The total cost of installing or replacing your septic tank is largely dependent on the type of system you choose. Here are some of the most common kinds of tanks:

Anaerobic Septic System

Anaerobic systems are a common choice for many homeowners because they don’t require additional power or chemicals. An anaerobic system contains bacteria that do not need oxygen to survive. The bacteria break down solid waste, and the remaining liquid waste is piped out and distributed under the soil. The waste is naturally recycled as the water passes into the soil.

These systems cost about $2,000 to $5,000 (CAD 2,600 to CAD 6,400) to install.

Aerobic Septic System

Unlike anaerobic systems, aerobic systems use bacteria that do require oxygen to survive. Oxygen is pumped into the tank to activate the bacteria, which then feed on solid waste. Aerobic systems work well where the soil isn't favorable for other systems and the groundwater table is high. It's a good option for homes located near a body of water.

Aerobic systems are more expensive to install. Fixr says you should expect to pay between $10,000 and $20,000 (CAD 13,000 and CAD 25,800).

Gravity Septic System

A gravity septic system uses gravity for filtration and water flow. They need to be installed on a gentle slope to enable water flow without a pump.

Installation costs $1,500 to $4,000 (CAD 1,900 to CAD 5,100).

Conventional Septic System

The conventional septic system consists of a septic tank and a trench that acts as a drain field. The trench is constructed on stone or gravel and allows water to pass through. To prevent sand or dirt from contaminating the clean soil, geofabric is installed on top of the trench. A conventional septic system needs a large space to operate.

Installation cost $2,000 and $7,000 (CAD 2,600 and CAD 9,100).

Mound Septic System

If your groundwater is close to the surface, a mound septic system is the best choice. A sand mound is constructed on the septic system area to pump wastewater from the tank into the mound in small quantities. The sand then filters the water before it gets into the soil and groundwater. This design requires a lot of space.

They’re also expensive to install because a sand mound has to be constructed. Total cost ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 (CAD 13,000 and CAD 25,800).

Chamber Septic System

Chamber septic systems have recently become a popular choice. They’re similar to conventional systems, except plastic chambers are used in the drain field instead of gravel. These are easier to construct and have a smaller carbon footprint.

They cost $3,500 to $10,000 (CAD 4,500 to CAD 13,000).

For more information on septic system installation, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: homeserve.com

The longevity of your septic tank will depend on the material used and how well maintained the tank is. With proper installation, inspections and pumping, septic tanks can be expected to last between 20 and 30 years. Some high-quality concrete tanks can even last beyond 40 years.

In the past, it was more common to use steel for septic tanks. However, that practice has since lost favor because steel is prone to rust and may eventually crumble. If your home has an existing steel tank, it’s likely old and in need of replacement.

How do I maintain my septic tank?

Septic service providers can perform inspections and pump your septic tank as needed. Between servicing, you can limit the wear and tear on your septic system by only flushing toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. The EPA also recommends not pouring chemicals down the drain, using trash cans instead of garbage disposals and being conscious of how the land on your drainage field is used.

For more information or information on septic installation or inspection, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: forbes.com

1. Hire an Authorized and Experienced Professional

Even the keenest DIYers should not attempt to tackle a septic system installation by themselves. Septic installation is a complex plumbing project with lots of regulations, and you don’t want things to go wrong when you’re dealing with human waste.

In most states, it's required that you use a licensed professional to install the system, meet building code requirements, secure the correct permits, and pass inspections. Save yourself future headaches and hire a licensed septic installer at the start of the planning process. You don’t want to end up with a fine for a septic system that you’ve unwittingly illegally installed.

Before you hire a septic installer, it’s worth getting project estimates and advice from at least three different pros in your area. Interview them about how they would obtain permit applications, what type of system they suggest, and their estimated timeline for the installation.

2. Check Local Home Septic System Permit Requirements

The cost and application process for a septic system permit varies from one local authority to another. The price of securing the necessary construction-installation permit typically costs around $400, but this figure varies by location. You may also need a permit for pumping and disposing of waste further down the line.

A soil test and a final inspection are often part of the permit process. The soil test (often called a perc test) measures your soil's water absorption rate, and it's important to ensure that the site is suitable for the drainfield. You’ll need to check with your local authority about whether the soil test needs to be carried out by a local authority agent or if you can hire an independent contractor. On the other hand, the final inspection is conducted by local authority representatives.

3. Select Your Septic System Type and Size

There’s a dizzying array of elements to consider when selecting a septic system. Discuss the options with your professional installer to ensure you make the best choice for your home, budget, and lifestyle.

Tank size: For a one to two-bedroom home, you may only need a 750-gallon tank. Some municipalities require all home tanks to be a minimum size of 1,000 gallons, and this is a better size for two to four-bedroom homes. For larger four to five-bedroom homes, tanks as large as 2,000 gallons are available.

Tank material: Septic tanks are commonly made from concrete, but they also come in plastic and fiberglass varieties. Although concrete is vulnerable to cracking, it’s less susceptible to damage during installation.

System type: Most use installers recommend either an aerobic or, more commonly, an anaerobic system. The bacteria that develop in an anaerobic system break down the septic tank waste without the oxygen assistance, and the cost to install these septic systems is around $3,000 to $8,000. Aerobic systems are considerably more expensive, typically running between $10,000 and $18,000 for installation. However, the oxygen-loving bacteria in aerobic tanks break down the waste more efficiently than anaerobic setups, and your future drainfield expenses and maintenance will be less expensive.

4. Establish the Best Location

With the help of a pro, you’ll need to decide where to position your tank, pipes, and the drainfield. The drainfield is a shallow area of covered soil that filters the wastewater as it percolates through the soil, making it safe to be released as groundwater. Here are a few guidelines to follow when determining the best spot for your septic system:

• Don’t select an area where surface runoff can collect. This positioning can lead to drainfield flooding and potential back ups for the septic system.
• Flat areas work best for septic installation and don’t require major excavation. Sloping areas with a gradient of more than 10% don’t make for good installation sites as this can also lead to the collection of runoff and subsequent system back ups.
• Avoid areas with dense tree roots that could damage the pipes.
• Check your local authorities’ regulations for how far away the septic system should be from your home. The minimum distance is typically 10 feet.
• Permeable soil is essential for the installation of a septic system. If the soil is dense and doesn’t have enough grit or sand, this can lead to blockages on the drainfield. Generally, local authorities will want a soil report from a state-certified expert to confirm your soil’s suitability.

5. Complete Prep Work Prior to Installation

By doing the right prep in advance of your septic system installation, you can save yourself headaches further down the line. Consider completing the following preparations:

Decommission the old system: If you’re replacing an old septic system, safe pump out and removal of the sewage in the tank needs to be completed by a licensed professional, following local regulations.

Proper excavation of the tank site: The base under the septic tank should be level, and the hole for the tank needs to be the correct width and depth based on the new tank size. You may need to hire a pro to dig trenches for the pipework.

Prepare for a water outage: For replacement septic system installation, your existing water supply can be out for as many as two to five days. Timelines vary depending on the contractor and the type of system. Stock up on water for drinking, bathing, and washing during this time.

6. Consider Drainfield Landscaping

Consult with your installer about landscaping options in and around your septic system. To avoid causing serious drainage issues, follow the installer’s advice, as well as the following guidelines:

• Plant drought-tolerant native plants with shallow roots, such as grasses or herbaceous
• Avoid planting deep-rooted plants or trees near the septic tank or drainfield
• Avoid installing underground sprinklers
• Don’t use hard landscaping or structures, such as sheds, on the drainfield

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: angi.com

Where should septic tanks be placed?

Your local health department may have septic tank placement requirements and a minimum setback distance from your foundation. Typically, it should be located on level ground so solids can settle in the tank. The location of the plumbing outlet usually dictates where the tank is located and depth of the tank to account for adequate slope on the inlet pipe. Septic tanks should be placed away from areas subject to flooding and surface water ponding. The tank should be properly vented. Avoid steep slopes and areas of dense tree roots or other obstructions. Also, place the septic tank where it is accessible for future inspections and pump outs.

How close can a septic tank be to a property line?

Isolation distances from septic tanks to property lines are typically part of local or state permitting regulations. Contact your local permitting authority (i.e., local health or environmental department) for specific requirements in your area. Your local zoning regulations may also include setbacks to various features like buildings and property lines.

How do I get a permit for the repair, new construction, or replacement of a septic system?

A septic system permit is issued by your local permitting authority (i.e., local health or environmental department). You can apply for the permit yourself, or the contractor hired to build the system can obtain it on your behalf. Check with your local municipality in the event they also require additional permits to install your system.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

EPA.gov

1. Understand Regulations

Regulations on septic systems vary across states, so check with local authorities on current laws and rules that may apply. The state environmental agency and health department will have the necessary information on their websites or at their offices. Do a quick search to identify the governing agency, then go from there.

2. Know the Required Permits

Like most construction projects, installing a septic system requires permits. Again, the necessary paperwork differs from one place to another. Before the local agency issues the permits and gives you the green light, they have to ensure first that your chosen site is suitable for construction. Most septic system installers are familiar with the permitting process, and they can handle everything for a fee.

3. Conduct Site Evaluation

The local agency will test the soil to determine the most efficient system for it. Some soil conditions are inefficient at filtering wastewater or have high water tables, increasing the risk of contamination. In such scenarios, an aerobic septic system works better than an anaerobic one.

4. Design the System

After the site assessment, septic system design company it's time to bring in a septic system design company. They will draft a wastewater treatment system that meets your needs while accounting for any limitations and restrictions in the design. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to septic systems because of marked differences in property layouts.

5. Obtain Approval

Plans for your septic system have to be approved by the local agency first before actual work begins. It must meet the set standards and regulations; otherwise, your septic system design company will have to go back to the drawing board. Once the system is considered safe and won’t contaminate water sources, installation can commence.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

connect2local

Snow plow drivers are in short supply. Are you having a hard time finding Salting and De-Icing contractors for your private or commercial property?

Salt spreading, de-icing and snow removal is a personalized program or service. Every property is different and requires different products and equipment to ensure that individualized snow and ice removal is a success.

The appropriate de-icing materials need to be selected to minimize damage to your paving and landscape while maximizing ice melting results. For serious applications salt spreaders should be equipped with calcium tanks to “pre-wet” the salt in order to release heat and attract moisture. The pre-wetting process ultimately creates a brine for fast and effective melting of stubborn ice at air temperatures well below freezing.

Deicing materials need to be used to minimize damage to your paving and landscape while maximizing ice melting results.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

We all know that snow plow drivers are in short supply. Has your private snow plow service gone to work for the town?

You need personalized programs and service in salt spreading, snow plowing and complementary snow removal to ensure your individual snow and ice removal is a success.

The appropriate snow removal equipment and de-icing materials need to be used to minimize damage to your paving and landscape while maximizing ice melting results. For serious applications consider salt spreaders that are equipped with calcium tanks to “pre-wet” the salt in order to release heat and attract moisture. The pre-wetting process ultimately creates a brine for fast and effective melting of stubborn ice at air temperatures well below freezing.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Installing a septic tank in winter requires careful planning and adherence to local regulations. Here are the 10 general steps to take when installing a septic tank in winter:

1. Determine the appropriate location for the septic tank. This will typically be at least 10 feet away from the home and any other buildings, and away from bodies of water or slope.
2. Obtain the necessary permits. You will need to obtain a permit from the local health department before installing a septic tank.
3. Choose the size of the septic tank. The size of the septic tank will depend on the size of your home and the number of people living in it. A larger tank may be necessary if you have a large family or expect a lot of water usage.
4. Excavate the site. Once you have chosen the location for the septic tank, you will need to excavate the site to make room for the tank. This will require the use of heavy machinery, such as a backhoe.
5. Install the tank. The septic tank should be placed in the excavation and leveled to ensure proper operation. The tank should also be anchored to prevent movement.
6. Connect the tank to the home. The septic tank will need to be connected to the home via a series of pipes. These pipes will transport the waste water from the home to the septic tank.
7. Install the drain field. The drain field, also known as the leach field, is a series of trenches or beds where the effluent can be filtered and absorbed into the soil. The drain field should be located at least 50 feet from any water source.
8. Backfill and grade the site. Once the septic tank and drain field are installed, you will need to backfill the excavation and grade the site to ensure proper drainage.
9. Activate the septic bacteria. Septic tanks rely on bacteria to break down and digest the wastewater and solid matter. You can help to jumpstart the bacterial process by adding a bacterial activator to the tank. This can help to speed up the digestion process and ensure that the septic system is functioning properly.
10. Test the system. After the septic tank has been installed, it is important to test the system to ensure that it is functioning properly. This may involve testing the water levels in the tank and observing the drain field to ensure that the wastewater is being properly absorbed into the soil.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: ecotate.com

When building a home, one of the many aspects you have to consider is the sewer disposal system. Here’s what you should expect during the entire installation process.

3 Steps for Installing a New Septic System

1. Apply for Site Evaluation

Not every property is suitable for a septic system. Therefore, the site needs to be evaluated first. The soil is tested for its porosity, texture, and other factors that affect its ability to hold and drain water. Licensed inspectors from the local health department will run a percolation test to determine what system will work best under the existing conditions. They do this to prevent any potential contamination of the aquifer.

Apart from the soil, they will also look at the topography, landscape position, and groundwater conditions to identify which area is ideal for the drainfield. They will recommend the type and size of the septic system that works best on your property after seeing the site in person and comparing it against the submitted proposed structural layout.

2. Obtain Permit for Installation

Once you have received the results after the inspection, you must provide this to a certified septic tank and system installer. They should draft a detailed plan of the system to be submitted to the local health department for approval first before obtaining the building permit.

Keep in mind that the permit is only valid for one year, so refrain from delaying the installation. However, that doesn’t mean you have to rush the process—take the time to research the licensed local contractors before hiring one. Get at least three estimates from different companies to have a better gauge of the costs. Don’t forget to run a comprehensive check on their credentials as well.

3. Inspection by the Health Department After the Installation

After the septic tank and pipes have been laid down in their places, you have to notify the local health department for a final site inspection. This last step ensures that the septic system follows the requirements indicated on the permit and preliminary site inspection. If the inspector sees that everything is up to par, they will green-light its use.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: connect2local

We hope calendar year 2022 was memorable for all the right reasons and leaves you with only life-long heart-warming memories. As the dawn of the new year approaches, we extend our best wishes for the same throughout 2023. It is truly a privilege to serve you and to be uplifted by you. From all of us here at Morse Engineering & Construction we thank you and wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!