Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Is the Process for Septic Tank Installation in Seneca?
- 2 How Does Permitting Work for Installing Septic Tanks in Seneca?
- 3 How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in Seneca?
- 4 What Type of Septic Tank Is Best for Residents in Seneca?
- 5 How Often Do Homeowners in Seneca Need to Have Their Septic Tank Inspected?
- 6 Are There Any Rebates Available for Septic Tank Services in Seneca?
What Is the Process for Septic Tank Installation in Seneca?
The septic tank installation in Seneca and some surrounding areas follow a common sequence of actions. However, the process typically starts with an existing septic tank failure, or after a routine inspection. The need to install an entirely new septic tank and drain field where there isn’t one typically only happens during new construction.
If you are experiencing nasty issues, like sewage back-up in your home or lawn, it might be a sign of septic tank failure, which requires a replacement. A routine inspection may lead our plumber to find cracks or other issues that can’t be repaired, which also leads to a replacement.
If you’re beginning construction on a new home, it’s time to get your first septic tank installed. Regardless of how you get to the point where you need a new septic tank, the first step is to have county officials perform a soil test and site percolation to ensure that your soil drains well enough to support a septic tank.
Septic tanks rely on permeable soil that allows water to flow easily. Soils with high levels of clay which are common in Seneca may not be favorable to a septic tank. Soils with plenty of sand, gravel, and small pebbles tend to be better suited.
Soils that aren’t up to par in the city can be adjusted to be better suited for a septic tank, but this can take a lot of time and money. After your soil is fit for a septic system, you will need to obtain a permit application from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Submit the application along with a copy of the land plat and building plans.
After obtaining approval, our plumbing team can begin the excavation. This part of the process takes anywhere from one day to one week, and it requires heavy machinery to dig deep into your land.
From here, the actual work of installing or replacing your septic system begins, and it can take a couple of days to a few weeks to complete, largely depending upon the weather conditions, size of the septic system, and other factors.
Finally, your newly installed septic tank will have to undergo one final inspection to ensure that it’s in working order, and then it will be legal to operate.
How Does Permitting Work for Installing Septic Tanks in Seneca?
Plumbing projects that don’t require the installation of new equipment don’t usually require a permit. Fixing small leaks or clogs, for instance. However, most other projects, including septic tank installation, absolutely require a permit.
After your application is filled out and submitted, your construction site undergoes a professional inspection to ensure that the installation of a septic system is safe for your family and the surrounding areas. If your application is approved by authorities, you will be granted a permit, and our plumbing contractors can start working on your septic system installation.
The permit application process can be confusing and overwhelming, but if you take your time, you’ll find the right forms and check all the right boxes. Make sure you are aware of any deadlines to help ensure that your application gets approved. If you have any questions or issues, our team is here to help!
How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in Seneca?
Homeowners in the Seneca area, and surrounding areas like Martin, Anderson, and Bowersville, can expect to pay around $6,000 to have a septic tank installed from start to finish. It’s possible to pay much less or much more depending upon your circumstances. When calculating the final bill, the three most important factors considered are the location of the job, the size of the tank, and which type of septic system you’re going with.
Construction Costs
Septic tank installations that are within or close to downtown Seneca tend to cost less than those that are located in an extremely rural area. This is because homes located downtown require our construction staff to travel shorter distances, lowering travel time and fuel expenses. The land closer to town has typically already been tested and percolated at some point, or at least been maintained in some way. Homes further out require more driving and fuel, and often more extensive excavation and clearing. Those costs are passed onto you.
Size of the Tank
Homes with more bedrooms, bathrooms, and square feet require larger septic tanks to accommodate water usage and wastewater generation. In most cases around Seneca, a medium-sized, three-bedroom home will find that a 1,000-gallon septic tank is adequate, though the actual needs can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and how much water you use.
Fortunately, we can help you figure out which size you need, but people in big homes can expect to pay more for a larger septic tank and installation.
Type of Septic Tank
Many people aren’t aware of how many septic tank options there are. You can choose between an anaerobic or aerobic system. Their costs differ significantly and can be a dynamic factor. Anaerobic systems are cheaper, and they rely on bacteria that don’t need oxygen to break down waste. Aerobic systems are more expensive, and they use a pump to supply oxygen to bacteria so that they break down the waste circulating in the system.
Finalize that decision, and you can choose from steel, concrete, plastic, or fiberglass, though each come with their own advantages and disadvantages.
What Type of Septic Tank Is Best for Residents in Seneca?
Once you realize the number of types of septic tanks, and that each has different characteristics, it can be overwhelming for consumers to try to weigh the pros and cons of each to decide which is right for them.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, though we do recommend that you stay away from steel septic tanks. They have slowly gone out of common use for several reasons.
Steel is a sturdy and strong material for practical uses, but it easily corrodes when it comes in contact with wastewater regularly. As for the other options, the most common in Seneca is concrete.
Concrete septic tanks are sturdy and last longer than all other types, but they are also costly. They hold up to pressure and they don’t corrode as easily as steel. However, they are also prone to cracks over time, but regular inspections and maintenance form our team keep them in working order for years.
Fiberglass and plastic septic tanks are typically less costly, but they don’t last as long as concrete septic tanks. They are lightweight and easier to install than other types, and they are corrosion resistant. When the time comes, you can consult with our expert to help you decide. Don’t forget, the best septic tank for you might differ from what your neighbor needs.
How Often Do Homeowners in Seneca Need to Have Their Septic Tank Inspected?
Seneca public health and safety authorities recommend having your septic tank inspected by professionals like us once every 3 years to maintain its excellent working order. Regular inspections help our plumbers detect any cracks or other problems while they are still fixable, and they can remedy the situation much quicker and cheaper.
Most septic tanks should also be pumped by our team every 3 years. Your unit may need to be pumped more often if you use more water than average. Pumping the septic tank helps dislodge and flush out any accumulated waste that builds up and clogs your septic tank. Without intervention, these clogs create cracks in the septic system and can lead to total septic failure. In either case, the septic tank requires expensive repairs or a complete replacement, and neither is cheap. Preventative maintenance from our experts is worth the time and effort for most household fixtures and appliances, but this is especially true when it comes to the septic tank and system.
Are There Any Rebates Available for Septic Tank Services in Seneca?
The City of Seneca doesn’t have a specific program for septic tank reimbursement, but South Carolina offers the Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program. It offers assistance in the way of long-term, low-interest loans to households and businesses in rural areas that cannot otherwise obtain funding. Grants can also be combined with loans to offer greater savings. The program provides funding for sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, clean and reliable drinking water systems, and stormwater drainage. Find more information about South Carolina water and waste loans here.
