AFFORDABLE PLUMBING SERVICE IN Fitzwilliam, NH

What Is the Process for Septic Tank Installation in Fitzwilliam?

The process for having a septic tank installed in Fitzwilliam follows a general series of steps, but the process usually begins with an existing septic tank failure, a routine inspection, or the desire to install a completely new septic tank where there isn’t one to begin with. If you are experiencing septic issues, like sewage backing up into your home or yard, this may indicate septic tank failure, which will require a replacement in most cases. A routine inspection may lead our plumber to find cracks or other issues beyond repair, which will also lead to the need for a replacement. 

If you’re beginning construction on a new home, or your current home simply doesn’t yet have a septic tank, it might be time to get one installed for the first time in that area. No matter how you get to the point where you need a new septic tank, the first step is to have our plumber run a soil test to ensure that your soil drains adequately enough to support a septic tank. Septic tanks rely on porous soil that allows water to flow through, and soils with ultra-high concentrations of clay — like many areas in Fitzwilliam — may not be conducive to a septic tank. Soils with plenty of sand or small pebbles, on the other hand, tend to be better suited.

Soils that aren’t quite up to par can be altered to allow a septic tank installation, but this can take some time and extra funds. Once your soil is ready to house a septic system, you will need to obtain a permit application from the Town of Fitzwilliam. Upon approval, our plumbing team can begin the excavation process to either access your existing septic tank or to make room for a new one. This can take anywhere from one day to a week, and it requires the use of heavy machinery to dig deep into your property. 

From here, we can begin the actual work of installing or replacing your septic system, and this can take a couple of days to a couple of weeks, largely depending upon the size of the septic system, the weather, and other such factors. Finally, your newly installed septic tank will have to undergo some testing to ensure that it’s in working order, and then it will be ready to use.

How Does Permitting Work For Installing Septic Tanks In Fitzwilliam?

After deciding to have a new septic tank installed, you will be required to fill out a permit application from the Town of Fitzwilliam. Plumbing projects that don’t require new equipment or fixtures to be installed typically don’t require a permit, such as fixing small leaks or clogs, but most other projects, including septic tank installation, will need a permit. 

Once your application is filled out and submitted, your project site will undergo an inspection by a local expert from the city to ensure that the installation of a septic system will be safe for your family and the surrounding areas. If the city representative approves of your application, you will receive a permit, and our plumbing staff can begin working on installing your septic system.

We understand that the permit application process can be utterly confusing and overwhelming, but we can help you find the right forms and check all the right boxes to help ensure that your application gets approved. 

How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in Fitzwilliam?

Most Fitzwilliam homeowners can expect to pay around $6,000 to have a septic tank installed from start to finish, but you may pay much less or much more depending upon your unique set of circumstances. When tallying the final bill on our end, the three most important factors we consider include the location of the job, the size of the house, and the type of septic system selected.

Location of the Job

Septic tank installation projects that are within or close to the Town of Fitzwilliam tend to cost a bit less than those that are located way out in the country. This is because homes located within the town tend to require our staff to travel shorter distances, which lowers travel time and fuel costs. Homes that are further out require us to spend more time driving and more fuel, and those costs will be passed onto you. 

Size of the House

Homes with more rooms and square feet will need to have larger septic tanks to accommodate their water usage and wastewater generation. Most experts agree that a medium-sized, three-bedroom home should find that a 1,000-gallon septic tank will be adequate, though the actual needs can vary greatly depending upon where you live and how much water you use. 

Fortunately, our plumbers can help you figure out which size of tank you need, but people in larger homes can usually expect to pay more to obtain a larger septic tank and to have it installed on their property. 

Type of Septic Tank

Many people are unaware of the number of different septic tank options one has when deciding to have a new one installed. For starters, you can choose between an anaerobic or aerobic system, but their costs differ significantly. Anaerobic systems are far cheaper, and they rely on bacteria that don’t need oxygen to break down waste. Aerobic systems are significantly more expensive, and they use a pump to supply oxygen to oxygen-loving bacteria so that they can break down the waste within the system.

From there, you can choose from steel, concrete, plastic, or fiberglass, though each come with their own benefits, drawbacks, and pricing.

What Type of Septic Tank Is Best for Residents in Fitzwilliam?

Because there are many types of septic tanks, it can be overwhelming for consumers to try to weigh the pros and cons of each to decide which is right for them. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, though we do recommend that you stay away from steel septic tanks. Steel is a sturdy and strong material for many practical uses, but it can easily corrode when it comes in contact with wastewater regularly. When it comes to the other options, the most common type of septic tank is concrete.

Concrete septic tanks are sturdy and tend to last longer than the other types, but they are also more expensive. They can hold up to pressure well, and they do not corrode as easily as steel ones. They are also susceptible to cracks over time, but regular inspections and maintenance can keep them in working order for several years. 

Fiberglass and plastic septic tanks tend to be less costly, but they usually don’t last as long as concrete septic tanks. They are lightweight and easy to install, and they are also corrosion-resistant. When the time comes to make a choice, you can consult with our plumber to help you make a decision, as the best septic tank for you may differ from what your neighbor needs.

How Often Do Homeowners in Fitzwilliam Need to Have Their Septic Tank Inspected?

Most experts agree that it’s helpful to have your septic tank inspected once every three years to ensure that it stays in excellent working order. Regular inspections can help our plumber detect any cracks or other problems while they are still minor, and they can remedy the situation much more quickly and cheaply than if they are left to worsen. 

Most septic tanks should also be pumped every three years, though your unit may need to be pumped more often if you use more water than average. You can use this Septic Tank Pumping Frequency Guidelines sheet to determine how often you may need to have your system pumped. Having your septic tank pumped helps to dislodge and clean out any grime or accumulated waste that can build up and clog your septic tank. When left too long without intervention, these clogs can create cracks in your septic system or lead to total septic tank failure. In either case, your septic tank will require expensive repairs or replacement, and both can be incredibly costly. 

Preventative maintenance goes a long way for most household fixtures and appliances, but this is especially true when it comes to your home’s septic tank. 

Are There Any Rebates Available for Septic Tank Services in Fitzwilliam? 

Residents of New Hampshire are lucky enough to live in a state that does offer rebates for septic tank services. One such initiative called GET PUMPED! offers residents a $10 rebate for getting their septic systems pumped after they report it to GETPUMPEDNH.com. Regular pumping can help your septic system run more efficiently, and it prevents awful backups and failures that can cost you thousands of dollars to repair. 

This incentive was put into place to encourage residents to get their septic systems pumped regularly, as this can help the city’s wastewater treatment centers run more efficiently, and preventing sewage backups and septic system failure also has plenty of positive environmental effects. You can learn more about this initiative on the New Hampshire Municipal Association website.