{"id":5240,"date":"2024-01-22T18:22:02","date_gmt":"2024-01-23T00:22:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ntotank.com\/blog\/?p=5240"},"modified":"2024-01-22T18:22:03","modified_gmt":"2024-01-23T00:22:03","slug":"georgia-septic-tank-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ntotank.com\/blog\/georgia-septic-tank-requirements","title":{"rendered":"Georgia Septic Tank Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Many Georgia State residents live in areas beyond the reach of municipal sewer lines, whether this is in suburbs, rural communities, or small towns. For these Georgians, septic tanks provide the essential service of collecting and treating the wastewater from the fixtures on their property. This makes septic tanks fairly common in Georgia, just as they are common across the United States. If you are purchasing land to build your own home or have a septic system that needs to be replaced or repaired, there is a set of regulations to be aware of. In this guide, we will unpack the Georgia septic tank requirements that property owners, home builders, and contractors need to know.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Georgia State Septic Tank Regulations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH<\/a>) supervises septic tank regulations in the state through its Environmental Health Division<\/a>. The Manual for On-Site Sewage Management Systems<\/a> establishes the full guidelines for septic systems and responsible wastewater treatment. The manual provides details on definitions, expectations, regulations, and specifications around septic tank installation, permits, site evaluations, operation, maintenance, and inspections.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Georgia State has local county environmental health departments that may have additional and\/or different regulations for septic tanks based on specific details unique to their region. With septic tank installations, due to the extent of specifics, potential for varying rules, and environmental differences based on location, it is always recommended to check with your local county departments for any additional regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Georgia Septic Tank Definitions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Georgia, the state departments\u2019 guidebooks and webpages use the term “On-Site Sewage Management System\u201d to refer to a septic tank system. Georgia uses this term to better define a septic tank setup and system, its components, its treatment area, and its use. Additionally, Georgia Code \u00a7 31-2A-11 (2022)<\/a> expands on the definition to include conventional and chamber (series) septic tank systems, privies, as well as experimental and alternative sewage systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can I Install My Own Septic Tank in Georgia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Current regulations, guidance, and department information seem to indicate that no, you cannot install your own septic tank system in Georgia State. In Georgia, installing a septic system is a regulated activity that must be performed by a licensed contractor or otherwise authorized professional. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The steps for a Georgia homeowner or landowner to install a septic system will involve finding and hiring a qualified contractor, filling the necessary permits, and scheduling the required inspections.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can Polyethylene Septic Tanks Be Used in Georgia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes, polyethylene septic tanks can be installed and used in Georgia. According to the Georgia Department of Public Health Manual for on-site sewage management systems and Rule 511-3-1<\/a>, a septic tank must be a durable, long lasting container sufficiently engineered to withstand the rigors of underground burial and the chemical characteristics of wastewater. Polyethylene plastic septic tanks meet these requirements, and the Georgia Department of Environmental Health maintains a list of approved manufacturers<\/a> of polyethylene septic tanks and pump tanks.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you are having a home built or a contractor needing a Georgia approved septic tank, look no further than the National Tank Outlet. We offer pump tanks and septic tanks<\/a> up to 10,000 gallons in size rotational-mold manufactured from high-density polyethylene by state-listed manufacturers Norwesco, Snyder, and Ace Roto-Mold. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Polyethylene septic tanks are increasing in popularity and trust due to their low cost, long service life, durability, and lighter weight which makes them much easier to transport, maneuver, and install.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key Septic Tank Requirements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Permits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The state of Georgia requires an approved construction permit prior to any activities associated with the installation, modification, or repair of a septic tank system. Filing and approval for a septic tank construction permit must be submitted to a Georgia State County Board of Health using the forms provided by the department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, a typical septic tank construction permit will require name, address, property location and type, number of bedrooms or wastewater flow estimates, plans and specs for the proposed septic system, soil characteristics based on evaluation, and the location of on-site water supplies and utilities. A construction permit cannot be issued without all the required information and an inspection from the county board of health to accept and approve the information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Site Evaluations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On-site soil evaluations traditionally involve a soil percolation test to determine how fast water will flow through the native soil as well as details on the groundwater table and any relevant underground geology. Georgia septic tank site evaluations are required to be performed by an individual certified by the Department and will be either a soil classifier, engineer, or geologist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing a Location for a Septic System<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Georgia regulations require septic systems to be strategically located a set minimum distance from wells, nearby water bodies, property lines, and other structures. These are also known as setback distances. Georgia septic tank setback requirements can vary on the location, region, and system type. Soil analyses and engineering evaluations are often mandatory to ensure proper functioning.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Septic System Design<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Georgia State, blueprints and plans for a septic tank system must be designed by an individual the county board of health can determine has sufficient working knowledge of on-site sewage management systems and their design. This is most often a state-certified engineer but may also be a certified installer. For alternative septic systems and sewage systems that will receive greater than 2,000 gallons of wastewater per day, an engineer will be required for design.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Septic Tank Sizes in Georgia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Georgia, a conventional septic tank or chambered septic tank system is required to be 1,000 gallons in size at minimum up to 10,000 gallons in size. In conventional systems, septic tanks are also required to be two (2) compartment style tanks. The required size of a septic pump tank is determined by various factors specific to the property, use, plumbing, and equipment.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Installing a Septic Tank in Georgia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Installing a septic tank in Georgia must be done by a state certified septic tank installer. These professionals have obtained the necessary education, passed the required certification, and have the appropriate equipment and capabilities to successfully install a septic tank system to code compliance.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Inspections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In Georgia, an inspection from the county board of health is required both before a construction permit can be issued and before the septic system can be backfilled and used. These inspections are to ensure the site and information are properly documented and suitable as well as to ensure the installed system is in compliance to code without any errors or modifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maintenance and Pumping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Recurring maintenance and pumping are required for most, if not all, septic tanks, including the common conventional system. Septic system maintenance traditionally involves having the tank pumped by a state-certified septic tank pumper to remove scum and sludge that buildup in the tank over time. Septic tank pumping is often recommended every 3 to 5 years. The Georgia State Manual provides a table of recommended septic tank pumping frequency based on household size and septic tank capacity:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Additional Consideration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Georgia State Manual for On-site Sewage Management Systems states that septic tanks that have their lid buried with 12 inches or more of soil coverage are required to have a tank riser to bring lid access to within 12 inches of the surface grade. A tank riser, also known as a manway extension<\/a>, is recommended for all underground septic tank systems as it removes the need to unearth the lid for inspections or maintenance such as pumping or cleaning the effluent filter. A tank riser also helps to mark the location of the septic tank to prevent costly accidents such as from driving over the tank.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Need a Septic Tank in Georgia? Trust the National Tank Outlet to Supply<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re in Georgia and are having your new home built, are a business, or a contractor in need of a reliable, durable, and cost-effective septic tank, trust the National Tank Outlet to supply. Our underground septic tank selection is top-in-class and designed for both residential and commercial applications. Built to last, easy to install, and available in the sizes you need, our USA made septic tanks don\u2019t compromise on quality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Whether a new system is being installed or an old one replaced, our product experts are ready to help make sure you find the right septic tank for the job. Take advantage of our competitive prices and save up to 50% MSRP on your next poly septic tank with our lowest price guarantee. Browse our collection of Georgia approved septic tanks<\/a> for sale and ready for delivery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Shop Septic Tanks<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Contact National Tank Outlet<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Additional Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n