What does 'site evaluation' involve in septic system installation?

Site evaluation is a critical step in the septic system installation process, focusing primarily on the assessment of the land where the system will be installed. This involves examining factors such as soil type, which contributes to how effectively the soil can treat wastewater, as well as percolation rates that measure how quickly water moves through the soil. Groundwater levels are also crucial, as they indicate the depth at which the septic system may become inundated, potentially leading to system failure or contamination.

These assessments are foundational to properly sizing and designing the septic system, ensuring it functions efficiently and safely within the environmental context. Understanding these aspects helps in making informed decisions about the installation and maintenance of the system.

The other choices do not encompass the comprehensive evaluation needed prior to installation. For instance, assessing the capacity of the tank speaks more to the component selection rather than the overall site suitability. Determining material types pertains to construction specifics rather than site conditions, and calculating costs is a financial consideration that doesn't influence the functionality of the system directly in terms of environmental compatibility and effectiveness. All these aspects are essential but come into consideration after the site evaluation has been conducted.