Septic Service in Tyler
For over 50 years, CM Environmental has proudly dedicated itself to serving Tyler and the entire East Texas region. Our septic service is deeply ingrained in the community as a well-established, locally-owned, and locally-operated business, renowned for its exceptional service and top-notch workmanship. When you choose to collaborate with our third-generation family business, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the most seasoned, approachable, reliable, and proficient septic experts in the area. Our unwavering commitment revolves around maintaining our unparalleled customer satisfaction ratings and consistently delivering top-tier service. If you have a commercial or residential septic project of any size, don’t hesitate to get in touch with CM Environmental today!
Septic Tank Installation Services
What steps are involved in septic system installation?
Choose the correct system size and type to meet the current and future needs of the commercial or residential property.
Our septic service will assist you through each step of the septic system selection process. We’ll help you choose the appropriate pump type (usually centrifugal or turbine), tank type (based mainly on your soil composition), and determine the right septic tank size. Tank size is typically determined by the property size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the number of residents or employees using the system. Unlike some other Tyler septic companies that offer recommendations without clear explanations, our experienced professionals ensure our customers understand every decision and the rationale behind our suggestions.
Obtain all required permits.
In many places, obtaining a permit and conducting soil testing is necessary for new septic tank construction. When you choose CM Environmental as your septic tank installation service, we take care of all the legal requirements on your behalf. We’re well-versed in local regulations, legal procedures, and potential challenges in this phase, ensuring a smooth start to your project.
Local health departments issue discharge authorizations for septic systems. To complete a septic system installation, septic specialists must submit a waste discharge report and obtain this authorization. Because septic systems need approval from environmental or health departments, we’ll submit a site plan, septic design, and all necessary forms and permits. In Texas, the TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, akin to the EPA) mandates that septic companies secure a permit for new installations, and we’ll handle the paperwork for this, too.
Soil testing entails several steps. A percolation test involves digging multiple holes about 30 to 40 feet apart to gauge subsurface water flow. Soil texture, color assessment, classification, and absorption testing provide crucial information for septic system placement and feasibility.
Choose the right location.
Selecting the right spot for a new septic tank installation is crucial. We’ll confirm optimal soil drainage for the drain field’s efficiency, avoid interference with underground utilities, and adhere to guidelines, like maintaining a minimum 10-foot distance from structures but not exceeding 85 feet. Septic systems must be a certain distance from bodies of water. You can trust our septic tank installation service to identify the ideal location for your new system.
Excavate the area and install the new septic tank.
Once the ideal location is determined, our septic tank installation team begins excavation. Heavy machinery is used to dig a hole for the tank, and trenches are dug for drain pipes in the drain field. These trenches are filled with sand and/or gravel for water dispersion and soil absorption. We carefully install your system with precision and attention to detail.
Complete installation of inlet pipes, outlet pipes, and baffles.
Inlet pipes carry wastewater into the septic tank, while outlet pipes transport effluent (liquid sewage) into the drain field after solid matter settles. Outlet pipes are typically positioned about 3 inches below the inlet pipes. Baffles, which can be concrete divider wall baffles (common in older tanks) or sanitary tees, are essential components. Within a septic tank, waste separates into three layers: sludge, water, and scum.
Baffles direct wastewater flow through the tank while preventing sludge and scum from escaping. Inlet baffles prevent scum buildup and backflow while allowing solids to settle and minimizing tank agitation. They also block sewer gases from entering buildings through the sewer line. Outlet baffles prevent solids and scum from entering the outlet pipe and drain field. Tees are installed to prevent baffle failure by directing waste downward and venting sewer gases.
Install the drain field.
Having identified the ideal location in step 3, the next step involves soil testing for adequate liquid drainage. Once the soil passes testing, our experts will excavate trenches for drainage pipes. These trenches will be filled with gravel, and drainage piping will be installed on top, with geotextile used to prevent soil blockage.
Connect the new septic system to the electrical system.
For non-gravity-fed septic systems, we install an electric pump in the tank for water removal. Our Tyler septic services include septic wiring, which may include wiring for septic controls. These controls activate the pump when water reaches a specific depth, facilitated by a float switch set to a predetermined position. Our weatherproofed wiring will comply with all necessary electrical codes.
Backfill and cover the septic tank.
Backfilling is a critical step that requires adherence to specific guidelines. These include maintaining uniformity in compacted layers under 24 inches thick, using 6 to 12-inch thick layers under the tank’s haunch, ensuring even distribution of fill around the tank without debris or large stones, and proper compaction. Incorrect backfilling can cause concrete tanks to float, posing a significant issue. Preventative measures involve filling the tank with water, appropriately placing soil on top, and precise tamping. Throughout this process, we monitor tank water tightness and minimize outlet pipe movement.
A comprehensive (and important) septic system inspection will take place.
The inspector checks the tank’s level, inspects the D-box and connected pipes for good condition and proper installation, and verifies the correct number of chambers in each trench. The inspection must pass successfully for CM Environmental to deem the job well-executed.
Work with your septic service to plan for long-term maintenance.
Our septic system services include installation, repair, and routine maintenance. We collaborate with you to establish a tailored maintenance schedule, taking into account your specific system type, leach field size, and water usage volume. Regular maintenance prevents expensive issues and complex repairs.
What are leach fields?
Leach fields, also called drain fields or leach beds, are soil absorption systems for septic tanks. Trenches below the ground’s surface contain sand or gravel and pipes for distributing and percolating wastewater back into the soil. These fields purify effluent water to prevent ground contamination. Natural bacteria filter and cleanse the wastewater. The water then permeates deeper into the ground, undergoes soil filtration, and becomes part of the environment.
What is a D-box and what purpose does it serve?
D-boxes, or distribution boxes, receive effluent from the septic tank and evenly distribute it to the pipes and drain field. We select the box’s size and shape based on the septic system’s dimensions. These plastic or concrete boxes have multiple holes for flow. During septic system maintenance, we inspect the D-box for optimal condition, with a typical lifespan of around 20 years, barring unforeseen issues.
Septic Tank Maintenance Services
How can I keep my septic system in tip-top shape?
Familiarize yourself with the location of your septic tank. Use this information to plan maintenance effectively and prevent potential issues. Refrain from landscaping or planting vegetable gardens over the drainage pipes. Plants grown in or near sewage effluent are not suitable for consumption. Your Tyler septic service advises planting only grass in the leach field.
Don’t flush inappropriate items. As we’ll discuss later, certain items shouldn’t be flushed down a toilet as they can harm your septic system. To prevent costly problems, maintain mindfulness and only flush toilet paper and human waste.
Schedule routine septic tank pumping. Typically, household septic tanks require pumping every three to five years, with some exceptions. Factors like tank size, building/home size, and usage frequency dictate the accumulation of scum and sludge in your tank.
Learn about the material your septic tank is made from. Four common septic tank materials exist: concrete, steel, plastic, and fiberglass. Each has its unique characteristics, with distinct advantages and challenges. Understanding this information improves your ability to identify potential problems.
Keep plants, trees, and gardens away from every part of the septic system. As previously mentioned, only plant grass on and around the drain field. Avoid planting in the leach field, septic tank area, and other components (e.g., distribution box, piping areas) to prevent interference in case your septic company needs to excavate for troubleshooting or repairs.
Be mindful of water efficiency. Because all household drain water ends up in your septic system, it’s closely tied to water usage. Water conservation reduces the volume entering the system, enhancing septic efficiency and reducing the risk of problems.
Protect the drain field. Avoid planting vegetables, shrubs, trees, and other plants, and ensure proper surface drainage away from the field and system. Steer clear of sprinkler systems, retaining walls, and heavy or permanent objects like swing sets, sheds, or parked vehicles.
Use septic-safe cleaners. Choose biodegradable and natural cleaning products, as they are the best option for septic tanks in homes and businesses. These products preserve the beneficial bacteria in the tank, preventing bacterial disruption and related backups.
Monitor your septic system. Install smart sensors on your septic system or watch for common signs of trouble, such as backups, standing water in the drain field, gurgling sounds, odors, or slow drains. This helps you identify and address developing problems promptly.
What are the pros and cons of each septic tank material?
Concrete septic tanks are incredibly durable, impressively long-lasting, low-maintenance, and resistant to the surrounding environment. Concrete tanks do have drawbacks – they can be disruptive to repair, tougher to install, more costly, and prone to corrosion.
Steel septic tanks are long-lasting and damage resistant but costly, with a lifespan of about 25 years due to susceptibility to rust.
Plastic septic tanks are affordable, crack-resistant, easy to install, and corrosion-proof. Nonetheless, they can be damaged, have a shorter lifespan than some alternatives, are environmentally sensitive, and demand more maintenance.
Fiberglass septic tanks are lightweight and easy to install, but may shift in wet soil.
What are the different types of septic systems and how do they differ from one another?
Conventional Gravity Systems
Gravity-fed systems, the most frequently encountered and installed by local septic services, are popular for their simplicity, low maintenance, and easy installation. These systems use gravity to transport waste from single-family homes or small businesses and have been in use since the late 1800s. They consist of three components: a septic tank, a drain field, and the soil beneath the drain field.
Septic tanks in gravity-fed systems are decentralized and separate from structures. They receive effluent through gravity flow, filter it, and distribute it to the drain field. These systems need at least three feet of subsurface soil beneath the leach field for treatment and often use polyethylene plastic septic tanks. If our septic service advises against a gravity-fed system for your property, it’s likely due to limited land space, high bedrock, or a high groundwater table.
Pressurized Systems
Pressure distribution systems, also known as chamber or gravel-less systems, resemble conventional gravity systems, but differ in drain field design. These systems utilize long-channel drainage chambers instead of stone-lined leach fields. The chambers receive wastewater from the septic tank, disperse it along the chamber’s bottom to the soil, and aid waste breakdown through soil microbes. Reliable Tyler septic companies often recommend them for specific soil conditions, limited access to native soil, variable septic influent volumes, or when cost savings are desired.
Alternative Systems
Mound Systems
Mound septic tank systems consist of a man-made mound with sand, gravel, and at least six inches of soil, replacing the conventional drain field. We may recommend this system for Tyler septic service if your property isn’t suitable for standard systems due to near-surface bedrock, shallow soil, or shallow groundwater. These mounds typically use anaerobic septic tanks with outflow pumps to move wastewater to the mound. Effluent is pumped to the mound’s gravel layer, and wastewater flows through piping pores to the sand layer, acting as a filter and soil buffer. These systems require regular inspections and maintenance visits, so they’re only chosen after careful consideration by our septic service.
Sand Filter Systems
In sand filter septic tank systems, wastewater effluent is treated and re-circulated before release to the subsurface soil. These systems can be underground or above ground and feature a PVC- or concrete-lined box as a sewage breakdown filter filled with stone and sand. A pump distributes effluent to the filter box, where it flows through the sand and is collected by pipes in the stone layer. Treated wastewater can be re-circulated and treated again or pumped to the soil subsurface. These systems work in shallow groundwater areas and need only 18 inches of suitable soil but are costlier, require electricity and a pump, and demand higher maintenance than conventional systems.
Proprietary Systems
Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs)
ATU (Aerobic Treatment Unit) septic tank systems mimic small-scale municipal sewage treatment plants. Unlike other systems using anaerobic microbes, ATUs employ aerobic microbes to break down waste. An electric pump supplies oxygen to the septic tank, enabling aerobic microbes to thrive. These systems are favored in areas with limited access, unsuitable soil conditions for conventional septic systems, or proximity to surface water. They need 12 to 18 inches of suitable soil and require regular maintenance.
Bio-Filters
Bio-filters are sustainable septic systems combining physical wastewater filtration with biological treatment. They feature clog-resistant mediums and are durable. Ideal for environmentally sensitive regions, remote areas, small lots, and challenging soil conditions like high water tables or bedrock. They act as barriers for treatment before wastewater returns to the environment. Installation requires only about a foot of soil, making them efficient and cutting-edge.
What are the dos and don’ts of septic tank ownership?
Do…
Use a drain catcher in your sink to prevent excessive food from entering the drain or disposal
Use high-efficiency washers and install high-efficiency toilets
Only wash full loads of laundry and space out your loads – one daily load (vs. multiple loads once a week) is much easier on your septic system
Avoid bleach or use it sparingly
Ask your septic maintenance professional to install baffle screens
Use your garbage disposal sparingly
Don’t…
Pour paint, paint thinner, oil, or chemicals down any household drain
Use harsh cleaning products
Put bones, meat, eggshells, fruit peels or pits, onion skins, nuts, oats, pasta, fats, soil, coffee grounds, or non-food items into your garbage disposal
Flush unused medication
Flush garbage, feminine products, pet waste, kitty litter, or wipes
