- What is the first step in obtaining a septic system?
- Why does it take so long to get a septic system permit?
- How can I avoid putting a mound in my lawn?
- Do mound systems work in Indiana?
- Why does my health department want me to install risers on the septic tank and the observation ports?
- What is a drip irrigation system and what are its advantages?
- Why won't the contractor install my septic system if the soil is wet or frozen?
- Why does the system have to be installed where the soil scientist recommends?
Answers
What is the first step in obtaining a septic system?
According to Indiana State Department of Health Rule 410 IAC 6-8.1, all septic systems must receive a permit from the local health department before they are installed or repaired.
Each county must follow the state rule, but may have additional requirements. Many health departments also have information to help you with the process.
For a list of Indiana county health departments and their contact information, visit www.in.gov/isdh/links/local_dep/index.htm.
For more information, see Purdue Extension publication HENV-11-W, Obtaining a Septic System Permit.
Why does it take so long to get a septic system permit?
Health departments must consider a number of factors after receiving a permit request and must consider requests in the order they're received.
Much septic system construction occurs between late spring and early fall. At busy times of the construction year, delays are possible. Also, it may take some time to go through a request depending on the type of system required for the site.
For more information, see Purdue Extension publication HENV-11-W, Obtaining a Septic System Permit.
How can I avoid putting a mound in my lawn?
If your health department says you need a mound system for your lot, it is probably your only option.
Mound systems treat wastewater effluent before it reaches groundwater. Mounds are required when other systems cannot be used because of high water tables or other site limitations. Usually, the only options include asking the soil scientist about another evaluation at a different location on the lot or choosing another site to build your home.
Do mound systems work in Indiana?
Mounds have been used successfully in Indiana since the mid-1980s.
Like all septic systems, mounds must be properly maintained and operated. Maintenance includes regular septic tank cleaning; annual servicing for pumps, controls, and pressure lines; and periodic inspection of the soil absorption field by a trained professional.
Why does my health department want me to install risers on the septic tank and the observation ports?
Some counties have regulations requiring risers while others do not.
In any case, we strongly suggest installing septic tank risers because they serve two purposes:
- They provide easy access to the septic tank for inspection, and
- Easy access to the tank for service.
Many septic tank cleaning companies provide discounts for septic tanks with risers.
Observation ports make it easier to inspect the level of septic tank effluent in the soil absorption field trenches. This helps determine if any of the trenches are overloaded.
What is a drip irrigation system and what are its advantages?
Drip irrigation systems use a method of adding septic tank effluent to the soil that's different than conventional trench systems.
Drip irrigation systems use 1-inch diameter, flexible plastic tubing with small effluent dispensers every two feet. Tubes are buried two feet apart and 10-12 inches deep. The advantage of this type of system is that wastewater is added to the root zone, the most biologically active soil zone. The disadvantage is that wastewater must undergo a fairly expensive and separate pretreatment process to remove larger solids before entering the drip irrigation system.
Why won't the contractor install my septic system if the soil is wet or frozen?
State rules prohibit septic system installation if the soil is too wet.
Using heavy equipment on wet soil could result in compaction, decreasing the soil's ability to absorb and disperse wastewater. Because water's freezing point falls under pressure, operating heavy equipment on frozen soils often create wet soil conditions.
Why does the system have to be installed where the soil scientist recommends?
Indiana State Department of Health Rule 410 IAC 6-8.1, states that new septic systems must be installed in areas that have been identified and described by a soil scientist. Soil evaluations are also required if moving a soil absorption field to a new location.
Soil distribution across the landscape varies. In a one-acre lot, there may be several different soils, some of which are better suited to treating and dispersing wastewater than others. Soil scientists examine the soils on your lot and identify the location with the best soil for wastewater treatment and dispersal.
For more information, see Purdue Extension publication HENV-11-W, Obtaining a Septic System Permit and HENV-7-W, Indiana Soils and Septic Systems.
Care and Maintenance | Building a New System or Making Repairs |
It is the policy of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, David C. Petritz, Director, that all persons shall have equal opportunity and access to the programs and facilities without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, or disability. Purdue University is an Affirmative Action employer. This material may be available in alternative formats.