DIY Concrete Septic
You may need a septic tank system if you own land that’s developed residentially and you're in an area that's not connected to a sewer system. Or, perhaps you've had issues with the sewer system in your area and wish to alleviate problems associated with a poor sewer system. But before taking on the task of building your own concrete septic tank system, there are a few things you need to know. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Precast concrete septic tank
- Excavation tools and equipment such as a backhoe, grapple, bulldozer, wheelbarrow, shovels, pile drivers
- Scale map paper and land grade survey
- USDA soil conservation classification system
- Drain field size chart
- Septic design drawings
- Clean washed rock gravel
- Spray paint
- Wooden stakes
- Permit
- Sand
- Laser level
- 4-inch diameter PVC pipe
- Flow control seals
Instructions
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1
Evaluate the site by viewing a scale map of your property. Have the scale map looked at by a professional septic designer or public health official to see how difficult the job will be or if it's even possible.
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2
Locate the general area where the septic system will be installed.
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3
Test the soil stability by using a backhoe to dig a 6-foot hole.
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4
Consult a public health official or professional septic designer to evaluate the soil of the property based on the USDA conservation classification system.
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5
Identify the site of the drain field septic system area by consulting a professional.
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6
Prepare septic design drawings with the help of a professional septic designer. The drawings are key to attaining a building permit on your property.
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7
Apply for your building permit to the local public health office. You should consult a member of this office throughout the evaluation process.
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8
Excavate the area where the septic system and tank will be placed based on the approved permit. This could mean using equipment such as a backhoe, grapple, bulldozer, wheelbarrow, shovels and pile driver.
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9
Use a laser level tool and measuring tape to ensure that the dimensions of the excavation site are as ordered through the design and building permit.
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10
Lay down the PVC piping as shown on the design drawings and specified in the permit.
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11
Place the precast concrete septic tank in the designated location by using a bulldozer or truck with a pulley and lever system to lower the tank into the excavation pit.
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12
Connect the tank with the flow controls and then connect the flow controls that go out of the tank to the piping that leads back into the home.
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13
Seal the septic system and test to see if it works.
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14
Call the public health official to make a final inspection of the septic system.
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15
Pour sand and clean washed rock gravel over the septic system, applying finishing landscaping such as grass or sod as desired.
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Tips & Warnings
Completion of such a project will likely take multiple workers with experience in construction. It will require renting excavation equipment. Costs for completing the project can run into the tens of thousands of dollars.
Building a septic system is similar to building a plumbing system, so it's advised that you consult or hire someone with such experience to help.
There are a wide variety of factors involved in choosing the right location for the drain field area of a septic system, which always includes flow rates per members of the household. Each county has its own formula for creating approvals of flow rate systems. Never risk approximating the size of the drain field without help from a professional.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
