Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Is the Process for Septic Tank Installation in Weatherford?
- 2 How Does Permitting Work for Installing Septic Tanks in Weatherford?
- 3 How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in Weatherford?
- 4 What Type of Septic Tank Is Best For Residents in Weatherford?
- 5 How Often Do Homeowners in Weatherford Need to Have Their Septic Tank Inspected?
What Is the Process for Septic Tank Installation in Weatherford?
Over one in five U.S. households utilize onsite septic systems for the treatment of their wastewater. Septic systems differ from large centralized sewer systems. They are designed to treat the relatively low levels of sewage generated by individual homes or businesses in rural or suburban areas. When functioning correctly, septic systems help maintain water quality and protect public health in regions that do not utilize a centralized sewer system.
However, the process of installing a septic system in Weatherford can seem somewhat complex, especially if you’ve never done it before. The reason is that it is not as simple as purchasing a system and quickly installing it. Instead, every case is individual. A licensed professional from the city must inspect your home to determine the appropriate size and type of system for your needs to begin the installation process. Factors that will be considered during this process include the size of your family, the location of your property, and the type of soil you have. Once you have this information, you will apply for a permit to begin installing your septic system.
In Weatherford, the Parker County Health Department will be responsible for installing and maintaining all septic systems within city limits. Therefore, you will need to reach out to this organization to begin installing a new septic system. If you have specific questions about your project or permit, you can contact the Parker County Health Department at (817) 598-6175.
How Does Permitting Work for Installing Septic Tanks in Weatherford?
Because the proper installation of septic systems is vital for public health and safety, most areas across the United States, including Weatherford, will require you to apply for a permit before the process can begin. In Weatherford, you must submit your permit to the Parker County Permitting Department. There are two different types of permits you may need to submit, depending on the type of septic system you would like to install on your property.
The first type is a Conventional Septic Permit. For this application, you must provide details from the site and soil evaluation that a plumber like Mr. Blue Plumbing performed. Our plumber will also provide you with a design for the septic system, which you must submit for approval from the permitting department. Finally, you will need to provide either a copy of your land survey or a copy of the plat, including your property’s lot size and legal description. This permit has a fee of $320.
If our plumber determines that you require an aerobic septic system rather than a conventional one, you will need to apply for the Aerobic Septic Permit. This application has all the exact requirements as the Conventional Septic Permit and a few additional requirements. You must be able to provide a service contract that you have signed with a maintenance provider like Mr. Blue Plumbing. This contract must include contact information for both you and our experts. Additionally, you must submit a certified affidavit to the public. This permit has a fee of $320.
Regardless of which permit you apply for, the Parker County Permitting Department has 30 days to approve or deny your application. If approved, your permit will be issued following the guidance of the State of Texas Health Laws and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s On-Site Sewage Facilities Laws.
How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in Weatherford?
Septic tank installation costs in Weatherford can vary widely depending on several factors. Typically, prices will range from approximately $2,000 to $6,000, with homeowners paying roughly $4,500 on average. However, several significant factors may influence the cost of the septic tank installation.
Cost Factor: The Size of Your Household
Homes with more occupants will require a more extensive septic system, as they will generate higher amounts of wastewater every day. Every person will, on average, use up to 100 gallons of water daily. The activity that uses the most household water every day is flushing the toilet. As such, homes with more people must have a more extensive septic system to accommodate higher water usage levels. The number of bedrooms in the house is generally used to measure how large the septic system will need to be.
Cost Factor: The Type of System
There are two main subcategories of septic tanks: aerobic and anaerobic. Aerobic systems are pretty standard in Weatherford and will typically be more expensive. They aerate the septic tank by using an air pump, which will enable more bacteria to enter and feed on the waste. These systems are very efficient.
In contrast, anaerobic systems are more affordable but less efficient. Because the septic tank is not aerated, the only bacteria present do not require oxygen. The lower numbers of bacteria mean that it takes longer to break down the solid waste.
Cost Factor: The Material Used
Many types of material may be used for a septic tank. Standard options include concrete, plastic, and fiberglass. Each available material has different properties and comes at various price points, with the optimal material depending heavily on your unique needs. Plastic septic tanks are one of the more affordable options but may break under pressure. Concrete septic tanks are the most common option. They are slightly more expensive than plastic but have a much longer lifespan.
What Type of Septic Tank Is Best For Residents in Weatherford?
Typically, wastewater from plumbing fixtures such as the toilet or shower will travel through a septic tank, eventually moving through a drain field to be treated in the soil. There are many different types of treatment processes that a septic system may utilize. The best option for residents of Weatherford will depend on several factors, as there is no universal choice that will work for everyone. As we discussed above, points of consideration for choosing the best septic system will include soil quality, the size of your lot, and the size of your home.
Although it is challenging to determine the best type of septic system for every resident of Weatherford, we should note that aerobic systems are one of the most popular options throughout the state of Texas. They are common enough that they are one of just two options available on the permit application for Weatherford. Aerobic systems are very similar to municipal sewage plants but on a smaller scale. They are ideal for homes with tiny property sizes or poor soil conditions — especially in the heavy clay soil in Texas — and homes located close to a larger body of water, which may become contaminated by improperly treated wastewater.
The other most popular option in Weatherford is a conventional system. Conventional systems pair a septic tank with a gravel-filled trench known as a drain field. Wastewater from the septic tank will pump through this trench, filtering through the gravel before reaching the soil. Once in the ground, the wastewater will encounter microbes that will treat it further.
As their name suggests, conventional systems are a prevalent choice. However, they are not ideal for smaller lots or homes with poor soil, which are common in Weatherford. Essentially, you will likely require a traditional system if you have a larger home with good soil conditions and an aerobic system if you live on a smaller lot with poor soil conditions. A site and soil evaluation will clarify the best septic tank for your unique needs.
How Often Do Homeowners in Weatherford Need to Have Their Septic Tank Inspected?
The proper maintenance of septic systems is vital for public health and safety and can also save you significant amounts of money over time. Although regular maintenance of these systems can cost up to $500 every few years, the cost of repairing or entirely replacing a broken septic tank can cost thousands of dollars. When a septic system malfunctions, it also significantly lowers your property value.
Because septic systems function to remove harmful pollutants, bacteria, and viruses, any type of malfunction can be dangerous for you, your neighbors, and the environment. If your septic system fails, improperly treated sewage may begin leaking into the groundwater, which will cause contamination. This contamination may lead to the spread of disease in both animals and humans. As these pollutants spread through the groundwater, they will eventually begin entering rivers and lakes. The contaminants can wreak havoc on local ecosystems, often killing fish and native plants.
The improper maintenance of septic systems is a severe issue. Because of this, many states have legal requirements in place regarding regular inspections of septic systems. In Weatherford, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires that onsite septic systems be inspected three times per year. When installing your septic system, you should enter into a contract with us, which will guarantee proper functionality of your system going forward.
Additionally, TCEQ recommends several maintenance steps you can take to ensure the functionality of your system. Broken pipes should be repaired as quickly as possible, and you should have our experts pump the accumulated sludge out of your septic system every three to five years. You should also contact us to clean the filter on your effluent pump annually and clean the filter on the aerator twice per year.
Even with proper maintenance, it is essential to note that all septic systems will eventually need to be replaced. With proper care, however, a replacement will be pretty infrequent. A high-quality septic system typically lasts 15 to 20 years before it must be replaced.
