What to Expect

WINTER INSTALLATION

Excavation is needed for pipe from septic tank to leach field.

During installation, quad axle dump trucks, heavy equipment & tank delivery truck need a pathway to get to and from the work area. When planning out our jobs, we take every measure to minimize the damage done to driveways & the yard. At times it is not feasible to utilize the driveway, so we may build a temporary access road. When we do need to use the driveway, we inform you of the possible damage that can occur while driving over the asphalt; the time of year is a big factor. If the ground is soft, our big trucks are likely to leave tracks or rutts. Over time, this will usually "fluff" back to normal.

If fine grade option is chosen, we repair the damage to all areas that were disturbed or rutted.

Finish grade takes extra man time, machine time, grass seed and straw.

Pathway to Work Area from driveway

Rough grade has no rocks or sticks picked up, nor extra fine tuning with machines.

ACCESS ROADS & DRIVEWAY

Torn Up Yard

Excavation is needed from building pipe to septic tank.

Temporary Access Road

W H A T T O E X P E C T

Space is needed for stone & topsoil piles, equipment maneuvering and septic tank delivery.

Temporary Access Road

Two Feet of Frost

After "The Thaw"

The contract may give you the option to choose a "finish grade" option for an additional cost. We offer this as a convenience to our customers, we are not professional landscapers. Some customers look for ways to save money. This is a way to take on some of the work yourself and reduce the bill. If you choose, we spend additional time making your yard look good. Pick up rocks and sticks, smooth out the grade with a machine, and spread grass seed & mulch. The mulch helps hold down the grass seed and it also keeps the newly planted grass seed moist. New grass seed grows best if kept moist.

Things to note: Settling will still occur with finish grade. Wind or rain after the fact can sometimes ruin a job well done. Also note that grass seed that is put down in the fall doesn't grow as fast as it does in warmer, sunny weather. Since we can't predict the severity of any of these natural things, repair is not included.

After a system installation, settling of the ground will occur, especially during the first few months. It will also occur after a heavy rainfall or during the spring thaw. When your tank was set, loose dirt was filled in around it, so it’s natural that over the years the dirt compacts itself and sinks a bit. Puddles of water are normal as well. As the grass grows over time, these wet areas will get filled in. This "sinking" appearance is normal and does not affect the system. Settling usually subsides after the first year. You may wish to bring in additional topsoil to level it out. Take care to direct roof downspouts away from your septic tank and leach field.

Pathway to Work Area from roadway

Septic systems can be installed in the winter. But often the ground has "frost". Frost is frozen ground and it takes longer to dig through. We never know how much frost there is until we start digging. After installation, trying to return the ground back to "normal" is nearly impossible because it is like backfilling with large boulders. We do the best the ground allows, but your yard won't be able to be finished until Spring. Many Installers do not work in the winter, but there is often a need to get your plumbing working!

There are some positive aspects of winter installation. Since the ground is hard and durable it means less damage to the ground adjacent to the excavated area. Access won't get rutted up if the temperature is right. Driveways are much stronger for heavy equipment to cross and rarely get damaged. The most important thing is that your septic system works in the end and you'll sleep better at night without worrying about a back-up!