AFFORDABLE SEPTIC TANK INSTALLATION IN Wrentham, MA

What Is the Process For Septic Tank Installation in Wrentham?

Any septic tank installation process begins with having the soil evaluated by a professional like those at Mr. Blue Plumbing. The results of this evaluation will show how well draining the soil on your property is and what types of septic systems will work for you. In Wrentham, you should fill out a soil evaluation application first. After completion, plans can be drawn up for where your leach field and other system components will go, and you can submit this information along with your septic application and fee at the Wrentham Board of Health.

Once your application has been approved, the installation work can begin. There are several types of septic tanks to choose from, as well as conventional and alternative systems. Which type you choose is highly individualized and depends on the soil quality on your property, the local topography, and other factors such as the types of maintenance you’re willing to put into your system. We will discuss more details on choosing a specific type of septic tank later on, but for now, let’s continue with the installation process itself.

The installation process for a septic tank occurs in three sections. The pipe that runs from your house to the tank, the tank itself, and the pipe that runs to your leach field where the effluent will leave the tank and enter the ground. This process is time-consuming and requires heavy-duty equipment, such as a backhoe. Both sections of pipe will be surrounded by a layer of gravel of at least 1.5″ deep on all sides before it’s covered up with dirt. This is to help with drainage and treatment of the effluent. 

If you’ve chosen to install an anaerobic system or one that uses a pump, that will also need to be installed. While there are many septic tank types to choose from, the installation process is always extensive and should be completed by an experienced professional like ours to ensure the correct functioning of your system. After the installation process is complete, you’re going to want to get your yard and landscaping to look nice again quickly. It’s okay to plant herbaceous plants over your septic tank and leach field. It can be a smart idea to do so as it will discourage erosion. The only thing to keep in mind is that drain lines can be very near the surface, so you shouldn’t do any extensive tilling. 

How Does Permitting Work for Installing Septic Tanks in Wrentham?

Wrentham residents can follow the town’s laid out guidelines for septic tank permits and their associated fees. The first step is to fill out a soil evaluation application and pay the $220 fee. Then, you can take the results of your soil test and fill out the septic application along with its fee of $420 or more if a pump is required. There is a separate application if your septic system only needs a small upgrade or repair.

How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in Wrentham?

The cost of septic tank installation varies greatly depending on what type of tank you’re installing. Generally, Wrentham residents can expect to pay anywhere between $1,678 and $11,813 with the average cost being $6,745. You’re probably wondering what causes this price difference. Let’s take a look at some of the most significant septic tank installation cost factors. 

Cost Factor: The Size of the Tank

Larger septic tanks are more costly than smaller ones, depending on what material you choose. Plastic is a cost-effective choice for septic tank material, but it can also become cracked or damaged during the installation process. Cement or fiberglass tanks are other options with their benefits and drawbacks to consider, and they come at different price points. 

Additionally, larger tanks are more time-consuming and challenging to install which can increase the price. What size tank you will need depends on how much wastewater you generate and how many people will be living on the property. As a general rule of thumb, one and two-bedroom homes require septic tanks under 1,000 gallons, typically around 750 gallons. A three-bedroom home usually needs a 1,000-gallon tank installed, which will naturally be more expensive.

Cost Factor: The Septic System Type

The type of septic system you choose and the materials your tank is made of influence the cost significantly. There are two categories of septic systems: conventional and alternative. There are several types of tanks to choose from for each system. Sometimes, the constraints of your location will require you to go with a certain system, but in many cases, it’s up to the homeowner to decide which type they believe is best for their needs. 

Anaerobic gravity systems are the most basic type that is used in many situations, and anaerobic pressure systems are another common kind. These are the cheaper options in comparison to alternative aerobic systems. They can cost between $3,000 and $8,000 and are also more cost-effective to maintain as they don’t require a lot of parts that could break or require maintenance. However, these systems don’t work in every location and aren’t as efficient as the more expensive aerobic system. 

Aerobic septic systems require oxygen to feed the type of bacteria that processes the waste inside the septic system. The result is wastewater that is clean enough for surface irrigation which is needed if you live in an area with dense clay soils that don’t drain well or highly sandy soils that drain too quickly before the effluent can be processed completely. Aerobic systems are a costly option at between $10,000 and $20,000 on average. Aerobic septic tanks require an aerator as well as an electrical circuit to power the system which are factors that add to the total cost. Additionally, some locations that have hilly topography require a pump to push the effluent out in small doses or up a hill. This will also increase your cost. 

Cost Factor: Labor Costs

Labor makes up a significant portion of the total cost of the septic tank installation. It’s common for the price of labor to be more than the cost of the actual tank itself. This is because the installation process involves several preliminary site checks, including soil testing and system design, and it is a fairly complicated and time-consuming process.

Highly experienced professionals like ours are needed to install septic systems correctly as an improperly installed system can result in expensive repairs or dangerous contamination to the water table. Additionally, heavy-duty equipment is typically involved in septic tank installation to dig deep enough to bury the tank, and if you require the removal of an older system first, that is an additional cost that can be quite pricey.

What Type of Septic Tank Is Best For Residents in Wrentham?

The type of septic tank that’s best for Wrentham residents depends on highly individualized factors such as their soil type and drainage ability, the amount of space available for a leaching field, site slope, among others. Since your septic system is your responsibility to maintain, it’s important to choose the type that you feel comfortable maintaining. Having our experts come to inspect your property, perform a soil sample test, and make a personalized recommendation is the best way to get an accurate recommendation on the types that would be ideally suited to your property. 

There are two septic system types: conventional and alternative. The most commonly used conventional system in Wrentham is a gravity anaerobic system that uses pipes running to a leach field to process effluent. A pressure distribution system is another type of conventional system that is being used in many new septic installations due to its efficiency. It relies on a pump to help distribute effluent through the drain field.

If your soil type doesn’t work well with these systems, you might have to go with an alternative septic system. An aerobic treatment unit treats the effluent with oxygen, producing cleaner wastewater. It’s a great solution for homeowners who live in environmentally sensitive areas. 

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

Wrentham residents should plan on getting their septic tank inspected at least every three years to follow the recommendation of the Environmental Protection Agency. However, aerobic systems or those utilizing mechanical components, electrical float switches, or pumps should plan on getting their septic system professionally inspected by our experts yearly. All homeowners should plan on contact us to have their system pumped every three to five years. 

Taking these preventative measures to ensure the proper functioning of your system is an essential way of preventing more costly issues in the future. When septic tanks begin to fail, corrosion or cracks can cause effluent to leach into the groundwater or drinking table, contaminating water and/or making your yard a soggy mess. Regular inspections and cleanings will help your system lasts as long as possible. 

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

Massachusetts offers residents a couple of financial assistance opportunities to help with the cost of septic system installation and repairs. A tax credit of up to $6,000 over four years is available, as well as special low-interest betterment loans for homeowners whose septic system failed their local board of health inspection.