Whether you have recently had a new home constructed in a rural area or have moved into one that has a defunct septic system, you may be faced with having to install a new tank. Especially if you are trying to save money, you may believe that you can do the work of digging the hole and installing it yourself.

However, while it may seem like the installation of a septic tank involves simply placing the tank in a freshly dug hole and connecting it to the pipes, there is a lot more involved in it. There are a couple of reasons you should not try to install the tank yourself, and instead, hire a contractor with the necessary experience to do it for you:

1.  Digging the Hole for the Tank Is Both Difficult and Dangerous

One reason that stands against the idea of installing your home's septic tank yourself is that digging the hole is both difficult and dangerous, especially when you do not have the required equipment or experience to do the job correctly.

Even if you were to rent a backhoe, the depth needed for the tank would make it difficult to completely remove the soil if you do not know how to do so safely. Plus, you may not have the know-how to properly reinforce the sides of the hole, which could cause them to come crashing in on you once it comes time to place the tank.

A professional has both the equipment and skills to perform this part of the job safely and correctly.

2.  Positioning the Tank Incorrectly Can Lead to Major Sewage Leakage into the Surrounding Soil

Another reason you should not install your own septic tank is that positioning it in the hole can be tricky. If done incorrectly, the tank will lead to major sewage leaking issues into the surrounding soil.

If the tank is not sturdily placed and level, it will eventually shift once the soil starts to settle, which will cause disconnections between it and the pipes as well as possible ruptures of the tank itself. A contractor who has experience with the installation will have the skills necessary to position the tank and ensure minimal shifting.

Even if you are able to dig the hole for the tank without causing injury or damage and are able to position it correctly, there may still be problems in the near future with the tank because of loose soil or bad connections to the house's plumbing and leech field. Unless you have training and experience with installing septic tanks, you should leave this job to professionals. Contact a contractor in your area that offers septic installation services to discuss your options for having them do the work for you instead of attempting to do it yourself.