Septic System Installation Process in Cochise County, Arizona

10 Questions

What is the purpose of performing soil tests before installing a septic system?

To determine soil absorption rate

What documents are included in the permit application packet provided by Smith Septic Service?

ADEQ paperwork, soil breakdown, septic design sheet, and site plan

How is the size of the septic tank determined?

By the number of bedrooms and bathrooms

Why are setbacks crucial when installing a septic system?

To maintain proper distances from buildings, property lines, neighboring water systems, and washes

What is the purpose of the yellow filter in the septic tank system?

To prevent suspended solids from reaching the leech field

What is one crucial step in the installation of a septic tank?

Filling it with water to prevent floating during heavy rain

What is the recommended frequency for pumping the septic tank in larger households?

Every three to five years

Where should the distribution box (d-box) be installed in the septic system?

On native soil and leveled properly

What is the purpose of a baffle wall in the septic tank?

To divide the tank into two compartments

What is the main difference between rock and pipe leech field systems and infiltrators?

Infiltrators have holes in the top for percolation and evaporation

Study Notes

Zach from Swiss Septics is explaining the process of installing a septic system in Cochise County, Arizona.
Soil evaluation is necessary before building a house and getting a permit.
Smith Septic Service, Zach's company, performs soil tests by digging three holes to determine soil absorption rate.
Based on the house design and location, the best septic system location is determined.
A permit application packet is provided, including ADEQ paperwork, soil breakdown, septic design sheet, and site plan.
Smith Septic Service charges $750 for the soil evaluation and permit application process.
The size of the septic tank is determined by the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, resulting in a daily flow rate.
The flow rate is then used to determine the size of the septic system based on the soil absorption rate.
Setbacks are crucial: the minimum distance from a building is 10 feet, and property lines require a 5-foot setback if the neighbor has a developed water system, or a 50-foot setback if it's vacant land.- The proximity of the septic system to a neighboring well and washes requires specific setbacks.
A septic system relies on gravity and requires precise elevations for proper function.
The installation of a septic tank requires careful preparation of the pit, ensuring it is level and smooth.
The septic tank must be filled with water to prevent it from floating during heavy rain.
Two types of leech field systems, rock and pipe and infiltrators, are used in Cochise County.
Infiltrators have holes in the top that allow for percolation and evaporation.
The choice between rock and pipe and infiltrators depends on the specific circumstances of the project.
Two 72-foot leech lines were required for the septic system, but they couldn't be installed on the property as planned.
Trenches for infiltrators require a minimum separation and coverage.
The distribution box, or d-box, is a critical component of the septic system and must be installed on native soil and leveled properly.
Thin wall PVC, schedule 40, and ABS pipes have different applications in septic systems, with thicker wall pipes used for heavier traffic areas.
ABS pipes are used when schedule 40 pipes are not required, such as for non-traffic applications.- Homeowner underwent a plumbing project, transitioning from a schedule 35 pipe to ABS for a sewer line running under the driveway.
Lowe's and Home Depot sell a perforated 4-inch sewer line pipe which is not suitable for depths greater than 2 feet due to its thin wall.
Septic tank consists of two compartments with a baffle wall dividing them. Solids settle in the inlet side, while fats, oils, and greases (FOG) rise to the top.
The center section between the inlet and outlet is the effluent, which transfers into the outlet side and into the d-box.
A yellow filter is used in the outlet of the separate tank as a last defense to prevent suspended solids from reaching the leech field.
Maintenance of the septic system includes yearly service for the filter and pumping every three to five years for larger households.
The inspection and approval process includes an inspection of the tank, depth of trenches for leech fields, required depth of gravel, and water tightness test.
Homeowners can submit the water tightness test and as-built plan themselves, but a professional inspection and passing grade are required for the opt-out process.
Cost savings from DIY septic installation were balanced by the increased time investment.
The process took three months for the homeowner to complete, while a professional installation takes about a day.
Smith's Septic can be contacted for professional installation services at SmithSeptics.com or on Facebook at Smith Septic LLC.
The cost for a 1,000-gallon tank installation was around $5,500 in the past, but current material costs are estimated at $10,000 to $12,000.
Composting toilet systems with a smaller septic tank are an alternative option, with costs ranging from $4,000 to $6,000.
The homeowner expressed gratitude for the informative conversation and offered availability for answering questions.