Speaking for myself, (and maybe the others too) I was not insinuating that you were trying to get away with something by, “doing it under the table†There is just a lot of people that don’t know that the install / improvement to a septic system requires a permit. A lot of people hate getting a permit in general because of the hassle, and money that is involved, but I think getting a permit is just a way that someone else, (the inspector) can make sure nothing is over –looked, and it is done correctly the first time…and there is nothing wrong with that!
I’m not a septic system expert, but I would think that having a septic tank, without a bottom in it, (especially in sandy soil) would not be a good idea. I would think that the water would need to stay in the tank, for the bacteria to perform its job, and then shoot it into the leach field area.
You could probably call the permit department, (ours here, is the health department) and ask them about if your tank is grandfathered in. Usually, they are very helpful answer questions like that. We have some old homes up in the area where I live, that all they used was two 55 gallon drums!
Mike
Yeah, your post was helpful, it wasn't directed at you.
Well, after researching the permits and inspections needed, and then doing an estimate of the supplies I would need (pipes, fittings, rock, fabric, etc) and then renting a trench digger, I have opted to have a professional do it.
I was given an estimate of $3600 for a 900 gal tank and a new drainfield. (they will also crush and backfill the old one and remove the old leech lines)
I guess that's a good price. I know I could have done it myself, but I was worried about making any number of rookie mistakes and really messing something up.
So, to make room for the backhoe that will be ripping up my yard next week, I spent my sunday cutting down a dead tree that was about 2 stories tall that was less than 10 feet from my house.....
Let me tell you... hehe I almost killed myself 3 times, but, I got it down piece by piece. Once I had it down to 15ft I just cut it down. It fell right into the spot I wanted! Nothing fell on the house and there were no injuries... lol the wife was happy about that.
A tree service once offered to cut it down for $500 bucks, so I figure since I borrowed the chainsaw and since it was just me and the wife with no hired help, we just saved $500 bucks.
