How to Choose the Best Place to Put Your Septic Tank

If you’re building a new home that won’t have access to a municipal sewer system, you’ll need to install a septic system—but where is the best place to put one on your property in Strafford County, NH? Depending on your property type and layout, certain areas may be better than others. While the best way to figure out where to put your septic tank is to consult with a septic contractor, the following information should help you get a better sense of ideal septic tank placement.

What your septic system requires

First and foremost, you and your building contractors should consult local laws to determine how they’ll affect your septic tank installation. Some municipalities have very specific guidelines as to how far away a septic system must be placed from other structures, landmarks and natural features.

Once you’ve learned whether you’re limited by local laws, you must consider the septic system’s requirements. Most septic tanks need to be buried in at least eight feet of soil. (Some “low boy” systems only need to be buried four feet deep, while advanced systems might be placed entirely above ground. Your septic tank requirements will depend on what kind of system you choose.)

It’s usually best to place your septic tank on or below level ground, which helps prevent flooding and seepage. In fact, if you can place your septic tank on high, non-flooding ground, so much the better. You’ll also need to avoid structures, utility lines and plumbing.

Soil quality is another important factor. Not only will you be burying your tank, but it also impacts your drain field. The soil should be sturdy enough that your tank won’t shift, even when the ground is wet, but it also needs to be absorbent enough to function as a leach field. In most cases, sandy, undisturbed soil is best, especially when compared to clay and other dense soil types.

Generally, septic tanks should be buried at least 10 feet away from your building, and downhill from the structure whenever possible. This helps discourage an overfull tank from leaking and sending sewage into your building. Some contractors might suggest placing the tank even farther from the building—just keep in mind that this will increase the cost of piping from the building to the tank.

Choosing a drain field location

When you’re determining where to place your septic tank, remember that you’ll need to install a leach field as well. Leach fields use the soil as a “filter” to treat the wastewater, then return it to the groundwater supply. Choose a location where you will not be placing structures or driving, as heavy objects like buildings and cars can damage the drain field.

Ultimately, your biggest concerns should be adequate space and an appropriate soil type for digging and the leach field. Working with a good septic contractor will help you narrow down the best septic tank placement on your Strafford County, NH property, especially if you haven’t already started building your structures. Call B.H. Cameron Septic Services LLC to get started.

Categorised in: Septic Tank

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