Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Is the Process For Septic Tank Installation in Sherman?
- 2 How Does Permitting Work for Installing Septic Tanks in Sherman?
- 3 How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in Sherman?
- 4 What Type of Septic Tank Is Best For Residents in Sherman?
- 5 How Often Do Homeowners in Sherman Need to Have Their Septic Tank Inspected?
- 6 Are There Any Rebates Available For Septic Tank Services in Sherman?
What Is the Process For Septic Tank Installation in Sherman?
Grayson County and the City of Sherman both heavily regulate the installation and maintenance of septic tank systems. There is some prep work required before installation of any septic system can begin to ensure you have all your bases covered under the stringent guidelines.
Have the property percolated, also known as a percolation test. We can provide this for you, or you may have a separate company come in and perform the test. We come out to your site and dig a hole in the ground. Then we pour water into it for a designated period and see how long it takes for the water to completely drain.
The size and depth of the hole determines the price of the test, but you can expect to pay around $800 for the test. The results help determine the best type and location of septic system for your property.
- Design the septic system. Due to the soil composition in Sherman, the most common system used here is an aerobic system, despite the many other choices. Our experts will advise you on the best option for your soil composition, household size, and budget constraints. We’ll then design your system based on your choices and property.
- Obtain the necessary permits. You’ll need a permit for your new septic tank. Some exceptions are allowed in the State of Texas, such as single-family households on ten acres or more. For the large majority of homes in Sherman, however, you’ll need to apply for a permit from the city.
Once you have your permits, the excavating and installing of your equipment begins. The entire process takes approximately a week, depending on the particulars of the system you chose. Once it’s installed, but before the area is back-filled, a Sherman city inspector must view the work. They’ll ensure it meets safety standards. Once they’ve approved, our crew can complete the installation and create the final grade over the system. At that point, you have a legal working septic system.
How Does Permitting Work for Installing Septic Tanks in Sherman?
Before the installation process can begin, you must apply for a permit from the City of Sherman. Permits start at a $50 base fee and then cost an additional .05 cents per square foot. Along with the application and permit fee, you’ll need to submit some additional documentation:
- Site plan and tech reports
- A septic plan designed by a state-registered engineer like Mr. Blue Plumbing
- Survey plat of the land with your intended site for installing the system marked
- Successful percolation test and soil analysis results
If you are installing an aerobic system, or one that is considered “enhanced” you must also provide proof that you have a maintenance contract with us for at least two years of inspections.
The permitting process requires some work. Working with an experienced septic installation company like us really pays off. We have years of professional experience with the process, know exactly what is required in Sherman, and can answer any questions you have about the process and how to navigate it successfully.
How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in Sherman?
The cost of installation varies a bit in Sherman, running anywhere between $1,500 and $10,000, depending on your exact needs. On average, homeowners can expect to pay around $6,000 for basic installation with no issues, but there are some factors that can influence the final costs.
Cost Factor: Type of Septic System
The type of septic system you’ve chosen has a big impact on your final bill. Conventional systems, which work by gravity-power, are the cheapest. Aerobic systems are self-contained waste treatment systems, which are considerably more expensive. These are also the most common in the Sherman area and surrounding places such as Celina and Kingston.
The size and material of a septic tank affect your cost, too. Concrete tanks are the costliest, but they also last the longest. Fiberglass is one of the most popular tank materials in Texas. This is because of its durability for the price. The downside is that it doesn’t last as long as concrete. Confer with our secialists about which options are available to you, so that we can design a system that fits your needs and your budget.
Cost Factor: Amount of Required Labor
Some septic installations take more effort than others. You might have an easy-to-access construction site or ground that needs to be cleared before installation can start. Some homes in Sherman just don’t have ground that’s suitable for gravity disposal of wastewater, which means they must use an aerobic system. Aerobic systems cost more but don’t require as much labor to install, due to the smaller tank size. We estimate labor costs dependent on lot location, ease of access, and system style.
Cost Factor: Additional Expenses
There are a few additional expenditures to take into consideration when budgeting for a septic system installation. These expenses can include:
- Percolation tests, typically around $800 but can be as high as $3,000
- Permits, which can be higher or lower than you expect depending on what you need to accomplish
- Additional inspections, which cost approximately $100
What Type of Septic Tank Is Best For Residents in Sherman?
There are a lot of options available for septic tanks around here. However, for our Sherman residents, the choices generally come down to either conventional or aerobic systems. The best choice depends on the type of soil on your property.
Most of the soil in Sherman is sandy loam, clay, or a mixture. Clay soil is especially challenging for septic tank drainage. The clay expands when it’s wet and any additional moisture takes a long time to drain. It leaves the area around the leach field waterlogged, adding a lot of hazardous bacteria to the ground.
The sandy loam soils have good drainage, but they present a different problem. The sandy loam here in Sherman is shallow. If you dig very far down, you’ll hit bedrock. This is bad for your septic system because it prevents the tank from sitting deep enough in the ground and prevents proper drainage of the waste.
The good news is an aerobic septic system can overcome all these issues for most of Sherman’s homeowners. These systems are smaller, so digging so far isn’t necessary.
How Often Do Homeowners in Sherman Need to Have Their Septic Tank Inspected?
The state of Texas recommends conventional septic tanks be inspected by professionals like outs at once every three years. If you have an aerobic septic system, however, the City of Sherman requires a maintenance contract that inspects it every four months. The inspection should cover all the components of the aerobic system, including:
- Sludge levels in the tank
- Monitoring and maintaining air filters
- Inspection of sprinkler heads for waste
Our inspector will provide you with copies of your inspection report, so you can have a detailed record of your tank’s maintenance. This is a big bonus if you want to sell your home later.
If you notice any unusual changes happening in your system, it’s imperative to call our plumbers immediately. Problematic changes could be something like:
- Slowly draining sinks and bathtubs
- Strange noises coming from drains
- Incessant odors emanating from your tank or drain field
Contact us right away for an earlier inspection date if any of these issues occur. These could be indications of a serious problem.
Are There Any Rebates Available For Septic Tank Services in Sherman?
Grayson County, Sherman, nor the state of Texas offer any rebates for Sherman citizens on their septic tank installations. Many local banks, however, have programs available for residents who are in need of a new septic system or replacement system.
