Can I do this?

Kevin37 · Jun 17, 2004

Opinions greatly appreciated here.
I'm looking at adding a backhoe to my setup and I'm trying to figure out my limitations of use. If I am of average skill with such an implement, will I be able to do my own septic drain field? The pictures and plans all seem so straight forward and simple. Is there more to it then appears? What am I missing?

Kevin

mathteacher · Jun 17, 2004

septic systems are rather easy to put in. There is not much to them. You could do them with a shovel, but I SURE WOULD NOT do that. The problem comes into play is the regulations in your area. When I was building my house I had thought about doing my own but after the regs and the different tests and inspections it was easier to just pay someone that does it for a living.

Donald B.

Freds · Jun 17, 2004

As long as you get some info and permits from your county health board I don't see a problem. Things like size of the field and if the area you are planing on putting it has the proper drainage. You will need to dig a hole for this while the health board guy makes sure that water will drain into the ground and not lay there if your water table is too high or you are on clay. Since you aren't a licensed contractor and they don't *know* you, it may need inspected before you backfill the field.
I can't even change a hot water tank where I live anymore without getting it inspected and having a permit. Good thing it's located in the basement and not in sight. /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

MarkV · Jun 17, 2004

Kevin,
I don't see any reason you could not physically dig and install a septic system. I had an Infiltrator system, plastic domed system with no gravel, put in and it was pretty straightforward. It required trenches that were 3' wide and 3' deep and were dead level. The inspector used a laser to check level. The tank also required careful leveling and was set 1' below grade. The rest of it was running PVC. Not to complicated.

That being said the real question is your local regulations. They vary greatly from place to place. Some areas only let systems be installed by licensed installers and will only approve certain types of systems. Some areas require an engineer to design the system. One of my neighbors put his in and was only allowed to because he was an owner builder and not allowed to sell the house for 1 year. He wished he had hired it out because the inspector was very picky. He felt like it was because he was not a regular installer.

I'd check with the health department and see what your local regulations are. That will tell you a lot about how practical it would be.

MarkV

Skitch · Jun 17, 2004

My wife and I just built a house and hired out the septic system. No less than 5 inspections. I feel sorry for the contracter who did it b/c of all the time he spends waiting for an inspector to show up before he can continue. I also feel sorry for my bottom line for paying him to wait.

If you do decide to go at it your self, may I suggest renting a transom from a local rental store. It will be your best friend and is well worth the cost.

California · Jun 17, 2004

Accomplishing the work shouldn't be difficult but passing inspection may depend on local customs. In some areas the inspectors serve a second purpose, to defend local businesses from competition.

I would evaluate this by talking to local contractors. Then ask the permit agency if it is realistic for owner-built work to pass inspection.

You may decide to do 90% yourself, with a licensed contractor to polish it off and face the inspectors.

rockyridgefarm · Jun 17, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I'm looking at adding a backhoe to my setup and I'm trying to figure out my limitations of use. )</font>

Yeah, be sure to look into all the stuff that was already said AFTER you get the backhoe. You don't want to take a chance at missing out on getting a new hoe!

Kevin37 · Jun 17, 2004

uh-oh......Mike is on to me.... just trying to justify....... don't tell the wife!!
/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

rockyridgefarm · Jun 17, 2004

you want mine to talk to yours? She uses it more than I do...

dummy · Jun 17, 2004

Aside from the local bureaucrats, the only thing you're probably missing out on is depth. On my side of the Potomac, the last couple of septics I saw installed, the fields were set around the 16 to 18 foot mark. Backfill with washed gravel, set piping no more than 5 feet deep, more gravel (6-12"), then fill. And if you need a "sand mound type " system, over here, that means a tracked machine for install. No rubber tired equipment, disturbs the ground too much. So, if that's your justification, you might need a new machine and a hoe.

Check some of the local jobs and ask questions. Your results may vary. One of the local guys got caught 3 weeks ago skipping out on the trench depth (supposed to have been 14 feet but he only dug 6), so do ask more than a couple.

Aside from that, how hard is it??? Pressure lines can go any direction, waste lines usually go downhill and according to Bird (wasn't it )? "Don't bite your nails while working"