Living in Pike County means enjoying beautiful landscapes and a more rural pace of life. However, it also means most homeowners are responsible for their own wastewater treatment. Installing a new septic system is one of the most significant investments you will make in your property. It is a complex process that requires careful planning, strict adherence to local regulations, and precise engineering.
Whether you are building a new home or replacing an old, failing system, understanding the process helps you manage expectations. A properly installed system protects your health, your property value, and the local environment. Triple J Services specializes in navigating the unique terrain of Lackawaxen and the surrounding areas to provide reliable, long-lasting septic solutions.
Local Expertise Matters in Pennsylvania when installation of a septic system
Pike County has specific geological features that influence septic design. We deal with rocky soil, varying water tables, and sloped terrains. These factors mean that a “one size fits all” approach never works here. You need a team that understands the local Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) standards and county-specific ordinances.
Triple J Services is located in Lackawaxen, PA. We are familiar with the soil types and the permitting offices in our region. You can learn more about our commitment to quality work on our about us page. We take pride in ensuring every installation is built to last.
The First Step: The Perc Test and Site Evaluation
The process always begins in the dirt. Before a shovel ever hits the ground for construction, we must determine if the land can actually handle a septic system. This is done through a percolation test, or “perc test.”
A perc test measures how quickly water drains through the soil. If the water drains too fast, it won’t be treated properly. If it drains too slow, the system will back up. During this phase, a Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) will also look at deep probes to check for the limiting zone, such as bedrock or the high-water table.
The results of these tests determine exactly what kind of system you can install. If your soil is excellent, you might qualify for a traditional inground system. If the soil is shallow or heavy in clay, you might require a specialized solution like a “Turkey Mound.”
Designing Your Septic System
Once the testing is complete, an engineer or designer creates a plan. This plan must be approved by the local municipality before any work begins. The design accounts for:
-
The number of bedrooms in the house (which determines the daily flow rate).
-
The location of wells and property lines.
-
The slope of the land.
-
The specific soil conditions found during the perc test.
Triple J Services works closely with designers to ensure the Septic System Installation & Replacement plan is practical and efficient for your specific lot.
Navigating the Permitting Process
Permitting is often the most time-consuming part of the process. In Pike County, you cannot install or repair a septic system without a valid permit. This involves submitting the design plans and the soil test results to the local SEO.
We help bridge the gap during this phase. Having a professional team like Triple J Services ensures that the technical details are correct from the start, which can prevent unnecessary delays in the approval process. For more information on Pennsylvania’s environmental regulations, you can visit the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) website.
Excavation and Utility Trenching
Once the permit is in hand, the physical work begins. This starts with Excavation & Utility Trenching. We use heavy machinery to clear the area and dig the voids for the tank and the lines.
In Pike County, excavation can be tricky due to the high concentration of rocks and boulders. Our experienced operators know how to navigate these challenges without damaging other parts of your property. We dig trenches for the main sewer line from the house to the tank, and from the tank to the distribution box.
Installing the Septic Tank
The septic tank is the heart of the system. It is a large, watertight container usually made of concrete or high-density plastic. Its job is to hold wastewater long enough for solids to settle at the bottom (sludge) and oils to float to the top (scum).
We carefully level the base of the excavation site before lowering the tank into place. If the tank isn’t level, it won’t function correctly, leading to premature failure. We also install the baffles and risers. Risers are essential because they bring the access lids up to the ground surface, making future Septic System Inspections and pumping much easier.
The Leach Field or Turkey Mound
After the tank, we install the absorption area. This is where the liquid effluent is treated by the soil. Depending on your design, this could be a series of underground trenches or a raised mound.
Traditional Inground Leach Fields
If your soil is deep and well-draining, we install a standard leach field. This involves laying perforated pipes in beds of gravel or using specialized plastic chambers. The liquid flows out of these pipes and filters through the soil.
Turkey Mound (Raised Sand Mound) Systems
In many parts of Pike County, the soil is too shallow for an inground system. In these cases, we install a Leach Field (“Turkey Mound”) Repair & Installation. We build a mound of specific types of sand and aggregate on top of the natural soil. This creates the necessary distance for the wastewater to be treated before it reaches the groundwater or bedrock.
Pump Systems and Mechanical Components
If your leach field is higher than your septic tank, gravity won’t move the water for you. In these situations, we install a pump tank and a specialized pump.
-
Effluent Pumps: We provide Effluent Pump Service & Replacement to move the liquid from the tank to the mound or field.
-
Grinder Pumps: If the house is lower than the septic tank, a Grinder Pump Repair & Installation might be necessary to push waste uphill.
These components are vital. We ensure they are wired correctly and equipped with alarms to alert you if the pump ever stops working.
High-Pressure Line Preparation
Before finishing the system, we ensure all lines are clear and functioning. We use High-Pressure Drain Jetting (Hydro-Jetting) to clear any construction debris that might have entered the pipes during the installation process. This ensures that your brand-new system starts with maximum flow capacity.
Final Inspection and Backfilling
Before we cover the system with soil, the local SEO must perform a final inspection. They check that the tank is level, the pipes have the correct pitch, and the materials match the approved design.
Once the inspector gives the “green light,” we carefully backfill the area. We use specific soils to ensure proper drainage and prevent the pipes from shifting. We then grade the area to move surface water away from the system. For properties with significant runoff issues, we may also recommend French Drains & Drainage Solutions during this final stage.
Protecting Your Investment
Once your system is installed, the work doesn’t stop. Proper maintenance is the key to making a system last for 30 years instead of 10.
-
Never flush non-biodegradable items.
-
Avoid using heavy chemicals that kill the beneficial bacteria in the tank.
-
Keep heavy vehicles and livestock off the leach field.
-
Schedule regular pumping and inspections.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers a wealth of information on how to care for your new system after the installers leave.
Why Choose Triple J Services?
A septic installation is a huge project. You need a contractor who communicates clearly and respects your property. At Triple J Services, we offer a full range of services to take you from the initial excavation to the final grading.
We don’t just “dig and dump.” We focus on the engineering and the longevity of your system. We understand that in Pike County, a septic failure isn’t just a nuisance—it can lead to a Emergency Septic Pumping crisis. We build systems designed to prevent those emergencies from happening.
Our team has the equipment to handle the rocky terrain of Lackawaxen and the surrounding areas. We manage the heavy lifting so you can focus on enjoying your home.
Disclaimer: The installation process described above is a general outline. Every property is unique, and specific installation steps, system types, and requirements vary significantly based on soil conditions, local regulations, and individual site designs.
Ready to Start Your Installation Project?
If you are planning a new build or need to replace a failing system in Pike County, don’t wait until the situation becomes a crisis. Get an expert team on your side from day one.
Triple J Services provides the expertise, the equipment, and the local knowledge to get the job done right. We are your neighbors in Lackawaxen, and we are committed to protecting our community’s water and soil.
Would you like us to review your site plan or provide a quote for your installation?
Contact Triple J Services today to schedule your septic system consultation.
