AFFORDABLE SEPTIC TANK INSTALLATION IN Trumbull, CT

What Is the Process for Septic Tank Installation in Trumbull?

The septic tank installation process for Trumbull residents begins with filing an application for a soil test and paying the required fee charged by the Trumbull Health Department. There is no one-size-fits-all septic system solution. Each homeowner requires a highly individualized system based on the unique characteristics of their property and soil type. Determining what type of soil you have is an essential first step in the installation process as anaerobic septic tanks require certain soil densities to filter and process the effluent correctly. 

After our trained professionals have determined what soil type you have, you can take that information and use it to file a permit for septic tank installation with the Department of Public Health. Once your permit has been approved, you can have our licensed installers perform the installation. It’s important to note that if you are installing a new septic system because your old one has failed, you are required to report the failure to the Department of Health, which records these failures in an online database. 

The process of septic tank installation varies according to what type of system you’re installing and if it is above or below ground and anaerobic or aerobic. However, generally speaking, the first step in the process is to connect a pipe from your home to the location where the septic tank will be installed. This pipe will be buried underground and needs to be surrounded by at least 1.5 inches of gravel. A large hole will need to be dug in the ground where the tank will go, and the pipe running from your home will be connected to the tank. Then, depending on the type of system you’re installing, an air pump might be installed, or a second pipe running to the leech field. This pile will also need to be surrounded by a layer of gravel to help with drainage and purification of the effluent. We will go into detail about the specific septic tank types and their benefits in a later section.

After the installation process is complete, you’re probably going to want to get your yard and lawn looking nice again. It’s important to note that it is possible to landscape over a drain field and there are actually several benefits to doing so. Drain field planting can help stop the erosion of soil over time, which is a significant benefit. Plants also help your septic system function more effectively by promoting oxygen exchange within the soil. Shallow-rooted herbaceous plants are a good option for planting in this area, but you should remember to never add soil to the drain field and to not be overzealous when it comes to tilling. 

How Does Permitting Work for Installing Septic Tanks in Trumbull?

There are several types of permits dealing with septic tank installation for Trumbull, all dealt with by the Trumbull Health Department. Local residents looking to replace or install a new septic system will have to fill out an application for a soil test first. After that has been completed, the results of the test can be attached to your septic system installation permit application, referred to as the “Application to Construct, Alter, or Repair a Septic System”. 

New construction permits for septic systems come with a fee of $175, while repair permits for either the septic tank or leaching field cost $165. Soil testing fees for Trumbull are charged $160 per residential lot by the Trumbull Health Department. After the required permits have been filed and fees paid, your installation work can begin.

How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in Trumbull?

Septic tank installation costs vary according to which type of system you choose, the amount of labor involved in the installation process, and of course, the tank itself. Certain types of systems are more expensive than others and the cost varies greatly across the country. In Trumbull, the minimum cost for septic tank installation is $1,648, and the maximum cost as much as $11,603, with $6,625 being the average. Let’s get into what factors influence these prices. 

System Type

The type of septic system you choose has a huge influence on the cost you will pay. There are two basic system types: anaerobic and aerobic. Aerobic systems tend to be significantly more expensive than anaerobic because they involve more components and are more challenging to install. Aerobic septic tanks do come with several benefits for homeowners, however. They utilize aerobic, or oxygen-loving, bacteria to break down waste, and this requires the use of an aerator and an electrical circuit running to the system to power it. 

Aerobic systems are necessary in areas where the soil type makes proper drainage and anaerobic waste breakdown impossible. Soils that are high in clay content drain slowly, causing wastewater to pool. Other areas might have very sandy soil that causes effluent to drain too quickly, without removing enough pathogens. In Trumbull, the soil can be very poorly draining, which can cause problems for anaerobic systems, making aerobic septic tanks a smart choice for some residents. 

Depending on the characteristics of your property, you might require a pump to push the effluent uphill or out of your system in small doses. This will be an added cost to your aerobic septic tank, which tends to cost anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000. However, aerobic septic systems are very efficient at processing waste, making surface irrigation possible. For some homeowners, this might be the best option.

If you don’t desire or require an aerobic system, you can go with an anaerobic one. Anaerobic septic systems are the most widely used variety and they’re also quite a bit cheaper at $3,000 to $8,000. Anaerobic septic tanks work by using anaerobic bacteria, that don’t require oxygen, to break down the waste inside the tank before it travels down pipes to the leaching field to be further processed by the soil. Anaerobic tanks also typically have lower installation costs.

Tank Size

The size of the septic tank you require is another primary factor that influences your total cost. The larger the tank you require, the most expensive it will be to purchase and the most time-consuming and challenging it will be to install. The required tank size depends on how many people will be using your system. Our experts can take a look at your property and give you the most accurate, individualized recommendation, but a good rule of thumb is that one and two-bedroom homes require a tank of around 750 gallons, while a three-bedroom home typically needs a 1,000-gallon tank. 

Tank Material

The material your septic tank is made from has a significant impact on its cost. There are several materials to choose from, including concrete, steel, fiberglass, or even plastic. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages to consider, and our experts can give you a personalized recommendation based on your property’s characteristics.

For example, plastic is typically the most cost-effective choice. It is durable and lightweight, isn’t susceptible to corrosion, and rarely cracks. However, plastic can be damaged during installation. Concrete is a popular choice as it is durable and typically functions well for several decades. Concrete septic tanks need to be inspected regularly, however, because they can crack or develop runoff issues. It’s also important for all septic tanks to be cleaned out regularly, but for concrete tanks, this is especially important to prolong their lives. 

Fiberglass is another option for your septic tank material, and it has several benefits. It doesn’t crack or rust easily and is lightweight. However, it’s usually more expensive than plastic and is susceptible to structural damage or shifting in the soil after installation. Due to its lightweight nature, it’s more likely to become damaged during the installation process. These are all factors to consider when choosing a septic tank that will function well for the longest time possible while also taking costs into account.

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

Choosing the best type of septic tank depends on several factors. Which system type, design, size, and material is right for you depends on several specific details about your property, such as your soil type and drainage ability, your property’s size and location, and other factors. For example, weather conditions and your proximity to bodies of water are also factors that determine the best type of septic tank. Having our experts perform a soil sample and examine the characteristics of your property is the best way to get an accurate recommendation on septic tank type.

In general, the clay soil in Trumbull makes anaerobic systems impractical. As such, aerobic septic systems are the most popular choice in Trumbull for safety and efficiency.

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

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends getting your septic tank inspected by a professional like us at least every 3 years, and pumped every 3 to 5 years. However, depending on your septic tank type, you might need service more frequently than this. Aerobic systems generally need more care and frequent inspections. Alternative septic systems that involve electrical float switches, mechanical components, pumps, or other features that can malfunction should be inspected by our team once per year. If you have a system like this, it’s possible to get a long-term service contract with us that covers the mechanized parts in your septic system in case they fail or have issues.