If you’re purchasing a home or property to fix up or build a home on, you may want to know about the Georgia septic tank requirements. Even if the property already has an existing system, upgrades may need to be made.
Be sure to contact your county for the specific requirements for more information on the rules and regulations.
Septic Tank Permit Requirements
When you’re looking to install a septic tank in the state of Georgia, there are rules and regulations that need to be followed throughout the process. Before you receive approval for your septic tank permit, there are a few requirements you’ll need to be responsible to meet:
- Soil Level Report
- Site Approval
- Surveyed Plat of the Property
- Inspections and Fees
To get those items completed and apply for your inspection, here are some things you’ll need to know for the application process as well as your planning process:
Septic Tank Size
The septic tank capacity you’ll need for your home is based on the size and occupancy of your house. Larger houses will need larger septic tanks and septic systems installed.
When looking at the size of the septic tank that should be installed, you will also need to consider things like garbage disposals in your home. It might seem like something simple to add a garbage disposal to your kitchen sink, but that can mean a lot more waste going down the drain and into your septic tank.
Septic Tank Location
Choosing the right spot on your property for your septic system is important. While you can’t just put your septic tank wherever you’d like, a plumbing professional will be able to help you choose the best location for your yard and that meets the site requirements in the place where you live.
You’ll need to consider some of the following things when you’re planning the location of your system:
- The slope of your yard. Your septic tank should be installed so that any water that leaves your septic tank or drain field runs away from other surface water sources on your property like a well for drinking water, spring, or even sink holes.
- Location, location, location. In Georgia, it’s a requirement that your system’s site be at least 50 feet from other water sources like the ones mentioned above. You also need to consider property lines and other utilities like water lines as well as access for installation and maintenance.
- Size of your entire system. The minimum size of a septic tank in Georgia is 1,000 gallons for a four-bedroom home. In addition to the minimum tank size, if your home or business is larger or has things like a garbage disposal, you’ll need a larger tank or multiple septic tanks which means a larger space on your property. If you need multiple septic tanks, you may get an approval to install two septic tanks placed in series, provided that that size of the first tank is at least 1000 gallons and at least equal to the size of the other tank and connected to the sealed sewer line.
- More than one tank. Some septic systems consist of more than one tank so if you’re renovating an existing system or are limited on space, this might be an option for you.
- A strong foundation. Before your septic tank can be installed, a foundation needs to be installed. You’ll also need maintenance over time so you’ll want to put your system in a place where it can be accessed by plumbers and repair people as well as large trucks or heavy equipment.
- Other parts. Your system is made up of more than just the septic tank. You’ll need to plan for the sewer line, drainage ditch, and drain field.
You can find more information from the Department of Public Health with specific requirements.
Septic Tank Review Process for Developments and Subdivisions
Depending on where your home, business, or property is located, you may have an additional review process before you can begin installing your system.
Business owners with buildings in a retail or shopping development may need to submit their plans to a board for approval prior to construction work beginning.
Homeowners may need to get approval from a homeowners association, property owners association, or another development committee.
Community development boards in your city or town may also have regulations that need to be followed for your new or upgraded system.
Septic Tank Installation
Finding a trusted plumbing company that has experience with septic systems is an important part of the septic tank installation process. The well-trained technicians will use their years of experience to make sure that you’re getting the right system for your house and that it’s placed in the best place on your property.
How Do I Find Someone to Install My Septic Tank?
In Georgia, septic systems are required to be installed by a Georgia-licensed installer. Georgia Department of Public Health maintains a list of these installers on their website. Of course, you’ll find The Original Plumber & Septic on that list. We’re proud to be on the Environmental Health section’s certified lists.
Start out asking your friends and family who they used and would recommend. You can also ask on social media and Google local plumbing companies who handle septic system installation.
Be sure to look at things like the company’s reviews online and with places like the Better Business Bureau. You’ll also want to be sure the companies have the proper licenses and insurance where you’re located.
Installation Process
Once you’ve hired someone to install your new septic system, it’s time to put together the timeline for your new septic system installation. Your septic technician will be able to help you work through the best-case scenario to have your new septic tank installed by your deadline.
Once your new septic system has been installed, be sure to follow the technician’s instructions to maintain your system and keep it working well. The last thing you want is untreated human sewage leaking out into your yard from a septic leak! Generally, your septic system should last you up to 30 years.
Atlanta’s Trusted Septic Professionals
Call The Original Plumber & Septic today for a free consultation and get more information about your county regulations. We’re available 7 days a week to help with all of your septic and plumbing needs for your home or business in the Atlanta area. One of our friendly and professional technicians will come to your home to do an inspection to help you to determine the current state of your septic system. We can also help when an emergency arises.
