AFFORDABLE SEPTIC TANK INSTALLATION IN Gig Harbor, WA

What Is the Process for Septic Tank Installation in Gig Harbor?

Septic tank installation in Gig Harbor is regulated and managed by the State of Washington and the Department of Health. Let’s start this guide by explaining the process of installation, from site design to your first flush.

Site Design

If you need septic tank installation in Gig Harbor, your system will need to be planned and designed. The state requires this step to be completed by a licensed “designer” like ours that knows all the regulations. The design will be planned around several key features of the property, including:

• Any nearby natural water sources like lakes, ponds, and well water systems
• Neighbors and what’s on their property
• Size of the lot and where the driveway is
• The number of people that will be using the system
• What size home is on the property, number of bedrooms and bathrooms

All of this information will be used to design a system that meets the needs of the homeowners while also following the strict guidelines set by Washington State. 

Evaluations 

We will need to have some evaluations done during the site planning for the septic tank installation in Gig Harbor. This will include evaluating the soil (sometimes referred to as a percolation test) in the area where we want to install the drainage field. According to Washington State, only a professional is allowed to do a soil and site evaluation. Doing this helps us know how well that area will be able to absorb the wastewater. We’ll also need to evaluate your home and family’s wastewater production. For example, if the house is older, we may want to have our master plumber inspect all the pipes and fix any leaks that may affect the system’s efficiency.

Permits

According to the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, no work can be started on any septic tank installation in Gig Harbor without an approved permit, site plan, site map, and evaluation reports. This step in the process is confusing because they require trained septic system professionals like us to do it. If you have any questions about it, we can help.

Installation

Once all the paperwork has been submitted, and the permit has been approved, we will be able to start digging. A backhoe will be brought in to excavate the yard where the tank and drainage field will be buried. 

The tank is usually the first to go into the ground because the system will work on gravity. The other components will then be connected to it. Next, the drainage field will be excavated, and rows of pipes will be added. The distribution tank will connect the holding tank to the drainage field. Once this is complete, all the piping needed from the house to the system will be installed.

At this point, the septic tank installation in Gig Harbor will be on hold. Before it can be filled with water or buried, it needs to pass inspection.

Inspection

Before completing your septic tank installation in Gig Harbor, an inspector must come out to see it. They need to know that it was installed according to the plans in the approved permit. They are also going to make sure it is safe for use and not likely to fail. Any future problems could contaminate and pollute groundwater in the area, making this an important step.

If all the work passes inspection, the new septic system can be buried. At this point, the system can be used by the homeowner. Make sure that you keep the inspection report and all the paperwork for your new septic system for future reference. This is nice to have later if you decide to sell your home.

How Does Permitting Work for Installing Septic Tanks in Gig Harbor?

Before a septic tank installation in Gig Harbor can begin, you must have an approved permit by the local health officer. Getting the permit will take work, and it can be a little confusing. The State of Washington is home to many people and some of the most beautiful natural waterways. They do not want to risk water contamination. So, they have stringent rules about the types of septic systems allowed, where they can be placed, and who can participate in the installation process.

There is a lot that needs to be included with the application. Here are some things the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department will need to make a decision:

• The completed application for the permit by an authorized person licensed to do the work, like Mr. Blue Plumbing.
• A site and soil evaluation from a certified site evaluator or professional engineer like ours.
• Any planning materials for the OSS that are required for approval. The planning materials should also include a design of all system specifications.
• The plan for aerobic treatment or system surface application, depending on the design.
• A signed contract for maintenance with us with the date of issuance of the license to operate.

If the paperwork is in order, and no changes are needed, you should expect an answer in 10 days. However, in some cases, you will be asked to make changes, and you should be prepared for the added time.

How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in Gig Harbor?

If you are trying to figure out how much a septic tank installation in Gig Harbor will cost, you are not alone. Many factors can influence the price you will pay. If you need a more accurate quote, we can help. Most jobs will range between $5,600 and $11,500. In some cases, the price can be above $18,000. Below are some factors that commonly increase or decrease the cost.

Size of Septic System

A big cost factor for septic tank installation in Gig Harbor is the size of the system. In most cases, you won’t be able to save too much money here because the size will be based on the homeowners’ projected needs. This has more to do with the size of the house and the number of people using the plumbing. If your soil test comes back “poor,” you may need a bigger leaching or drainage field. The bigger the septic system, the more money you will spend. 

Type of Septic System 

The type of tank you choose is another pricing factor. The tank can be made from concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. All of these materials are considered “watertight.” However, sometimes your soil and location will dictate which material is best to use. Plastic models are the least expensive, but they will not last as long. Fiberglass will cost you more, but it will hold up longer. Washington State has a few specifications about what type of tank must be installed. For example, the tank must have two compartments at a minimum. This can be either two separate tanks connected together or one tank with two internal compartments.

Soil Type and Quality 

If you need septic tank installation in Gig Harbor, your soil test will help determine the overall price. Soil is a major component in a septic system because it is needed for wastewater absorption in the leaching field. If your soil needs any conditioning to make it more efficient, it will cost more. You also have to think about the amount of gravel that needs to be brought in. If your new system is replacing an older model that failed, or the soil becomes compacted, that will need to be addressed first.

What Type of Septic Tank Is Best for Residents in Gig Harbor?

Concrete and fiberglass are the most popular choices for septic tank installation in Gig Harbor. Concrete does really well in the expansive soil here, but it is also very heavy and can be difficult to bring up the steep winding roads in Gig Harbor. This is one of the main reasons that fiberglass is being used. Not only will it hold up well in the soil and cold weather, but it is also lightweight and easy to put in place. Most of these tanks are designed to last 25 to 50 years, depending on use and varying conditions.

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

If you need septic tank installation in Gig Harbor, you will need to be familiar with the necessary routine maintenance. This will include things you can do daily, like only flushing biodegradable debris down the toilets and reducing excess water usage.

It also includes getting regular inspections by our team and pumping the system. According to Washington State regulations, residents of Gig Harbor must have a septic tank inspection by a professional like us every three years at a minimum. This is also a good time to schedule your routine pumping to dispose of the sludge at the bottom of the tank.

You should also watch what you flush. It is better to throw things in the trash than to use your toilet. Not only can some items clog the toilet, but they can also cause premature failures in your septic system. Here are items that you should never flush:

• “Flushable” wipes
• Dental floss
• Feminine hygiene products
• Condoms
• Diapers
• Cotton swabs
• Cigarette butts
• Coffee grounds
• Cat litter
• Paper towels

If you notice that your showers and sinks drain slowly, your leaching field is squishy, or there are any bad smells, you will need to call for an inspection immediately. These are signs that your system has a problem. The longer you wait, the worse it can get. The City of Gig Harbor will hold the homeowner responsible for groundwater contamination from a septic system failure that could have been prevented.

Are There Any Rebates Available for Septic Tank Services in Gig Harbor? 

Unfortunately, there are no rebates available for septic tank installation in Gig Harbor.