Septic System Installation - Septic Tank Services of Mobile AL
Basics of septic systems installation
Regardless of the type of septic tank installation you need - whether you are starting from scratch with a new home or office building, or simply need to replace an older system that has worn out - we can help. Hiring a septic professional will ensure that your septic system is properly designed and installed, and may be able to last for generations with proper care. As a word of caution, improperly installed systems can literally fail within days. You will need a highly trained septic professional to guide you through all possible septic options and ensure the septic system project runs smoothly.
Septic system installations have two major parts: the septic tank and leach field. You have a few options in choosing the materials and designs for your system, which will be based on what works best in your area, as well as the quality and cost you desire.
Choosing a tank
When choosing a septic tank, the first thing to consider is the size of the tank. Septic tanks generally start at 300 gallons and go up to 5,000 gallons. A 300 gallon septic tank is probably sufficient for someone living alone. However, larger families will usually need about 1,000 gallons or more, and the sizing will depend on the habits of the family and the number of guests they generally expect. Large families and commercial and industrial businesses will require larger septic tanks. An experienced technician can walk you through the options and help you decide which size is best for your needs. There are several materials to choose from including concrete, steel, fiberglass and plastic. Your local codes may limit the material that is allowed. Your specific requirements, the type of soil at your property, and the water table can also rule out some possibilities.
Plastic: The cheapest option is plastic. However, it is not the most durable choice and it tends to float, which may be a problem depending on your water table.
Steel: Very few modern tanks are made of steel because they tend to rust. However, it is a more durable choice than plastic.
Fiberglass: One of the most popular septic tank choices is fiberglass. It is also one of the more expensive options. However, fiberglass is lightweight, easy to install, and can withstand damage from soil settling. It can be damaged if a vehicle is driven over the tank, and according to some reports, it does not tolerate methane gas well.
Concrete: The other most popular choice is a concrete septic tank. Concrete septic tanks are incredibly strong and can last for decades. There are some concrete septic tanks that last 100 years or more. The disadvantage of a concrete septic tank is that these septic tanks are very heavy. That extra weight can make it difficult to install a septic tank and sometimes the concrete can crack if the soil around it settles.
Drainage or Leach Fields Options
While solids remain in the septic tank, effluent is allowed to exit. This effluent is water that is still dirty but safe enough to return to the soil where natural soil bacteria can finish cleaning it for the environment. Most septic systems use a drainage field or leach field, which consists of several buried pipes in an area surrounded by gravel and sand. This set-up allows the water to be evenly distributed, so it is better absorbed into the soil.
Local Building Codes
Laws apply at every level, country, state, county and city. These rules and regulations may dictate what materials can be used, how deep the septic system must be installed, how far from the home it must be located, and many more requirements. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in large fines and significant cost as you may have to dismantle or repair the septic system to comply. You should always work with a septic expert who knows the industry and the laws.
Managing a septic system installation can be overwhelming. Contact us to talk with experienced septic professionals who will make it easy, because they do this work every day. They can walk you through the options and help you choose the septic system that fits your needs and budget, and can handle the installation from start to finish with high quality results.
