Installing a septic system for your home is a large and daunting project, but it can vastly improve your quality of life. It’s recommended that you consult a professional to determine which of two options for a septic system are best for you: gravity-fed or alternative pump systems. There are many steps in the process of septic system installation for a Milford, NH home. Here’s what you need to know, so you’re prepared when you start soliciting bids from contractors.
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Schedule A Site Visit
Your landscaping company will send a representative out to your property to assess the construction site to determine which part of the site is best suited for the septic tank and leach field, and the precise locations of the septic tank and the leach field - and inform you what type of septic tank system you will need.
The representative will also test the soil to determine how construction will proceed. They will estimate how much damage will be done to the landscape and inform you of what will be done to prevent or repair the damage. Finally, they will address your needs and concerns along the way, setting up a detailed schedule of the work to be done.
Site Prep
Before excavation can begin, your landscaping contractor will remove all obstacles including any plant life such as lawn turf or trees that might sit above the future septic tank. They will also clear a path from the road or driveway for any necessary heavy machinery and, eventually, the septic tank itself. All damage to the landscape during this process should be relatively predetermined and included in the cost analysis.
Excavation
The excavation crew will work diligently to only remove what earth is necessary and work as quickly as possible. Any exposed soil is prone to erosion through wind or rain and may further damage a landscape in the long term. The crews will dig a site to place the septic tank beneath at least 2 feet of earth and a path for the pipe for your home’s plumbing system to deliver the waste to the tank. If a gravity-fed system is used, the pipe will be angled downhill from the house to the septic tank. Once the hole is ready, the tank and pipes will be installed.
Not all properties are suitable for a gravity-fed system, such as locations where the leach field will be higher than the tank, in which case an alternative pump system will be necessary.
Installation
The tank itself is well insulated to prevent leaks and the pipes will be insulated with gravel, known in the plumbing industry as “drain rock,” which will help keep the pipes in place as the soil occasionally shifts. After the tank and pipes are installed, a health inspector will conduct a site visit and give approval if everything is in check. Then, the excavation crews will return to cover the septic system.
Post-Installation
The septic system should be tested after installation to make sure that there aren’t any problems with the tank or the pipes. After the septic system is covered and the earth is back in its place, it’s time to help the landscape recover. Any exposed soil should be seeded, or it can be covered with gravel. to help keep the soil from eroding. Any post-installation issues should be addressed with your septic tank professionals.
Related: 5 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK EXACAVTING CONTRACTORS NEAR MILFORD, NH
