Should I know my house placement before planning my test pits?
SepticFactsPublished Updated
Yes, as far as you can. The test pits define where the drainfield may go, and the drainfield, reserve area, tank, well, driveway and house all have to fit together with setbacks between them. If you dig pits first and site the house later, you can end up with approved soil sitting under the only good building spot, or a drainfield too far or too high for gravity. Sketch the house footprint, driveway, well and any outbuildings, then place pits in the best soil that still leaves the house where you want it. A SiteFacts site plan or a SiteScore can help with this step.
The agency that issues septic permits where the lot is makes the final call on what system your lot can use.
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SepticFacts screens one lot against public soil, flood, wetland and slope data and the local septic rules we have on file, with every source cited.
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