A septic system is a way to deal with household waste in houses not connected to sewer lines. This waste and water are absorbed into the soil through a drain field. There are many things to consider before starting a septic tank installation project. Taking the time to evaluate and plan is essential.
Location
When considering septic tank installation Orlando, FL, project, you must be mindful of where the tank will be on your property. Local regulations vary by county and state, but you should work with a professional who knows your area’s laws and regulations and can guide you through the process. A septic tank is a settling basin with gray and black wastewater (from kitchens, restrooms, and laundry rooms). Solid waste accumulates in the bottom of the tank and breaks down by anaerobic bacterial action. Some liquid waste floats to the top, while other solids sink to the bottom and form a sludge layer. The septic tank must be placed away from areas that experience flooding or surface water ponding, and it should be far enough from the house to avoid a sewer backup. The septic tank must also be on high ground to prevent groundwater seepage. The line between the septic tank and the home should have a slope of 1/8″ to 1/4″ drop per foot of run to prevent solids from clogging the inlet pipe.
Type of Septic System
There are a few different types of septic systems, but the one recommended for your location depends on the soil conditions and space available for the drain field. The contractor will be able to tell you which type of septic system is best for your property. A mound septic tank system creates an artificial mound of distinct soil, gravel and sand layers that serve as the system’s drain field. This system is typically reserved for property locations deemed unsuitable for other common septic tank systems due to shallow groundwater and bedrock. Septic tanks must be set back a certain distance from buildings and property lines—local zoning regulations set this. A septic tank also requires regular inspection and pumping to prevent the spread of sewage-borne diseases.
Drain Field
Once sewage leaves the tank, it heads downhill to the drain field, where natural biological filtration happens. The filtered wastewater then seeps back into the groundwater. The drain field location should be away from buildings and vehicles to prevent clogging and areas where ponding or surface water runoff occurs. The soil should be sandy, with a percolation test performed to ensure it can absorb the wastewater. You should also not plant trees or shrubs over the drain field, as their roots can encroach on the leach field pipes and clog the system. Avoid vegetable gardens over the drain field since vegetables require daily watering, limiting the soil’s capacity to treat the effluent. Proper landscaping is also important, with native grasses and ground covers preferable over sun-loving flowers or vegetables. The drain field should also be free of bacterial contaminants because this interferes with healthy biological activity and causes an imbalance in the process.
Septic Tank
Septic tanks are buried, water-tight containers that treat wastewater in a home. Wastewater flows from house pipes into the tank, where solid waste (sludge) sinks to the bottom while oil and scum float to the top. Bacteria break down these solids and liquid household wastes. After treatment, the waste leaves the septic tank and enters a drain field, where it is further filtered by soil. The size of a septic tank depends on the house’s occupancy and water usage. Once the septic tank is installed, homeowners can avoid paying municipal sewer fees. It’s important for contractors to follow the proper permit process and to design a septic system based on local health department requirements. In addition, septic tank installers must perform soil tests and correctly excavate the site before installing a septic tank. Otherwise, septic tank installation mistakes can pollute surrounding waterways and create runoff issues. This can result in costly fines and reputational damage.