A Boulder County septic system's leach field is a necessity if you plan to have a septic tank on your property. It will allow your system to be functional and it is something that you can do yourself. Make sure that you have your inspections done on time and that you utilize the proper steps to getting your leach field dug and prepared.
Pick the Proper Site
The septic site in Boulder should be a good distance from your home, but near your septic system. If you have a water source like a well, lake or river, or a garden of edibles, you want to make sure that there is at least 10 feet between them and your leach field.
Talk to the Authorities
After you choose an area, you have to make sure that the septic site you choose is inspected and that you have the right permits before you start to dig. This is a critical step because if you dig in the wrong area, you will have to start the septic installation project all over again. You should also make sure to familiarize yourself with all Boulder County septic installation regulations and laws before you get started.
Check the Soil to Ensure it is Appropriate
Some places will require that you have the soil tested before you begin the septic digging and installation process. However, you want to get this done whether it is required or not. You will find that issues with back-ups can occur if the soil has a low absorption capacity.
Begin the Digging Process
If your septic tank is 1,000 gallons, which is the average, you want to either have two or four trenches. If you choose to use two, each should be 50 feet. If you choose to use four, each should be two feet. In depth and width, all trenches should be three to four feet. They should have a slight downward incline.
Put Down the Gravel
You want to cover the bottom of the septic trenches in gravel. Approximately one inch of gravel is generally adequate and it will make it possible for effective drainage below the septic pipe.
Place the Pipe Properly
The septic pipe goes along each trench from your septic tank. To keep the septic pipe properly adhered to the drain of your septic tank, you will use the right clamps. This is important because you do not want the pipe to become misaligned or start shifting.
Put Down More Gravel
This layer of gravel needs to settle around the pipe, so take your time and go slowly with this part of the process. In most cases, you will be using one to three inches of gravel during this step.
Place the Cloth
You will drape a cloth over the gravel and the pipe once they are in place. You can choose any material that you prefer, but it must be a breathable type of cloth. This cloth works to ensure that the gravel can continue to drain as it needs to in your Boulder septic system.
Use Dirt to Fill the Trench
You want to make sure that the ground and the trench are level. This is the purpose of the dirt, so you can eye it to ensure it is level. It is a good idea to wait approximately two weeks after you put the last of the gravel in place to put your dirt in the trench. This is because the ground will settle over time. If you put the dirt in right after the last of the gravel, check the area two weeks later and see if you need to add more dirt to make sure the area is level.
You can see that septic installation and leach field construction is not terribly difficult. This is something you could do relatively quickly now that you know the steps of the process. It is very important that it is done correctly since this will play a major role in the function of your septic system in Boulder and Jefferson County.