Building A New Rural Home? 3 Things To Know When Planning A Septic System Installation

With more workers now able to perform their jobs remotely, some people are opting to leave the cities behind in search of a quieter rural lifestyle. For many of these adventurers, purchasing land and building a home is part of the relocation plan. If the rural property where the home is being constructed is not connected to a public sewer system, the building plan will need to include the installation of an on-site septic system.  

Those who are new to the idea of owning and managing their own septic system can use the following information to become more familiar with some of the requirements of installing a new septic system on their property. 

State and county regulations 

Before ground can be broken to begin the installation process for the new septic system, rural property owners must fully understand all state and local regulations that will apply. This information can usually be obtained through both the county health department where the land is located and state offices that govern public health or protect natural resources, such as the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) for the state or the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 

Site testing 

In many states, property owners are required to have specific tests performed to ensure that the soil in the area where the septic system will be located is suitable for the project. One commonly used test for this purpose is a percolation test, often called a perc test, which measures how well the soil absorbs moisture. If the soil cannot absorb a specific amount of moisture within a set time frame, the site will be deemed unsuitable for the construction of some types of septic systems and the property owner will need to either choose another location or consider an alternate type of septic system. 

Permits and licensing

In order for an on-site septic system to function correctly and be safe for the environment, it must be correctly designed, sized, and constructed for the specific location and the waste disposal needs of the household that it will serve. In most states, property owners must apply for a permit and utilize a licensed septic system installation contractor to perform the work. Inspections of both the initial site and varying points in the construction process may also be required. 

If you have purchased land for the purpose of building a rural home or plan to do so soon, contacting a reputable, licensed septic system installation contractor is a good way to get the information you need to handle your future home's on-site waste disposal needs. 

Contact a local septic tank installation service, such as Metroplex Royal Flush LLC, for more information.