Replacing a septic tank is a daunting task, but it’s essential for maintaining a healthy and functioning septic system. A failing septic tank can lead to sewage backups, foul odors, and even health hazards. If you’re experiencing any of these problems, it’s time to consider replacing your septic tank. However, before you start digging, it’s important to understand the process and what’s involved.
The first step is to locate your septic tank. It’s usually buried underground in your yard, and it’s typically made of concrete or plastic. Once you’ve found your septic tank, you’ll need to dig it up. This can be a challenging task, especially if your tank is deep in the ground. However, it’s important to be careful not to damage the tank while you’re digging it up.
Once you’ve dug up your septic tank, you’ll need to remove the old tank and replace it with a new one. This can be a heavy and awkward task, so it’s important to have help. Once you’ve installed the new tank, you’ll need to connect the pipes and fill the tank with water. Finally, you’ll need to backfill the hole and tamp down the soil around the tank.
Assessing the Situation
Before replacing a septic tank, it is crucial to thoroughly assess the situation to ensure proper planning and execution. Here are some key considerations to address:
1. Initial Inspection and Evaluation
Visual Examination: Conduct a detailed visual inspection of the septic tank and surrounding area. Look for signs of damage, leaks, or overflowing. Assess the condition of the tank’s lid, baffles, and outlet pipes.
Effluent Quality Testing: Collect a sample of the septic tank effluent and have it tested by an accredited laboratory for parameters like pH, dissolved oxygen, and pathogens. This will provide insights into the tank’s performance and efficiency.
Site Conditions: Evaluate the soil conditions around the septic tank. Consider the presence of high groundwater tables, bedrock, or soil compaction that may affect the tank’s placement or performance.
System Capacity and Usage: Determine the appropriate size of the new septic tank based on the number of bedrooms in the house, the average flow rate, and any anticipated future additions to the household.
| Household Bedrooms | Tank Capacity (Gallons) | Min. Drainfield Area (Sq. Ft.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 1,000 | 450 |
| 4-6 | 1,250 | 600 |
| 7 or more | 1,500 | 750 |
Permitting and Inspections: Check with local authorities to determine if a permit is required for septic tank replacement. Schedule an inspection by a qualified professional to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations.
Gathering Materials and Equipment
Before embarking on the septic tank replacement project, it is crucial to gather the necessary materials and equipment to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll need:
Equipment
- Shovel
- Backhoe or excavator (if required)
- Level
- Tamper
- Measuring tape
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Respiratory mask
Materials
Septic Tank
| Material | Size and Capacity |
|---|---|
| Concrete | Varies depending on household size and wastewater generation |
| Polyethylene (plastic) | Varies depending on household size and wastewater generation |
| Fiberglass | Varies depending on household size and wastewater generation |
Other Materials
- Clean sand or gravel
- PVC pipe and fittings
- Concrete mix
- Drainfield material (gravel or perforated pipe)
- Electrical wiring and connectors (if applicable)
Removing the Old Tank
Once the new septic tank is in place, it’s time to remove the old one. This is a more labor-intensive process than installing the new tank, but it’s still relatively straightforward.
1. Pump the Tank
The first step is to pump out the old septic tank to make it easier to remove. This should be done by a professional septic tank pumping service.
2. Disconnect the Pipes
Once the tank is empty, disconnect the inlet and outlet pipes. These pipes are typically made of PVC or cast iron.
3. Dig Around the Tank
Next, dig around the tank to expose it. Be careful not to damage the tank or the pipes.
4. Lift the Tank Out
Once the tank is exposed, lift it out of the hole using a crane or other heavy equipment. This can be a difficult task, so it’s important to have help.
5. Dispose of the Old Tank
The final step is to dispose of the old septic tank. This can be done by taking it to a landfill or by having it recycled. If the tank is made of concrete, it can be broken up and used as fill material.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
| Landfill | Easy and inexpensive | Can be harmful to the environment |
| Recycling | More environmentally friendly | Can be more expensive |
| Breaking up and using as fill material | Free | Only an option if the tank is made of concrete |
Installing the New Tank
Once the old tank has been removed, the new tank can be installed. The new tank should be placed in the same location as the old tank and should be level. The tank should also be placed on a bed of sand or gravel to help prevent the tank from settling or shifting.
Once the tank is in place, the inlet and outlet pipes should be connected. The inlet pipe should be connected to the house sewer line, and the outlet pipe should be connected to the drain field. The pipes should be sealed with a watertight sealant to prevent leaks.
Once the pipes are connected, the tank should be filled with water. The water will help to keep the tank from floating and will also help to settle the tank in the ground. The tank should be filled to the top of the fill line.
Once the tank is filled with water, the lid should be placed on the tank. The lid should be sealed with a watertight sealant to prevent leaks. The tank should then be covered with dirt or gravel to protect it from the elements.
The following table provides a summary of the steps involved in installing a new septic tank:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Remove the old septic tank. |
| 2 | Place the new septic tank in the same location as the old tank. |
| 3 | Level the tank and place it on a bed of sand or gravel. |
| 4 | Connect the inlet and outlet pipes to the tank. |
| 5 | Seal the pipes with a watertight sealant. |
| 6 | Fill the tank with water to the top of the fill line. |
| 7 | Place the lid on the tank and seal it with a watertight sealant. |
| 8 | Cover the tank with dirt or gravel to protect it from the elements. |
Connecting the Piping
Connecting the piping is a crucial step in replacing a septic tank. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure proper installation:
1. Locate the Inlet and Outlet Pipes
Identify the inlet and outlet pipes connected to the old tank. Mark their locations for easy reference.
2. Cut the Old Pipes
Using a pipe cutter, carefully cut the old pipes about 12 inches from the tank.
3. Clean the Pipe Ends
Remove any dirt or debris from the cut pipe ends using a wire brush or sandpaper.
4. Install Flexible Couplings
Slide flexible couplings onto the cut pipe ends. These couplings will connect the pipes to the new tank.
5. Align the Tank and Pipes
Position the new tank in place and align it with the inlet and outlet pipes.
6. Attach the Couplings
Slide the flexible couplings onto the inlet and outlet connections on the new tank and tighten the clamps securely.
7. Finalize the Piping Connections
Check for any leaks by running water through the pipes. If there are any leaks, tighten the clamps further or reseat the couplings. If necessary, use pipe sealant to ensure a watertight connection.
| Pipe Type | Use |
|---|---|
| PVC | Inlet and outlet pipes |
| Corrugated plastic | Flexible couplings |
Backfilling the Site
Once the new septic tank is in place, it’s time to backfill the site. This involves filling in the hole around the tank with soil and compacting it to ensure stability. Here’s how to do it properly:
1. Compacting the Soil
Use a hand tamper to compact the soil in layers as you fill the hole. Each layer should be no more than 6 inches deep. Tamp the soil firmly until it is solid and there are no air pockets.
2. Mound the Soil
Once the hole is filled, create a mound of soil around the tank. The mound should extend 1 foot beyond the edges of the tank on all sides. This will help to distribute the weight of the soil and prevent the tank from settling unevenly.
3. Water the Soil
Watering the soil will help to settle it and prevent it from shifting. Use a hose or watering can to thoroughly saturate the soil around the tank.
4. Grade the Soil
Once the soil has settled, grade it so that it slopes away from the tank. This will help to prevent water from pooling around the tank and seeping into it.
5. Plant Grass or Other Vegetation
To help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, plant grass or other vegetation over the backfilled area. This will also help to hide the septic tank from view.
6. Avoid Heavy Loads
For the first few months after the tank is installed, avoid driving heavy vehicles or placing heavy objects on the backfilled area. This will allow the soil to fully settle and compact.
7. Regular Inspections
Inspect the backfilled area regularly for any signs of settling or erosion. If you notice any problems, contact a septic tank professional for further evaluation.
8. Keep the Soil Moist
During dry periods, keep the soil around the tank moist by watering it regularly. This will help to prevent the soil from shrinking and cracking, which can lead to settling.
9. Soil Compaction Table
The following table provides guidelines for soil compaction around septic tanks:
| Soil Type | Compaction Level |
|---|---|
| Sand | 95% Proctor |
| Loam | 92% Proctor |
| Clay | 90% Proctor |
Note: Proctor is a measure of soil compaction that is determined by a laboratory test.
How to Replace a Septic Tank
Replacing a septic tank is a major undertaking that should be carried out by a qualified professional. However, if you are confident in your DIY abilities and have the necessary tools and equipment, it is possible to do it yourself. Here are the steps involved:
- Locate the septic tank. The septic tank is usually located underground, near the house. It is typically made of concrete or plastic and has a lid that can be removed.
- Dig around the septic tank. Use a shovel to dig a trench around the septic tank, exposing the lid.
- Remove the lid. The lid of the septic tank is usually held in place by bolts or screws. Remove the bolts or screws and lift the lid off the tank.
- Pump out the septic tank. Use a septic tank pump to pump out the содержимое of the tank. This will make it easier to remove the tank.
- Uncouple the pipes. The septic tank is connected to the house and the drain field by pipes. Uncouple the pipes from the tank.
- Remove the old septic tank. Use a crane or a winch to lift the old septic tank out of the hole.
- Install the new septic tank. Lower the new septic tank into the hole. Connect the pipes to the tank.
- Backfill the hole. Use a shovel to backfill the hole around the septic tank. Tamp down the soil to compact it.
- Replace the lid. Replace the lid on the septic tank. Bolt or screw the lid into place.
People Also Ask
What are the signs that I need to replace my septic tank?
There are several signs that you may need to replace your septic tank, including:
- Slow draining drains
- Backups in the toilets or sinks
- A foul odor coming from the septic tank or drain field
- Green or brown grass over the septic tank or drain field
- Pooling water over the septic tank or drain field
How often should I have my septic tank inspected?
Septic tanks should be inspected every 3-5 years by a qualified professional.
How long does it take to replace a septic tank?
Replacing a septic tank typically takes 1-2 days.
How much does it cost to replace a septic tank?
The cost of replacing a septic tank varies depending on the size of the tank, the type of tank, and the location of the tank. However, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $6,000 for a new septic tank.
