How to Install a Septic System

A septic system collects the waste and wastewater from the house, breaks it down into a liquid and then deposits the liquid into a drain field. Before you begin to install a septic system, you must draw up plans and have the plans approved by your local health officials. You must also check with county officials for any required permits.

Items Needed:

• Septic system plans


• Spray paint or marker flags


• String


• Backhoe


• Measuring tape


• Level


• Concrete septic tank


• Crane


• Gravel


• Perforated pipe


• Septic tank risers

Instructions

1. Refer to your septic system plans and mark off the excavation areas with bright spray paint or flags and string.


2. Call the utility companies before you dig to make sure there are no buried lines.


3. Rent a backhoe or hire a heavy equipment operator to dig the hole and trenches.


4. Measure the height and width of the septic tank and dig the hole about 2 feet larger than the tank measurements.


5. Remove any large rocks from the hole and level the bottom of the hole.


6. Position the concrete septic tank into the hole by lowering it in with a crane. If a company delivers your tank, they may set the tank in for you.


7. Check the position of the tank and make sure that it fits securely in the hole.


8. Connect the sewer pipes coming from the house to the concrete septic tank.


9. Dig the drain field trenches about 4 to 6 feet deep and 6 feet apart with the backhoe. 


10. Place 2 to 3 feet of gravel into the bottom of each trench.


11. Place the perforated pipe on top of the gravel in the trenches.


12. Connect the perforated pipes to the septic tank.


13. Place another layer of gravel on top of the perforated pipes and push the dirt backfill on top of the gravel. 


14. Attach septic tank risers to the top of the tank to allow access for maintenance.


15. Place the dirt backfill around the septic tank and cover the tank with backfill, but do not cover the risers.