AFFORDABLE SEPTIC TANK INSTALLATION IN Smithfield, RI

What Is the Process for Septic Tank Installation in Smithfield?

When you live outside the city limits where the established water treatment area ends, Smithfield requires you to have a septic system as a private wastewater treatment system to safely dispose of waste. Septic tank installment and replacements must be overseen by a licensed professional like us to ensure their safety. The Office of Water Resources in the Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) oversees all wastewater management systems in Rhode Island. 

Smithfield requires the soil surrounding the proposed septic area to pass specific tests and be percolated before the permit process can begin. You’ll also be required to submit a detailed building plan that includes all information about the new structure and the septic tank to the city board. You may have to make some changes if your plan doesn’t fit current requirements. If so, go back to the drawing board and try again. You’ll need a permit for any replacement septic tanks too. Contact the DEM Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Program through their online portal. They administer the septic system permitting program for the state of Rhode Island.

Once you have all that taken care of, you can move on to the permit process. 

How Does Permitting Work for Installing Septic Tanks in Smithfield?

There are three stages to the permitting process for a septic tank in Smithfield. These are site-suitability, treatment system design review, and system installation. 

All septic tanks in Smithfield must be designed and installed by a DEM-licensed professional in the required class field, like Mr. Blue Plumbing. New systems must be designed by a Class II or III designer, which we have on staff. The first step in the permitting process is to apply for the soil tests. DEM assigns a soil examiner and when the test results come in they determine if more information is needed or if the process can move forward. Next comes the application for your onsite water treatment system. The application must be submitted along with your building plan. 

DEM may approve or disapprove your application. If it turns out that your property has serious issues and can’t accommodate a septic system under current regulations, you can apply for a variance from the rules with a variance application.

How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in Smithfield?

Idyllic construction site conditions give you a shot at the lowest prices for septic tank installation. A site that’s in an open area, with easy access to the septic tank installation site with an excellent soil percolation rate, and a low or average water table will give you the cheapest prices. There are some baselines to go on, but the cost of a septic tank is heavily dependent on many factors of the home or structure, soil, and landscaping. What seems like an unimportant facet of your building plan can end up costing you way more, or way less, than you expected. In general, the minimum cost for a brand new septic tank alone averages around $800 to $1,500. If you need an entire system, including the leach field and installation costs, you’re looking at something closer to $7,000 up to more than $15,000. Some of the biggest cost factors are listed below.

Size of the Septic Tank

Bigger houses and large office buildings have many rooms and several bathrooms. This requires a larger septic tank to take care of the waste from several toilets and sinks. There may even be dishwashers and garbage disposals involved. Two or three-bedroom homes typically require a 1,000-gallon septic tank. The basic cost is anywhere from $600 to $1,200. Larger homes of 4 bedrooms or more must have a septic tank of 1,500 gallons or more. Expect to pay between $1,100 and $2,100 for a larger septic tank. The size of your septic tank has a direct relation to the size of your final bill. 

Type of Septic System

Smithfield allows two types of septic systems in rural areas, conventional septic systems or enhanced (sometimes called alternative or innovative) septic systems. Enhanced systems have additional features devised to alleviate waste. These types of systems are typically suggested after the site-suitability stage depending on the needs of the property. Particular elements of enhanced systems work to combat an assortment of waste problems, such as pathogens, reducing waste strength, nitrate-nitrogen, or a combination of the three. They are usually above-ground and require a pump to bring waste up to be treated. They are hidden by sand, gravel, or a protective structure. 

Conventional septic systems do not need a pump because all the working parts are underground. The septic tank holds wastewater and removes the solids from the liquids. The leach field treats the wastewater before it is drained. Conventional septic systems are used most often in Smithfield because they are cheaper.

Septic Tank Material

Another big factor in price consideration is the type of material the septic tank is made from. Septic tanks are constructed from a wide array of materials. Some are more durable than others, and some are more flexible and lightweight. A lot of conventional septic tanks are made from concrete, fiberglass, polyethylene, or coated steel. 6,000 gallons or larger septic tanks are typically pre-manufactured. Those larger septic tanks are manufactured in the factory or assembled on-site. Stronger and more durable materials, like high-density polyethylene, are more expensive than concrete models. Less expensive models, however, typically require more frequent repairs. Choose a type of septic tank that can easily deal with any heavy traffic and fit in the space you’ve designated for placement. You don’t want a lightweight tank, for instance, if you’re concerned about the amount of traffic going over it.

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

The best type of septic tank for a Smithfield property depends on what you have going on. If the water table is high, there is heavy traffic, waterfront, or ledge conditions, you’ll need to consider those issues when you choose the septic tank. 

Concrete septic tanks are the most common in Smithfield but also the heaviest of all types. They resist just about any pressure you can put on them, including a structure or lots of traffic. There are two kinds of concrete septic tanks: all-in-one systems and single structure tanks. All-in-one concrete tanks hold all working chambers while single structure tanks have separate chambers. Concrete tanks have a higher effluent capacity than other types of tanks and less risk of collapsing when pumped; two more reasons they are the most often used type of septic tank in the area. 

Fiberglass septic tanks are another popular choice. They are highly resistant to rust. Manufactured as either one large unit or as two injection-mold units put together, they require less digging than other kinds of tanks which is convenient if your soil is rocky. Fiberglass septic tanks are impervious to acid and alkali action and don’t show their age quickly. In fact, they can last as long as 50 years. 

Steel tanks are prone to rust and haven’t been used as much in the last decade. Much like concrete, steel septic tanks are extraordinarily strong and have little risk of damage. They are one of the most expensive types of tanks to choose from. 

Plastic septic tanks are a relatively new choice in Smithfield. They are lighter than other types of tanks, making them easier to maneuver and install. They are less likely to crack compared to other kinds of tanks. Plastic and concrete tanks are two of the least expensive types to choose from, but there is a risk of pop out when buoyant forces apply.

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

Septic tank damage is dangerous, a health risk, and expensive. A septic tank eruption can demolish the entire septic system and gush sludge into the surrounding environment, contaminating the area. It can cost thousands of dollars when our professionals have to clean up the mess. Imagine yourself brushing your teeth one morning, only to find sewage backing up in the sink bowl. Not a pretty picture. Regular inspections by professionals like us are the only way to keep this from happening.

Residents of Smithfield must have their conventional septic system inspected by our team every 3 years. If you have an enhanced system, you’ll need an inspection every year. 

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

The State of Rhode Island provides a tax credit equal to 70% of the expenses to offset the cost of septic repairs to a Rhode Island primary residence. Smithfield participates in the community loan program to provide low-cost loans to homeowners who need help with their septic tanks.