Septic tanks try to eliminate the problem of sewer back-ups and sewage sludge accumulation in public areas. Septic tanks treat, dispose of, and protect sewage very efficiently while also maintaining the community around them safe from harm. Certain disadvantages, however, exist which require owners to be aware of and prepare for. These problems include harmful chemicals or fumes flowing out of septic tanks into local water supplies. With that in mind, it is imperative for wastewater treatment customers to know the significance of proper septic tank excavation best practices to prevent these dangers at bay.
The most common problem associated with a non-functional septic system is back-ups. With sewage backing up from a septic tank, maintenance is required to get rid of the contents. A standard septic system has a Leach field where liquids settle while solids remain in the bottom of the tank. Aside from liquid waste, this Leach field also contains trace amounts of corrosive elements, which may damage fixtures like sprinkler systems and other equipment if not removed before excavation for a new septic tank installation.
For new septic tank installation, owners are advised to survey the area surrounding their existing system to find out if there is any sediment buildup or to identify what type of septic tank lay-up exists. If the current system is a gravity-fed system, this soil should be excavated using an auger to remove soil to an acceptable depth of approximately one foot. The depth of the excavated soil must be at least four feet below the surface of the ground, with a further depth of six to twelve feet depending on the area of the home. The excavated area should also be level and relatively thick so that water can percolate into the soil.
Liquid and wastewater should both be transported in carts that are placed inside the excavated area. Carting is best done when the cart is approximately one foot below the surface of the ground because wastewater treatment levels are typically higher at the footer level. Carting will also allow the homeowner to ensure that solid materials such as clay, rocks, and concrete are not introduced into the sewage. When septic tanks are transported in carts, they become easier and less susceptible to breaks or leaks.
After soil preparation, a plumber will be necessary to install the new septic tank installation. This process can be completed by using heavy equipment or by using hand trucks and compactors. While heavy equipment may be preferable to avoid problems during excavation, homeowners may choose to use compactors. Both methods require professional certification and permission, however, in most areas this is obtained free of charge.
Once the new tank has been dug, the plumbing and drainage connections need to be installed. If heavy equipment is used for the septic tank installation, these connections can be installed by cutting the pipes and connections with metal cutting tools. Homeowners may choose to use their own heavy equipment if there is an existing sewer line that can be run to the tank. In this case, the pipes would need to be dug using a shovel and a depth finder. In most cases, a trench will need to be dug around the septic tank for the drain field to be laid.
This post was written by Tanner Brown. Tanner is the Owner and operator of Greenbar Excavation. Greenbar Excavation is a fully licensed, insured, and accredited Excavation company based in Prineville, Oregon. Greenbar Excavation is one of the top Septic System Installation companies in Central Oregon. Don’t look further, go with the company with your best interest in mind!