Soil Testing Services

FAQ'S

1. My site and soil evaluation is complete. What’s next?
-In order to get a permit to install a wastewater treatment system, a layout/design plan must be completed and submitted with the site/soil evaluation report. Based on the soil evaluation report, a layout/design plan must be completed by someone with knowledge of septic system components and local and state health department rules. Roxsol has completed multiple layout/design plans for homeowners and commercial clients. Experienced system installers can also complete the layout plan. Click here to download our guide for "Your Next Step".

2. Can I install the septic system myself?
-Yes you can. The property owner must take, and pass, a test administered by the local health department. A homeowner can save some money by installing the system, but in our opinion there is no substitute for the knowledge an experienced installer brings to the project. Most installers will guarantee their work for a period of time after the install should problems arise.

3. Why do I have to have a site and soil evaluation completed?
-New state and local health department rules require that a site and soil evaluation be completed prior to installing a new or, in some cases, a revised septic system. By reviewing and documenting the site and soil conditions, a septic system can be designed to maximize the life expectancy of the installed system.

4. How much will my septic system cost?
-There are many variables that effect the cost of a wastewater treatment system. The following are factors in system cost:
• Depth to seasonal or apparent water tables.
• Depth to bedrock or other restrictions
• Soil texture (Fine soils(clay) require larger leach fields)
• Lot size, slope and drainage pattern
• Proximity to materials needed for installation(affects travel time for installers)
• Number of bedrooms (Residential)
• Number of Employees, Parking Spaces, Kitchens, Showers, Seating…(Commercial)
• Proximity to water wells, developed springs (limit to lot size)
• Proximity to buried utilities or easements (limit to lot size)
• Proximity to wetlands, streams or ponds (limit to lot size)

5. How do I choose a good home/commerical site?
Finding a good site to build on is a challenge. New septic system rules require that there is leach area available to accommodate a primary AND secondary leach area. Primary area is defined as the area that will be used for the initial system leach area. The secondary leach area is only used if the primary area fails. Most sites will accommodate a wastewater treatment system of some kind, but costs can vary significantly. An ideal site has at least 150’ of available length along the contour, no seasonal or apparent water table, depth to bedrock is greater than 60 inches, no excavation or overhead hazards, slopes less than 15% and15% to 27% clay content in soils. Acreage of 2 or more is usually sufficient to accommodate a residence and the required leach area.

Commercial requirements can vary significantly depending on the proposed project but, in general, the above site conditions still apply.

Board of Health Actions Associated with Sewage Treatment System

New or revised onsite wastewater treatment systems must follow Ohio Department of Health and/or your local health department rules. The following are setbacks, separation distance guidelines and minimum tank sizes established by these regulatory authorities. Local health departments reserve the right to make these rules more stringent and may vary from these guidelines. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency guidelines are similar but some vary slightly. The Interim Onsite Sewage Treatment System Guidance Document will provide many resources. Download a copy of the Interim Onsite Sewage Treatment System Guidance Document today.

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