AFFORDABLE SEPTIC TANK INSTALLATION IN Red Oak, TX

What Is the Process for Septic Tank Installation in Red Oak?

Red Oak is a city in Ellis County, Texas, that is located about 20 miles south of Dallas. It is home to a number of industries, businesses, multiple banking and financial institutions, a wide range of restaurants and retailers, and higher education, including Triumph Aerostructures. The city was even used for three days as the filming site for the movie Bonnie and Clyde. 

Although there is a rich history in Red Oak that brings numerous tourists to the area and makes it an amazing place to live, it is not without its problems, especially when it comes to the septic tanks. 

The septic tank is a water-tight container that is buried underneath the ground. It is often made from fiberglass, concrete, or polyethylene and its main job is to hold the wastewater long enough to allow the solids to settle to the bottom, forming sludge, while the grease and the oil will float to the top. From there, the liquid wastewater will exit the tank into the drainfield, which is a shallow, covered excavation site made in unsaturated soil. The pretreated wastewater will be discharged here through piping onto porous surfaces that allow wastewater to filter through the soil. At this point, the soil will accept, treat, and disperse the wastewater, finally discharging it into the groundwater.

Although installing a septic tank is relatively straightforward, many little details go into this installation process. That is why it is crucial to hire an experienced contractor that understands the specific requirements involved.

Generally, this installation process includes the following:

Digging a Hole

If you do not have a septic tank already, the first step will be to create a hole that will fit the size of the tank. Your contractor will need to measure the area correctly to make sure the hole is completed as accurately as possible to prevent any of the landscaping from being damaged. 

Installation and Inspection

Once the hole is finished, the contractors will use special equipment to install the septic tank. After it is placed in the ground, the dirt will be packed around the tank and the pipes will be secured to it. Finally, an inspection of the septic tank will need to take place. This inspection is there to ensure that everything was completed properly.

Covering the Septic Tank

After the inspection process, the septic tank will be buried entirely with dirt. It will also help if you remember that you should not plant any trees or shrubs in this area as this can affect the pipes of the septic system.

How Does Permitting Work for Installing Septic Tanks in Red Oak?

In the United States, septic tanks need to be regulated to ensure public safety. As a result, permits are often required before any septic installation or work can be done.

In Red Oak, any activity on a property requires a permit. This includes septic tank installation. That is why before you start any septic tank projects, you need to contact the Department of Development at 972-825-5200 for further information. 

How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in Red Oak?

There are often numerous cost factors that can affect your septic tank installation bill. As a result, these installation costs can range anywhere from $1,284.00 to $9,042.00, with average prices hovering around $5,000. As a homeowner, the best way to prepare for this bill is to learn more about the different cost factors that can impact the overall price of your septic tank installation. For instance:

The Percolation Test

If a percolation test is needed, these tests can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on the type of soil conditions you have and the size of the land. Usually, to perform this test, experienced contractors will need to dig a few holes in the potential leach field area. However, if a land survey is required to determine where you will need to excavate, the percolation test price will increase. 

The Type of Septic Tank

Another factor that can significantly impact the project’s costs is the material that your septic tank is made up of. For example, if your septic tank is made of high-quality materials such as polyethylene, it will be more expensive to install than a plastic-made model. However, do not let these installation costs deter you from getting these high-quality septic tanks. In fact, if you purchase a cheaper septic tank model, they will often require frequent replacements and more routine maintenance work, which can result in you spending more money in the long run.

Specific Elements

Finally, it is also important to take into account the other elements that can impact the total project costs, such as the type of machine that will need to be used in the installation process, whether the surface needs to be prepared before installation, the specific components of the installation process, and the clean-up fees.

For instance, if a septic tank professional discovers that you have soil that is not ready for a septic tank drain field, they will first need to install a thin biofilm and perforated drain tiles before proceeding with the septic tank installation. This will make sure the area is ready to purify the wastewater before it goes back to the water table. However, if this installation is required, the whole project can cost you upwards of $15,000 to complete. 

What Type of Septic Tank Is Best For Residents in Red Oak?

Even though there are numerous types of septic tanks that residents in Red Oak can choose from, it does not mean that each of these options is suited for their specific needs. That is why before choosing a septic tank, it is essential to do your research and figure out which type of septic tank is the right choice for your situation. 

For instance:

• Concrete Septic Tanks. These tanks are a popular choice because they are not only durable but rust-proof. Unlike the other tanks, which weaken over time, concrete septic tanks get stronger. However, if they are damaged, it will be harder and more costly to repair them. Depending on the size of the concrete septic tank you will need, these tanks can cost homeowners up to $2,000. 
  
• Plastic Septic Tanks. Although these types of tanks are the most cost-effective, they are also prone to more damage. In addition, because of their weight, they are also more likely to float to the surface. Generally, plastic septic tanks will cost around $1,200. 
  
• Fiberglass Septic Tanks: Fiberglass septic tanks are more robust than their plastic counterparts. However, if the water tables rise too high, the fiberglass septic tank can be shifted or displaced. These tanks will end up costing a homeowner about $2,000. 

Usually, concrete tanks are often the most used model, as they hold numerous advantages over the other types of tanks. In truth, the benefits of these tanks are also why so many cities across the United States actually require them over the other models. 

These advantages include the following:

• Concrete tanks are heavy, which means they will never float to the surface.
• Concrete tanks are easy to pump, meaning homeowners will not have to worry that their tanks will collapse.
• Concrete tanks last for long periods of time, sometimes up to 40 years, primarily if they are well maintained.
• Concrete tanks are environmentally resistant, which means they are not affected by changes to the environment such as tree roots, unique soil conditions, and other problems that can arise.
• Concrete tanks are incredibly resilient, which means less maintenance.

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

Septic tank experts agree that if you have a septic tank, you need to have it inspected at least every three to five years. This inspection will often coincide with the time that a professional will need to pump the septic tank. When you ensure that your pumping is a regularly scheduled maintenance service, you can ensure that your tank will remain in good working condition for a long time. 

Typically, septic tank inspections will fall into two different categories, including full inspections and visual inspections. 

Visual Inspections

A home inspector often completes these types of inspections before individuals purchase or sell a home. These inspections will usually involve the home inspector asking the homeowner a few questions, including what the age of the house is, how often they pump their septic tank, and when was the last time they had their septic tank inspected. The inspector will also flush all the toilets and run the sinks to ensure that the water pressure is up to par and that everything is working and draining properly. Finally, they will check out the drain field and ensure that there is no standing water anywhere. 

Full Inspections

On the other hand, a full inspection is an inspection you will need to get done every three to five years and will include everything that the visual inspection verified plus a few additional checks. During this inspection, an inspector will also check the water levels to determine whether the water is entering the septic tank correctly and draining appropriately. The inspector will also pump the tanks and check if there is any backflow from the absorption area. These specific checks will also notify the inspector if there are any drain field problems and whether there are any blockages in the septic tank. 

Due to the specific details that these inspections check for, having these full inspections every few years is incredibly important to the overall health of your septic tank — especially since these inspections can save you from needing expensive repairs and ultimately spending a substantial amount of money. Plus, they can also help prevent you from dealing with any unwanted surprises that can come up if you decide to sell your home in the future.