Living off the grid has its charm, but let's face it, plumbing ain't one of them. Especially when it comes to septic systems. Whether you are purchasing land to build a home away from the hustle and bustle, or your city hasn’t built waste infrastructure in your area, you may find yourself the owner of a fabulous septic system soon! But before you panic about mysterious backups and funky smells, let's break down the whole septic system deal, from permitting to peaceful maintenance.

Permitting: The First Hurdle

Think of a septic system permit as your pass to a healthy home. Every state and locality has its own rules, so the first step is to contact your local health department. They'll tell you exactly what you need, but generally, the process involves:

• Site Evaluation
  A pro scopes out your land, checking soil composition, water table depth, and other factors to see if your property can handle a septic system. If your property doesn’t pass the evaluation, you won’t be able to install a septic system. It would be pretty hard to live without any waste management plan!

• System Design 
  After passing the inspection and based on the results of the evaluation, an engineer or designer creates a blueprint for your specific system, considering factors like household size and wastewater flow.

• Application Time
  Time to fill out some paperwork! Submit your application, site evaluation report, and system design to the health department for review. They'll make sure everything meets code and protects the environment.

• Permit Granted
  Once approved, you're officially a septic system permit holder. Now, the fun (or maybe not so fun) part begins: installation.

Installation: Bringing Your Septic System to Life

Now that you have the green light, it's time to get dirty (literally). Here's how your septic system comes to life:

• Excavation 
  Heavy machinery digs trenches for the tank and drainfield, following the approved design. This will be the intricate underground plumbing network for your home once completed.

• Tank Time
  The mighty septic tank is essentially a giant settling pond where solids separate from liquids. It does this so that the waste materials can break down and progress through your plumbing system when they are ready.

• The Drainfield
  This is where the treated wastewater goes to its final destination. The drainfield consists of perforated pipes buried in gravel-filled trenches. The liquid seeps through the gravel, naturally filtering itself before rejoining the groundwater in the Earth.

• Final Inspection
  The health department gives your system a thumbs-up, ensuring everything is installed according to code and ready to handle your household's needs.

Maintenance: Keeping Your Septic System Functional

Your septic system needs to be monitored and taken care of to make sure it functions properly for many years. Here are some best practices to avoid a costly disaster: 

• Be mindful of what goes down the drain 
  Grease, harsh chemicals, and non-biodegradable stuff can wreak havoc on your system's delicate balance. Stick to the three Ps: pee, poop, and (biodegradable) paper.

• Pump it up
  Every 3-5 years, have your septic tank pumped by a licensed professional. This removes built-up solids, preventing clogs and overflows.

• Conserve water 
  The less water you use, the less your system has to work. Fix leaky faucets, take shorter showers, and consider water-efficient appliances. 

• Plant Strategically
  Avoid planting trees or shrubs with aggressive root systems near your drainfield, as their roots can damage the pipes underground. 

By following these steps, you can ensure your septic system operates smoothly and efficiently for years to come. Remember, a happy septic system means a happy home (and no nasty surprises!).

Bonus Tip: Keep a detailed maintenance log, noting pumping dates, repairs, and any issues you encounter. This information will be valuable for future homeowners and can help diagnose problems early on.

So, there you have it! Septic systems may not be the most glamorous topic, but understanding the permitting, installation, and maintenance process empowers you to be a responsible homeowner and keep your home (and the environment) healthy. 

After years in advertising and marketing, living and working for companies in Georgia, North Carolina, and China, I decided to acquire my real estate license so I can use my established marketing and communications skills to help others and work for myself.

For many people, buying and/or selling their home is one of the most important and most stressful times of their lives. Having an advocate and an agent who has experienced years of corporate marketing, managing teams through challenging projects with tight deadlines, and negotiating complex deals - will aid in the home buying or selling process.

If you or anyone you know is interested in real estate investment, a personal real estate search, or property management, please reach out to me directly - I would love to provide my services to help find your goal property as soon as possible.

Bo Hardegree, NC Real Estate Broker
Espin Realty
[email protected]
704-748-0958