Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Is the Process for Septic Tank Installation in Newton?
- 2 How Does Permitting Work for Installing Septic Tanks in Newton?
- 3 How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in Newton?
- 4 What Type of Septic Tank Is Best For Residents in Newton?
- 5 How Often Do Homeowners in Newton Need to Have Their Septic Tank Inspected?
What Is the Process for Septic Tank Installation in Newton?
Whether you need septic tank installation in Newton for a new property, or if you’re replacing an older model, the process can be lengthy. The city will require permits, evaluations, and inspections throughout the installation. Below we will go over each step required by the Standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems, which oversees systems in New Jersey, along with the local health departments (N.J.A.C. 7:9A).
Before Septic Tank Installation in Newton
Evaluations
Before any work can begin, the site location for the septic tank installation will need to be evaluated by our team. A plan will be made to determine the most efficient location for the tank and the drainage area. In some cases, trees and vegetation may need to be cleared. Soil is an essential component of septic tanks, so it’s a good idea to have the soil tested. An evaluation of your home’s size and wastewater needs will be necessary for determining the size of the system you need. If the home is older, your existing plumbing may need to be inspected for any leaks or damage to help reduce the possibility of septic tank failures.
Permits
After a plan is made for your new septic tank installation in Newton, you will need to get permits. This step cannot be skipped because the State of New Jersey requires permits before any work can be started. Depending on your property, they will need to see soil tests and maps of other nearby properties to ensure groundwater safety.
During Septic Tank Installation in Newton
Installing Holding Tank
The holding tank is the septic system component that holds all the waste from home. Holding tanks are installed underground using a backhoe. Some have one compartment while others have two, but most are pretty similar. Inside the holding tank, there are three layers of waste. As waste comes into the tank, solid waste drops to the bottom. This is called “sludge.” The lighter waste, like oil, rises to the top. This layer is called the “scum.” The layer between the scum and sludge is the wastewater that exits the tank to the leaching or drainage field.
Installing Drainage Field
Your drainage area is an important part of septic tank installation in Newton. This is why so much planning will go into the design of your new system. If the soil, gravel, location, or installation are not done correctly, your system can fail or cause groundwater pollution. This section of your septic system consists of pipes that are also buried underground. The vegetation in this area should only be grass. Trees and other vegetation have root systems that can overwhelm or clog the drainage area. For the life of your system, the drainage area should be clear to prevent pipe damage or soil compaction.
After Septic Tank Installation in Newton
Inspections
Once your new septic tank system is installed, the job site and work will need to be inspected. If the system passes inspection, you’re good to go. If it does not pass inspection, you will need to make any changes outlined in the report. It’s recommended that you keep all inspection reports for future reference. This is important for the resale value of the home and in cases of septic tank failure. You should also keep receipts, permits, and routine pumping information.
How Does Permitting Work for Installing Septic Tanks in Newton?
If you need septic installation in Newton, you will need to get a permit before work can begin. Unless you have extensive experience in septic tank installations, this work is best left to our professionals. We have experience with the permit office and the specific regulations in Newton, New Jersey. That being said, you will first need to fill out the application for either Categories A & B – Domestic & Industrial Surface Water Permits or Categories ASC & BPW- Domestic & Industrial Surface Water General Permits. Next, you will need to apply to the Permit Administration Section Division of Water Quality. You will also need to pay for the permit, which can cost about $450 – $875 or much higher, depending on the extent of the work.
How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in Newton?
When most homeowners think about septic tank installation in Newton, their first thought goes straight to money. Unfortunately, we can’t make new systems any cheaper, but we can help you understand the cost factors that might influence the price you’ll pay. Most “typical” jobs will range between $5,750 and $7,800. In some cases, the price can be above $15,000. Below are some factors that commonly influence the cost.
Septic System Size
One of the biggest cost factors for septic tank installation in Newton is the size of the system. Septic tank size is chosen based on the size of the house, lot size, number of people using the system, and in some cases, whether you use a garbage disposal. This is not an area where you can try to save money because your septic system plan that is submitted for the permit will need to have an appropriate size tank. You may be able to go bigger if you anticipate future additions to your home, but you cannot go smaller, according to the state.
Type of Septic Tank
Aside from the size of the tank you’ll need, the type of tank is the next biggest pricing factor. The tank can be made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. All of these materials are considered “watertight.” However, sometimes your soil and location will dictate which material is best to use. For example, if you have a high water table, concrete may be less effective because groundwater may leach into the tank, disrupting holding capacity. Septic tank installation in Newton can typically be less restrictive on the type of material. This is because all three can do well here.
Time for Installation
If you are selling your house, and the inspection report says you need a new septic tank installation in Newton, you will likely have limited time to get it done. Any time the job is rushed or considered “emergency service,” you can expect to pay more. Expediting the work can mean more of our crew members and more fees. The best way to save money is to plan the installation out in advance.
What Type of Septic Tank Is Best For Residents in Newton?
You will have a few options if you need septic tank installation in Newton. Most residents will only need a 1,000-gallon tank, but if you have more than four people using it regularly, you’ll likely need to go bigger. Fiberglass will be the most effective and long-lasting. However, it usually costs more. On the other hand, if you are trying to save money upfront, you could go with concrete. These can weigh several tons, so you will definitely need heavy equipment to get it in. The City of Newton also recommends at least one access riser, which will make maintenance easier.
How Often Do Homeowners in Newton Need to Have Their Septic Tank Inspected?
New septic tank installation in Newton can be expensive, so it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance and inspections. The better you care for your septic system, the longer it will last, and that alone can save you a lot of money. According to the Standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems in New Jersey, a residential septic tank system should be inspected by experts like us at least every three years. They also recommend contact us to pump your system every three to five years. To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to do both simultaneously.
If you want to ensure your septic system is functioning correctly between inspections, you will need to care for it. Here are several things you can do every day to help your system run at its peak.
Watch what you flush. It is better to throw things in the trash than to use your toilet. Not only can some items clog the toilet, but they can also cause failures in your septic tank. Here are items that you should never flush;
- Dental floss
- Feminine hygiene products
- Condoms
- Diapers
- Cotton swabs
- Cigarette butts
- Coffee grounds
- Cat litter
- Paper towels
Be careful with chemicals. Inside the tank, there is a symbiotic relationship between the microorganisms. This process is delicate, and it’s necessary to help ensure the waste gets broken down before leaving the tank. The last thing you’ll want to do is kill off the “good bacteria” or disrupt the process. This is why you should never use caustic chemicals like latex paint, harsh cleaning agents, or pour any grease or oil down drains.
Sussex County also suggests reducing the amount of water being used. Installing low-flow toilets will help reduce how much water is flushed with each use. You can also install aerators on your faucets and showerheads. Another way to reduce water is by staggering your laundry washing throughout the week, instead of all on the same day. This will give your septic tank and drainage area time to absorb the water and reduce overflow.
You will also want to take care of the soil around your drainage area. Remember that this component of your septic system is where the wastewater exits. You will want the soil to be able to absorb and process the water regularly. Make sure you don’t do anything that will cause soil compaction, like driving or parking a car. Don’t build on this part of your property, and never plant anything other than grass here. It will help if you make it a habit to walk around this area weekly. If you notice the ground feeling soppy or spongy under your feet, you will want to contact us to get an inspection.
