Why a Homeowner Should Never Handle a DIY Septic Tank Installation in Armonk, NY

July 26, 2021 Halstead Media Group

A septic system is an integral part of the healthy function of your Armonk, NY, home, and that is why having professional installation is key to maintaining exceptional waste removal. As a homeowner, there are some things that are okay to DIY, but septic installation is not one.

Why is a septic system important?

A septic system is important because it is necessary to long-term removal of household waste. When the septic system is not properly maintained, the pipes can clog and cause waste backup into the home. Should the drain field stop absorbing or become clogged, your septic professional will have to locate a new place for the drain field which is not always possible. If that should happen, you might need an entirely new septic system which is costly.

How does a septic system work?

When you flush the toilet or wash a load of clothes, whatever goes down the drain must go somewhere. The waste flows through the pipes from your house to spill into the septic tank.

The septic tank is an airtight fiberglass structure that holds all the waste. The solids fall to the bottom where they are decomposed by beneficial microorganisms. The middle layer is the watery fluids that flow from the tank to the drain field where they slowly seep back into the ground. The top layer is grease and oils that don’t decompose and float there indefinitely until the tank is pumped.

The entire septic system is eco-friendly and relies only on gravity to work with no electricity at all.

Septic Tank Installation

The process of septic tank installation can involve an intricate understanding of land excavation and proper placement within a property.

Obtain a septic permit from the county health department.
Design the proper septic system for your home size and terrain characteristics.
Have the soil tested for septic compatibility with a perc test which is a test to see how well water drains on your property. The perc test determines if your lot is suitable for a septic system.
Inspectors from the health department must inspect the perc test and soil and approve the system before you can begin any installation.
With an excavator, you must dig a hole large enough to hold the septic tank which will be buried. You must also dig trenches for the pipes which come out of the house and connect to the tank as well as locate where the drain field will go.
The health inspector must approve the entire system before the electricity can be hooked up to your home. They will be looking for any health hazards that could hurt your family.

It is easy to see how complex a septic system is to install and how critical it is to the health and well-being of your family. For a septic system to work well for many years requires expert installation.

When you need a septic system installation or septic repair, the wisest choice is to locate a professional with extensive experience in excavation and septic installation. Safety compliance and approval from the county health department can assure you that your system is in perfect working order and should stay that way for many years to come.