When a Potential New Property Needs a Septic System

When the time comes to look for a piece of property where you will build a new home, you will find more out of the city proper. As you get further away from the city, and its established sewer lines, you are going to need to have a septic system installed to take care of your wastes. Installation must be approved by the health department and done by a qualified, licensed contractor .

Unfortunately, not every piece of land is able to properly take care of liquid waste from a residence. Before you buy the land, you should have a percolation test done. Put in a bid and contract to buy the place but be sure to make the sale contingent on the soil passing the perc test or the ability to find an alternative option. Here are a few things you need to understand about the whole process.

Percolation Test

A percolation test, or perc test, is done to make sure that the liquid waste from the septic system drains through the soil at a rate determined by the health department. This rate will depend on the size and type of building to be erected. Workers will dig holes to a specified depth and then fill them with water. The health department official will measure and record how fast the water is absorbed into the ground.

Since different areas on the property might have different soil concentrations, one area may pass a perc test while other areas fail it. You should prepare and test several areas to ensure the best possibility of passing the test and being able to have a septic system involved.

Location

A septic system must be placed certain distances away from things. It cannot be placed too close to any property lines. Once you have made sure the system will be far enough from the edges of your property, you need to look at any natural water supplies like a pond or stream. The septic system cannot be too close to those either.

Now, look at the rest of the property and consider where you will be placing the house. The septic system must be a specified distance from this as well. Have a perc test performed at the different areas that fit the distance requirements. Then, choose the location that passes the test that is closest to your house, so the system does not require extra plumbing to reach a further location.

Alternative Options

If you cannot find a place on the property that passes a perc test, you do have other options. An area of the property, large enough to contain the septic system may have the soil removed and then replaced with aggregate and soil that will allow for proper drainage. Another option is to build a small hill so the water can drain and filter through there before getting to the water table.

Having a perc test and looking for proper a proper location may seem like a bit of a hassle. However, it is important to know what you may be up against if you buy a piece of land that has no existing sewage treatment option. It is much better than waiting until after you buy the place to realize things may not be able to go as you had hoped.

When you need a septic system installed, contact JT Sanitation. We understand the requirements for installing the system and can help you through the entire process. Our technicians work hard to ensure your system is working to its maximum efficiency. We inspect every unit we install and make sure it is going to last a long time.