New Septic System Installation & Design in Charlotte, NC
Every successful installation starts with the soil. Before we can quote a price or design a system, we must perform a Perc Test (Percolation Test) to see how quickly the ground absorbs water.
In Charlotte (Piedmont region), "Standard" gravity systems are becoming harder to permit because our heavy Clay Soil has "slow percolation." This reality often pushes new builds in Union County or replacement systems in older neighborhoods toward Engineered Systems (like ATUs) because the soil simply cannot handle the load naturally.
Warning: Never trust a quote given over the phone before a soil test. The soil type (Clay vs. Sand) and the water table depth dictate whether your system costs $10,000 or $30,000.
Installation isn't just digging a hole. It is a regulated construction project that starts with science. The core components we design include:
- The Tank: Sized according to the number of bedrooms in the home.
- The Field Type: Chosen based on the Perc Test results (Gravity, Chamber, or Mound).
- The Reserve Area: A legally required backup spot for a future drainfield.
Symptom
Testimonials
Buying lakefront property near Cornelius meant dealing with watershed restrictions I didn’t know existed. I needed someone who understood the permitting process and could handle the inspection properly. Found a contractor through this directory who specialized in Lake Norman properties—he knew exactly what the county required and made sure everything was documented correctly. No way I would have found that level of expertise on my own.
Building on a 2-acre lot in Waxhaw with terrible clay soil and a high water table. First contractor said it couldn’t be done. Found another through this directory who specialized in challenging sites—he designed a mound system with proper drainage, handled all the county permits, and worked with our builder to coordinate everything. Passed inspection first try. Without that expertise, we might’ve had to abandon the lot.
Our 1978 system finally gave out completely—drainfield was saturated and the tank was cracked. Got three bids: $21K, $26K, and $23K. All three found through this directory, all three licensed and insured with good reviews. Being able to compare detailed proposals helped us make an informed decision. Went with the middle bid—they installed a modern system with an ATU and included a 5-year warranty. Been working perfectly for 18 months.
Adding a second bathroom meant our existing septic was undersized. County required us to upgrade to meet current code. Contractor found through this site did the perc test, designed the new system for our expanded needs, and coordinated with the health department. He also explained we could keep the old tank as a backup, which saved us money. Whole process took 3 weeks from permit to final inspection.