Project Overview
This scope covers septic system installation including site evaluation, permitting, excavation, tank and drain field installation, piping, and system testing. Applicable to new installations and full system replacements.
Typical Projects Include:
- New construction septic system
- Full septic system replacement
- Drain field replacement or expansion
- Septic tank replacement
- System upgrade to meet new regulations
- Alternative system installation (mound, aerobic, etc.)
Scope of Work
Site Evaluation & Permitting
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Soil / Perc Test | Conduct soil percolation test to determine drainage rates and suitability for a drain field. |
| System Design | Design the septic system (tank size, drain field layout) based on soil conditions, home size, and local requirements. |
| Permits | Submit plans and obtain all required septic permits from the local health department. |
Installation
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| Excavation | Excavate for the septic tank, distribution box, and drain field lines. |
| Tank Installation | Set the septic tank on a level base. Connect inlet and outlet piping. |
| Drain Field | Install drain field piping, gravel bed, and filter fabric per approved design. |
| Piping Connections | Connect the house sewer line to the tank and the tank to the distribution system. Test for leaks. |
Testing & Closeout
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
| System Test | Fill the tank with water and run the system to verify proper flow and no leaks. |
| Inspection | Schedule and pass health department inspection before backfilling. |
| Backfill & Grading | Backfill all excavations, grade the site for proper drainage away from the system, and restore the yard. |
Timeline & Milestones
Typical timeline for a residential septic installation. Permitting and soil testing can add significant time.
| Phase | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Site Evaluation & Permits | 2-6 weeks | Soil testing, system design, and permit approval. |
| Excavation & Installation | 2-5 days | Dig, set tank, install drain field, and connect piping. |
| Testing & Backfill | 1-3 days | System test, inspection, backfill, and site grading. |
Roles & Responsibilities
Property Owner
- •Provide access to the property and clear the work area
- •Mark or identify existing utilities and underground features
- •Approve system design and any scope changes
- •Process payments per the agreed schedule
Septic Contractor
- •Coordinate soil testing and system design
- •Pull all required septic permits
- •Supply and install all materials and equipment
- •Schedule and coordinate health department inspections
- •Backfill, grade, and restore the site after installation
Materials & Equipment
Tank & Distribution
- •Septic tank (concrete, fiberglass, or poly)
- •Distribution box or manifold
- •Risers and access lids
- •Effluent filter
Drain Field
- •Perforated drain pipe
- •Drain field gravel or chambers
- •Filter fabric
- •Distribution piping
Piping & Accessories
- •PVC sewer pipe and fittings
- •Pipe glue and sealant
- •Cleanouts and inspection ports
Quality Control Standards
Health Department Compliance
System designed and installed per local health department regulations.
Proper Slope
All piping installed with correct slope for gravity flow.
Leak-Free System
Tank and all connections tested and verified leak-free before backfilling.
Safety Protocols
Excavation Safety
Follow OSHA trenching requirements. Use shoring or sloping for excavations over 5 feet deep.
Utility Locates
Call 811 or local utility locating service before any excavation. Verify all underground utilities are marked.
Equipment Safety
Use spotters when operating excavators near structures. Maintain safe distances from all personnel.
Project Documentation
- Signed contract and scope of work
- Soil / perc test report
- Approved septic system design
- Permit and inspection records
- As-built drawing showing system location
- Maintenance guidelines for the homeowner
Financial Terms
Payment Structure
Payments tied to milestones — deposit at signing, progress payment after tank is set, final payment after inspection and site restoration.
Terms & Conditions
- •Deposit due at contract signing (typically 25-40%)
- •Progress payment due after tank installation
- •Final payment due after inspection and site restoration
- •Change orders require written approval
- •Payment due within 30 days of invoice
Acceptance Criteria & Sign-Off
The project is considered complete when the following criteria are met:
- 1Septic tank installed, level, and leak-free
- 2Drain field installed per approved design
- 3All piping connected and tested
- 4Health department inspection passed
- 5Site backfilled, graded, and restored
- 6Homeowner has received system maintenance guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions
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