Important Steps In Having A Septic Tank And Drain Field Installed For Your New Cabin

If you've been building a small cabin for weekend getaways in the country, there are some parts of the construction that you probably won't do by yourself. For instance, you'll probably want to hire a contractor to put in your septic system. Installing a septic tank and drain field can be a complicated process, and there are many code regulations to follow. Here are some of the important steps involved.

Get A Land Assessment

The septic contractor will assess your property to determine the best placement of the drainage field and tank. There are things to consider, such as distance from your house and proximity to your property lines. Also, take into consideration things like where you may want to put up buildings in the future and the location of trees with roots that could become problems. Finding the right spot could involve having a survey done on your land if you haven't had one done already. Once the location is selected and the plans are created for the installation, the plans are submitted to your city for approval in order to obtain the necessary permits.

Determine The Type And Size For The Tank

A septic tank size is usually based on the number of bedrooms in a home, and a garbage disposal counts as a bedroom since it sends waste into the system. However, this calculates the minimum size, and you might want a larger one for a cabin so it doesn't have to be pumped as often or if you think you might add on another bedroom as your family grows. Discuss your size options with the contractor. The contractor can estimate how often you'll need to pump out the tank, but if you only use your cabin on weekends or the summer, then your tank won't fill up nearly as fast and you may want the smallest size allowed by codes to save money.

Besides size, you also want to ask about the type of tank to get. Concrete is a popular choice, and it's sometimes the only type of tank allowed by local codes. However, plastic is another option, and it might cost less to buy a plastic septic tank and have it installed.

Install The Drain Field And Tank

A septic system needs a drain field and a holding tank. Both of these require excavating the land so the pipes and tank can be installed. A simple septic system works on gravity. The drains in your home flow into the tank and the waste in the tank flows into the drain field where it seeps down into the soil to be filtered, so proper installation is important. Your septic system can last for many years, but you'll want to understand how to maintain both the system and tank so you don't have problems with roots or tank damage.

Consult with a professional for your cabin's septic tank installation.