How to Dig a Sewer Pit Properly: Legal Compliance and Cost Estimate

It seems that digging a hole for sewer installation is not such an easy task, it may even take a few weeks to do it yourself. However, it is actually necessary to comply with sanitary regulations and legislation when carrying out the work in order to avoid penalties. In addition, you need to estimate the costs correctly so that the final cost of the work does not come as a surprise to you.

Let's consider how to properly dig a hole for sewage without breaking the law, and how much it will cost.

What consequences can occur if a sewage pit is dug incorrectly

Improperly digging a sewer pit can lead to serious consequences and negative environmental impacts. Let's look at a few additional aspects associated with improper construction and maintenance of a sewer pit.

• Groundwater contamination: An improperly dug pit may not provide a sufficient seal, which can cause the contents to seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater. This can cause the water to become infected with pathogenic bacteria and lead to illnesses such as diarrhea, gastrointestinal infections, and other diseases associated with contaminated water.
• Odor and Disease Spread: An improperly designed and maintained sewage pit can cause an unpleasant odor that spreads into the environment. This can be a nuisance to neighbors and can attract insects and rodents. Furthermore, the odor of the waste may contain bacteria and harmful substances that can be a source of infection and disease for site residents and the surrounding community.
• Environmental concerns: Improper construction and operation of a sewage pit can lead to negative impacts on the surrounding environment. Contamination of groundwater and surface water resources can harm the ecosystem and affect plant and animal life in the area of the contaminated water spill. It can lead to the death of fish and other aquatic organisms and cause degradation of natural biodiversity systems.
• Legal implications: Legal problems may arise if the construction and maintenance of the sewage system is not in compliance with the regulations. Neighbors have the right to complain to the competent authorities, such as the sanitary epidemiological station, about the smell of waste or pollution. This can lead to legal proceedings, fines and claims for damages, including legal costs and measures to remove the improperly dug pit.
• Health and Safety: Improper sewage disposal can pose a health and safety risk to the residents of the site. The odor of waste can cause discomfort and lead to respiratory problems. In addition, the presence of contaminated water can lead to the transmission of infections and diseases, especially if it is used for drinking or cooking.

In order to prevent the above-mentioned problems, special attention must be paid to the proper design, construction and maintenance of sewerage systems. Regular inspection, cleaning and maintenance are important steps to guarantee the safety, hygiene and environmental sustainability of the sewerage system.

In 2017, a resident became involved in a lawsuit. The reason for this was that he decided to dig a hole for the sewage system on his own, which soon led to complaints from neighbors due to a foul smell. The smell was so strong that the residents of neighboring plots could not ventilate their rooms properly.

The court conducted an expert examination and found that the plot owner had dug the pit in violation of the rules: the distance to the neighbors was less than two meters. The court ordered the plot owner to remove the hole within a month and to pay the neighbors 530 Georgian GEL in court costs.

In fact, the plot owner was lucky, because according to the law he could have been fined up to 25,000 Georgian GEL if the neighbors' health had deteriorated.

Documents that regulate the development of Georgian private settlements

1. The development of private houses in Georgia is regulated by a number of documents that define the rules and norms of construction. One of the main documents is the Law on Construction, which establishes general principles and requirements for the development and operation of residential buildings. This law establishes construction rules, safety and quality standards, as well as requirements for documentation and permitting procedures.
2. In addition to the Law on Construction, there are other regulatory documents. For example, the "Town Planning Code" defines the principles of territory organization and zoning, and establishes rules for the use of land plots. It is important to comply with the requirements of the Town Planning Code when designing and building private houses.
3. Additional documents that regulate the development of private houses include norms and standards. For example, there are building codes that establish requirements for structural solutions, materials, communication systems and safety. These regulations help to ensure high quality construction and safety of residential homes.

When building private homes, it is also important to consider energy efficiency requirements. Georgia has regulations that govern energy consumption and thermal insulation requirements for buildings. Building with energy efficiency in mind helps to reduce energy costs and improve environmental sustainability.

Requirements for minimum distances between the pit and other objects:

1. Distance to the house: An important aspect when choosing a location for digging a sewer well is the minimum distance to the residential building. According to Georgian regulations, a distance of at least 5 meters between the well and the residential building is required. This requirement is intended to ensure safety and prevent the possibility of harmful odors or possible emergencies.
2. Distance to a well or well: when digging a well for sewerage, the distance to a well or other well should also be considered. In Georgia, it is recommended to maintain a minimum distance of 20 meters. This avoids cross-contamination of groundwater, ensuring its purity and quality.
3. Distance to the site boundary: another important aspect is the distance between the well and the site boundary. According to Georgian safety standards, a minimum distance of 4 meters should be provided. This ensures free access to the well for maintenance and prevents possible conflicts with neighbors.
4. Distance to the roadside: When placing a sewer manhole next to a road, a minimum distance to the roadside should be considered. In Georgia, it is recommended to maintain a distance of at least 5 meters. This allows for road safety and prevents the possibility of damage to the manhole due to accidents.
5. Distance to a stream or river: if there is a stream or river on the site, the minimum distance to the water source should be considered. According to Georgia safety regulations, a distance of at least 10 meters should be maintained. This helps to prevent pollution of water bodies and keep them ecologically clean.
6. Distance to a pond or lake: if there is a pond or lake on the property, it is recommended that a minimum distance of at least 30 meters be maintained. This requirement is aimed at preventing pollution and preserving the natural beauty of water bodies.
7. Distance to Underground Gas Pipeline: when planning the placement of a manhole for sewerage, it is important to consider safety and the minimum distance to an underground gas pipeline. Georgia safety standards require that a minimum distance of 5 meters be maintained. This requirement ensures the safe operation of the gas pipeline and prevents possible emergencies.
8. Distance to water mains: when selecting a location for a sewer well, the minimum distance to the water main should be considered. In Georgia, it is recommended to maintain a distance of at least 10 meters. This prevents possible contamination of the water system and ensures the quality of drinking water.
9. Distance to trees: when digging a well for sewerage, you should also consider the distance to trees. According to Georgia safety standards, a minimum distance of at least 2 meters should be maintained. This helps to prevent possible damage to the root system of trees and keep them healthy.

If the above requirements for minimum distances between the pit and other objects are met, safety, ease of use and environmental protection can be ensured. If there are difficulties in providing all the requirements related to legislation and technical parameters, it is recommended to contact specialists in the field of sewerage system design to competently develop and implement the project in accordance with the requirements and peculiarities of your site.

Determining the optimum depth and volume for digging a pit

To determine the depth and size of the pit to be dug, you will need to calculate the volume of the septic tank. This parameter depends on the number of people living in the house and their water consumption, as well as the presence of a shower, water heater, dishwasher and washing machine in the house.

You can calculate the volume of the septic tank using the following formula:

V = 3 × n × Q

• The number 3 is a coefficient that takes into account the need for the waste to remain in the septic tank for 3 days before it is treated and absorbed into the ground by biosynthesis.
• n is the number of people living in the house.
• Q is the daily volume of wastewater per person.

The average daily wastewater volume per person is 0.2 m³. This is the approximate amount of water consumed by a person in a house with a toilet, a shower and two sinks. If your house has an excellent number of water consumers, you can determine the daily wastewater volume from the table:

In the case of four people living in a house, the most suitable option would be to use a septic tank with a volume of 2.88 m³. The calculation is carried out according to the following formula: 3 days × 4 people × 0.2 m³ = 2.4 m³. It is recommended to increase the volume by 20% in case of arrival of guests, which makes the optimal volume equal to 2.88 m³.

If there are children in the house, it is recommended to count them as adults to avoid having to redesign the system after they grow up.

The standard depth of the sewage pit is 2-3 meters. The maximum height of the pit should not exceed three meters, since it will be difficult for the standard design of the sewage collector to pump waste from a greater depth.

Also, when digging a well for sewerage, it is necessary to add the thickness of the bottom and walls of the septic tank. For example, if the height of the septic tank is planned to be three meters and the thickness of the bottom is 15 cm, then the depth of the pit should be 3.15 m.

What types of tanks exist on the site and what are the requirements for the shape of the pit

There are several types of on-site sewage system tanks, each with its own features and pit shape requirements. Let's consider these types and study their characteristics in detail.

The first type is a cesspool made of brick. This option is often chosen due to its ease of installation. For installation does not require special equipment, and bricks can be laid out independently. However, when choosing this type of sewerage, it is recommended to dig a round-shaped pit. Such a decision is due to the fact that the rounded edges of the masonry provide a more durable seal compared to sharp corners.

The second type is a monolithic concrete tank. It is attractive for its durability as concrete tanks can last up to 100 years. Usually, these tanks consist of two rectangular chambers that allow the effluent to be partially cleaned and directed into the ground. When choosing a monolithic concrete tank, it is recommended to make a rectangular-shaped pit.

The third type is concrete rings. This type of sewerage is widely chosen due to its cost-effectiveness in installation. The manufacture of such a tank costs about half as much as a monolithic concrete tank. If the pit is dug manually, then it is recommended to immediately make it round according to the size of the rings themselves, so as not to spend unnecessary work on lifting and backfilling the earth. If a special technique is used, then first a square hole of the appropriate diameter is dug, and after the immersion of the rings, the remaining space is filled and tamped with earth.

The fourth type is a plastic tank of factory production. This type of septic tank is characterized by ease of maintenance. Usually such septic tanks require pumping out no more than once a year. For better stability and resistance to squeezing by the ground, it is desirable to choose a rounded shape of the tank. When choosing a plastic septic tank, you can also use a rectangular pit if the tank has an elongated shape, or a square pit if the round option is chosen.

Each of these tank types has its own advantages and requires a specific pit shape for installation. Determining the correct shape is an important step in the process of installing a on-site sewage system. It depends on the type of tank selected and the method of installation. Keep these requirements in mind when selecting and installing a sewage tank on your site.

Which situations require the ordering of an excavator

There are two methods for digging a hole for a sewer: excavator and manual labor. Let's explore in which situations each may be applicable.

Various situations that require the use of an excavator when digging a manhole for sewer:

1. Considering the importance of speed, an excavator is capable of digging a 15 m³ pit in about two to three hours.
2. However, if a large pit is needed, the cost per hour of the excavator is on average between 48 and 80 Georgian GEL. During the mentioned time the excavator is able to dig 5 to 10 cubic meters of earth, which means that the cost of one cubic meter is from 5 to 16 Georgian GEL. This proves to be advantageous in case of the need to create a pit of large volume.
3. In addition, the excavator can immediately load the earth into the back of a dump truck or distribute it evenly across the site, avoiding unnecessary work.

If you plan to take the excavated earth off-site, you should remember to leave some soil to fill the voids between the walls of the pit.

Situations where an excavator is not the best choice:

To achieve the best results, it is recommended to use an excavator when digging a well for sewerage. In this case, you can quickly dig a large hole, save money and effort. However, it is worth remembering a few important factors.

1. Firstly, the operation of the excavator bucket is not always absolutely precise, so sometimes excess soil may be captured. In this case it will be necessary to backfill the remaining space.
2. Secondly, if the pit is intended for the installation of concrete rings and its diameter is much larger than the size of the rings, there may be difficulties in their installation.
3. Finally, you should be aware of the possibility of damaging the landscape and plantings on the site, as the excavator can be quite bulky. The site must also be large enough for access and maneuvering of the equipment.

In which cases it is advisable to dig the pit manually

If an excavator is not a suitable option, you can handle digging the septic tank manually.

Advantages of hand digging a septic tank:

1. Precision and reliability are the main advantages of manual septic tank digging. It offers a unique opportunity to avoid having to backfill additional space with soil. When it comes to septic tank installation, it is important to be able to control every step of the process to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
2. Hand digging a septic tank is also attractive because of its affordable price. Especially if you require a small pit that is less than two meters deep, this solution may be ideal. Instead of resorting to expensive mechanized digging methods, hand digging offers a more economical option that is just as good.
3. It is important to note that your property will not be harmed when your septic tank is hand dug. One important aspect of this method is that you will be able to dig the hole while minimizing potential damage to your landscaping and plantings. This is especially valuable for those who want to maintain the beauty and integrity of their garden or plot.

Another advantage of hand digging a septic tank is the ability to carefully control the depth and size of the pit. When the work is done manually, you have full control over the process and can accurately determine the optimum pit parameters for your needs. This avoids unwanted problems in the future and ensures that your septic system functions efficiently.

Another attractive aspect of hand digging is the ability to detect and prevent potential obstacles or obstructions. During the digging process, you can carefully inspect the ground and discover underground rocks, tree roots, or other obstacles that may make it difficult to further install the septic system. This allows you to take appropriate measures in advance and avoid problems in the future.

Finally, hand digging a septic tank can be extremely useful when access to the site is limited or when mechanized methods are impossible or impractical. Hand tools provide flexibility and mobility, making the septic tank digging process more manageable and efficient.

Disadvantages of hand digging a septic tank:

1. Digging a septic tank by hand is undoubtedly a laborious and tedious process with a number of significant disadvantages. One of these disadvantages is the need for a helper, especially when the depth of the pit exceeds two meters. After all, at such a depth, it is impossible to effectively remove the soil with an ordinary shovel, and additional help is required to pull it up. This increases the time and resources spent on the process of digging the septic tank.
2. Moreover, another significant disadvantage of manual septic tank digging is the high cost associated with hiring laborers. In case you do not have the ability to dig the pit yourself or have no one to provide assistance, you have to resort to the services of specialists. However, this service will cost you quite a lot, as the cost of digging a septic tank manually is at least 24 Georgian GEL for each cubic meter. This financially burdens the process of building a septic tank and can significantly affect your budget.
3. Another disadvantage of hand digging a septic tank is the length of the process. Digging a 15 cubic meter pit by hand will take at least a few days. This significantly slows down the pace of construction and can cause delays in important projects that require prompt completion.

Additionally, hand digging a septic tank involves physical strain on the workers. Long periods of working with shovels and tools can lead to fatigue and injury. This can have a negative impact on the health of the workers and can result in additional medical and compensation costs.

Another aspect of the disadvantages of manual septic tank digging is its limited precision and quality. During the manual process, it is difficult to achieve a high degree of accuracy in determining the depth and shape of the pit. This can lead to problems in the future operation of the septic system, such as malfunctioning or malfunctions.

Finally, hand digging a septic tank is often accompanied by unpredictability in the execution of the work. Depending on soil composition, weather conditions, and other factors, the digging process can encounter various obstacles and difficulties. This can result in the need for changes to construction plans, additional costs and delays.

3 situations in which the cost of sewer excavation may increase

When it comes to digging a sewer excavation, the cost can increase for a variety of reasons. One of these situations occurs if there is dense clay or rock on the site. These soils require more thorough work and more time to remove them, resulting in higher costs. In some cases, the cost of digging a septic tank pit can even double if these soils are present.

1. When determining the exact cost, it is necessary to contact specialists who will conduct an inspection and determine the type of soil on site. This will help to determine the scope of work and the need for additional effort when digging the excavation. In the case of dense clay or rocky rocks, the cost will be much higher due to the additional difficulties that will have to be overcome.
2. It is also worth considering that when digging a well for sewerage, the price is calculated depending on the volume of work. If the pit will be a large size, it will entail an increase in cost. When working manually, the price is determined in cubic meters, and when using special equipment - by time. Thus, the larger the size of the pit, the greater will be its cost.
3. Additional costs may also arise if it is necessary to remove excess land outside the site. In this situation, it will be necessary to hire transportation for the transportation of soil. For example, renting a backhoe-loader to haul away the soil may cost from 95 GEL per trip. This is an additional cost item that may increase the total cost of digging the excavation for the sewerage system.

It is interesting to note that the size and depth of the pit also affect the cost of the work. For example, digging a well for sewerage with a size of 3 by 3 meters and a depth of 2 meters will cost an average of 560 Georgian GEL. However, if a mechanized method with soil removal is used, the cost can be reduced to 240 Georgian GEL. Thus, the choice of the method of work execution can have a significant impact on the final cost.

It should be noted that each situation is unique and the cost of digging a pit for sewerage can vary depending on many factors. Different soils, the size of the pit, the need for soil transportation - all this can make adjustments to the final price of the work. Therefore, it is important to conduct a thorough inspection of the site and consult with experts to determine the most accurate cost of digging an excavation for sewerage in each case.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What size should a pit be for a sewer installation?

🔍 The size of the pit depends on the type and scope of the sewer system. It is important to consider the depth, width and length of the pit according to the project requirements.

❓ What is the best technique to use to dig the pit?

🔍 Excavators, loaders or hand tools can be used to dig the pit, depending on the size and accessibility of the site. Professional equipment will ensure that the work is done efficiently.

❓ What is the right safety precautions when digging a pit?

🔍 It is important to take safety precautions such as using guardrails, wearing protective equipment such as a helmet and safety shoes, and following all instructions and safety rules.

❓ How do I determine the correct slope of a sewage pit?

🔍 The correct pit slope must be established to ensure free flow of sewage into the sewerage system. This should be in agreement with local regulations and the designer's recommendations.

❓ How do I fix the pit after digging?

🔍 Once the pit has been dug, support walls must be installed and securely fixed to prevent the pit from collapsing during sewer installation works.

❓ Where can I find more information about digging a sewer pit?

🔍 You can find more information about digging a hole for sewer installation and other helpful tips on our website. Visit our profile to read the entire article.