Septic Installation 

Septic Installation on a Gravity Fed System

There are certain steps to take when installing a gravity fed septic system and we want to talk you through some of the excavation and building details so you have a better understanding of what is going on in the process of getting your new septic system installed properly. We want your system to function like it should and this means we need a "healthy'' flow and functionality to all the parts of the septic system. 

We are also talking about what it looks like to put in a brand new septic system. The process of septc installation is going to be different if we are repairing a system or replacing a system and we will save that for another article in the future. 

Here are some common tools that are used when installing a new gravity fed septic system on your property: 

  • Heavy machinery like a backhoe or excavator
  • Septic fabric 
  • PVC glue and primer
  • 4 inch Schedule 40 PVC pipe and fittings
  • 4 inch ASTM D2729 perforated pipe
  • Distribution box 
  • 4 inch ASTM D3034 pipe and proper fittings
  • 4 inch Schedule 40 vent caps and test caps
  • Washed stone usually 1.5''
  • Using a laser level like a Laser transit and grade pole
  • A hand saw or cordless reciprocating saw for cutting
  • If you need to go through a wall having a Hammer drill and bits will be needed
  • Hydraulic cement for sealing around hole in wall
  • Shovel for digging
  • Silicone Caulk or Con-Seal 
  • Tape measure
  • Septic tank and risers
  • Septic filter if required.


Next step is to figure out in relation to where you want the septic tank to be, where you want to have your connection to the building. You want to make sure that the pipe from the house to the septic tank is going to have enough elevation drop so your waste water will flow properly from the house to the tank. An example would be a 1/4 inch drop for every foot of pipe. Placement of your tank in the ground is going to help determine how much of a drop you can put into your line. When installing a gravity fet septic system you want to have a proper drop in your pipe because gravity is what will be running your system. 

Next we will dig a large hole for the installation of the concrete aerobic tank! 

You will also dig trenches for the pipes leading to and from the septic tank and fill the trench with inch and a half drain rock to go around the pipes. We want to make sure the pipes are fully supported and there is also ample amount of space for flueds to flow away from your system. If ground water is collecting next to your system or on top of your system this can be bad. If on top, your system can fill with water and lose it's function due to the property levels it should have but isn't getting. If ground water becomes a problem you will need to figure out a proper drainage solution to keep your septic system running smoothly. 

The last step is to get your system inspected and then you can backfill everything and be done!