Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Is the Process for Septic Tank Installation in Denton?
- 2 How Does Permitting Work for Installing Septic Tanks in Denton?
- 3 How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in Denton?
- 4 What Type of Septic Tank Is Best for Residents in Denton?
- 5 How Often Do Homeowners in Denton Need to Have Their Septic Tank Inspected?
What Is the Process for Septic Tank Installation in Denton?
Both Denton County and the City of Denton heavily regulate the installation and maintenance of septic tank systems. Because of this, there is some prep work you’ll need to do before installation can begin.
- Get a percolation test. This is also known as a perc test. Our septic specialists may be able to do this test for you, or you might need to contact a separate company. The tester comes out to your building site and digs a hole or trench in the ground. They will then pour water into it over a certain period and see how long it takes for the water to drain. The size and depth of this hole will determine how much the test will cost, but you can expect to pay around $1,000 for the test. The results of the test will help determine the best type of septic system for your property, as well as the best location for it.
- Design your septic system. Once you know the best septic system for your property, you’ll be able to design it with the help of our experts. There are a lot of options available when it comes to septic systems, but due to the soil composition in Denton, the most common system used here is an aerobic system. Talk to our plumbers to see if that’s the best option for your household size, budget, and soil composition.
- Get your permits. In most cases, you’ll need a permit for your new septic tank. The State of Texas allows permit exceptions for single households on 10 acres or more. For most homes in the Denton area, though, you’ll need to apply for a permit from the city. You can find out more information on that process below.
Once you have your permits, we can start excavating and installing your equipment. The entire process takes around a week, depending on the size and type of system you chose. Once it’s installed, but before we backfill the area, a Denton city inspector will need to view the work. They’ll make sure it meets the minimum safety standards. Once they sign off on it, our crew can complete the installation and create the final grade over the system. Then you’ll be all set to put your septic system to work.
How Does Permitting Work for Installing Septic Tanks in Denton?
Before you start the installation process, you’ll need to apply for a permit from the City of Denton. These permits cost $500 for an aerobic system and $300 for a non-aerobic septic system. The permit application forms are available online, and you can submit them along with the required documentation to the City of Denton Department of Environmental Quality and Sustainability. Along with the application and permit fee, you’ll need to submit some additional paperwork:
- A septic system plan designed by a registered engineer like us
- Survey plat of the land where you intend on installing the system
- Perc test and soil analysis results
- Site plan and technical report
If you are installing an aerobic system, you’ll also need to provide evidence that you have a maintenance contract of at least 2 years with a local service provider like us.
If you are outside Denton’s city limits, you will need to apply for a permit through Denton County Public Health. The cost for a permit from the county is $310.
The permitting process requires quite a bit of work. This is where working with an experienced septic installation company like us can really pay off. We have plenty of experience with the process, know exactly what you need, and can answer any questions you might have about the process and how to get through it successfully.
How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in Denton?
The cost of septic tank installation will widely vary, running anywhere between $1,500 and $10,000. On average, though, homeowners in Denton can expect to pay around $6,000 for the installation of a system on their Denton property. These 3 factors will be important when it comes to determining your final bill:
The Type of System
The type of septic system you install will have a big impact on your final bill. Conventional systems, which work through gravity-powered lines, are the least expensive. Aerobic systems, which act as self-contained waste treatment systems, are the most expensive. These are also the most common in Denton. The size and material used to make your tank will affect your cost, too. Concrete tanks are the most expensive option, but they’ll also last the longest. Fiberglass is one of the most popular tank materials in Denton, and it’s pretty durable for the price, but won’t last as long as concrete. You’ll want to talk to our experts about all your options so they can design a system that fits your needs and your budget.
Labor Required
Some septic installations take more time and workers than others. You might have an easy-to-access lot or you might have ground that requires clearing before installation can begin. Some homes in Denton, especially many along Interstate 35, don’t have ground that’s suitable for gravity disposal of effluent. That means they’ll probably need an aerobic system. These systems cost more but don’t require as much labor to install, thanks to their smaller tank size. Our specialist will estimate labor costs based on your lot location, ease of access, and system type.
Additional Fees
There are several additional fees you’ll need to take into account when budgeting for a septic system installation. They include:
- Perc tests, usually around $1,000 but can run up to $3,000
- Permits, which are between $300 and $500 depending on your system
- Additional inspections, which will cost between $100 and $200 each
You’ll also want to think about your landscaping costs after the installation, such as reseeding the area with grass. Keep in mind that you should never plant trees around your septic tank or drain field. The roots could grow into the equipment and stop it from working correctly.
What Type of Septic Tank Is Best for Residents in Denton?
There are a lot of different septic system options available. However, for residents in Denton, the options generally come down to either conventional systems or aerobic systems. The best choice between those two will depend on the type of soil that you have on your property.
A lot of the soil in Denton is either sandy loam or clay. Clay soil can be especially problematic for septic tank drainage because the clay expands when it’s wet. When that happens, any additional moisture takes a long time to drain away. That can leave the area around the drain field soggy, potentially adding a lot of hazardous bacteria to your ground.
The areas with sandy loam soils have good drainage, up to a point, but they present a different problem for septic tanks. If septic tank water can’t drain properly, the system simply isn’t safe to use.
The sandy loam we have here in Denton is also shallow, so if you dig very far down, you’ll hit bedrock. This isn’t good for your septic system, because it doesn’t allow the tank to sit deep enough underground. It also prevents proper drainage of the effluent.
The good news for Denton homeowners is an aerobic septic system can overcome all these issues. These systems are smaller, so the installation provider doesn’t have to dig down as far underground. The effluent they produce is much cleaner than other systems, so you don’t have to worry about bacteria or smells. The effluent is so clean you can use it to water your landscaping, which is what most homeowners decide to do. That creates a really ecologically friendly system in your yard.
How Often Do Homeowners in Denton Need to Have Their Septic Tank Inspected?
The EPA recommends having your conventional septic tank inspected by professionals like us at least once every 3 years. However, if you have an aerobic septic system, the City of Denton requires you to have a maintenance contract that inspects it every 4 months. Your inspection should check over all the components of the aerobic system, including:
- Checking the sludge and scum levels in the tank
- Monitoring the air filters
- Checking the sprinkler heads for effluent distribution
We will also provide you with copies of your inspection report. That way you can have a detailed record of your tank’s maintenance, which could help you sell your home in the future.
If you notice any unusual changes to your system, such as slow draining bathtubs, strange noises coming from your drains, or persistent odors around your tank or drain field, you should contact us right away for an earlier inspection date. These could be signs of a serious issue.
During your inspection, we can let you know if it’s time to pump your tank or not. The average household in Denton has between three and four people. For a household that size, you should expect to pump the tank every three to five years. That’s true for both aerobic and conventional systems. If you have a slightly larger household or host a lot of parties, then you’ll want to pump the tank more often.
