New Installations, Upgrades and Replacement of all Types of Septic Systems

Need a septic system for your home or business?
Need to replace an existing system?

The first thing to know: it's a process.

And we are here to help every step of the way.

When you are ready to install or replace a septic system give us a call or shoot us an email. We can handle the entire process for you. From the initial meeting to the final sign-off, we take care of everything.

Can I have it installed today? How about tomorrow?

Probably not. As we mentioned above, it's a process and there are many variables and pieces to the puzzle that will have to be put into place. You will be living with this system for many years to come so we handle every step with care. A typical installation will happen something like this:

Step 1

Select Tri-County Septic to Install Your System. If necessary we will meet with you to look at the property or discuss any special requirements, determine your local permitting authority, and provide you with a packet containing all of the required forms and paperwork.

Step 2

Have a site evaluation completed by a licensed Sanitarian. They will will design a system that meets the requirements of the local permitting authority. We will review these recommendations with you to determine the type of system that will work best for you.

Step 3

Start gathering your paperwork and information for your application. Examples of items that may be required include your deed, or a contract for deed, the official 911 address, directions from a major road, a survey of the property with metes and bounds, a Floodplain Development Permit, a Site Evaluation, design and technical information sheet and the application.

Step 4

Did we mention paperwork? You may also need a signed affidavit, maintenance contract and Aerobic Wastewater Treatment Systems Homeowners Information form signed by the landowner.

Step 5

An “Authorization to Construct” permit that will be issued after your application is reviewed and approved by the Permitting Authority.

Step 6

When all forms and documents are approved we will review the system with you, order the system from the manufacturer and start scheduling the installation.

Step 7

Installation and inspection. Septic tanks are very heavy and require large equipment to move and handle. Weather will play a key role in how soon your system can be installed. Most systems can be installed in one day once it is delivered. Others may take longer.

Step 8

We arrange for local permitting Authority to inspect and sign off on the installation.

Step 9

Finally, your system is in the ground and approved! We will go over the operation, maintenance, including how to add chlorine, and any other questions you have. All systems are warrantied for two years from the date of the installation (not the date you move into your house). Take good care of your system and it should last for years to come.

Step 10

Contact Tri-County Septic if you have any questions or need maintenance.

Septic installation packets with instructions and required paper work can be found here.

A few more details about your septic system install.

It's never too soon.

If you have not begun construction of your house you will want to give careful consideration to the placement of your home on your property. A home that is to be built on sloping ground would be best sited above the proposed absorption field. Most regulations require conventional absorption fields to be located at least 5 feet from your property line, though this requirement will vary by locality. Many localities now require aerobic systems for almost all new houses. Even in situations where a conventional system has been operating for many years, once the system fails, you may be required to install an aerobic system. Aerobic systems allow for the installation of an on-site sewage disposal system in situations where you would not otherwise be allowed to install a septic system at all. In North Texas there is a strong trend on the part of permitting agencies to require the installation of aerobic systems in most situations. A strong plus for aerobic systems is the reduced potential for environmental impact.

Evaluating your site.

To determine if you will be required to install an aerobic system and to determine the size of your storage tanks and absorption field, characteristics of your soil will need to be evaluated by a professional engineer. The engineer will be assessing your soil's ability to cleanly process the waste water that flows from your absorption field. Typically he or she will be looking at the proposed absorption field's proneness to flooding or ponding, depth to bedrock or cemented pan, depth to the high water table, the ability of the soil to permeate or release water, density of large stones, and slope. To get this information the engineer will have several holes dug in the proposed absorption field and will run tests. This information will be used to determine if an aerobic system is required or if you can install a conventional system. If a conventional system is authorized, the engineer will evaluate the number of bedrooms in the proposed floor plan and will use this information together with the soil characteristic data to determine the size of the tanks and absorption field that needs to be installed.

Getting the permit.

You, your builder, or your septic installation contractor will need to apply for a permit. Typically these are issued by authorized permitting agencies of the state. In most states authorized permitting agencies are at the county level, often at the County Board of Health. In localities where aerobic systems are virtually universally required, you may be required to personally file the permit application. This is because you will be personally involved in running an active waste treatment plant and the local authorities want to make certain that you understand the maintenance steps you will need to perform to keep your system operating effectively. The typical application package will include the results of the professional engineer's site evaluation, a property plan showing location of the proposed dwelling, driveway, sewage lines, tanks, and absorption field, and any ponds, tanks or adjacent lakes. The application will also require a floor plan for the site, indicating rooms, closets, and total heated/air conditioned floorspace. It will also include several copies of the proposed design of the septic system and a map showing the property location. There will probably also be a requirement for a floodplain certificate, and the identification of a suitable second absorption field, should the initial absorption field fail at some future time and need to be replaced.

Permit acceptance or modification.

Your local permitting agency will review your permit and determine if the proposed design meets local codes and regulations. If not, the application will be disapproved and you will be notified about any required design changes. In some instances you may be required to change from a proposed conventional system to an aerobic system. In these instances you will be required to resubmit your application. An additional application fee may also be required.

You're almost there.

Once the septic construction permit has been issued, construction may begin. Usually the regulating authority will require that all or part of the construction be performed by a certified septic contractor. After the system is in the ground, but before the system is completely covered it will be inspected by the local permitting authority. After that inspection, it will be covered and smoothed. You are now ready to use your new system.

How Can We Serve You?

Ready to start the process for a new or replacement septic system?

Call us today.

903-285-5255