Construction & Contractors Blog
Septic systems can be a source of great confusion for property owners. Because there is no uniform standard, septic installations vary widely depending on the specific town or county where it is installed. Septic installation projects vary from difficult to easy based on soil conditions and aspects such as elevation and drainage. Thus, it is important to know the requirements and options before you have a septic system installed. The following septic system installation guide will tell you everything you need to know before having one installed.
What Is a Septic System?
A septic system works basically the same as a conventional household waste disposal. It is composed of a tank and a drainage field that breaks down the solids from liquid to make them safe for release back to the environment. The difference is that conventional systems use lateral pipes to transport waste to a central sewer main. On the other hand, a septic system utilizes a drain field consisting of perforated pipes laid well below ground level along with a variety of components added to the designs to improve how waste breaks down and filters through the soil.
Why Do You Need A Percolation Test?
Percolation is a process by which drainage water flows from the surface of the soil, eventually reaching the water table. When you are planning on installing a septic system, a percolation test is needed to determine how well the wastewater will filter through the soil. In some cases, additional features might be needed, such as a secondary treatment tank or a lined drain field with a filtration medium to improve the percolation and filtration of the wastewater.
Designing the Drain Fields of the Septic System
One of the first things that your septic system contractor or designer should do is to design your septic system's drain field. The design of a drain field can make a big difference in how well a system works and how long it lasts. The drain field consists of special pipes, filtration mediums, and distribution systems. In some cases, they might be lined to help protect the groundwater as the waste filters through the soil.
Lateral Distribution and Septic Distribution Needs
The lateral distribution of your septic system is the flow of wastewater from your home to the septic tank. From the septic tank, the waste effluent needs to move efficiently to the drain field. Sometimes, the septic system needs to have a special distribution system installed, which can include a secondary pump tank or a series of pipes that help ensure effluent is distributed to the drain field evenly.
Tanks and Optional Components of Septic System
The tank is one of the main components of your septic system. It needs to be sized correctly to meet the waste treatment needs of your household plumbing. Sometimes, a single tank might not be enough, and secondary treatment tanks need to be installed to help break down the solids in wastewater before they go to the drain field. In addition, you might need to have pumps installed or invest in a septic tank alarm that alerts you if the system needs to be serviced, which can help prevent many costly problems.
By understanding how to plan your septic system installation, you can better understand how it works and prevent issues that lead to costly repairs. Contact a septic installation service to learn more.
Share30 September 2021
