Installation is Always a Big, Involved Project, So Consider These Tips
A septic tank installation is always a big undertaking, so septic system preparation by the homeowner or business owner is very important. It takes some planning and thinking ahead, and there are some tasks to complete before the actual installation even occurs.
Here at Montgomery Sanitation Services, Inc., in Christiansburg, VA, we never want to catch our cherished customers unaware. This month, we want to give a few things to understand and think about before getting a septic system installation on your property.
Know Your Local Regulations and Obtain a Permit
The famous business tycoon Warren Buffett once said, “Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing.” If you don’t know your local regulations pertaining to septic system installation, you definitely risk heavy fines and penalties. It is important that you, as the homeowner or business owner, understand this from the outset of the project. Each municipality has specific variations on septic system regulations. Make sure to call your local government office to learn what you need to know. The sanitation service you hire for the installation will also understand these regulations, so they can help decipher them for you.
You will also need to obtain a permit for your septic system installation. You can get a permit from your local government office, or the sanitation service you hire can obtain one for you and add it to the cost to your installation bill. According to This Old House, permit prices do vary from state to state, but they usually average around $200. The Virginia Department of Health reports that a Virginia permit for a septic system that handles less than or equal to 1,000 gallons per day costs $225.
What to Do As the Installation Project Approaches
The first thing you need to do, obviously, is find a dependable, expert sanitation service, such as Montgomery Sanitation Services, Inc., to handle the installation. Please remember, though, that sanitation services don’t expedite most septic system installations. They have other projects in line before you, so it may take awhile for them to get to your installation.
Steps to Prepare Your Property for Septic Installation
But as the job approaches, you have some planning to do. Installing a septic tank and the other system components on your property is not an “hour-and-done” project. This will take some time and some work. You need to fully prepare yourself for the sanitation service to perform a big, involved task at your home or business.
- A septic system installation can be a loud project. Depending on the layout of your property and the location of the installation, the equipment can also take up a lot of room. This could be a bother to your neighbors. Make sure to tell all of your neighbors about the upcoming installation project. Let them know when it will start and when the sanitation service projects will end.
- When installing a septic tank and other septic system components, the sanitation service must turn off the water to your property. You will need to plan accordingly. It will be important to stock up on drinking water. Get more than you think you will need, especially if the weather may get hot or you have young children or older adults in your household.
- You will not be able to use the toilet or shower, either. Make a plan for this, too. Whether you have family members or close friends living nearby, or you get a portable toilet for your property, have viable options ready. Don’t just hope for the best here. You may even consider staying somewhere else for the duration of the installation project.
- Take time to learn about proper septic tank maintenance. There are a lot of things that you can do as the homeowner or business owner to make certain that your septic system operates at peak efficiency. Study up online before your septic system installation so that you understand everything that you need to do from the outset of its use.
- As the first day of the installation approaches, clear the area of any debris, lawn furniture, or any other objects. Clear a large path to the area for the sanitation service’s workers and equipment, too. Make sure everything is far out of the way or safely stored. This will help the sanitation service, too, as they will be able to immediately get to work on the job.
- Ask the sanitation service to provide a drawing or diagram of where everything is after the installation. This will make it much easier to locate the septic tank, the drain field, and other components in the years to come. You will know where you can place heavy objects in your yard, and you will know where you can park cars. And 10 or 15 years from now, you won’t have to depend on “I think it’s right about here somewhere.”
What Will the Sanitation Service Do Beforehand?
You should also understand what the sanitation service will do prior to your septic tank installation. The installation crew will come to your property beforehand. They will go over the ground to find the best place for the septic tank and drain field. They will discuss your needs with you so they can know exactly what kind of septic system to install. Our team will also perform a soil test to make sure your property can support a septic tank and drain field. If the ground is good, the installation can proceed as planned. If not, the process may involve some other steps.
We are the Septic Tank Experts for the New River Valley
When you need a septic tank installation, call our team at Montgomery Sanitation Services, Inc. We are the New River Valley’s septic system experts. We can also handle maintenance, repairs, and so much more. Our team strives every day on every job to give our customers the professional, efficient work and courteous customer service they deserve. Our team also takes care of the rest of your property while providing your septic tank installation and repairs. Whether you live in Christiansburg, Blacksburg, Radford, Montgomery County, or in the New River Valley, we are here for you. Contact us today for a free estimate on your septic system installation.
For more information on ways to prepare for a septic system installation, call Montgomery Sanitation Services, Inc., today at (540) 382-2205. Like us on Facebook for updates and more! Let us work together with you on your septic system preparation.