Septic Tank Installation: Benefits, Cost, Do’s and Don’ts Tips

By OKC Septic | September 20, 2021 |

Installing septic systems is quite challenging. You need to choose the right septic system design and other factors that come along with it. Some of the things you need to watch out for include the drain field size and the tank size. These things cannot usually be done by a property owner, not unless he is an expert in that field. With this, one of the best ways to ensure proper installation is to hire a professional in installing your septic system. Before anything else, let us first know more about the benefits, costs, and dos and don’ts of installing a septic system on your home or business property.

Benefits of Septic System

Septic System as a Necessity

The common reason property owners install septic tanks is that they have to. People who are living in the countryside sometimes do not have a connection to the city sewer line. Their only option is to install a septic system for proper wastewater disposal.

It Helps You Save Money

Several homeowners prefer septic tanks rather than having city sewer lines because of the following reasons:

Less Monthly Cost. Water and electricity bills are always associated with each other. You can install some highly efficient appliances to reduce the bill, but still, you need to spend some money each time the dues come every month. You only need to pay for its installation, regular pumping, inspection, and maintenance using a septic system.
Affordable Installation. A septic tank installation is almost the same or even cheaper than getting a city sewer line connection.
One-time Cost Installation. One of the great things about septic tanks is that they can last before you need to replace them. It is almost rare or never having them to be replaced.

Septic Tanks Last Longer

Like what was mentioned above, septic tanks can last forever. You don’t need to replace it as long as you live in the same home. All you need is to install the appropriate tank size, design, and of course, proper septic care so that you will never have to think about replacing it.

It Helps the Environment

Having lesser expenses is always good but helping the environment is also nice. Septic systems can be beneficial to our nature:

It Can Reduce Pollution. Septic systems can reduce the pollutants by their drain fields. It can naturally filter out the waste before it reaches the soil. With this, as the wastewater re-enters the water supply, harmful bacteria are eliminated.
It Helps to Grow Plants. You may not notice it, but once the water reaches the ground level, the natural fertilizers coming from the water can help local plants grow. You will be producing some happy plants and help improve the environment.

How Much Do They Cost?

Homes that are not connected with a city sewer plant most likely need a septic system to handle their homes from wastewater collection and treatment. Septic systems vary in prices as certain factors such as tank material, tank size, soil, and installation method come along. These are some of the reasons that you need to consider when estimating your septic system price. Let us help you to lay out some ways to get your estimated cost.

The Type of System

Anaerobic Septic System. It is one of the septic systems that consists of a pipe leading from the homeowner’s house to the tank. It also has another branched line coming from the tank into the drain field. This type of system uses what we call anaerobic bacteria to break down the waste products in the tank. Typically its installation cost is cheaper compared to the complex aerobic system. Anaerobic septic systems will have a rough estimate of $2000 to $5000 for the installation process.

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Aerobic Septic System. It is a septic system that uses aerobic bacteria to break down the wastes inside the septic tank. Since oxygen is not possible in this system, it requires an additional air pump to aerate the septic tanks and improve the breakdown of waste. This system is more complex than the anaerobic type since it needs more than one tank to complete the treatment process. With this, it roughly cost $10,000 to $20,000 .

Preparation Cost

Before getting to the installation process of the tank, you also need to prepare the ground. You might have a considerable amount of groundwork for your septic tank installation, so you might as well add that to your estimated cost. The rough estimate for this can range from $1000 to $4,500. The septic tank professionals may wrap the cost in the total installation total price and can offer you a lower rate.

Do’s and Don’ts Tips in Septic System Maintenance

Do’s

Routine Maintenance

Your septic system can last long, but to make this possible, you need to consider that it needs routine maintenance to increase its longevity. You can regularly inspect and maintain your septic system by contacting certified septic professionals. They can check and monitor your system along with the frequency of how often you need a septic system inspection.

Pumping Your Septic Tank

The frequency of pumping your septic tank will depend on the amount of water you use in your household or office. Generally, the more people using your septic system, the greater the water flow. It means that your septic tank can be filled faster and will need more frequent pumping.

Securing Your Septic Tank Lids

Your septic system contains wastes and other hazardous by-products. You need to ensure that the lid is closed and adequately screwed shut for your safety. People can accidentally fall or inhale the inside of the septic tank, which can even cause a health problem.

Use Your Water Wisely

By using less water, you can increase your septic system’s lifespan. Too much water is one of the most common factors why some septic systems fail. Small drips from your faucets already add gallons of excessive water to your septic system. If you ever have a habit of leaving your faucet open while brushing your teeth, you need to stop doing that now. Think of how much clean water you let escape while making that habit. You may also use faucet aerators to reduce the water volume that enters your septic system.

Don’ts

Flushing Everything Into Your Septic System

In this time of the pandemic, several are staying at home. With this, one must be careful about the actions that may negatively affect your septic system. You need to avoid flushing things such as dental floss, cotton swabs, tampons, hair, cleaning wipes, oil, paint, and other hazardous chemicals. These materials can potentially damage your septic system, especially when they travel into your drain field and block the soil space necessary for your effluent treatment.

Using Septic Additives

Some septic tank cleaning solutions can cause more harm to your drain field than you know. You need to take precautions with these products since adding extra solids to the system can only cause clogging in your drain field. The chemicals that you also use can pollute the ground and surface water. If you feel the need to use these additives, you need to ensure that you use those approved by your state’s health department. Alternatively, you may try using eco-friendly cleaning solutions to prevent damaging your septic system.

Draining Water From Your Hot Tubs

Hot tubs are surreal and one of the best ways to get away from stress and relax. However, by draining your hot tub into the septic system, you also create one of the stressful moments in your life. Septic systems are not meant in handling the large volumes of water coming from your hot tub. These volumes of water can give you the risk of stirring the solid wastes inside your system and push them to your drain field.

Putting a Garden Around Your System

Avoid creating a garden around your system. Plants and trees might create beautiful scenery, but you need to avoid planting them near your system. Remember, plants and trees need water to survive, and your aerobic septic system is full of nutrient-rich water. Once they find it, their roots can grow enough, and eventually, you will end up damaging your system. That can even cost you a lot of money.

Final Thought

Septic system will always be part of your daily life. You need to have a septic sense and become aware of your actions. Overusing or neglecting your system will result in a damaging effect. The proper operation, maintenance, and monitoring of your system will most likely increase its lifespan and continue to function well. Maintenance tips can help you to prevent the occurrence of future problems. By practicing some of the said tips provided here, you can help in making your septic system and the environment healthy.

Posted in Septic Pumping