tips and tricks

·         Aerobic bacteria have to be added periodically

·         Every step of installation requires inspection and approval by the health department

·         Either you can use sand or gravel to embed the perforated pipe as the pipe moves and can cause damage

·         Ensure that the perforated pipe is not turned downwards and put the end cap on each line else water may enter the pipe and overflow from the leech holes

·         Check with the local authorities if you can use this water for irrigation or other purposes

Cost breakdown for installing a septic system by self

Tank: can be of fiberglass, polyethylene or concrete. The cost will depend on the material and the size

Drain gravel: will depend on the type of soil

Vaults: can be made from different materials, though plastic is the preferred choice

Piping: the length of the pipe will determine the cost

Labor and design: you need a qualified engineer and a contractor who specializes in septic tank installation so as to get the necessary permits

Soil testing: is done before the official approval of the septic tank

The cost of building the septic tank varies from region to region

The best alternate is to contact Dynamerican , the septic tank specialist for the most reasonable quote and not only get the septic tank installed, but also take benefit of other septic services and septic drain field maintenance.

Contact dynamerican now to find out the cost of septic tank for your city.