AFFORDABLE SEPTIC TANK INSTALLATION IN Columbus, OH

What Is the Process For Septic Tank Installation in Columbus?

The Columbus septic tank installation process starts by securing a permit. Columbus takes its septic tank installations and upkeeps very seriously. According to the Ohio Department of Health, an estimated 31% of all septic systems in Ohio are failing, including a wide range of problems that can lead to sewage draining into the yard. As a result, the City of Columbus has instituted several programs related to septic tank ownership, including the need to remove or repair any damaged septic tanks.

To install a septic tank in Columbus, you must first have a soil test completed to confirm your property can safely handle a septic system. Then, you’ll need to apply for permits for the installation, which we can do for you. Permits generally require drawings of the site and detailed construction plans, so it’s best to leave that part to our experts.

Once the permit is received, we can begin the excavation and installation. The city inspector will need to come by and confirm the job was done safely after everything is hooked up to your home. Only then can we backfill the area and call the job complete.

How Does Permitting Work for Installing Septic Tanks in Columbus?

In order to secure a septic tank permit in Columbus, you have two options. You can either show a service contract with a registered STS service provider, including certification that a minimum of one system assessment and/or evaluation will be conducted by our specialists during the permit period. 

If you do not want to contract with us to handle your plumbing service, you can bring out the Columbus Public Health Inspector to evaluate your septic tank and ensure that it does not pose a danger to the local ecosystem. With this system, you will need to pay a fee for your septic tank operation permit. 

How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in Columbus?

The cost of your septic tank installation may depend on a variety of critical factors. To determine the cost of your septic tank installation in Columbus, connect with Mr Blue Plumbing to secure an estimate. Most installations in the area total around $6,000. As you’re considering the cost of your Columbus septic tank installation, keep in mind that you will need to factor in maintenance on the tank.

Cost Factor: The Size of Your Property

Most of the time, septic tank size is based on the number of bedrooms on your property. If you have a two- to three-bedroom home, you may be able to handle all of your septic tanks with a 1000-gallon tank. On the other hand, if you have four or more bedrooms on the property, or if you need to install a septic tank for a multifamily dwelling, you may need a larger septic tank. For a single-family, four-bedroom property, you may need to install a 1500-gallon septic tank. The larger the tank, the more expensive the installation will be.

Cost Factor: The Materials Used in Septic Tank Construction

Septic tanks are made of a variety of materials. Most commonly, they are made of concrete. The specific materials used in septic tank construction may have a significant impact on the overall price of your system. High-density polyethylene may prove much more expensive than concrete-model septic tanks, but it may offer you more durability which can be incredibly important to the lifespan of your septic tank.

Cost Factor: Do You Need a Drain Field?

A below-ground tank will require a drain field that will filter treated wastewater into the ground. To have a drain field, you will need to have both a full inspection of your property and the right location for the soak way. If you need a drain field or you need to create a more suitable location for a drain field, it may increase the overall cost of your Columbus septic tank installation. 

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

The Ohio Department of Health approves ten different brands of sewage discharge systems, all of which must be covered by the Ohio EPA’s discharge permit before installation. They need to meet the Quality Installation Assurance program requirements which help protect the local environment and ensure the longevity and function of new tank installations. 

Choosing the Right Material

Typically, you have three options when it comes to choosing a basic septic tank design. You can choose from precast concrete, polyethylene plastic, or fiberglass. Precast concrete generally has the longest lifespan; however, you should talk to our experts to get a better idea of the right septic tank for your specific area. 

Selecting an Absorption Method

Several key strategies can be used to drain your septic system effectively. A soil absorption trench has a gravity-style drain that will lead to plastic perforated pipes laid in gravel trenches. The soil is used to help remove smaller suspended particles and organic material from the sewage. It needs approximately 2 to 4 feet of unsaturated soil to operate effectively. To be effective, the trench must enter a part of your yard that does not become saturated during rainy seasons, which means your soil must have ideal drainage. Unfortunately, there is a lot of clay soil in Columbus, which could make conventional systems unrealistic on your plot.

Do you need pretreatment options?

Pretreating before your waste moves to a soil absorption trench, usually in a multi-chamber tank, can make it easier to keep up with your wastewater treatment needs. The tank can use various biological processes to treat the contents of the tank, which may allow you to extend the life of your sewage trench. They also help overcome site limitations like high water tables, since pre-treating the sewage may make it easier to move those waste products seamlessly through the system.

Can peat filters benefit your system?

Peat filters offer secondary-layer treatment of the septic tank by filtering it through a layer of peat before sending it to the soil absorption system. Peat is an organic material, already partially decomposed, that includes multiple microorganisms that can help break down organic matter. These peat systems can help extend the life of the tank and soil absorption system.

Do you live in an area with soil or landscaping unsuitable for a traditional septic tank?

If you live in an area of Columbus unsuitable for usual septic tank systems because of clay soil, a sand mound system can help make it easier for you to deal with wastewater disposal. Wastewater filters through both sand and natural soil. These systems may make it easier for you to develop a septic treatment system on property that might otherwise prove unsuitable for habitation since, without the right soil composition, it can prove very difficult to install an effective septic tank.

Choosing the right septic tank system can help you cut costs, maintain the life of your unit, and even improve your overall waste disposal methods. Consult Mr Blue Plumbing to learn more about the ideal septic tank system for your specific Columbus property.

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

If you live in Ohio, you will need to have a plan to inspect your septic tank annually. This may include a contract with our experts who can also make sure that your tank gets pumped on time.

In general, you will need to have your tank pumped by professionals like us every three to five years, depending on how much wastewater moves out of your home regularly. The more people you have living in your home, the more wastewater you may go through since you will likely do more laundry, bathe more frequently, and use more water to take care of dishes. 

You may also want to bring out our inspectors early if you notice any potential problems with your septic tank. These may include:

Sewage Coming Up in Your Drains

If you notice sewage rising in the drains, whether when you’re running water in another area of the house or when you’re trying to use your water, you may need to bring in the septic tank experts from Mr Blue Plumbing as soon as possible. Rising drainage can serve as a clear sign that your septic tank is overfull, even if you think that you have had it pumped too recently for that to be a problem. Annual inspections can help reduce the risk that you will experience rising drainage.

Unexpected Odors

Have you noticed an unpleasant odor, either inside your home around your sinks or outside near the location of the septic tank? It could indicate a problem with your septic tank, especially if you live in an older home with an old, out-of-date septic system. If you start noticing odors, which may worsen on hot days, having our professionals come out to inspect your septic system can make a big difference. The experts at Mr Blue Plumbing can identify any problems with your septic tank, whether it’s full or it has damage that you need to get fixed. 

Soggy Spots in the Yard

If you notice an area of the yard that has appeared wet or soggy, especially if it’s anywhere around your septic tank, it’s important to contact us to have it checked out as soon as possible. Soggy spots in the yard could be a sign that your septic tank is leaking or that there’s a problem with the drainage system. 

Changes in Your Yard

Sometimes, the contents of your septic tank can lead to decreased overall lawn health if they overflow. In other cases, you may notice that the ground around your septic tank suddenly appears greener if you have a septic tank leak. If you notice sudden changes in your yard, especially if those changes appear in an area that you know is near your septic tank, you may need to contact us to have them come out and take an early look at the septic tank system.

Keep in mind that how often you need to maintain your septic tank, especially when it comes to pumping, may depend on the size of your home, the age of your septic tank, and the amount of wastewater you have moving through your home at any given time. Annual inspections by our team can help give you a better idea of exactly how often your tank needs to be pumped.

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

The Ohio Department of Health offers several types of financial assistance for Columbus homeowners who are struggling to manage the costs of repairing septic systems. These programs can make it easier for you to afford the cost of your septic tank repair, pumping, or, in some cases, installation.