Various Reasons Why It Is Important to Have a Septic Permit

Septic systems are a primary waste disposal system for homes that do not access a municipal sewerage service. It is important to get a septic permit before building a septic system to ensure you comply with regulations and create a properly sized system. If you don't, the problems with your septic may begin soon after it is installed or years later, usually during an inspection by local or state government officials.

Here are several reasons why it is important to have a septic permit:

A Septic Permit Ensures Code Compliance

A septic contractor or inspector cannot determine if your well and soil conditions are suitable for a septic system installation without an inspection, but local code enforcement officials will ask to see the permit before issuing one, so it is important to have one even before beginning construction on your home. Even if you think you know what type of system works best in your area, it is still important to check with local building authorities first. The codes may change over time, depending on zoning laws, topography, soil type, groundwater level, availability of public sewerage, and other factors.

Septic Permits Save Money on Repairs and Replacements

If your septic system fails due to incorrect sizing or installation, that failure can cost you much money in repairs and replacements. A properly designed and installed septic system is not supposed to fail within the first few years after being built. If it does, there probably are problems with its design or installation that need to be corrected before the system will work properly.

Septic Permits Protect You from Fines and Legal Actions

Most states have strict laws regarding how septic systems are designed and built, so hiring someone without proper training or skills is very risky unless they come highly recommended by people you trust. Having a septic permit requires the work to be done right, but it provides you with documentation of all aspects of the job, from soil sampling and testing to foundation drain field layout and sizing. Without this documentation, you have no verification that the installation was done properly or even legally.

Getting A Permit Protects the Environment

The focus on protecting water quality has raised awareness about how pollutants from poorly designed or improperly built septic systems can contaminate groundwater supplies used for public drinking water and those used by homes that rely on private wells. In addition to correct design and construction, proper maintenance is also an important part of keeping your system working as intended with few problems. If you are not using your septic system properly, you are causing damage to the environment without even realizing it.

Septic Permits Can Help Prevent System Failures

The average lifespan for a septic system that has been installed correctly is around 20 years, but this can vary greatly depending on installation quality, soil conditions, groundwater levels, climate changes, and other factors. One problem can cause the failure of an entire septic system if there are issues with distribution components or tank components because backups in one area could contaminate another part of the home or area downstream from where the septic tank is located. Having a permit can avoid these problems, so you have less risk of being without a functional septic system.

It is of the utmost importance to have the proper septic permit before building one. If done incorrectly, homeowners can face environmental issues and even land damage. Getting a septic permit is not easy, but you are sure to pass it on your first try with this knowledge.