A septic tank collects all the waste matter from a household or building so it can be properly and safely stored, then it is redistributed to the necessary areas to be disposed of. Because of the health issues that surround how it is operated, constructing one has to go through a series of regulatory procedures. If the design for making one is developed well and the municipal approves it, this will allow you to go ahead a build one of your own.
Tools required
- Shovel
- Stakes
- Backhoe
- Surveying equipment
- Measuring pole
- Tape measure
Materials required
- PVC glue, piping, and ends
- Sand
- Gravel
- Plastic or cement tank
- Paint brushes
- String
Instructions
- Make a plan that dictates where and how big your septic tank will be. The area where you plan to put it should have sufficient dry land for the drain field.
- Then research the regulations concerning septic systems in your community. You’ll need a member of the community board or someone from a similar post to inspect your septic tank design to have it approved. The design should outline all the structures found on your property, plants, rooms, fences, poles, and power transformers along with the design of the septic tank itself.
- Dig a test pit, and then have the area inspected again so the soil can be tested.
- When you have taken care of all the regulatory aspects, proceed to excavate the area with a backhoe. Examine the excavation to make sure it is done in accordance with the original plan.
- Set up the distribution box, the tank, and the drain field in accordance with the regulations of your community. To do this, you first have to use sand and stones (gravel) to cover the base of the excavated area then install the tank, distribution box, and drain field according to how it is sketched in the plan.
- Attach your new septic tank to your plumbing system. Then run the necessary test to ensure that it was properly installed.
Tips and Warning
- Ensure that all the documents concerning the building of the septic tank are properly signed up and make sure that all the requirements have been inspected and met.
- The slope, direction, depth, flow, and soil type of the land area should be approved by the health department of your area. Make sure you are present most times, if not all when work is being done so you can properly manage and oversee all the operations.
- If the area experiences extremely cold weather, you should make the excavation a lot deeper to prevent freezing.