How To Prepare Your Property for Septic Tank Installation

Every Winnipeg homeowner should be aware of the condition of their septic system. Septic tank systems help treat wastewater from your home and separate solids and liquids from your drainage system. 

While most septic tanks systems last for decades, it is vital to know when you need a change and how the septic system installation process works. 

King’s Services is a full-service plumbing company in Manitoba that strives to ensure the operational function of your septic system. With decades of experience working with septic systems, we know the best methods of installation to help you get the most out of your septic tank. 

What Is a Septic Tank? 

Septic tanks are underground mechanisms that treat waste that comes from your home. A septic system caters more to people who live in rural communities who lack a direct connection to a sewer line. 

Do not attempt to install a septic system on your own. Instead, hire an experienced professional that can complete the job efficiently. 

Signs You Need To Replace Your Septic System 

If you are unsure if you need to replace your existing septic system, here are some indicators that it is time to hire a professional. 

YOUR SYSTEM IS OUTDATED 

One of the principal reasons Winnipeg homeowners need to replace their septic tanks is that their system is outdated. Fortunately, most septic systems are durable and last more than forty years. However, if you live in an old home, be alert for any problems that may arise. 

If you find yourself pumping your septic system frequently, it is a sign that you may need to consider a replacement. If you do not know how old your septic system is, do your best to find out. 

HOME ADDITIONS 

If you decide to add on to your home, this could affect your septic system. Septic systems must fit the size of your house. If your property outgrows your septic system, you have a problem. 

Similarly, if you start using more water than usual, you may outpace your septic tank. When you install a home addition, consider a septic upgrade. 

WATER IN YOUR YARD 

One of the most apparent signs that you need a new septic tank is if you start seeing water appear on your lawn for no reason. If this is the case, you must call a professional immediately. A repair may be all you need, but it could also mean that you need to start the septic system installation process. 

SLOW DRAINS 

If you notice all your drains take a while to process water, you have a septic issue. If it only affects one drain in your home, it is most likely a clog. However, if every sink and bathtub in your home has a slow drain, it may be time for a septic system installation. 

GREENER GRASS 

One way to diagnose a septic tank issue is to check the area around your septic tank. If you notice the grass appears greener and more flowers are blooming, it could signify a septic problem. 

While you may consider this a positive, the reason for the grass and flowers flourishing is your tank overflowing. This overflow waters the soil of the nearby area. Call for help immediately if you notice these signs. 

Septic System Installation Process 

Once you decide to move forward with a septic tank installation, here are some things that you need to know. 

REQUEST ESTIMATES 

Research all the plumbing companies in your community. Note that not all plumbing outfits conduct septic tank installations. Find a highly-touted company that can provide you with an estimated cost for a tank installation. 

You can read customer reviews of these companies to get a feel for their reputation. Also, make sure that their estimates include costs for excavation and drain field testing. 

GET A PERC TEST 

A percolation test is required before you begin the septic system installation process. It tests the soil in your yard, ensuring that it is absorbent enough to support a septic system. Do not hire a plumbing company before conducting a perc test. 

Additionally, if you plan to purchase land, make sure to run a perc test before signing anything. 

EXCAVATION 

Excavation is an intensive process that will do some damage to your lawn. Make sure to put aside some money for lawn repair after the excavation is complete. 

The excavation process should begin after main frame construction but before sidewalk and driveway installation. 

Septic Tank Installation Cost 

There are a few costs to be aware of when planning a septic tank installation. 

PERCOLATION TEST 

One septic tank installation cost in Manitoba is the percolation test. The percolation test can range from $300 to $1,000+. The test’s cost depends on how much acreage you have and how many holes the company needs to dig—the fewer, the better. 

BUILDING PERMIT 

Before installing a septic tank on your land, you need a permit from your province or territory. Each government has its own building permit rate. Expect to spend at least a couple hundred dollars on a building permit. 

SEPTIC TANK PRICE 

Finally, there is the cost associated with the septic tank installation. Pricing depends on many factors such as acreage, material, and type of septic system. Here is a list of the different septic systems and their prices: 

• Conventional Septic System - $3,000+
• Alternative Septic System - $12,000+
• Engineered Septic System - $8,000+ 

Contact Us 

King’s Services provides plumbing services to Headingley, Winnipeg, and surrounding areas. Our licensed and insured contractors can help resolve your plumbing issue, no matter how complex it is. 

Our priority is to help improve the lives of our clients. We ensure that you and your family are safe from any potential septic tank danger. The King’s Services team never makes you wait because we provide urgent care to all of our customers. Learn more here about our septic tank maintenance services. 

We also offer emergency services, making us available to take your call 24/7! 

If you have any questions about our septic system installation process, call us at 204-815-5878. We will send one of our trusted contractors to walk you through the details.