Septic System Design in Northwest Missouri
Building a home, replacing a failed septic system or planning a commercial project? Digger Dave can help get the septic design process started and keep your project moving toward installation.
From straightforward conventional systems to properties requiring advanced wastewater treatment and engineered designs, start with the property and we’ll help determine what needs to happen next.
Start With the Property — Not a Septic System
One of the biggest mistakes when planning a septic system is deciding what type of system you want before understanding what the property can support.
Soil conditions, available space, slope, property layout, setbacks, wastewater flow and local requirements can all affect the final system.
That’s why septic design starts with understanding the property and the project. Once the necessary information is available, the appropriate system can be selected and designed.
You don’t need to figure all of that out before calling Digger Dave. Tell us what you’re planning and where the property is located, and we’ll help determine the next step.
Septic Design for New Construction & Replacement Systems
New Construction
Planning the septic system early can help prevent problems with house placement, driveways, wells, outbuildings and other improvements.
If you’re buying land or preparing to build, getting the wastewater side of the project figured out early can save considerable time and frustration later.
Replacement Systems
A failed septic system doesn’t necessarily get replaced with an identical system. Site conditions, available space and current requirements may affect what can be installed.
Digger Dave can help determine what information is needed to move from a failed system toward a practical replacement.
What Determines the Septic System Design?
Every property is different. Several factors can influence the type, size and layout of an onsite wastewater system.
- Soil and site conditions
- Available usable area
- Property slope and topography
- Home size and anticipated wastewater flow
- Existing buildings and improvements
- Wells and water sources
- Property lines and required setbacks
- Existing septic components
- Local permitting requirements
- Residential or commercial use
Good septic planning considers all of these factors together rather than trying to force a particular system onto a property.
From Conventional Septic to Advanced Systems
Good site conditions may allow a relatively straightforward septic design. More challenging properties may require an advanced approach.
Depending on the property and approved design, a project may involve:
- Conventional gravity systems
- Lagoon systems
- Pressure distribution
- Low-pressure pipe (LPP)
- Drip irrigation systems
- Mound systems
- Presby systems
- Aerobic treatment units (ATUs)
- Pump systems
- Other advanced onsite wastewater systems
The goal isn’t to install the fanciest system. It’s to develop an appropriate solution for the property, wastewater load and applicable requirements.
Soil & Site Evaluation Comes First
For many septic projects, understanding the soil and site conditions is one of the first major steps.
The information developed during the soil and site evaluation helps determine what types of onsite wastewater systems may be appropriate and where they may reasonably be located on the property.
Digger Dave can help get this part of the process moving and coordinate the appropriate qualified professional when a soil/site evaluation is required.
If you’re starting with raw land and don’t know whether it will support septic, call us before you get too far into the project.
When Engineering Is Required
Some properties and system types require engineering or other specialized professional design services.
If engineering is required, that doesn’t mean you need to stop the project and figure out who to call next. Digger Dave can help coordinate the design process and keep the project moving toward installation.
Once the appropriate design is completed and approved, Digger Dave can install the system according to the approved plan and project requirements.
How the Septic Design Process Works
1. Tell Us About the Project
Send us the property address and tell us whether you’re building, replacing an existing system, developing commercial property or dealing with another situation.
2. Determine What Site Information Is Needed
We’ll help identify the information needed to move forward, which may include soil/site information, property layout, wastewater flow, existing system information or other project details.
3. Develop the Appropriate Design
The design process depends on the system type, property conditions and applicable requirements. When specialized professional or engineering services are needed, those can be coordinated as part of the process.
4. Permitting & Project Preparation
Once the system is established, the required permitting and project preparation can move forward.
5. Build the System
Digger Dave can take the approved septic design from paper to the ground and install the system for the property.
Commercial Septic & Wastewater Design
Commercial wastewater projects can be substantially different from a typical residential septic system.
Restaurants, shops, offices, churches, agricultural facilities, campgrounds, RV facilities, multifamily properties and development projects can have different wastewater flows, usage patterns and treatment requirements.
Getting the wastewater side involved early can help identify potential site limitations before they become expensive problems elsewhere in the project.
If you’re considering a commercial property that won’t be served by municipal sewer, contact Digger Dave early in the planning process.
Already Have a Soil Report or Septic Design?
Great. You don’t have to start the process over.
If you already have soil/site information, an approved septic design, engineered plans or other project documents, send them to Digger Dave along with the property address.
We’ll review what you have and determine what is needed to move toward pricing and installation.
Septic System Design FAQs
Do I need a soil test before designing a septic system?
Site and soil information is commonly an important part of determining what type of septic system is appropriate for a property. If you haven’t completed that step yet, contact Digger Dave and we’ll help you determine what needs to happen next.
Can you help me figure out whether land will work for septic?
Yes. If you’re evaluating a building lot or raw land, contact us with the property information. We can help get the appropriate site and soil evaluation process started so you have better information before moving forward.
Does every septic system require an engineer?
No. The design requirements depend on the property, system type and applicable regulations. Some projects are relatively straightforward, while advanced systems or more complex projects may require professional engineering.
Can Digger Dave install the system after it is designed?
Yes. Septic installation is a major part of what we do. Once the appropriate system has been designed and approved, Digger Dave can install conventional and advanced onsite wastewater systems.
What if I already have engineered plans?
Send them over. If you already have a design or engineered plans, we can review the project information and determine what is needed to move toward an installation quote.
Can you help with commercial septic design?
Yes. Digger Dave can help get commercial onsite wastewater projects moving and coordinate the appropriate design and engineering resources when required.
Have a Property That Needs Septic?
You don’t need to know what system you need or have the entire process figured out. Send us the property address and tell us what you’re planning. We’ll help determine what needs to happen next.