Installing a Septic System in Texas

Connecting your home to a septic system is a critical and also a responsible task. You have to carefully plan before you could execute and see good results because it has to be approved by the local authorities. There are a lot of factors that need to be looked at before installing a septic system in Texas, such as the location and size of the tank, the overall septic system, necessary permits, and the complete installation process. Let’s have a look at all these factors and get some understanding about the septic systems!

Types of Septic System Required in Texas

Today, there are various types of the septic system in Texas, but the most common types that used in Texas are:

Aerobic systems

Aerobic septic system laws in Texas

A septic system can be cost-efficient and low maintenance. The good news is that these systems are designed for quick repairs. It is usually nothing more than pulling up a sprinkler pump from a tank and dropping in a new one, replacing the small compressor at the surface, or cleaning or replacing a filter. The chlorine tablets must be added at intervals, but that is just dropping tablets into a tube.

Let’s talk about aerobic septic system laws in Texas.

In the State of Texas, the aerobic septic systems must be inspected 2-3 times a year by authorized septic professional. This is a maintenance program required by the State of Texas and is not optional. Under current State changes in the law, It is now possible to the homeowner to take a certification course and perform the maintenance themselves. Check with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

Standard systems

A standard septic system consists of a septic tank and a drain field, or soil absorption field. The septic tank absorbs organic matter and separates floatable material (e.g., oils and grease) and solids from the wastewater.

A standard wastewater system with a soil absorption system is the most cost-effective method available to treat household wastewater. But for it to work properly, you need to choose the right kind of septic system for your household size and soil type, and you need to maintain it regularly.

Low Pressure Dosing (LPD) systems

A low-pressure dosing system treats wastewater and then pumps it into the soil several times daily. It is the least expensive to install and operate. Low-pressure dosing systems cannot be installed in soils that become saturated during wet periods of the year or in shallow soils.

Low-Pressure Dosing systems are transformed standard systems. The processing method and quality are the same, traditional septic tanks, which typically remove about 50% of the biological content of the effluent(wastewater) The rest of the treatment takes place in the soil.

The type of system installed on a property depends on the properties of the soil and regulations set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

TCEQ (Texas Commission of Environmental Quality) is the body responsible for managing the overall system. It allows an OSSF (On-Site Sewage Facility) System to be built on a single-family residence and a 10-acre area. In most regions, local authorities have already started looking that all the requirements that must comply.

In most parts of the state, you would find local governments acting as “authorized agents” (AA) of the TCEQ for administering the whole OSSF Program. These agents are responsible for reviewing construction, request for alteration, extension, or repair of OSSF, issuing permits, and routinely inspecting system installation.

Stages of the Wastewater Treatment

There are mainly three types of stages of the wastewater treatment procedure. It is divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary water treatment systems. However, in some exceptional cases, you may require a more advanced treatment called quaternary water treatment.

How Much Land Do You Need To Put A Septic System In Texas?

A minimum of half an acre per dwelling unit is required to put a septic system. Usually, a permit through local authorities is required for any septic system installation. Depending upon the outcome of the test, the relevant body may or may not issue the permit. In case they find it unfavorable, then suggestions on alternative means would be provided. There are other factors that you should take into account. They are as follows:

Size of Tank

The size of the tank depends on the number of bedrooms and the number of occupants per house. The more the number of bedrooms and occupants, the larger the tank. Usually, for three bedrooms, the size comes out to be roughly around 1,000-gallon tanks. It is advisable to check with your local contractor for better inputs as they are aware of the local requirements.

Installation Method

There is a lot more to it than just installation. It includes designing, crafting, and the installation process. Requirements also vary by county or city. To ensure the installation process is correct, you should go for a fully licensed septic system. One must comply with their local laws to ensure there are no discrepancies in later stages, be it disposal of wastewater, plot area, or installation method of septic systems.

Often in San Antonio, construction contractors are called to inspect the location before seeking necessary permits. The plan is then shared with the local state bodies before the actual work gets underway.

How Much Does a Septic System Cost in Texas?

In the Texas region you can expect to shed somewhere around $3ooo to $6ooo for a good septic tank installation. Again, it is subject to your requirements like the type of septic system, the size and the area you are installing it in. The more the number of rooms and occupant, the higher the input needed.

If you are looking for more details and the exact costs etc, you must get in touch with good construction contractors in San Antonio. They have a better understanding of all the local rules and permits needed for septic system installation.

Original post: https://www.constructionsatx.com/articles/installing-a-septic-system-in-texas/

 

Slab Vs Crawl Space What To Know About Each

Here in east Texas, we’re blessed with mild winters. Due to this, it’s rare for homes to be built with full basements. However, the old debate of “slab vs. crawl space” is alive and well. This article will look at the pros and cons of both types of foundations.

Slabs: the Good and the Bad

A slab is created by digging into the soil several inches, pouring in concrete, and reinforcing it with metal rods. The house is built directly on top.

This is a simple method of construction that allows house building to continue, without waiting days for footings or other foundation components to cure. Heating and air ducts are usually run through the attic, and the water heater and furnace are located in the home. Electric, sewage, and water lines run under the slab and enter the home at certain points.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of using a slab is cost. As much as $10,000 can be saved when building a slab vs. crawl space. This is especially true in areas with rocky soil, as excavating into stone can be very expensive. Also, slabs are lower to the ground than homes with crawl spaces, minimizing the number of steps needed to enter the dwelling. This can be a real plus for people with back, knee, or heart problems.

Slabs are not without their drawbacks, however. Since the house is lower to the ground, it is easier for insects and other critters to find their way in. Also, because the slab forms the floor of the ground level, it can feel uncomfortably hard and cold to people walking on it.

Since air conditioning ductwork is routed through the attic, it must be heavily insulated, which adds cost to construction. The need to install the furnace and water heater in the house takes up room that could otherwise be used for different purposes. If the electrical or water lines under the slab develop problems, then the foundation will have to be hammered through to effect repairs – an expensive proposition. Also, if the slab begins to crack, it can cause severe structural issues throughout the house. Many factors can cause cracking, including tree roots and soil movement. Finally, some people find the low-to-the-ground look of slab homes unappealing.

Pros and Cons of Crawl Spaces

Think of a crawl space as a mini-basement. Its height can vary from 16 inches to four feet. The ground that it rests on can be prepared in many ways: by pouring several inches of gravel on top of a vapor barrier, by building a block foundation, or by pouring concrete. The walls of the space itself can be made from precast concrete or cement blocks.

Many people prefer the look of a home built on a crawl space. Due to the fact that it is higher off the ground, vermin will have a harder time getting in. The space above the ground allows water pipes and electrical lines to be run under the home. This makes accessing them for repair work much easier. Finally, a crawl space can be perfect for storage.

Drawbacks of a crawl space include additional construction cost, though this is usually offset by higher resale values. A crawl space must be properly insulated and ventilated; otherwise, moisture can pool in it and find its way into the home. Pests like rats and insects can invade the crawl space, making venturing into it an adventure in terror for homeowners.

We Can Help Either Way

Whether you choose to go with a slab or crawl space, Ultimate Construction can do the necessary foundation excavation. We’re experienced, reliable, and we know our professions. Contact us if we can help with new home construction or any other projects. Our Maine Services are Demoliton hauling , Pool demolition, landscaping grading, design & Lawn Mowing Drive repair, excavation service and Water Driange Solution.