AFFORDABLE SEPTIC TANK INSTALLATION IN Tucson, AZ

What Is the Process for Septic Tank Installation in Tucson?

Installing a septic tank is not an easy process, but it always helps when you have a better idea of what the process looks like. If you’re wondering if your septic tank will need to be replaced or can be repaired, we’ll have to perform an inspection first. This will require us to look for things like cracks, overflowing water, or irreparable damage. 

The other reason to get a new septic tank is fairly obvious, and you won’t need us to tell you. It’s because your property doesn’t have one, as you haven’t begun to build yet. 

No matter why you need a new septic tank, the process is pretty straightforward and has the same steps. We’ll begin by testing the soil on your property. What we need to know is how porous the soil is, or how well it can drain liquid. This is very important because soil that doesn’t drain well can contaminate the runoff water, or leak into the water table. Neither is a situation that you want to happen, as it can pollute the water you end up drinking or bathing in.

Porous soil is typically sandy or has small pebbles in it. This is good for allowing the liquid to flow more easily through it. Non-porous soil has a more clay-like texture. Its dense nature makes it difficult for liquid to drain.

If your soil is porous, we can move forward with no trouble. If it’s not, this doesn’t mean you can’t get a septic tank. It does mean you have some decisions to make, however. The soil can be altered in the area we intend to install the septic tank, but this can take time, as well as increase the final price. Another option is to install an alternative septic tank that uses sand, peat, or other plastic media, but the EPA says you will need to have it inspected at least once a year.

In Tucson, the USDA reports that the rich, beautiful red soil is very deep and well-drained. This means that you should have no issues with installing a septic tank, although we’ll still be sure to test it before we begin working. 

After we determine the soil is suitable for a septic tank, it’s time to apply for a permit. We’ll discuss this process in more detail later. Once you get the permit approved, an inspector will come to check out the site. When they state that everything is in proper working order, we’ll begin digging. This process can last anywhere from three to four days, up to a week. It will largely depend on several factors, such as how difficult the soil is to dig, as well as what the weather is like. If the ground is hot and dry, then it will be harder to dig than if it has just rained a few days ago.

After the digging is completed, we’ll install the septic tank. This part will go much quicker and should take two or three days, depending on the weather. The final step is to test your septic tank to make sure that everything is in working order.

How Does Permitting Work for Installing Septic Tanks in Tucson?

The City of Tucson requires that you get a permit before installing a new septic tank. We can help you fill out the permit, but it will be up to you to file it online. If you live in an HOA, you’ll need to find out if there are any additional rules or regulations that we need to follow before installing a new septic tank. 

How much this will cost will depend on the valuation of the project. You’ll submit the permit online to the Planning and Development Services Department. Once this step is completed, you will be emailed an activity number so that you can track your permit, and have a better idea of when you’ll know if you’ve been approved, or if the City of Tucson requires more information.

Once your permit is approved, the City of Tucson will let you know how much you owe in fees. These must be paid before we can begin. An inspector may come to view the site before we get started.

Once the work is done, and we’re getting ready to cover the septic tank, you will have to call the City of Tucson for an inspection. Once we get the OK, we’ll finish covering the septic tank, and will be done.

How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in Tucson?

There’s no getting around it. Installing a septic tank can be rather expensive. The average cost in Tucson is around $5,750, but you can pay as little as $2,200 or as much as $15,000 in some cases. Some factors will affect the cost significantly.

Type of Septic System

There are two types of septic systems, and each uses a different type of bacteria to break down all the waste in your septic tank. These are anaerobic and aerobic. Anaerobic bacteria are cheaper because the bacteria don’t need oxygen to break down the waste. On the other hand, aerobic bacteria do. This means that a pump must be installed to supply the aerobic bacteria with oxygen. 

Size of Your Home

Many people are beginning to look at buying tiny homes because it saves them money in the long run. There is much less maintenance, and it requires less power and water. If you have a bigger home, then you’ll require a bigger septic tank. This will increase the price as we have to dig a bigger hole. It also means that the cost of the septic tank will increase. 

Location

Tucson is a big area, and there are many places out in the middle of nowhere. If we have to drive further out to your property, it will require more fuel for our equipment. This will cost you more than if you lived closer to the city, and will be reflected in the final cost. 

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

Tucson often experiences drought, but this doesn’t harm your septic tank. In fact, it could be a good thing, as your septic tank pushes the water you use back out into the soil. This in turn keeps the soil healthy. The EPA recommends that you plant drought-tolerant plants to help promote the health of your septic tank. 

With that being said, there is no perfect septic tank for Tucson. Concrete septic tanks are the most common type of septic tanks used. They may not be pretty, but once you cover them in dirt, no one will notice. The good thing about concrete septic tanks is that they tend to last. The bad thing is that the concrete can begin to develop cracks when the soil shrinks and expands in response to moisture changes, which must be repaired before they get bigger and leave you with some expensive repairs.

If you’re not interested in concrete because of the price, there is steel. This comes with a major flaw, however. It tends to corrode thanks to all the waste brewing inside of it, so it’s not recommended you buy a steel septic tank unless you don’t have another option.

Two other types of septic tanks are fiberglass and plastic. Both are easy enough to install, cheaper than other types, and are resistant to corrosion. All this sounds great until you realize that they don’t last as long. Fiberglass and plastic make for great short-term solutions, but may end up costing you more in the long run.

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

Unlike your car, which needs the oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, there’s no set number for when you should call us to inspect your septic tank. With that being said, the EPA recommends that you do so at least every three years. This helps catch problems like small cracks before they become a major problem that may leave you shopping around for a new septic tank.

When you have your septic tank inspected, it’s a good idea to have it pumped at the same time. This will only require us to come out once, which will help save you money. It will also be a good move, as it helps remove any grime and accumulated waste that is building up in your septic tank. It won’t do much to make your septic tank smell any prettier, but it will help prevent clogs. It will also help prevent the build-up of cracks in the future.

One factor to keep in mind is that some people tend to use more water than others. If this describes you or one of your family members, then we recommend calling us to you have your septic tank inspected every 2 years. By using more water, your septic tank will be forced to work harder. This means that it will produce more grime as well as waste, which will require that you pump it more frequently.

Something else you need to keep in mind is that selling your home will be far more difficult if your septic tank is not in good condition. In fact, you may not be able to sell it at all if it fails inspection. This means you’ll have to use the money you planned to put towards your new home to replace the septic tank. It’s not a fun experience, but can be avoided by doing regular maintenance.

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

Currently, there aren’t any rebates for septic tank services in Tucson. However, thanks to the drought, Tucson is offering rebates for high-efficiency toilets, low-income toilet replacement, rainwater harvesting, clothes washer rebate, gray water, and a rainwater harvesting grant for low-income customers.