You have likely come across this article because you are wondering what you can expect with septic installation at your Tarrytown, NY, home. When you hire a company to install a septic system on your property, they will walk you through what to expect so that you are aware of the process and can prepare. Here, we have compiled some of the expectations that the company installing the septic system may communicate before performing the work.
Related: What To Expect: A Quick Guide To Your New Septic Tank Installation In Armonk And Ardsley, NY
Testing the Soil
The location where the septic system will be installed is important. Since septic systems rely on permeable soil to absorb and treat liquid residue so that runoff water is not contaminated, the soil will need to be tested to ensure that there is enough permeable content within the soil, such as sand or gravel. This test is called the percolation test and follows state regulations to be carried out properly. Before the septic system can be installed, the soil will need to pass this percolation test.
Obtaining a Permit
A permit is needed to have a septic system installed, and this permit is usually issued by the local building inspector after the company doing the work applies for it. The percolation test and a final inspection are both parts of the permit process.
Decommissioning the Old Septic System
If your old septic system is being replaced with a new one, then the old one will need to be decommissioned before the new one can be installed. There are local regulations that will need to be followed, which a licensed professional will be familiar with. This process involves pumping out the sewage in the tank that is being removed. It is important that local regulations are followed to avoid any contamination of the soil that could enter the surface or groundwater.
Excavating for the New Septic Tank
Once the company you’ve hired to install the septic system has received a permit to do so, excavation of the tank site will begin. This area will need to be excavated to a certain size, which is based on the size of the tank that you have chosen. Trenches may need to be dug for pipes as well for your septic installation.
Planning for a Water Outage
You may need to plan on being without water for approximately two to five days. The exact timeframe will depend upon the contractor who is doing the work and the type of septic system that is being installed. To plan for this water outage, you may want to stock up on bottled water for drinking and cooking and make a plan for how and where you will take showers or bathe during this time, in the days leading up to your septic installation.
Understanding a Professional Inspection
The final step is usually the inspection and approval of the septic system before it is covered. Once it has been inspected and approved, the building inspector may issue a certificate of approval and then the company that installed the septic system can cover it with soil and the installation is complete.
