Building A New Rural Home? Septic System Information You Need To Know
Posted on: 5 August 2018
Building a new home involves preparations and processes that go far beyond the structure of the home. This is particularly true for homes that are being built on rural property or a plot of land that has had no prior improvements made and will not be connected to basic services.
An on-site septic system is one of the most important of these preparations. If you are preparing to build a new home that will require an on-site septic system to manage household waste, the following information will answer many of the questions you may have about this process.
How will the location for the septic system be chosen?
One of the most important factors in choosing the location where the septic system will be installed depends on whether a drilled well is installed and where the well is now or where it will be located.
Federal guidelines state that the septic tank must be located at least 50 feet from a drilled well, with the drain field required to be double that distance, or 100 feet from the well. Individual state requirements may be different, so it is always wise to check with your state or local health department to be sure.
Other location considerations will also be necessary to ensure that the system is not located where it will subject to vehicle traffic or where it will infringe upon a neighboring parcel of land.
What will be visible above ground?
While the actual design of each system can vary, depending on the individual needs of the site, there is rarely a need for any components to be exposed other than small clean outs, control boxes, and occasionally a pump station.
The main parts of the septic system, including the pipes, septic tank, and drain field components, will all be located well beneath soil level, to ensure an attractive appearance and protect them from freezing.
Are there specific things homeowners must do to care for an on-site septic system?
As long as the septic system is sized properly and installed correctly for the particular area and the home it will serve, on-going care is typically very minimal. In most cases, homeowners will only need to be watchful for potential issues and order an occasional pumping service to empty the septic tank as a maintenance procedure.
Homeowners will, however, need to be careful about the types of landscaping they install over or near the septic system, to prevent the possibility of developing problems from root infiltration.
Where can location-specific information be obtained?
To learn more about the specific installation and maintenance requirements for your particular area, as well as details about the actual installation process, contact your local county health department or a properly certified general contractor who specializes in septic system services.
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