How to INSTALL your Own SEPTIC SYSTEM (w Tips From a Pro)

Planning, installing and permitting a septic system yourself in Cochise County can be a little complicated. Trust us, we know! So we're bringing in Zach from Smith Septic Service to walk you through each step.

SECTIONS //
00:00 - Intro
0:31 - Our Septic Journey
1:15 - Smith Septic Service
1:40 - Soil Evaluation
3:25 - Sizing Your System
4:16 - Setbacks
5:26 - Elevation Drops
6:49 - Tank Installation
9:45 - Leach Field
11:27 - Tiny Shiny Homies
12:02 - Leach Field Trench Dimensions
14:24 - Installing Infiltrator Chambers
16:11 - Trench Problems
16:50 - Distribution Box
17:54 - ABS vs Sch35 vs Sch40 PVC
19:37 - Tank Filter
20:07 - How a Septic Tank Works
21:34 - Final Inspection & Permitting
23:19 - Septic Maintenance
24:55 - Cost Savings DIY
25:57 - Wrap Up

LINKS//


We have an affiliate partnership with some of the links above, and may receive compensation when items are sold. This helps support our family, and we only recommend products we truly love.

#offgrid #septictanks #waste #rv #tinyhouse

[Lee-mmg]

I like that young man, Zach. He knows what he's doing - doesn't mind helping a person out with some info. Awesome. Y'all are getting there.

[xloud]

We had a septic installed at our off-grid site up in Coconino County this summer. We spent $11, 400 on parts, labor, and design. The permits cost another $1, 100 in total.

[jessicasoss]

I love that he's willing to answer questions and give info even if he's not doing the install. That's rare. He's a keeper!!! ❤

[SJC]

Zach seems like the kind of guy who would instill confidence in his customers. $750 seems very reasonable.

[robinbliss]

Wow! What a great advertisement for Zach’s business! He really knows his stuff! I hope he gets lots of calls from this video. This man is a treasure!

[vikkiscott]

I live in Canada and I know the rules are different but wow a great amount of information! Great job!

[waywardescapes]

Considering I’m having my perc test on Monday, this is not only a VERY informative video but timely as well. Thanks so much!!!

[MC-qbjg]

The intro was great! I have to give you a big thumbs up for trying on your own and calling in the pro to button things up. We used to pump out our tank every few years.

[debracarmichael]

Thanks Zac! I learned more than I ever wanted about septic systems 😂 It was very interesting! 🤔Jonathan you are a very hard worker and know when to call in the big guns! I just love your channel and appreciate all that you share. Thanks Ashley and Jonathan!❤

[charlenefoster]

Great information! Thank you for showing us the ins and outs. I know a few people who are struggling with this

[thehunterslane]

Great video - very well shot and you've provided some great and valuable information. Thank you to Zach too! It's great to see small business owner's like him who don't mind explaining things and communicating the process in an understandable way. Thanks!

[fabulouspinkmk]

🔥🔥🔥🔥The Tiny Shiny Household, operates in being humble. This was another wonderful viewing experience.🔥🔥🔥plus I appreciate Zach's willingness to share his knowledge with us viewers. I would use his business if I were in such a situation hands down.

[Hiker]

Your entire series is homesteading made easy! I love Cochise county, Chiricahua National Monument, Bisbee, Tombstone was fun. I needed and found a great mechanic in Wilcox that was super fair and took me right away.

[vickismallwood]

Thank you Zach for a wealth of knowledge. I was very impressed and who knew putting a septic in would require so much information. Very impressive and worth hiring a specialist.

[boward]

I’ve been installing septic systems for 45+ years and I think Zack did a pretty good job explaining ! Your soil test is everything it determines what you can install . You are very fortunate to be able to have the type of septic system that you installed . in West Central, Ohio, where I am from in some areas. Seasonal water tables are very high, and that can result in a very expensive septic system! The most expensive septic system that I’ve done for a three bedroom house was a mound system that cost the homeowner $32, 000!

[cekfraun]

Great information! I really enjoyed the outtakes at the end, too. 😀 I paid 15K for my septic system here in Maine a couple of years ago, but that involved two tanks -- one to pump the gunk uphill to the leach field area (away from the lake), removal of several trees, and bringing in lots of big boulders to secure the hillside. It was a huge project, and I think I got a very good deal.

[oby-]

Priceless information. Installing all of that in a day is super impressive. Obviously a professional who knows what he is doing.

[fincalavita]

So cool. Zac is amazing. You keep finding wonderful people with the same vibe😂 love it❤

[dad]

Y’all are great! You learned good lessons to pass on to the uninitiated! I was blessed to have only helped our installer place a very large system in the central Texas limestone. Solid limestone! He rock hammered & dug with his tractor, I followed his instructions. No deceiving myself, I needed him. Your enthusiasm is infectious. A picture is worth a million words, especially since some of your words might not have been printable. Good job, congrats!

[Monkeemama]

Zach seems like a great good-ole-boy to have in your corner! It was a great video - especially the bloopers at the end! 😂 Have a wonderful weekend!