Septic Tank Installation

Experienced and Professional
Septic Tank Installation sod crew BC

Any time you have work done on your home or property, you want to be sure that it is done right, and one project where you definitely can’t afford mistakes is the installation of your septic tank.

Septic tanks are essential for homes and properties across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley that aren’t connected to a municipal sewage system. So, when your old tank begins to fail, not only does your new one need to be installed correctly, but you will also want it to be done quickly to limit the amount of time that you will be without water.

Sod Crew handles septic tank installation from the first site assessment right through to the final layer of sod, so when we leave, your yard looks finished — not like a construction site.

While the process may vary depending on whether this is a replacement tank or a completely new system, here are the steps we follow to ensure minimal disruption and a return to normal life with a new septic tank:

Septic Tank Installation Process

Assessment

If this is the first time a tank is being installed, an assessment is necessary to evaluate the site’s suitability for a septic tank system. Factors to consider include the type of soil, level of groundwater, and local regulations.

Design and Obtaining Permits

For a new installation, a septic system designer should be consulted to create a plan for installation, taking into account the anticipated water usage for the number of residents and the size of the home.

In British Columbia, septic systems fall under the provincial Sewerage System Regulation, which requires them to be designed and installed by an Authorized Person — either a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP) or a Professional Engineer. Once the design is finalized, it is filed with your regional health authority before any construction begins.

Excavation

At this stage, a sufficiently large hole must be made to accommodate the tank, using a backhoe or an excavator. The exact size is determined by the tank’s specifications, soil type, and local regulations.

Placing the Tank

Once the hole is made, the tank will be carefully installed and positioned according to the design plans. The inlet and outlet pipes will be connected, allowing for the inflow of wastewater and the outflow of effluent. If necessary, a distribution box may be installed, which will evenly distribute wastewater to the drain field.

Installing the Drain Field

Also known as the leach field, the drain field uses a series of pipes that are buried in gravel-filled trenches and perforated to allow the effluent to drain into the surrounding soil, where it is naturally purified.

Backfilling and Compaction

When the tank and drain field are in place, the hole is carefully backfilled with soil in layers, with each layer compacted to prevent settling and provide the necessary structural integrity for the septic system.

Connecting and Testing the System

Now that everything is in place, the septic tank is connected to your home’s plumbing system, allowing wastewater to flow to the tank. The entire system will be thoroughly inspected and tested for leaks, proper water flow, and to assess its capacity.

Final Steps

Following the installation and testing, the drain field will be covered in topsoil and every effort is made to return the area to its original condition, either by planting grass seed or installing sod. Final documentation is then completed: a Letter of Certification is filed with the health authority within 30 days, and you receive a copy of your system plans along with a maintenance plan.

Because the installation of a septic tank is a complex process that requires careful planning and attention to detail, it should always be left to professionals who can ensure that it is done correctly. Hiring a licensed contractor with the appropriate level of experience will provide you with a safe and effective new septic system.

Why Choose Sod Crew for your Septic Installation

Most septic installers leave you with a patch of bare dirt where the tank and drain field went in. Because landscaping is what we do every day, Sod Crew finishes the job properly — the same crew that excavates and installs your system restores the area with fresh sod or seed, so your property is usable and looks good again right away.

We work with homeowners and property owners throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, on both new systems and replacement tanks.

Septic Tank Installation FAQs

Yes. Under BC’s Sewerage System Regulation, the system’s design must be filed with your regional health authority (such as Fraser Health or Vancouver Coastal Health) by an Authorized Person before construction starts. After installation, a Letter of Certification is filed within 30 days. Some municipalities have additional requirements, so it’s worth checking with your local government as well.

Only an Authorized Person can design and install a septic system in BC. That means a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP) registered with ASTTBC, or a Professional Engineer with onsite wastewater experience.

It depends on whether you’re replacing an existing tank or installing a new system, as well as soil conditions, site access and the time needed for design and filing. We’ll give you a clear timeline during your assessment.

Tank size is based on the expected daily flow of wastewater, which depends on the size of your home and how many people live there. Your system designer will calculate the right size during the design stage.

With Sod Crew, the area over your tank and drain field is covered in topsoil and finished with new sod or grass seed, so you’re not left with bare ground. Learn more about our residential sod installation.

In many cases, yes. If your system is showing signs of trouble, see our septic tank repair services to find out what can be fixed before a full replacement is needed.

Contact the team at Sod Crew to to get your septic tank installation underway.

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