Septic Installation
For properties in Santa Fe, NM, and surrounding areas not connected to a municipal sewer system, a properly designed and installed septic system is crucial for effective wastewater management. At Always Construction Services, we specialize in comprehensive septic system installation services, ensuring your property has a reliable, environmentally sound, and code-compliant wastewater solution. Our experienced team is dedicated to delivering high-quality workmanship and meticulous attention to detail from the initial site assessment to the final inspection.
Septic System Installation by Always Construction Services in Santa Fe, NM
Why Choose a Septic System?
Septic systems offer an independent and efficient way to treat household wastewater on-site. They are a common and necessary solution for rural and suburban properties in Santa Fe where centralized sewer lines are unavailable. A well-installed septic system provides:
Self-sufficiency
You're not reliant on municipal sewer infrastructure.
Environmental Protection
Properly designed systems treat wastewater, preventing contamination of groundwater and local ecosystems.
Long-Term Solution
With proper maintenance, a septic system can last for decades.
Increased Property Value
A functioning septic system is a vital asset for any property without public sewer access.
Our Septic System Installation Process
Installing a septic system is a complex undertaking that requires expertise in site evaluation, engineering, excavation, and adherence to strict local and state regulations. Always Construction Services follows a structured and thorough process to ensure a successful installation:
Comprehensive Site Assessment and Soil Testing (Perc Test):
We begin with a detailed evaluation of your property, considering topography, proximity to water sources, existing structures, and available space.
A crucial step is the percolation test (perc test) and soil analysis. This determines the soil's absorption rate and composition, which is vital for designing the right type and size of drainfield. This step can take a few weeks as it often involves coordination with local health departments.
System Design and Permitting:
Based on the site assessment, soil test results, property size, number of bedrooms (which determines estimated wastewater flow), and local Santa Fe regulations, our experts design a customized septic system. This includes the septic tank size, drainfield layout (e.g., conventional, chamber, mound, aerobic), and necessary distribution lines.
We then handle all the necessary permitting and approvals with the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) and local authorities to ensure full compliance before any excavation begins. This is a critical step, as unpermitted or improperly installed systems can lead to significant fines and health hazards.
Precise Excavation and Site Preparation:
Once permits are secured, our team uses heavy machinery to excavate the areas for the septic tank and the drainfield trenches according to the approved design.
We ensure the correct dimensions, depth, and slope are achieved for optimal system performance.
Septic Tank and Drainfield Installation:
The septic tank (typically concrete or high-density plastic, chosen based on design and site specifics) is carefully lowered and leveled in the excavated hole.
Inlet and outlet pipes are connected to the tank, and the area around the tank is properly backfilled and compacted.
For the drainfield, perforated pipes (or chambers) are laid in the trenches, often surrounded by gravel or specific aggregate, to facilitate even distribution and filtration of treated wastewater into the soil. We ensure proper slope and coverage with geotextile fabric.
Connections and System Completion:
All necessary connections between the house plumbing, septic tank, and drainfield are made.
Risers and covers are installed to allow for easy access for future maintenance and pumping.
Final Inspection and Testing:
Before backfilling completely, the entire system undergoes a rigorous inspection by the NMED or local health department to verify compliance with all regulations and the approved design.
We perform internal tests to ensure the system is watertight and functioning correctly.
Backfilling and Property Restoration:
Once the system passes inspection, we carefully backfill the excavated areas, ensuring proper compaction.
We then work to restore your property, minimizing disturbance to your landscaping and leaving the site clean and tidy.
Types of Septic Systems We Install
Depending on your property's soil conditions, water table, and regulations, we can install various types of septic systems, including:
- Conventional Septic Systems: The most common type, consisting of a septic tank and a gravel-filled drainfield.
- Chamber Systems: Similar to conventional systems, but use gravelless chambers instead of gravel and pipe.
- Mound Systems: Used in areas with high water tables or shallow bedrock, where wastewater is pumped into a raised mound of sand for treatment.
- Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs): More advanced systems that use aeration to further treat wastewater, often required for smaller lots or challenging soil conditions.
Why Trust Always Construction Services for Your Septic Installation?
- Licensed & Experienced: We are a licensed General Contractor (GB98) and have extensive experience in excavation and large-scale residential and commercial projects, including septic system installations in Santa Fe.
- Local Regulatory Expertise: We are intimately familiar with the specific septic system regulations and permitting processes of the New Mexico Environment Department and Santa Fe County.
- Customized Solutions: We don't believe in one-size-fits-all. Every septic system we install is specifically designed for your property's unique characteristics.
- Quality and Durability: We use high-grade materials and adhere to the highest construction standards to ensure your septic system is robust and long-lasting.
- Transparent Process: From initial consultation to project completion, we maintain open communication, providing clear explanations and detailed estimates.
- Customer-Focused Service: Your satisfaction is our priority. We strive to complete projects on time, within budget, and with minimal disruption to your daily life.
Investing in a new septic system is a significant decision. Choose Always Construction Services for a professional, reliable, and compliant installation that will serve your Santa Fe property for years to come.
Contact Always Construction Services today for a consultation and a detailed estimate for your septic system installation project in Santa Fe, NM.
