Septic installation process
#1
07-19-18, 09:58 AM
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Septic installation process
Hey all- I just received a quote of 15k to install a new septic system. As someone who does most things myself, I find this estimate to be very overpriced [I'm in the NY metro area]. I have no problem spending some cash on the project, but I'm looking for a way to save money on it.
Would this be a logical way to do the project and save money:
1. Hire an engineer to draw up plans for the project
2. Get it approved by the town
3. Hire an excavator to dig out the area based on the plan
4. Buy and install the septic system myself [with help]
5. Get it inspected by the town then bury the system
I estimate that doing it this way would cost anywhere from 5-8k,. Does this sound realistic? If not, how would you go about doing it?
Would this be a logical way to do the project and save money:
1. Hire an engineer to draw up plans for the project
2. Get it approved by the town
3. Hire an excavator to dig out the area based on the plan
4. Buy and install the septic system myself [with help]
5. Get it inspected by the town then bury the system
I estimate that doing it this way would cost anywhere from 5-8k,. Does this sound realistic? If not, how would you go about doing it?
#2
07-19-18, 10:05 AM
Have you gotten more than one quote? Many places require a licensed septic system guy do the work. If considering diy the first thing to do is find out if you are even allowed to.
#3
07-19-18, 10:07 AM
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I'm lining up additional quotes.
The town does not require a license to install it but it will have to be inspected and checked before being buried.
For a normal residential house [4 bedrooms, 3 people] I think 15k is highway robbery, but I could be wrong!
The town does not require a license to install it but it will have to be inspected and checked before being buried.
For a normal residential house [4 bedrooms, 3 people] I think 15k is highway robbery, but I could be wrong!
#4
07-19-18, 10:10 AM
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Most municipalities require the installer to be certified and they specifically do not allow DIY. Your 5 step could be correct, though over simplified, depending on the type of system required.
Whether or not your quoted price is out of line depends on the size, the type of system being installed and your location. $15k is about in the middle of the price range. Down here in rural NC a traditional system for a 2 or 3 bedroom house starts at $8-10k but because of environmental regulations few systems are "traditional". Most common in my area now are chamber (Infiltrator) system with a pump tank which average around $15k. Go down to the coast of NC and system is around $45k.
Whether or not your quoted price is out of line depends on the size, the type of system being installed and your location. $15k is about in the middle of the price range. Down here in rural NC a traditional system for a 2 or 3 bedroom house starts at $8-10k but because of environmental regulations few systems are "traditional". Most common in my area now are chamber (Infiltrator) system with a pump tank which average around $15k. Go down to the coast of NC and system is around $45k.
#5
07-19-18, 10:26 AM
Different states different rules but if I'm not mistaken locally - a state license is required. The only diy septic fields I've been aware of have been the ones done on the QT ... like a cabin in the woods.
#7
07-19-18, 12:11 PM
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Still, we can't comment on the price without knowing what type or size of system you are having installed.
#8
07-19-18, 12:48 PM
Regardless of what your Township may have told you, I think you'll find that the regulation of waste water treatment is most often in the domain of the "State" and New York is no exception. I live next door to New York and know this to be a fact. The Township and/or County have a voice in this as wellut the New York State Statutes will prevail.
Here's a link to a few publications that may give you a handle of your New York Requirements:
Owning a Septic System in New York State.
Here's a link to a few publications that may give you a handle of your New York Requirements:
Owning a Septic System in New York State.
#10
07-19-18, 04:13 PM
Actually, it will need to be whatever your step number 1 turns out to specify. The soil engineers will test the soil, design the system, and mark the site where it must be located. Not a lot of flexibility.
I'm not an engineer but even the type of sand and gravel used to fill around the tank and create your field will be specified. In many cases a raised field will be needed.
Bud
I'm not an engineer but even the type of sand and gravel used to fill around the tank and create your field will be specified. In many cases a raised field will be needed.
Bud
#11
07-20-18, 06:28 AM
Group Moderator
From your response only saying "1'500 gallon tank" leads me to believe that you don't know what type system you need or what was quoted to you. A professional installation would be a wise choice.
#12
07-23-18, 05:12 AM
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Pilot- all things being equal, it's a normal residential 1500 gallon tank. The ground percs well and is flat. This 15k does not include engineer in fees.
Looks like NY State doesn't allow you to diy anyway so I'll have to get more quotes. Thanks y'all!
Looks like NY State doesn't allow you to diy anyway so I'll have to get more quotes. Thanks y'all!
#13
07-23-18, 06:12 AM
Group Moderator
Saying "1'5000 gallon tank" doesn't say anything about what type system you are required to install. It tells you what size septic tank is required but that's it. There is a lot more to it than tank size. Repeatedly saying "1'500 gallon tank" only highlights that you are not educated about septic systems and what is required for their installation. A big reason why most areas do not allow DIY septic installation.
#14
10-01-18, 02:32 PM
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Pilot- That's why you hire an engineer duh, to lay out the exact plan. A 1500 gallon residential tank doesn't come in 500 different varieties.
It's not hard to dig a hole, lay some gravel, and attach some pipes. As long as it's inspected I don't see the issue but I don't need one anyway! Holla!
It's not hard to dig a hole, lay some gravel, and attach some pipes. As long as it's inspected I don't see the issue but I don't need one anyway! Holla!
