Installing a Septic System on a Hilly Lot: Solutions for Spokane and Coeur d'Alene

At MAGNUS Solutions, LLC, serving Spokane, WA, and Coeur d'Alene, ID, we understand the challenges of installing a septic system on a hilly lot. The sloped terrain common in the Inland Northwest can complicate wastewater management, but with the right approach, your property can have a reliable, regulation-compliant septic system. Here’s how to make it work, aligned with Washington (WAC 246-272A) and Idaho (IDAPA 58.01.03) standards.

Challenges of Hilly Lots

Hilly lots often have shallow or rocky soils, steep slopes, and limited flat space, which can hinder traditional gravity-fed septic systems. Poor soil percolation, common in North Idaho, and strict setbacks (e.g., 100 ft from wells in WA) add complexity. However, innovative solutions can overcome these obstacles.

Solutions for Septic Systems on Sloped Terrain

1. Mound Systems: Ideal for hilly lots with shallow soils or high groundwater, mound systems elevate the drain field above ground. A pump moves effluent from the septic tank to the mound, where it’s treated in a sand and gravel bed. These systems meet WA and ID regulations and are perfect for sloped sites.

2. Pumped Systems: For steep slopes, a pump lifts wastewater to a higher drain field or treatment area. Electrical panels and alarms, mandatory in WA for pumped systems, ensure reliable operation. We design these to withstand our snowy winters.

3. Alternative Treatment Systems: Aerobic treatment units (ATUs) or sand filters pre-treat effluent, allowing smaller drain fields on challenging lots. These comply with both states’ codes for non-standard sites.

4. Site Grading and Terracing: Controlled grading can create a stable area for the tank and drain field, though it requires permits from Spokane Regional Health District or Panhandle Health District. We coordinate to ensure compliance.

5. Cluster Systems: For subdivisions on hilly terrain, a shared cluster system can treat wastewater off-site, reducing individual lot constraints. This is a proven solution for North Idaho’s rocky soils.

Steps to Get Started

• Site Evaluation: Contact your local health district (SRHD in Spokane, PHD in Coeur d'Alene) for a soil and site assessment. We assist with applications and testing.

• Custom Design: Our team designs a system tailored to your lot’s slope, soil, and size, meeting WA’s 1,000-gallon tank minimum and ID’s watertight standards.

• Permitting: Permits are mandatory in both states. We streamline the process, ensuring setbacks (e.g., 200 ft from public water in WA) are met.

• Professional Installation: Our certified technicians handle excavation, tank placement, and pump setup, minimizing disruption to your hilly lot.

Why Choose MAGNUS Solutions, LLC?

With expertise in navigating Spokane and Coeur d'Alene’s unique terrains, we deliver septic solutions that last. From mound systems to emergency repairs, we ensure compliance and performance. Own a hilly lot? Contact MAGNUS Solutions, LLC for a free consultation today!