Potential Property Owners Reference
Choosing A Suitable Homesite

Approximately 60 - 70 % of Kentucky homes require private sewage systems. There are systems, if properly sized, designed, installed, maintained and protected, which provide many years of trouble-free service for the homeowners. Some, however, are not so effective where seepage onto the surface, or into ground water or surface water occurs. This is often the result of a system that has been improperly designed, installed incorrectly, or an inappropriate system for the site.

Therefore, trouble-free service should begin with the selection of a suitable site on which to construct the home. Basic information concerning potential problems, combined with the advice and assistance from your local health department and/or certified licenced septic company represenative can assist homeowners in makeing educated decisions that will protect their family’s health and that of their neighbors.

Although the main attraction of the property may be its location, attractiveness, or initial suitability to your family’s need and budget, consider the method and cost of the disposal system needed for the disposal of the sewage that will be created. This final cost may prohibit the use of the site. Therefore, before you buy the building site or acreage, thoroughly investigate the property to avoid future problems and added expense.

First, determine if a recent on-site property evaluation, (site evaluation), has been conducted by a certified inspector with the local health department. If so, the results should be available at the health department office. The evaluation report will list the type or types of systems that will be permitted and approved for the property. If no site evaluation has been performed it would be wise, as well as prove cost effective, to have an evaluation performed before purchasing the property. The site evaluation will assist the purchaser in deciding if the site in question is suitable and financially feasible.

The site evaluation should address the following points.

Is the site large enough to accommodate the plan for the use of the lot, including the house, driveway, patios, swimming pools, outbuildings, etc. and still leave room for a suitable and effective sewage disposal system with future repair area, should the need arise?

Is the overall slope of the site such that it is too steep, or that surface runoff from the adjoining lots will drain onto it?

Are there streams, springs, ponds, lakes, marshy areas, or crayfish burrows on the site or adjoining properties? Are there growths of willow trees, cattails, or other water loving plants present? All of these can be signs of a high water table problem on the lot.

Are there rock outcroppings, or stony areas on the site? This would be an indication of shallow soil.

What is the depth and type of soil on the site? Sandy or silty loams are best, excessively sandy or clay soil require system alterations.

Other Topics
Septic Systems - How do they work | Site Evaluations | Engineering & Design for Difficult Sites | Sewage Protection Program | Caring for Your Septic System | Health Departments - Friends not Foes | Fill & Wait - Why? What? How?

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