Effective integration of your septic system is crucial to the safety and function of your home. If your septic system isn’t running effectively, you won’t be able to run toilets, sinks, and showers. You’ll also find that your home is in danger of water intrusion from outside leaks.
Following the latest guidelines for septic system service and installation is crucial. Our Roto-Rooter team has decades of experience in all facets of septic system service work, from pumping to replacement.
In this latest post, we’re highlighting our complete guide to replacing your septic system.
Choose a professional installation company
One of the many mistakes homeowners make during the installation process is they don’t take the time to research the marketplace. This means they often must work with a company and a team that is not qualified for the job. Take the time to carefully choose your installation company and review their testimonials and past work as septic system service professionals. Do they offer access to references for their work? Can they provide you with information about their history and team?
The answers to these questions can help to ensure you find the right company for the project.
Discuss the work well in advance
Another key issue many homeowners face is they don’t understand the complexity of installing a septic system on their property. They believe the work can be completed over the course of a day or two and that it can be completed with one or two team members overseeing the installation. Oftentimes, septic system installation work involves large teams working around the clock to safely install the unit.
This means you should discuss the full range of installation considerations well in advance of the project taking place. Find out how much time the company will take to complete the installation and what you can do as a homeowner to help ensure the project is completed successfully. You should also ask the company about any safety risks inherent with the installation work. You might consider finding alternate accommodations for the duration of the installation project. There is the possibility you may not be able to use the bathroom or the kitchen while septic work is taking place. Finding alternative accommodations during this time can help minimize the stress of the process for the entire family. This can help to ensure your family is safe and that your new septic system is ready for use when you return.
Beginning work with your engineer
The first step within the installation process involves working with the engineer to conduct testing on the property. Testing will determine the validity of the septic system as an option and will help ensure that each element of the system is designed based on surveys of the property. Once testing has been completed, the excavation work can begin.
Working with your contractor on excavation
The excavation work should be completed by a trained and qualified contractor. They will remove enough soil to install all piping as well as the tank with precision. During this time, the excavator will coordinate with the engineer to conduct soil samples and ensure the samples are tested.
Creating a topographical survey
The engineer will now create a topographical survey of the area where the septic unit is set to be placed. The engineer will then use this information, as well as the information from the soil testing and excavation process to create a design for the septic system.
Formal design plans are submitted
Once the engineer has designed the system, they then submit formal designs for the septic equipment to the local health agency. At this time, the engineer will provide you with the plans as well, so that you can submit the plans to local contractors for obtaining bids and quotes.
The engineer coordinates with your contractor
Once you have formally accepted a bid for septic installation work to begin on the property, the team then visits the home and begins the work. The contractors will coordinate with the engineers during this process to ensure that all specifications are followed with precision. The engineer will also visit the site periodically to make sure that work is completed safely and to speak with the contractor about any issues they’ve experienced during the completion of the project.
Final visit and sign off
Once the contractor has completed their work in installing the septic system, the engineer will review the completed project and then sign documentation stating they agree the finished work abides by all local codes and laws. The local health agency will then issue a certificate of compliance to state that the septic system installation work has been completed in keeping with the regulations across the marketplace.
Creating a maintenance schedule
One final consideration when working with your septic system for the future is your system maintenance schedule. Make sure that you work with your contractor directly to ensure the right maintenance schedule for your system. Your maintenance schedule should take into consideration the following:
- Inspections
Inspection work should be completed annually to ensure that there are no cracks or leaks in the system. You should call your contractor for an inspection immediately if you suspect a problem with the system.
- Septic tank pumping
Pumping work should be completed at least once every two years to remove bacteria and dangerous elements from your septic tank and ensure the system runs efficiently.
- Potential repairs
Potential repairs should be completed on a priority basis. Keep the contact information for your septic system repair professional close by so you can always contact them if you suspect an issue.
Call Roto-Rooter today for septic systems expertise
Our trusted team can help you with all septic system installation and pumping work! To learn more about our services, call us today.
