Septic System Installation 101: How to Prepare

Diagram of a septic tank | septic system installation

A Guide For Homeowners: Septic System Installation

Professional septic system installation ensures the proper functioning of your home’s wastewater management system. It takes a knowledgeable and experienced team to handle a successful septic system installation from start to finish. 

If you’re building a new home or your current septic system needs replacing, our Grump’s Pumps and Septic team wants to help you prepare for a new septic system installation with this guide, which will cover:

  • The initial site evaluation system design
  • The excavation process and septic tank installation
  • The post-installation inspection and code compliance

The Initial Site Evaluation and Septic System Design

A successful septic system installation begins long before digging the first hole on your property! Pre-installation steps and factors to consider include:

  • A detailed property inspection
  • Obtaining required permits and approvals
  • Financing and budget considerations
  • Designing the septic system layout

Let’s dig a little deeper into each of these steps:

Our expert installers start by assessing your property to determine if it’s suitable for septic system installation. This may include inspecting:

  • Soil type
  • Property size
  • Property slope
  • Groundwater levels
  • Environmental factors
  • Accessibility for maintenance and repairs
  • Existing building structures, utilities, and landscaping
  • Soil percolation (Perc tests determine the soil’s ability to absorb water)

Depending on where you live, permits or approvals may be required to proceed with septic system installation. Our Grump’s Pumps and Septic team knows the ins and outs of local regulations within our service areas and can help obtain the necessary documents before proceeding with your septic installation. 

Consider your budget and talk to a professional about what you can expect regarding ongoing maintenance and possible repair costs. These could include:

The last step to complete before septic installation is designing the layout of the new septic system. Factors that will impact the septic system design include:

  • The size of the septic tank needed 
  • The optimal location for the septic tank and drain field
  • How the ground slope will affect the septic tank placement
  • Property boundaries and how many bedrooms are in the house
  • The required drainage area for the drain field
  • The existing plumbing system and fixtures within the home

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The Excavation Process and Septic System Installation

Once the system design is complete and all necessary permits are in hand, it’s time to schedule your septic system installation. The following installation steps will help you know what to expect during your septic installation. Our installation experts will:

  1. Clear the area of debris, vegetation, and other items
  2. Dig trenches for the septic tank, drain field, and distribution lines
  3. Place the septic tank in the designated spot, ensuring correct leveling and alignment
  4. Connect the plumbing from the house to the septic tank
  5. Place and connect the distribution box from the septic tank to the lines leading to the drain field
  6. Assemble the drain field using perforated pipes in the trenches
  7. Fill the trenches with gravel for added support and to aid in drainage
  8. Complete an inspection of all septic system parts and materials
  9. Cover the septic tank and drain field with soil
  10. Ensure the land is ready for landscaping restoration

Final Inspection and Testing

Post-installation inspections ensure your new septic system operates efficiently and is up to code with local regulations. The following are included in the final system inspection:

  • Verification of the septic tank, distribution box, and drain field placement according to the initial design
  • Assessment of distances from the septic tank and nearby property lines, bodies of water, and other buildings
  • Plumbing inspections for leaks
  • Hydraulic load testing to assess the system’s capacity and performance
  • Dye testing to ensure nothing leaks into the surrounding soil
  • Documentation proving compliance with local regulations
  • Educating homeowners on proper operation, maintenance, and upkeep of the septic system

Have More Questions? Ask Our Grump’s Pumps and Septic Team!

As you can see, a lot goes into a septic system installation. Partnering with a reputable septic company with 5-star customer ratings is your best bet for a seamless septic system installation experience.

Grump’s Pumps and Septic offers high-quality septic system installation near Lawrenceville, Lilburn, and nearby Georgia locations. Receive a FREE quote when you contact us today!

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  • We hired Grumps Pumps to service our septic system and couldn’t be happier with the experience. The guys showed up right on time, were professional from start to finish, and... read more

    Matthew May Avatar Matthew May
    September 25, 2025

    I had a fantastic experience with Grump’s Pumps and Septic from start to finish. Scheduling was quick and easy, and they showed up right on time, which is always a... read more

    joefbw Avatar joefbw
    September 7, 2025

    Spoke with Georgia and she was so pleasant and very helpful. She scheduled our septic tank to be looked at same day, which we really needed. Matt and Jonathan were... read more

    Lori Nilson Avatar Lori Nilson
    July 18, 2025
  • Johnathan and Bailey were incredible! They were fast and installed my riser after a pump out like pro’s. They even went the extra mile and flattened the dirt so I... read more

    Brian Weiler Avatar Brian Weiler
    July 11, 2025
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