Septic systems, southern Utah
Septic System Installation
New septic tanks and drain fields, repairs and replacements for homes and shops outside city sewer, installed to the approved design with the inspection scheduled and the site ready before the inspector shows up.
What we do
Tank, drain field, backfill and inspection, handled.
A lot of lots in Apple Valley, Hildale, Virgin and the outskirts of Hurricane and Toquerville are not on city sewer, which means a septic system is part of the build. We excavate for the tank, set it, dig and build the drain field to the engineered design, tie in the house lateral, then backfill and grade so the yard drains away from the system.
Existing system failing? We locate it, diagnose it (often with our sewer camera) and repair or replace it.
Septic services
- New conventional septic tank and drain field installs
- Repairs: broken lines, crushed tanks, failed leach fields
- Replacement and upgrades for additions and remodels
- Sewer camera inspection of the lateral and tank inlet
- Tank locates and access riser installs
Permitting
How a septic permit works in Washington County.
Septic systems here are permitted by the Southwest Utah Public Health Department (Washington County office, 435-986-2580). The short version:
- Soil evaluation / perc test by a certified evaluator or engineer to see how fast your ground drains.
- System design sized to the home and the soil results.
- Septic System Application submitted to the health department with the design.
- Installation by us, to the approved design.
- Final inspection before backfill, then the health department signs off.
We coordinate with your evaluator and the health department, install to the approved design, and schedule the inspection so you are not waiting on anyone. SWUPHD septic page →
Local ground
Your soil decides your septic system.
The perc test tells the designer how fast your ground drains. Here is what usually shows up in Washington County and what it means for the install.
Caliche
Hardpan under the drain field slows drainage and can push the design toward a larger or shallower field. We dig through it cleanly so the field sits in the soil the design was based on.
Blue clay
Tight clay drains slowly, which can mean a bigger drain field or an alternative system. The evaluator flags it; we build exactly what gets approved.
Sandy red soil
Common around Apple Valley and Hildale and usually the easiest ground for a conventional system. Even then, trench walls need care so the field stays open.
FAQ
Common questions
Do I have a septic tank or city sewer?
If you're inside St. George, Hurricane, La Verkin or Washington city limits you're most likely on sewer. Apple Valley, Hildale, Virgin, Rockville and most county lots are septic. Your title report or the city utility office will tell you for sure, or call us and we will check.
Do I need a permit to install a septic system in Utah?
Yes. In Washington County the permit comes from the Southwest Utah Public Health Department and requires a soil evaluation, an approved design and a final inspection before backfill. We handle the install and inspection scheduling.
How much does a perc test cost in Washington County?
Perc tests are done by a certified evaluator or engineer, not by us, and fees vary. Call the health department for the current application fee and we can recommend an evaluator we work with.
How deep is a septic tank buried?
Usually with the lid 6 to 18 inches below finished grade, with risers brought to the surface for access. Depth depends on the house lateral elevation and the drain field design.
Can you fix a failing drain field instead of replacing it?
Sometimes. We camera the lines first. Roots, a crushed pipe or a clogged distribution box can be repaired. A field that is saturated from age usually needs replacement.
Free estimate
Tell us about the job.
Fill this out and we’ll call you back. Prefer to talk? Call (702) 289-7016.
- Site visits and estimates are free anywhere in our service area
- Residential, commercial and agricultural
- Serving Apple Valley and all of Washington County