subject: Septic Tanks: Installation Procedures And Costs [print this page] Has your septic tank reached the end of it's shelf life? Are septic tank problems becoming more than you can handle? If that's the case, chances are you need to replace your old tank, with a newer, more effective model before serious problems occur. While this might seem like a daunting task, the procedures aren't all that difficult and while the price is eye-opening on paper, consider that it would be about the same price to purchase and install a new furnace or appliance of similar size and complexity. Here are the steps to take when installing a new septic tank:
Find your current tank: Finding your current tank is important because you want to place your new tank as close to the spot where your current tank is/was placed. This way you don't have to do too much additional piping work, as you can simply use the existing infrastructure and connect it to the new tank.
Dig: Once you've decided on a location for your new tank, get out a shovel and start digging. (Note: Depending on how many people you have helping you, you may need to rent a more heavy-duty piece of digging equipment.) You're going to want to dig a hole that's about four feet deeper than the actual tank itself and you'll want the hole at least one foot wider than the actual tank. Finally, you're also going to want to dig ditches to where you're connection lines will hook up to the septic tank.
Level and fill: It's extremely important that the base of the hole you dig is level. An uneven hole will prevent water from running smoothly which can result in your tank clogging - or worse, overflowing and the sewage and septic tank bacteria spilling all over your property. After leveling off your hole, it's time to put the tank in. If you have enough man power, this can be done manually. However, for bigger tanks, a crane or something that can carry out heavy lifting may be required. Lastly, make sure that you align both the inlet and outlet pieces before you actually set the tank.
Connect: The next step consists of connecting the proper tubing and pieces to the tank. After everything checks out properly, make sure to back fill the ditches, place the cover on the septic tank itself and pack the soil that you dug up back into place. After that, you're good to go.
So now that we've gone over the steps for installation, there's that all important factor of cost. Specifically, how much will having to install a new septic tank cost?
Like most big home projects, the parts are much cheaper than the labor costs for installation. For instance, a 1,000 gallon septic tank, which is the most popular type, would likely cost about 500 pounds. Installation, however, would likely cost at least another 1,300 pounds, but this number could rise considerably based on the area where you need a septic tank installed, the expense of labour and materials in that area and if any special design and engineering is required.
