Common Septic System Installation Issues

1. Common Septic System Installation Issues As presented by: Rodger Schuldt TCEQ Installer II License # OS19898 TCEQ Maintenance Provider License # MP00545 TCEQ Site Evaluator License # OS20270

2. Site Evaluation • Locate sewer pipe stub outs • Newer homes usually have one (1) stub out • Older homes (sometimes referred to as retrofits) can have multiple stub outs all around the house

3. Site Evaluation • Identify other plumbing in the area • Water lines • Gas lines • Electric lines

4. Site Evaluation • Locate easements and setbacks • Pipelines • Utilities • Overhead and underground • Water wells • Existing sewer drain field from other houses on the same property • Can’t occupy the same space

5. Site Evaluation • Verify tanks and disposal field will fit as designed • Trees and out buildings often are not accurately shown on designs, if at all • Locate property lines

6. Soil Evaluation • Analyze soil type while digging hole for tank(s) • Verify soil is same type as listed in site evaluation paperwork • If soil is different than is identified in the site evaluation, stop work and notify the regulating authority

7. Access to Work Area • Accessibility forheavy equipment • Backhoe or excavator • Dump trucks • Septic system delivery trucks

8. Access to Work Area • Ground conditions • Muddy, soft ground • Existing septic tanks in the new tank’s proposed location

9. Access to Work Area • Room to work • Room to set up equipment • Place to pile spoil while excavating • Place to spread the spoil left over

10. Installation of Equipment • Depth of sewer stub outs

11. Installation of Equipment • Depth of septic tanks

12. Installation of Equipment • Placement of lift station and/or equalization tank, if required

13. Installation of Equipment • Water source to fill tanks • Very Important!

14. Installation of Equipment • Sewer pipe between stub outs and tanks • Pipe size • Fall needed for positive flow of sewer • Required clean outs • 2-way vs. 1-way • Distance between clean outs • Sanitary tee inside tanks • Proper sealing of piping into tanks

15. Installation of Equipment • Approved chlorinator • Liquid • Tablet

16. Installation of Equipment • Electrical connections • Location of electrical supply • Disconnect location • Mounting of control box and aerator • Flood zone elevation requirements • Auto dialer, if required

17. Disposal Field • Surface irrigation • Sprinkler placement • Trees and Fences • Crossing water lines • Setback distances from water wells and property lines

18. Disposal Field • Subsurface irrigation (Drip emitters) • Trees in drip field area • Soil type in drip field area • Mounding vs. grade • Positive draining of surface water • Sodding vs. seeding • Headers with vacuum breakers • Proper depth of drip lines

19. Completion of Installation • Back filling around tanks • Class III soil • Positive flow of surface water away from tanks • Bedding in sewer pipes to prevent sagging of pipes • Spreading or removing left over spoil • This is subject to contractual agreement

20. Contact Information Rodger Schuldt Schuldt Construction 713.299.7402 rodger@schuldtconstruction.com

21. Questions? Designed by: Ryan Schuldt