Septic: From A to Z

Replacing Your Septic Tank

Replacing and upgrading your septic tank can be a necessary step when your current unit has suffered substantial damage or experienced major wear. Making sure that you are informed enough to effectively oversee this upgrade can be a necessary step in allowing you to avoid potential problems, mistakes, and delays during this work. 

The Previous Septic Tank Will Need To Be Emptied And Excavated

The first step in replacing your septic tank system will be to remove the previous tank. To start this process, the septic contractor will need to thoroughly empty the system so that the heavy water and solid waste that is in it will not add to the weight of the tank. Once this has been done, the contractor will be able to excavate the soil from around the tank so that it can be lifted out of the ground.

The Previous Drainfield May Need To Be Replaced

The drainfield is the portion of the septic system that is able to allow the water from the tank to be safely emptied into the surrounding ground. This is done by spreading the wastewater over a large area. Unfortunately, changing the septic tank can also lead to a need to replace the drainfield. This is especially common when you are upgrading to a septic tank system that has a much higher capacity. Without an upgraded drainfield, these units may struggle to reliably empty their wastewater. A septic contractor can offer assistance with estimating the current capacity and condition of your drainfield to determine whether this component also needs to be upgraded.

The Depth Of The Septic Tank And Drainfield Will Have A Large Impact On Overall Performance

During the installation process, it is important to make sure that the drainfield and septic tank are buried deep enough. The depth of these components can impact the protection that these components enjoy. Additionally, the soil can act as insulation that will minimize the chances of water freezing in the tank or the drainfield. This could create obstructions that may cause your plumbing to back up, and the pressure from the water expanding as it turns to ice can crack the tank or drainfield pipes. If you ever notice that the soil is eroding from where the septic tank is installed, arranging for supplemental topsoil to be placed on top of it can help to prevent it from being far more likely to freeze when cold weather arrives.

Contact a local septic service to learn more about septic installation.


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