Installing a septic tank in your home helps you get one of the best ways to dispose of the wastewater that comes from your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room.
If you don’t have a septic system installed in your property yet, then you need to understand that it’s a long and lengthy process to do so.
The septic tanks that serve as the heart of septic systems can be installed underground or above ground. People prefer the underground installation as it doesn’t take up space in your backyard.
However, this is more costly and requires more work. It’s not just about finding the right people to install the septic tank, it’s also about finding the right place to install the tank in.
Where Are Septic Tanks Placed?
Ideally, you need to have your septic tank placed in a wide area in your backyard. Not just any area however, as there are a lot of things you need to consider first.
The step begins by coordinating with your local government. They could have policies regarding the installation of septic systems so it's a must to speak with them first.
You should also ask your local government about the city plans regarding the area you are residing at. This will help you get a better understanding of the right place your septic tank should be in.
What you’d want to watch out for are utility lines that could be running under your lawn or backyard.
These could be powerlines, internet lines, and even water lines. If the team handling the installation hits these pipes, you’ll have to spend a lot of money on paying for the damages you made to public property.
Most importantly however, you are placing your worker’s life on the line as it’s very dangerous if they accidentally hit an electricity line.
Ideally, you’d want to have your septic tank placed on high ground. This will prevent flooding and weeping which are bothersome issues if you have a septic system.
Try to avoid slopes as well as the ground should be as level as possible. You also need to be aware of any solid obstructions underneath. There could be roots or rocks that can prevent the digging from being completed.
With these things in check, the next part comes and it’s just as important. The quality of the solid is important as well. The soil should be fine and free from huge lumps or rocks.
The wastewater that comes out of the septic tank will percolate through the sand so the best texture for the soil is that it should be as sandy as possible.
A septic tank that’s perfectly installed will do wonders for your water waste. Aside from preventing weeping and flooding, having it properly placed also makes maintenance and care easier.
If you really want to ensure that your septic tank is placed in the right area, then it’s best to consult with professionals first.
It’s a different story if you are considering an above ground septic system. This can be placed just about anywhere but ideally, you’d want to make sure that the tank has a shed.
This will protect it from harsh weather conditions. Keep in mind that these tanks can be damaged as well so underground tanks are the better option.
How To Know If There Are Issues With The Placement
Improper placement of septic tanks could result in issues with your septic system. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that one of the reasons why septic systems fail is that they are not installed right and that the soil they are placed on isn’t compatible with the system.
Once the system is up and running, check your yard once in a while if flooding occurs. This could mean that the soil isn’t properly percolating the wastewater.
In cases like this, you may need to replace the soil around the drain field. To avoid such issues, it’s best to do a percolation test right before you have the septic tank installed.
You should also check your drains in the kitchen, laundry area, and bathroom. If the water goes down slowly, this could be a sign that the tank is already full.
If the septic tank is just installed, then there’s most likely an issue with how the septic tank is placed.
The tank shouldn’t also protrude from the ground. If it does pop out of the ground, it means that it isn’t buried deep enough.
All that you should see from it are the access rises which are used for pumping the tank.
It will cost you more if you have to move your septic system. As such, it is highly recommended to carefully plan about where you place your tank first.
Types of Septic Systems
The tank placement might vary depending on the type of septic system that you want for your house. Conventional septic systems should have the tanks placed in open areas like the one we suggested above.
However, there are some complex septic systems that incorporate two tanks so these require more careful planning.
These systems usually require you to place one of the tanks in a higher ground than the other.
Septic system types like the evapotranspiration systems and the recirculating sand filter septic systems seen here are great examples of multi-tank set-ups.
Aside from two tanks, motors are required for this set up to allow the wastewater to move from one tank to the other.
Some of the septic systems work better for certain establishments.
However, if you’re just looking for a septic tank and system to accommodate your home’s water waste, then the cheaper conventional system is just the right one for you.
Septic tanks should be placed in the right areas as doing so otherwise could result in you having issues with your septic system in the coming years.
Carefully plan about your septic system as proper installation makes a night and day difference on how well the system works for you and your house.