There are 5 components of septic tank installation

The main waste line connects the plumbing within the home to the septic tank. The septic tank holds the solid waste and releases the liquid waste from the top of the tank into the soil. The tank is usually located at least 10 feet from the dwelling and buried about 1 foot underground. This location and depth allows for easy access to maintain the system. If you cannot find the tank from outside the house, it may be helpful to find the sewer pipe inside the house and follow it through the wall. The effluent distribution pipe channels the liquid waste from the solid and into the leaching system by way of the distribution box. The distribution box is not large like the tank and is a bit farther from the dwelling. From the distribution box, several pipes direct liquid to a series of pipes in trenches called laterals. The leaching system is usually a network of buried pipes that seep the liquid waste into the soil through holes. If the home's septic system is a mound system uphill, a device will be needed to pump it through the leaching system to the mound. During septic tank installation, a minimum of 100 feet is required between a leach field and a well whether on the home's property or that of a neighboring property. In should also be uphill from any wells so that it cannot run off into the well. It should also be at least 10 feet from the property line and should not run under any part of the dwelling.  

Septic tank installers will calculate the appropriate size of the tank

To calculate the size of the space needed for installation, septic tank installers will use the number of bedrooms in the dwelling. This indicates the approximate amount of waste that will be generated. The minimum sizes can vary from state to state and take in to consideration certain understood appliances. Others may be counted in addition to the minimum per bedroom. If the size of your family increases, you may need to re-think the size of your septic tank or possible options to compensate such as upgrading to newer appliances and fixtures.

Consider the leach field size when installing new septic tank  

The size of the leach field takes into consideration the condition of the soil and the rate of absorbency, also called the percolation rate. This is length of time for water the water level to decrease one inch. Your professional will test the percolation rate by making a hole near the site. If the rate much less than one minute per inch or greater than 60 minutes per inch installation of a leach field is not advisable. If the rate of percolation is acceptable, the amount of water to be processed must be factored. For homes built before the 80's, assume a rate of 150 gallons per day per bedroom. Newer homes may, in actuality, expel less water if there have been low-flow adjustments made such as bathroom, laundry or kitchen fixtures or appliances. The percolation rate (absorbency of the soil) and flow rate (amount of usage) are both used to determine what size leach field is needed in square feet. Allow another 50% expansion space for the leach field to install new septic tank system. When there is not enough space for the appropriately sized leach field you may need to install a seepage pit or cesspool which are deeper, requiring less surface space. If the percolation rate is unacceptable, you may need to install a mound system. This is a conventional system placed above the level of the unacceptable soil.

Interested in septic tank insallation? Get your project started by submitting a free BuyerZone request for septic system price quotes.