The best thing you can do to prepare for a septic installation is to find a quality septic system company. If you find someone you can trust, you won’t need to worry about most things. And with a few small steps, you can feel confident that you will have a functional septic system for years to come.
7 Ways to Prepare for A Septic Installation
1. What are Your Water Needs?
There are different sizes of septic tanks. For residential purposes, septic tanks usually range from 750 to 1250 gallons. The tank’s size will depend on the number of people living in the house, the size of the house, and how much water is used by household appliances and people. If you want a septic system that will serve you for a long time, you need to let your septic company know all of this information before the septic installation. They can choose the right size for your needs, so you don’t have to guess.
2. What is Your Budget
Of course, you have to consider your budget when planning for a septic system installation, and it is essential to discuss this with your septic company before installation day. An installer will likely visit your property before and determine what they can offer for your location and needs.
3. Know the Regulations for a Septic Installation
In Florida, the department of health regulates septic system installation. They will provide you with an application which will outline the regulations, let you know of the fees for applying, and any other requirements. You will also need to get a soil test done and include this with your application. Not only is this necessary to proceed with the installation, but it will also help you determine where to place the system, keeping in mind that you cannot place any vehicles, structures, or even larger plants around the area.
4. Consider Location and Landscaping
The best landscaping option for the area over your septic tank and drain field is grass and smaller plants with shallow roots. You should avoid planting most trees or garden vegetables over the area as the roots can damage the system and become contaminated from the septic bacteria. After your septic system installation is complete, have your septic company provide you with a map or layout of the system for future landscaping and potential repairs.
5. Make a Plan for Your Family During Installation
You don’t want to get to installation day unprepared. Generally, while a septic system is being installed, you will be without water in your house for at least two to five days. It’s a good idea to plan for a week without water just in case since weather and the soil can affect the speed of the process. Consider staying with friends or family, renting a portable toilet, or staying at a hotel. Whatever you do, you should have this decided before the day comes.
6. Learn Basic Septic System Maintenance
If you’ve never had a septic system, you should learn a little about how to care for one. You have to be careful about what you are flushing or draining. Do not flush things like disposable wipes, tampons, q-tips, cotton balls, or anything other than toilet paper. Be careful when using your garbage disposal or kitchen sink. Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain. And use your garbage disposal more sparingly.
Septic systems need to be pumped every three to five years. Please do not neglect this, or it will cost you later. The company that installed your system can also provide this service for you, so keep their info, and you will be a step ahead when the time comes.
7. Ask Any Questions to a Trusted Septic System Company
There are things you can and need to do as a homeowner to prepare for a septic system installation. But, at the end of the day, the key to a successful installation is a septic company you can trust. In Florida, you can find a certified septic company on the department of health website. A septic company can walk you through what you need to do and what they can do for you in preparation. They can answer any questions you have regarding budget, location, timeframe, or anything else.
Your new septic system should serve you and your family for many years as long as you follow these tips and tricks. And if you have any other questions, contact Advanced Septic Services of Florida today!