This is part 3 of 4 in this blog post series. Please first review Wastewater 101 and Wastewater 102.
Essentially you have 3 parts to getting a new (or upgraded system).
1. Design work
2. Installation
3. Maintenance
This blog post discusses the Installation work.
Once you have your certified design package, it’s time to get your installer to quote you the cost to install according to the design. If you don’t already have an installer, let me know and I will forward you my list of Trusted Installers.
Hopefully you already browsed Wastewater 101 blog post where I mention the importance of choosing a good installer. Unfortunately with septic installations, there are easy ways to cut corners. Bad installers know where they can cut these corners, and then the whole system is buried and its difficult for you to see or know exactly what happened.
The installation must be completed as per the design. There are some options when it comes to models of pumps, tanks, filters, etc that can be discussed between the homeowner and installer. Remember that there are always different qualities of components, and you really get what you pay for. Pumps are a perfect example. A high quality pump such as a High Head Turbine pump costs a little more up front, but can last you 15 years or more. And they can be rebuilt usually for under $200. Centrifugal pumps, however, are cheaper up front but you might replace them every 5 years. So, in the long run, a high head turbine pump is less expensive and less maintenance.
A typical installation takes 3-7 days, depending on the complexity. Some materials will need to be imported such as washed sand, washed gravel, or berming material (loam) to complete the project.
A good installer will show you the basics of how it works, what to do when you hear an alarm, where the components are located, and should provide you with a homeowners manual with the basics of how to take care of your system and general maintenance.
Check out the next part (Wastewater 104: Maintenance) in this blog post series.
