How to Build a Homemade Septic System
Building a homemade septic system can be time consuming but can save a homeowner hundreds of dollars. A properly built septic system can last from 15 to 30 years with proper maintenance. Septic tanks come in many sizes and are made from concrete or plastic. Before beginning, check with your county to see if it allows homeowners to build their own septic system. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Septic tank
- Perforated drain pipe
- Gravel
- Shovel or backhoe
- Filter fabric
- Permits as required by law
Instructions
-
From Site Preparation to Finished Septic System
-
1
Check first with local health department and county offices to determine if a homemade septic system is acceptable in your area. Buy any permits needed before beginning work.Follow the local septic system requirements so you won't have to dig it up and start over again.
-
2
Determine the best place to put the septic tank and the drain field. Most counties require soil testing to determine the percolation rate (drainage ability) of the soil as well as to tell what the seasonal water tables are for the property. Local county planning boards and health departments will test and approve the best site for the septic system. County health departments and planning boards will also tell you how deep the septic tank and drain field pipes should be placed. In areas that have poor drainage, sand may need to be brought in and placed in the hole and around the tank so that the septic tank does not become water-logged.
-
-
3
Determine the size of septic tank and drain field that will be needed. Figure 75 gallons of septic tank space per person per day. For example, a family of five would need 75 x 5 gallons or a total septic tank size of 375 gallons. Always play it safe and figure an extra 150 gallons per day to account for visitors and miscellaneous usage. If possible, use a 1,000 gallon tank so the sludge won't have to be pumped out as often.
-
4
Dig the pit for the septic tank with a backhoe or shovel. Digging by hand will take more time but will save $100 to $200. You can also save money by making the pit completely ready for the tank to be dropped in by the person delivering it. Prefab septic tanks start at $600.00 and increase in price depending on the total square feet. Connect the drain pipe going to the drain field either before or after the tank has been placed into the ground.
-
5
The drain field should be at least 10 feet from the residence and from any body of water, such as a pond or river. Dig the drain field trenches, which should be two sections of 50 feet or four sections of 25 feet. A total drain area of 100 feet is required for most septic systems. The trenches should be 3 to 4 feet deep and 3 feet wide. The trench should have a very slight downward slope so that the waste can drain out of the the drain pipe.Once the trenches have been dug, fill the bottom of the trench with 1 foot of gravel or "drainrock."
-
6
Connect the perforated drain pipe to the pipe coming out of the septic tank. Cover the perforated pipe with more gravel and a thin sheet of filter fabric to keep the dirt from filtering down to the drainpipe. Finally, cover the trench with dirt originally removed from the trench.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Follow local county and state guidelines Have the system inspected by the county before covering everything with dirt Have your septic tank pumped every 3 to 5 years
Buy a permit to avoid having to dig up the system later for inspection Don't go cheap on the septic tank. Quality is better than low price.
