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Key Things To Consider When Designing A Septic System

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When you are building or remodeling, you probably are not going to think about the septic system right away. But this is one of the most important parts of your house. There are several things to think about when designing your septic system. Everyone wants their bathrooms, laundry, and kitchen sinks to work properly.

There are several types of septic systems to choose from. When designing the perfect system for your house, you need to consider the following:

  • State regulations for septic system designs.
  • The size of the septic tank you will need.
  • The terrain of your property.
  • What kind of drain field your system will need.
  • Where the septic system will be located.

Washington State Septic System Regulations

Septic systems can have a serious impact on nearby water sources. Following state regulations will help protect everyone’s health. Having a properly designed system prevents sewage from leaking into the groundwater. Make sure the person designing your septic system understands all of the state regulations.

What Size Septic Tank Do You Need?

The size of your septic tank is based on how many bedrooms are going to be in the house. For a single-family house, the smallest septic tank allowed by law holds 900 gallons of liquid. This is for a three bedroom or smaller house.

A house with four bedrooms must hold 1000 gallons of liquid. In houses with more than four bedrooms, for each bedroom, the septic tank must be able to hold an additional 250 gallons of liquid. So a house with six bedrooms needs a septic tank that can hold 1500 gallons of liquid.

A septic tank that is too small will fill up quickly and could send wastewater back into the house. No one wants to clean up that situation.

Consider The Terrain Of Your Property

The slope of your property makes an impact on your septic system. The slope of the ground affects how water moves through the soil. Installing your septic system at the bottom of a hill can create problems for you later.

If the drain field or septic tank is flooded by groundwater or runoff after a storm, the system can back up into the house. A level area is an ideal place for your septic system.

You also have to look at the soil on your property. Some types of soil will treat the wastewater better than others. The type of soil may affect what kind of drain field you can install on your property.

What Kind Of Drain Field Is Best For Your Septic System?

There are several different types of drain fields to choose from. Wastewater leaving the septic tank still needs treatment. This happens in the drain field. The water continues to be treated as it moves through the soil.

If you have a level area with well-draining soil, a conventional drain field will work for your system. If your soil is hard, you may need to check other options.

When there is a high water table, the wastewater does not get enough treatment from a conventional drain field before it joins the groundwater. This can make people and animals sick. If the water table in your area is high, you will need to use a mound system for your drain field.

Where Is The Best Place For Your Septic System?

This is an important thing to consider while you are designing your septic system. Again, the slope of the land matters. Also, consider where you will want to have a driveway or outside structures.

Drain fields will be damaged if anything heavy is put on top of them. Make sure your drain field will not be driven over. No structures or playground equipment should be put on top of the drain field. Be careful where you plant trees. Landscaping with large root systems can disrupt and damage your drain field or septic tank.

Septic tanks need to be pumped every three to five years for proper maintenance. You want to have your system where it can be easily accessed. Proper maintenance keeps your land healthy and saves money in the long term.

All Septic & Sewer Can Help You With Your Septic System

There are many things to think about when designing your septic system. Making sure you have the right size septic tank, and system location will keep everything running smoothly.

With over 20 years of experience, we can install and provide top-quality maintenance for your septic system. Contact us today for more information. Make sure to follow us on Facebook for updates!

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