Before a septic installer can bid your job in writing, there are a few things that need to be known about your lot and location of the tanks.

1. How many bedrooms does the house have? How many square feet approximate.

2. Is there an electric service outlet on the side of the house near the location of the new system? (We will need a 30 amp service with two 20 amp breakers in a weather-proof box.)

2. Is the house in the country or somewhere that we would have to cross a bridge with a low load limit? The tank is reinforced concrete and very heavy.

3. Is there easy access to where the tank will be buried?

4. Will we have to take down a fence?

5. Are there any underground utilities (waterlines, gaslines, electric lines) or easements located where the tank will be buried or between the tank location and the house?

6. Does the electric service line or telephone line run in the air above where we will have to dig? If so, how high from the ground is it?

7. Is there ample space for a backhoe (tractor) to dig? We need at least 30 feet around the hole where the tank will set.

8. Do you have old tanks that need to be dealt with? Most county health departments require that the old tanks be pumped out before being crushed in and covered. Average cost to pump tanks is around $350.

9. What would you like for us to do with the dirt, and/or rocks and clay that we dig up? We will do a rough spread free. Removal is extra based on what someone charges in your area.

10. Is the lot heavily wooded? Will we have to remove any large trees?

11. Is the location on a steep grade? Side of a hill? Is the lot in a flood plane?

12. Where is the house? What county and close to which town or city?

13. What is your name?

14. What is your phone number?

Once you have given all the facts to your installer, he or she should be able to give you a bid. The only thing that might change your price is if they hit rock when digging. We are not talking about a few rocks here, but solid rock which would take much more time, wear and tear on the equipment. The added cost for rock is usually $750 per each day spent digging through rock.

The installer's crew should be courteous and respectful and there will be no rough loud language or drinking on or near your job.

Most companies need a check for $900 before they start the permit process and rest of the bid before they start work.

Thanks