What septic system challenges do custom home builders face in Arizona?

Custom home builders in Arizona often deal with challenging soil conditions, rocky or clay‑heavy substrates, and varied terrain that can complicate system design and drainfield placement. Thorough soil testing and site evaluation are critical to avoid system failure. ([turn0search0][turn0search2])

How do Arizona’s soil and terrain affect septic system installation?

Arizona’s soils range from sandy loams to dense clay and bedrock, which influence percolation rates and drainfield effectiveness. Builders may need alternative systems or engineered solutions in areas with poor soil to meet code and ensure long‑term performance. ([turn0search2])

Do regulatory and permitting requirements create challenges?

Yes. Builders must navigate ADEQ and county requirements for septic design, soil testing, and permitting. Delays or additional requirements (like alternative systems) can slow projects and increase costs if early coordination isn’t done. ([turn0search0])

What issues can poor septic design cause on a custom home build?

Inadequate design can lead to undersized tanks or drainfields, poor drainage, backups, or premature system failure. This can result in costly corrections, construction delays, or environmental concerns, especially in areas with variable rainfall or groundwater conditions. ([turn0search0])

How can builders mitigate septic system challenges?

Builders can mitigate challenges by conducting early soil and percolation testing, working with experienced septic designers, planning for alternative system options when soil is poor, and coordinating permitting well ahead of construction to avoid delays. ([turn0search0][turn0search2])

Biggest Septic Challenges for Custom Home Builders in AZ

kiarastamand21
Apr 2, 2025
4 min read

Updated: May 8, 2025

During the building of a custom home, septic system installation is typically an overlooked but very important aspect of the process. We get it, it's not sexy. Contractors inevitably face unexpected challenges that slow down building, increase costs, and cause scheduling nightmares. That's a given, but being aware of these common septic-related issues can help you navigate the delays from the septic side of things successfully and keep your project on schedule.

Design of septic system — Some design work we've done in the past.

1. Permitting Takes Longer Than Expected, Delaying Building

Septic system permits involve several regulatory approvals, soil testing, and design reviews that can take weeks or even months. Custom home builders who are unfamiliar with the time frame, usually lowball the time it takes to do this, leading to surprise delays. County and state regulations vary, and in high-growth areas, permitting offices might be backlogged, adding more delays to approvals.

How to Avoid This Issue:

Start the permitting process early in the design phase.
Join with a septic specialist who is familiar with local codes to accelerate the process of approval.
Ensure that all the relevant documentation, such as soil analysis, final site plan, and engineered designs, is prepared in the correct way to avoid delays.

2. Soil Conditions Demand Alternative Systems, Leading to Unforeseen Spending

Soil type is also an important determinant of septic system design. Those hillside homes are beautiful, and can lead to costly systems. Certain lots consist of hard, clay-type, or sandy soil that will not allow a conventional septic system. In these cases, developers must put in other septic systems, such as aerobic treatment units (ATUs), which can cost a lot.

How to Avoid This Issue:

Conduct comprehensive soil testing before the home design is finalized.
Consult with a septic expert who has experience with alternative septic solutions and can provide recommendations on cost-effective options.
Prepare for potential adjustments in the event that the ground is not suitable for a standard system.

3. Bad Planning Results in Redesigns, Adding Weeks to the Timeline

Septic systems must be carefully planned so that they can seamlessly fit into a home design, driveway, and yard. Builders who do not plan for septic installation early on in the design process may be forced to do last-minute redesigns, which prolong the project and cost more.

How to Prevent This Problem:

Integrate septic planning into the initial design phase with utility and foundation planning.
Discuss with a septic professional before deciding on the layout of the home to avoid conflicts in placing the drain field.
Ensure setbacks, water tables, and soils are resolved before receiving final permits.

4. Having Multiple Vendors Slows the Process and Causes Miscommunication

Many contractors hire outside firms for permitting, system design, soil testing, and installation. It generally is a disjointed process, creating bad communication, errors, and undue delays as each vendor waits on the other to complete their part of the work.

Solutions on How to Prevent This Issue:

Have one-source septic firm that manages the whole project from permitting to installation.
Have an established communication plan in place between all concerned with clearly defined timelines and responsibilities.
Plan ahead and schedule all septic work well in advance so that it is precisely coordinated with the overall building calendar.

Preventing Septic-Related Delay on Your Custom Home

Septic System Planning at the First Design Stage

One of the biggest mistakes made by custom homebuilders is to leave septic systems as an afterthought. If you incorporate septic planning in the first design stage, you can avoid unexpected costs and delays.

Work with an experienced septic designer from the very beginning.
Ensure the lot size, layout, and topography accommodate the chosen septic system.
Include the septic system in the master project schedule to prevent scheduling conflicts.

Work with a Full-Service Septic Provider

Having one company handle septic design, permitting, and installation streamlines the process and prevents miscommunication.

A full-service septic company offers consistency and convenience. They also can cost basis engineer the design.
They are well-acquainted with local permitting regulations and can navigate more expeditiously.
You avoid the hassle of coordinating multiple vendors, reducing delays and miscommunication.

Know Your Alternative System Options

If you’re building on a challenging lot, understanding your alternative septic system options can save time and prevent roadblocks.

Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs): Ideal for lots with high water tables or poor soil conditions. We like BioMicrobics a lot, because we've found they last longer than some other alternative options.
Drip Irrigation Systems: An eco-friendly option that is very effective in sensitive environments.

Having a septic expert who deals with these systems, you can choose the best option for your project.

Why BEST Septic Solutions is the Right Partner for Builders

At BEST Septic Solutions, we started this company because the founder was helping a friend whose a custom home builder. We have a unique perspective, we understand the challenges faced by custom home builders. That's why we provide a worry-free, full-service septic system installation experience that keeps your projects on time.

We Do It All

From soil testing to permitting and design to installation, we provide end-to-end septic solutions. Our knowledgeable folks ensures the process is completed smoothly and efficiently, so you can focus on the remainder of your construction.

We Work with Both Conventional and Non-Conventional Systems

Irrespective of your lot's condition, we know how to install and design the right system. Whether it's a conventional septic tank or an advanced ATU, we

have cost-effective, durable solutions.

We Work Efficiently to Keep Your Project on Schedule

We understand that construction timelines are critical. Our streamlined process minimizes delays, reduces miscommunication, and ensures your septic system is installed correctly and on time.

1. Permitting Takes Longer Than Expected, Delaying Building

How to Avoid This Issue:

Start the permitting process early in the design phase.

Join with a septic specialist who is familiar with local codes to accelerate the process of approval.

Ensure that all the relevant documentation, such as soil analysis, final site plan, and engineered designs, is prepared in the correct way to avoid delays.

2. Soil Conditions Demand Alternative Systems, Leading to Unforeseen Spending

How to Avoid This Issue:

Conduct comprehensive soil testing before the home design is finalized.

Consult with a septic expert who has experience with alternative septic solutions and can provide recommendations on cost-effective options.

Prepare for potential adjustments in the event that the ground is not suitable for a standard system.

3. Bad Planning Results in Redesigns, Adding Weeks to the Timeline

Septic systems must be carefully planned so that they can seamlessly fit into a home design, driveway, and yard. Builders who do not plan for septic installation early on in the design process may be forced to do last-minute redesigns, which prolong the project and cost more.

How to Prevent This Problem:

Integrate septic planning into the initial design phase with utility and foundation planning.

Discuss with a septic professional before deciding on the layout of the home to avoid conflicts in placing the drain field.

Ensure setbacks, water tables, and soils are resolved before receiving final permits.

4. Having Multiple Vendors Slows the Process and Causes Miscommunication

Many contractors hire outside firms for permitting, system design, soil testing, and installation. It generally is a disjointed process, creating bad communication, errors, and undue delays as each vendor waits on the other to complete their part of the work.

Solutions on How to Prevent This Issue:

Have one-source septic firm that manages the whole project from permitting to installation.

Have an established communication plan in place between all concerned with clearly defined timelines and responsibilities.

Plan ahead and schedule all septic work well in advance so that it is precisely coordinated with the overall building calendar.

Preventing Septic-Related Delay on Your Custom Home

Septic System Planning at the First Design Stage

One of the biggest mistakes made by custom homebuilders is to leave septic systems as an afterthought. If you incorporate septic planning in the first design stage, you can avoid unexpected costs and delays.

Work with an experienced septic designer from the very beginning.

Ensure the lot size, layout, and topography accommodate the chosen septic system.

Include the septic system in the master project schedule to prevent scheduling conflicts.

Work with a Full-Service Septic Provider

Having one company handle septic design, permitting, and installation streamlines the process and prevents miscommunication.

A full-service septic company offers consistency and convenience. They also can cost basis engineer the design.

They are well-acquainted with local permitting regulations and can navigate more expeditiously.

You avoid the hassle of coordinating multiple vendors, reducing delays and miscommunication.

Know Your Alternative System Options

If you’re building on a challenging lot, understanding your alternative septic system options can save time and prevent roadblocks.

Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs): Ideal for lots with high water tables or poor soil conditions. We like BioMicrobics a lot, because we've found they last longer than some other alternative options.

Drip Irrigation Systems: An eco-friendly option that is very effective in sensitive environments.

Having a septic expert who deals with these systems, you can choose the best option for your project.

Why BEST Septic Solutions is the Right Partner for Builders

We Do It All

From soil testing to permitting and design to installation, we provide end-to-end septic solutions. Our knowledgeable folks ensures the process is completed smoothly and efficiently, so you can focus on the remainder of your construction.

We Work with Both Conventional and Non-Conventional Systems

Irrespective of your lot's condition, we know how to install and design the right system. Whether it's a conventional septic tank or an advanced ATU, we

have cost-effective, durable solutions.

We Work Efficiently to Keep Your Project on Schedule

We understand that construction timelines are critical. Our streamlined process minimizes delays, reduces miscommunication, and ensures your septic system is installed correctly and on time.

If you’re a custom home builder looking for a reliable and timely septic partner, contact BEST Septic Solutions today!