Septic System Installation 101

Building a new home or need repairs? We've got you covered.

We've been in the septic business for over a decade, so when it comes to the condition of your septic system, Clean Earth is a name you can trust. There are various reasons you may need to have a new system installed:

• New construction
• Renovations that will impact the current septic system
• The old system cannot manage the water flow or consumption for your household
• The current septic system requires extensive repairs, or the tank is cracked and needs replaced
• The tank or drainfield do not successfully filter wastewater and cannot pass inspection

Regardless of the reason you need a new septic system, a septic system installation is a job that needs to be done right. As Chemung County's leading septic repair and installation team, we're happy to handle everything from minor repairs to large installs. We pride ourselves on high quality work and can manage your Chemung County septic system installation from excavation and site prep to building your drainfield, placing your tank, and connecting your piping, filtration and plumbing components.

Before You Install a Septic System

Septic systems rely on permeable soil surrounding the tank to absorb and naturally treat liquid residue so that it doesn’t contaminate runoff water or leak into the water table. This area is known as the drain or leach field. Before installing a septic tank, you’re legally obligated to obtain a percolation or “perc” test. This test confirms the soil meets requirements set by the city and local health department. Usually, the soil is required to have adequate amounts of permeable contents like sand or gravel. Once the land passes the percolation test, you’ll be able to obtain a permit and start the installation process.

Note: If you want to put a septic tank on a piece of land, it must pass the percolation test. We recommend ordering a test before purchasing the land you want to use for residential purposes.

Installing a concrete tank in Elmira, NY.

Excavation + Site Prep

Heavy equipment is needed to excavate the large amount of land necessary for a septic tank, drainfield and/or sandmound system. If you currently reside on the land, make sure to budget landscaping costs to fix any damage incurred during excavation (although we'll do our best to protect your yard as much as possible!). If you’re building a new home, schedule the excavation service at a time when it’ll have minimal impact on the construction process. Typically, this is before paving the driveways and sidewalks, but after the main frame of the home is built.

When you have your perc test and your land has been prepped, you'll need to decide what type of septic system is best for your home or business/property. We can provide guidance to make sure your new system will be the right size and the right type for your needs. There are various systems you can go with, depending on the condition of your soil. Your perc test will offer insight as to what type of system you'll require.

There are also various types of tanks you can install. Everyone's land and soil is different, so we'll take a closer look at your land/soil, your home size and your perc test before we make a recommendation. It's important to weigh the pros and cons of each option, but here are the basics:

• Concrete—Concrete septic tanks are durable and rust-proof but are hard to repair if damaged.
• Plastic—Plastic tanks are cost-effective but prone to damage.
• Fiberglass—Fiberglass septic tanks are stronger than their plastic counterpart but can be shifted or displaced if the water table rises too high.

Once you decide on the type of system you plan to install, our excavating crew can begin the work and get your new septic system working in a matter of days. Be prepared, a septic system is a large investment - but it's worth making sure things are done right. In addition to septic installations, we're happy to provide septic system maintenance, repairs and septic inspections for real estate transactions along with excavation services for all your water or sewer needs. Get in touch today to schedule your next Chemung County septic service or inquire about a septic system installation - our team is standing by.