DIY Septic System

[boxygen]

Well I'm about to install a brand new septic system at my house primarily using my Mahindra 2415 TLB. Have suitable soils for a typical stone bed system, but I need a new 1000 gallon concrete tank. The existing "system" is out of the way of the new so I dont have to dig up to replace. Should be a fairly straight forward project, digging a hole for new tank and backfilling after it is set and then a lot of loam and stone moving for the leachfield. Should be fun, I will be taking a week off for vacation to get it done.

So, Im interested in seeing and hearing about the ones you guys have done yourselves with your own CUTs. Lets see those photos! I know you guys are out there.

 

[wedge40]

I'll be interested in watching how you do. The idiot who built my house put the septic tank 300' from the house.. Yes I said three hundred FEET. I'll be curious to know things like how deep the hole has to be for the tank and how big the leach field needs to be. I'm guessing the leach field size is dictated by local codes.

Wedge

 

[cowboy357]

I,m not sure what is required in Your area as far as , tanks size & Length of the Leach fieild lines . But I will tell you what I do know about putting in Your own system as I,ve put in several in the last several years .

Make sure & bury the tank deep enough, I would suggest 2 foot deep to the top if You can. So its not an issue driving over it after the ground is settled .

Put Your system as far away from any trees as posable as the Roots will be your major problem in years to come .

Make A collar , Round or Square ring , Preferablly out of concrete that goes over the lids , With a steel lid , Just below grade for easy access to pump it out . & Make sure You know exactlly where they are so You dont have to dig so much come time to have it pumped out .

Best bet is to dig the trenches with a BH , Deeper & wider then they call for , Dont Skimp on the rock/gravel or fill sand around the lines . The amount of slope is also very important . I like to dig a fairlly large pit at the end of each line filled with larger rock just for the heck of it , for better drainage .

When Backfilling Be carefull not to run directlly over any of the pipe Untill well settled . Dont plant grass untill all low spots have also settled . You,ll just have to refill/level & reseed .

Most important fill the septic tank with water before Using at least half or 3/4 full below the outlet . Dumping Spoiled milk down the drains will help start the bacteria action needed to disolve the solids . Before They have a chance to build up .

These are just My opinions, & what has worked for Me after fighting systems installed by so called profesionals . Do it right the first time , Of coarse if You have codes to follow It may be different in your area .

I,m sure others will disagree , Just what worked for Me & severall others that I have helped put systems in over the years . If You have to have the solids pumped more then once every 2 years or so , it aint working right , After pumping allways fill it back up with water at least halfway . best of luck . Bob

 

[jayste]

Around here we are regulated by the department of environmental quality. That is if you let them know and want a state certification. Sometimes required when you sell your property. Anyway, without looking for my drawing of my system I can say that they require at least 100' of leach line per bedroom in your house and that is contingent on whether or not your soil will perc properly.

Jay

 

[tlbuser]

Here's a good link to a tank install http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/45565-septic-tank-installation.html

Lots more info. using a septic search-term.

 

[bjr]

Around here in WA state you don't dig a spoonful a dirt for a septic system without a permit from the local health district and depending on their mood swings you may have hire a engineering company to draw up a design. After proper fees have been paid and most likely the local electrical inspection department for the pump and switches permits and inspections and ground perk test have been performed a licensed contractor may proceed with periodic inspections. With a new home just installed I nearly went out of my head getting permits and inspections done. I wish you luck. bjr

 

[boxygen]

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm well versed in the technical and procedural aspects of the system. I'm a project manager for a high end residential builder by trade. I got the design done last week and of course will get a permit before I start. I was most interested in seeing you overachievers with your tractors doing what most consider impossible with our small tractors. I did do a search but didnt get a lot of good photos.

 

[radioman]

I did do a search but didnt get a lot of good photos.

perhaps you will help in that dept ?

I am interested in follwing this story as well. good luck.

 

[20 20]

installed mine used the envirochamber{sp} for the leachfield, best money I ever spent{atleast for crap }. This stuff is very easy to install and IMO works WAAAAAYYY better then the perforated pipping. Lot less work involved also.

 

[LBrown59]

Around here in WA state you don't dig a spoonful a dirt for a septic system without a permit from the local health district and depending on their mood swings you may have hire a engineering company to draw up a design. After proper fees have been paid and most likely the local electrical inspection department for the pump and switches permits and inspections and ground perk test have been performed
a licensed contractor may proceed with periodic inspections. With a new home just installed I nearly went out of my head getting permits and inspections done. I wish you luck. bjr

This is to keep the contractors in business without any extra compeation.