If yours is one of the 25% of U.S. households with a septic system in the yard, you may not think much about where your water goes after it swirls down the drain. But when that system fails, or you are building a new house, you need to know how long it will take to install the new septic tank you will need. You might think a crew can just show up and drop a tank in a hole in one afternoon. However, the reality is more involved. Installing a new septic system is a major construction project that requires patience. It involves heavy machinery, strict rules, and a whole lot of dirt moving.
The Waiting Game Before the Digging Starts
Before the first shovel touches the ground, you must deal with the paperwork and testing phase. This actually takes much longer than the physical digging itself. A local health official usually has to visit your property to perform a percolation test. This checks how fast your soil can soak up water. If your soil is heavy clay, it might take weeks to get the right permit and design approved by your county. You might feel like nothing is happening while you’re waiting. However, this prep work is what keeps your backyard from turning into a soggy mess later on. Once you have that permit in your hand, the sewage system professionals can schedule their arrival.
Heavy Metal and Deep Holes in the Yard
When the crew finally arrives with their excavators and backhoes, the actual installation usually takes three to seven days. On the first day, the team clears the area and begins digging the hole where the concrete or plastic tank will sit. This is a loud and messy process. Your driveway might be blocked by trucks carrying tons of gravel and sand. After the tank is leveled and connected to your home’s main drain line, the workers begin laying out the pipes for the drain field. This is the area where the liquid waste eventually filters back into the earth. If the weather stays dry and the soil is easy to move, a fast crew can sometimes wrap up the main assembly in about three days.
The Final Inspection and Closing the Gap
Even after the pipes are all connected, the crew cannot just cover everything up with dirt and leave. A government inspector must come out to verify that every pipe is sloped correctly and that the tank is buried at the right depth. If the inspector is busy, your yard might stay open for an extra day or two while everyone waits for the final thumbs up. After the inspection is finished, the team uses their machines to backfill the holes and smooth out the soil. They will usually spread straw or seed over the area to stop erosion. But your lawn will still be a brown patch for a while. Expect your yard to be a construction zone for about a week in total. If you live in Muncie, IN or a surrounding area and need septic tank installation services, make your first call to Happy & Clean Septic Rescue.
