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Septic Tank Installation: What to Expect

Installing a septic tank is a significant decision for any homeowner relying on a septic system. If you’re building a new home or replacing an aging tank, it’s important to understand the process and what to expect to help alleviate concerns and ensure a smooth installation. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about septic tank installation!

Septic Tank Installation

Assessment and Planning

Before any installation begins, a thorough assessment of your property is crucial. A professional from your chosen plumbing company will evaluate the soil composition, groundwater levels, and the size and layout of your home to determine the most suitable location for the septic tank system and drain field. Proper placement is essential for efficient operation and to comply with local regulations.

Permitting and Regulations

Obtaining the necessary permits and complying with local regulations are integral parts of septic tank installation. Your plumbing company will handle these aspects, ensuring that the installation meets all legal requirements and environmental standards. This process may include soil testing, submitting plans to the local health department, and obtaining permits before any excavation begins.

Excavation and Site Preparation

Once permits are secured, the installation process can commence. Excavation begins with digging a large hole for the septic tank system and a trench for the drain field pipes. The size of the excavation will depend on the tank’s capacity and the layout required for optimal drainage. One must pay careful attention to maintaining the integrity of the surrounding landscape and to minimize disruption to your property.

Septic Tank Installation

A septic system can be fragile, so it’s important to carefully lower it into place during this phase. Modern tanks are typically made of durable materials such as concrete, fiberglass, or plastic, designed to withstand soil pressure and provide years of reliable service. The inlet and outlet pipes are connected to ensure proper flow of wastewater into the tank and out to the drain field. The plumbing company will verify the tank’s alignment and make necessary adjustments before backfilling the excavation.

Connection and Testing

Once the tank is securely installed, the plumbing team will connect it to your home’s plumbing system. This includes linking the pipes from your toilets, sinks, and showers to the septic tank system. A final inspection and pressure test will ensure there are no leaks or issues with the connections before covering the tank with soil.

Drain Field Installation

The drain field, also known as the leach field, is vital for the proper filtration and dispersion of wastewater. Perforated pipes are laid in gravel-filled trenches and covered with soil. The pipes allow liquid waste to seep into the soil, where natural processes break down harmful bacteria and nutrients. The size and design of the drain field are determined by factors such as soil type, water table level, and the size of your household.

Final Inspection and Maintenance Tips

Before concluding the installation process, a final inspection ensures that every component of your new septic system meets local codes and functions as intended. Your plumbing company will provide you with maintenance guidelines, including how often to pump your tank and signs to watch for that indicate potential issues. Regular maintenance, like septic tank cleaning or septic tank pumping, is key to extending the life of your septic system and preventing costly repairs down the road.

In conclusion, installing a septic tank requires careful planning, expertise, and adherence to regulations. By choosing a reputable plumbing company that is experienced in septic system service, you can ensure that the process is smooth and efficient. Understanding each step of the installation can help empower homeowners to make the right decisions about their septic systems. If you’re considering septic tank installation or have questions about maintaining an existing system, contact us at Flohawks today! A properly installed septic tank system is not just an investment in your property but also in the comfort and sustainability of your home for years to come.

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OUR SERVICES

Isaiah Taylor

Service Advisor

Tacoma native Isaiah Taylor has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor, he focuses on building strong relationships with customers and making sure they feel confident in the solutions being provided.

Isaiah believes the company’s culture sets FloHawks apart. He appreciates working alongside people who genuinely care about customers and take pride in doing the job right.

At 26, Isaiah is focused on building his career and continuing to grow in the industry. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him in the gym lifting weights and staying active.

Kevin Elbert

Service Advisor

Born in Olympia and now living in Lacey, Kevin Elbert has spent 11 years serving customers with FloHawks. As a Service Advisor, he is focused on helping homeowners and businesses find solutions when plumbing or septic issues arise.

Kevin’s favorite part of the job is working with customers who need help and finding a path forward that solves the problem. He values being part of a team that takes pride in delivering dependable service when it matters most.

In his free time, Kevin enjoys staying active outdoors. Hiking, camping, fishing, photography, soccer, and travel are some of his favorite ways to spend time when he’s not at work. At home, he stays busy with his four teenagers.

Stephen Redford

Service Advisor

Stephen Redford was born in Tacoma and now lives in Gig Harbor. With 14 years at FloHawks, he’s built a reputation as both a trusted Service Advisor and a key contributor to the company’s growth and outreach.

Stephen plays a role in business development, trade shows, and marketing while also supporting service operations across multiple areas. He appreciates FloHawks’ unique culture and commitment to customer service, believing the team consistently goes above and beyond what most companies offer.

Outside of work, Stephen enjoys walking, playing golf, and riding motorcycles. He’s married to his wife, Lori, and is the proud father of three children.

Janie “J” Kirkland

Service Advisor Assistant

Janie “J” Kirkland was born in Miami, Florida, and now calls Roy, Washington, home. Despite being newer to FloHawks, joining the team mid-2025, she has already become a valued member of the Service Advisor support team.

J enjoys the strong sense of teamwork at FloHawks and the relationships she has built with the people she works alongside each day. That collaborative spirit helps the team deliver the dependable service customers count on.

Outside the office, J loves spending time outdoors, especially at the beach, as well as making memories with her family. She’s the proud mother of two sons and a grandmother to four grandchildren.

Carl Evanson

Service Advisor

A Puyallup native who now lives in Spanaway, Carl Evanson has been helping customers at FloHawks for more than 13 years. As a Service Advisor, he brings deep experience and a practical approach to solving plumbing and septic challenges.

Carl takes pride in helping customers find real solutions to their problems. At FloHawks, the philosophy is simple: if water runs through it, the team can handle it, and Carl has spent more than a decade proving that to customers across the region.

When he’s not working, Carl enjoys camping and spending time with his growing family, which includes two grown sons and seven grandchildren.

Luke Schneider

Service Advisor Assistant

Originally from the Midwest and now living in the Puyallup area, Luke Schneider has spent the past three years supporting the FloHawks service team as a Service Advisor Assistant. His role focuses on logistics and administrative coordination, making sure the details are handled so the team can deliver excellent service in the field.

Luke especially enjoys the moment when everything comes together to solve a customer’s problem. Helping turn a complicated situation into a clear plan and a successful outcome is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

When he’s not working, Luke loves hosting and entertaining with his wife. Much of their free time is spent with family, often gathered around the table for board games and good conversation.

Crystal Lyons

Service Advisor Assistant

Born and raised in Tacoma and now living in Puyallup, Crystal Lyons has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor Assistant, she helps keep operations running smoothly while making sure customers feel supported every step of the way.

Crystal’s favorite part of the job is simple: helping people. Whether she’s assisting the service team behind the scenes or making sure customers get the answers they need, she takes pride in being part of a company that puts people first.

Outside of work, Crystal enjoys camping and spending time with her family. She’s married, and the proud mom of one daughter, and she also helps care for her niece, keeping family at the center of everything she does.