The most Important step for your Off-grid permit - Septic
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- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2024
- It's exciting to have dreams and plans for your new off-grid property! Since so many folks have asked in the comments my septic install designed for 2 low flush toilets etc. cost $5000. But in order to not have the wheels come off of your permit application it's important to know each step along the way to achieve a permit to build. The opt out permitting process is no exception. Remember even if you are doing a modest smaller septic system with a compost toilet you still must do a simple more inexpensive septic to take care of the water from kitchen sink etc. Kitchen sink water is labeled BlackWater by the County.
For details of a smaller inexpensive system using the compost toilet/ kitchen blackwater method permitted by Cochise County check out Jim and Jessica's of the Green Dream Project's setup. • This INSPECTION Decide... Thanks Jim and Jess!
Prices may have risen since I had mine installed (disclaimer)
Septic Installer Mike Goodman can be reached at
(520) 720-4156
Special thanks to Bill and Yvonne of the Upside of Downsizing for providing Mike's information and interacting with me about his excellent services.
Their youtube channel can be located here:
/ @theupsideofdownsizing
I have been taken off guard and surprised by youtube subscribers wanting to donate to help me develop my property here. My belief is that such wonderful gestures shouldn’t be shunned in any way. Can you imagine you refusing to open your presents at Christmas?
Some have asked how they can donate to my off-grid adventure. You can send any amount you wish via paypal to: Ibwonet1@gmail.com
Music: Bensound.com
For those who asked I create an amazon wish list here it is: (copy and paste) www.amazon.com...
For those who want to contact me:
affordabledesertliving@gmail.com
Momma told me to" buy yourself five acres. Have it surveyed. As soon as the flags are in put up sturdy fence posts so you know where your corners are.
As soon as you can put up a good fence to keep other people's animals out and your animals in.
Put your house right in the center of the property so nobody can mind your business. "
Momma was a pretty smart lady.
She was indeed.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Don... lol..
When we bought our property, we had it surveyed. Since it is rolling and wooded land, We requested an extra marker every 50 feet. It was not very expensive to have that done. We then put a metal fence post at every marker, and now we know exactly where our lines are.
I have never heard of am off grid permit. Even in town when I lived in North Carolina I never had to get one. They told me I had to have power for my kids since they were in school. I refused to pay the extra high power bills they were charging. I hooked my own power up through my breaker box myself, when they came by and checked to see if I had power they saw I had two air conditioners, three TV's, three sealing fans and other things running. They said they was happy to see that I kept the power on, I told them I was on my own power. The cops were called and they told the cops I was breaking the law. They wanted me arrested. The cops told them they could not arrest me for not having power, the cops told them they would not arrest me since I had power. I live in the desert of New Mexico now and my home, barn,and garage are being powered by solar. No permit!!
Hi Thomas Branson. Thanks so much for watching my video. This should help you get more details on the super off-grid permitting system available here in Cochise County. Sorry you went through so much hassle. ruclips.net/video/04ttdE2gCck/видео.html
Some city has it's own rule that we have to have some services to protect the interests of some companies. What shame!!!... the cop did the right thing. Police department would get a big big law problem otherwise. In my city we have to have garbage disposal service, if we don't, garbage company will put a lien on the property.. what about i decompose my own garbage i asked once, it's more environmental friendly. No no no. The garbage co will put lien on my property. It will up to me to take them to court. Even if i won, it will still cost me alot for the legal fee... what a shame
@yingli8028 wtf...u live in Russia...China???
Congratulations on your new life in July I will be moving to Golden valley Arizona it's next to Kingman..it's 2.5 acres and I will be starting my homesteading life there... I'm 35 so I'm starting early so that I can build something wonderful for my child and then he can pass it on to his kids... everyone needs to get back to nature and to learn how to take care of themselves because this world is falling apar... well good luck in your life and I subscribed to fallow you too
TJo thanks for watching my vids and all the best for your new life! I am asuming that this area allows off-grid living as well. Thanks so much for subscribing!
@@affordabledesertliving3487
Golden Valley, AZ does allow off-grid. Must have septic to live in the property, but no electrical service required. 🇺🇸
@@alicehallam8247 What about inspectors checking out the building that is made to code etc?
@@affordabledesertliving3487 If you have electric, you may need inspection of it. Idk
Im actually buying land in golden valley to AND doing arched cabins also passing to my kids when i pass
This is fantastic, we were just discussing how little we knew of this process! Thank you Don, we learned a lot!
Your so welcome THORA Arizona. I knew so little overall when I began this journey I felt it would be good to document my process to help others as well.
I remember this video.
He gets it perfectly square by experience.
When I had my place dug, a survey showed my backhoe operator was out only by 6 inches of elevation on a 40x80 lot leveled. Roy fixed that when I told him, with a smile too. Roy once reached out with his backhoe and placed his bucket with an inch of the toe of my boot. That's how precision/precise he was. Surgical.
Poor guy had a heart attack and died in his machine, died doing what he loved too.
For my solution I'm getting an incineration toilet and avoiding all the hassle of county permits and costs. These toilets range from 1000 to 5000 dollars. The waste material you can throw into your garden free of any health issues. You can use propane or electricity as your means to incinerate the waste. Wish more people knew about this so that's why I'm sharing this information here. Do the research yourself and find what works for you.
Hi Shaun. Cochise County is a bit different in some cases. An incineration toilet is not a permitted toilet for your main way of dealing with sewage. The county mandates you have to install a septic system in order to have a residence here. Other Counties are different so its a county by county situation. Thanks for watching.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Bummer. Defiantly pays to find out all the rules of the county you live in. I'm lucky where I live.
@@shaunhall960 What State & County do you live in?
I LIKE YOUR STYLE. SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE. SIMPLE IS GOOD.
Yep simple and without the slavery of big companies involved in my life which I so appreciate.
This is really helpful, thank you Don. First time I'm ever seeing someone explain the process of turning raw land into a legal dwelling space. I've gone through the same thought process as you - renter in CA for decades, super into the tiny home movement, realization it's *challenging* to put one anywhere, consideration of manufactured, realization that lot rent increases yearly because of corporate overlords, now into vanlife, bought a van, building it out, with the intention of buying land, probably in AZ, to place a pre-fab shed/cottage/yurt on. I so appreciate this step-by-step of inspections & septic install!!! Blessings to you~ Cat
HI Cat. No question for seniors especially the shed/cottage routine here is the most inexpensive. You have a roof over your head while you finish it out. Bit by bit. Thanks for watching!
Hey Don.. This brings back alot of memories for me.. 3 1/2 years worth.. I am an equipment operator as well as a trucker. I lived with my grandmother out in the country on 10 acres.. The she talked to some friends and asked if they needed any help. The friends owned a construction business.. He was a general contractor. They installed septic systems as well.. so they hired me and I learned on their John Deer 310 2 wheel drive how to dig a septic system. I got pretty good at it.. Pushed alot of brush for the tank and the lines.. Then as I was digging, the son would go get the rock and all the pipe and supplies.. We did a system about every 2 days.. So I've got alot of experience sitting on one of them. Mikes machine is nice.. much newer. 4x4, extendahoe and more powerful too.
Cool that you have that skill Truck Driver. Yep Mike is a pro for sure.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 It is indeed. Have you checked your email lately.. lol..
BEFORE purchasing land without access to sewers the FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS is to establish that the land will "perc". This means the soil will accept the "gray water" overflow from the septic tank. A septic tank and leach field REQUIRE that the land will perc. Don't buy land without a "perc test".
I went bold and hoped my property would perc properly. But with 4 acres the risk is less than a small lot in suburbia.
This is stupid advice... do not listen to "standup broad" because this broad doesn't know what she's talking about. You will NOT find vacant land that has a "perc test" done on it.
@@michaelcohen9363 she did not specifically say it, but I think she meant that you should get a Perc test done yourself before you purchase the property, just to ensure that you will be able to get septic put in. Due diligence.
Thanks for sharing.
Your totally welcome.
Hi Mike. I wanna thank you for sharing all this valuable information. You’ve managed to share so much knowledge in each one of your videos that many other RUclips off-the-grid channels combined. Keep safe out there and keep the videos coming.
Ofe Guadalupe. Don here (chuckle) Mike was my septic installer. This is high praise and to be honest this is exactly what I hoped for when I created this channel. To offer people knowledge by example on how to build an affordable home when one is on a budget. Thanks for watching.
Unless your property is on a river basin, lake bed, or in an area where it gets a lot of rain. You do not need a septic tank. The whole point of a septic tank is to make sure your shit isn't going into the water table or down a stream. In rural Arizona, Nevada, or new Mexico most of the time septic tanks are completely unnecessary and over kill because the water table is often at LEAST 500 feet down. Pooping in a hole wont hurt anyone or anything, or contaminate anything.
Great points. But I tend to go with the county guidelines and do all of that correctly. For me I love the peace of mind not having to worry about officials checking over my shoulder down the road.
Agree, i would put a skeptic tank too.
I always wondered Why are we the only animals on earth that aren’t allowed to shi! On the ground? 😂
@@Diesel4242 Because you and I carry nasty diseases that we can catch from each other. I grew up in a community (overseas) without septic system requirements and was locked down twice by public health officials, for a total of three weeks of my life, due to severe illnesses upstream of our property that were fecal matter tranmitted. Those deseases are not to be fooled around with.
Edit: Typhoid fever was one of them.
Absolutely fantastic video! Thank you for taking the time to create it!
Your so very welcome.
I always wondered why perc tests cost $1000. Now I know why. 🙂
Yep definitely not cheap.
It's not just pouring water on the ground. Honestly, I would not do that work for a penny less.
You can buy manually operated washing machine buckets. You can buy manually operated 'spinners' that spin water out of clothes. College students use these, and you still have to hang the clothes.
Great suggestions Alice. Thanks for watching!
@@affordabledesertliving3487 amazon sells them, looks like a plunger, off line no electricity, only manual and water. Love your property!
LOVE your "clothesline" Don!! karen and bob
Thanks Karen! Thank you for a wonderful afternoon visit getting to meet you and Bob in person. Just delightful! Thanks so much! I will be back... as they say...
Smart for doing your research and doing things by the book. Saves fines down the road.✌️
Yep government officials are not much into being gracious from my gather.
What a great channel. Interesting yet considerate, makes you feel you too could do it. Definite subscription.
Very affirming. Thanks so much Zito. I appreciate your sub.
Good luck getting that guy Mike to answer the phone
I had the same issue. After several days he finally calls. He is super busy. Affordable and does a great job so no end to work I bet.
glad your soil is okay for conventional septic. my Father built a house in Cochise County and had to use a special drain field which costs much much more than conventional.
Septic guy Mike told me it wasnt the best and he used 2 truckloads of crushed rock to line my leech field trenches with. But he didnt charge me extra for that which was fantastic.
@@LMBee00 I would be shocked if Mike's price now is $10,000. $10,000 is a common price for larger companies in AZ. My question is this one Did you shop around? I am quoting what I paid.
@@LMBee00 Mike's last name is Goodman. He takes his time to connect but my experience is that he will eventually call back.
One step closer. Great video. I’m enjoying watching your progress. We just bought 5 acres and are planing our off grid dream home in Cochise county.
Congratulations on your new property. This area is a dream come true for affordable living. Delighted to hear you are enjoying the videos. Lots lots more coming!
Reading the CODEs for several Arizona counties from their websites, all systems including septic, buildings, foundations, even a non-grid solar system, are hard-written to require an "Arizona Licensed Professional". So that's a hard "No" to all DIY people "living "Off-Gid" (better yet, off-city sewer)..... But it must not be enforced because so many desert off-gridders are DIYers? After so many years at Sea, I don't think I can stomach surrendering so many basic freedoms over to so many overlords.....
Thanks SoloSailor. I have a septic put in as you can tell here. The other requirements for living here are pretty lenient and so far I am delighted with my choice. All the best!
I spoke with a code enforcement official in Apache Co., from what I gather it is a fairly lax county regarding all of these restrictions. Basically unless someone calls them with a complaint about you they leave you alone. That being said I'd hesitate to place a shed / tiny home there as you never know when the rules will change, all it takes is for one busy-body board member to propose more restrictions and there you'll be stuck with your tiny home with two choices, move it or pay hefty sums of money to be in compliance.
@@joeyking2765 Great info, thx!! I think meeting the Code officials is more important than anything i can get online. Cheers !
You can use gray water for irritating in Nevada.
I have to say I was very surprised to see how "Perc " tests are performed for your area. I had a perc test done last year in Dahlonega, Ga and they drilled 3 holes/ per acre (code)for testing, approximately 12" in diameter and about 10 feet deep. The cost was around 400.00 and I received the results within a week. I'm now moving to Colorado in about 6 months and may or may not be off grid like yourself depending on the land I buy. Much luck to you and will keep tabs on your progress.
Thanks so much for watching faith3420. Also all the best on your move to Colorado. Off-grid is definitely the economical way to go!
Thanks for sharing Don, good info to know about the septic system process.
Your entirely welcome Jack. I had so many questions before I moved here I thought this would be helpful for others on the same journey.
Florida requires a perk test for an septic tank installation. High water table in most of the state. My leach field is in an elevated mound because of that.
That makes sense. Naturally AZ requires them as well.
Yep always good to dot the T's and cross the I's..... Great Video !!!!
Ron thanks so much for watching all of this. So appreciate your encouragement!
Love your videos... we are starting on our 10 acres up in Yavapai County and watch you for inspiration and for fun!
Thanks so much Elsewhere! Love that your here!
Love your videos! I need to move away from California! Thanks for all the the information. Already started looking for a property with no neighbors!
Yes even for a small room it's $1000 per month in the area I moved from. Very few regular folks can afford to live in CA. That's why I was blown away by how affordable AZ is. .... for now... I think the clock is ticking though as people are snapping up affordable land. Yes if you dont mind a bit of isolation there are still good numbers of proerties with no neighbors. Glad you enjoy the videos!
Wow! You really doing a big project I'm glad I subscribed at the right time!
Thanks for subscribing Gleb des. Yep lots and lots of stuff going on here on the property!
I like the mesquite clothes line.
Thanks dennis! Yeah definitely works great!
Really good Job Don, I love that title picture of you.
Thanks Al! I was down in a ravine to get out of the wind and it was the end of the day so the pic has an odd purplish cast to it LOL. Plus I think my camera settings somehow got bumped/adjusted without me knowing it. Glad you enjoyed the vid Al! Should give you a good idea of how the septic install works in this area.
I remember my property in Safford, AZ was 2.5 acres, had a septic system, propane tank and electricity for my 14 X 80 mobile home in 1988. I miss it so much when I see videos like this 'cause I had to sell it in 1990. It went from raw land to a great home. Thanks so much!
Your so welcome Claire! Thanks for watching and keeping abreast of what I am doing here!
New subscriber will follow your journey. We purchased property in Golden valley Az near Kingman in 2019.
I thought about Kingman area as well. A close friend has family there too. Hope its working out well there and super great to have you following along on the journey!
Hey Don, I wrote you some advise about where to go to get your water for free and stuff like that but once I watched your earlier videos I realized you weren't in the Sulfur Springs Valley of Cochise County so I edited it!
No problem at all. Thanks a zillion for watching my videos and offering some helpful suggestions for my life here. Much appreciated!
@@affordabledesertliving3487 I did notice that everyone says that Arizona treats grey water as if it were black water here is the pamphlet of the actual law about it and it has contact information about it.
legacy.azdeq.gov/environ/water/permits/download/graybro.pdf
When they talk about a General Permit they are talking about an automatic permit that every Arizona resident has unless they have violated the terms and had it revoked and the law restricts lesser political bodies from denying or restricting the terms of the permit.
You are doing what I'd always hoped to do. 💙 I would be proud to be your Neighbor. But sadly, I cannot afford to develope any land.
Sorry to hear that Bonnie. I saved for years and even so I have to be super frugal. I do everything in cash. That said its shockingly cheap to develop land here. Thanks for your encouragement!
A definite must for developing property legally anywhere.
Just found you on the utube. Started from beginning. I'm a retired design engineer and liked your criteria for selecting your property and location. Later.
Thanks for watching all of the videos Fiddlefoot! Keep in touch!
Great videos! Please keep them coming.
Thanks ever so much. Many more coming!
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Great! We are camping on BLM land now near Dragoon. We are looking for our dream property in this area. We would love to drive by your dream property, toot the horn and wave at you. Is your community a gated community?
@@crazydayz1080 Not gated per se but a very private area. Hope you find your dream property. A helpful tip for you is to make sure you double check the CC&Rs (Covenants Conditions and Restrictions) of any property you check out. Sometimes there are hidden things ie. home has to look a certain way etc. I made sure mine were relaxed enough to allow me to do a shed to home conversion for example.
Mike knows where all the bodies are buried.
:)
Love the mesquite clothes line. Thats right down my ally easy.
Great video, you got a lot of work done for $6800 ! Can't wait to see the build start. What's next ?
Yep Mike might have different prices now as this was several months ago. Folks will have to check with him. Next I review the entire permit process and show folks if I failed or passed inspection! Thanks for following my videos David! Great to have you here!
Hi Don! Great info, thanks! Have a good day!
Hi Jennifer! How are you?! Can you remind me if we have met other than here on youtube?
@@affordabledesertliving3487 we haven't met. Im just the enthusiastic sort of person. And I am trying to figure out how to move to the desert and I appreciate your video content.
I also have the same dream, but and I'm still saving. I was surprised when I saw your video because I've been waiting to see the progress. Keep posting we're watching!
Thanks so much for watching Zoey! more vids coming up!!!
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Looking forward to it, really:)
Be aware of thieves. Many fall victim in the desert. It's my main concern for when I move to cochise county.
Legitimate concern. I can only go by what my close neighbors say. Some have Lived here for 20 years and nothing. Most owners here are heavily armed and thieves are pretty aware of this. Also my neighbors are close enough they could easily spot odd things going on at my place.
A lot more chance of me being robbed in Northern California/Bay area where I moved from. So I take it all in perspective. Thanks for watching Dall!
Excellent video
Thanks so much PE Civil Water and Envior. Appreciate your support and watching my vids!
We got lucky. Our land already had septic tank. We met Mike! 👍😁 Great that he smoothed that out for you. Nice guy.
Wow that is lucky Pam way to go! Cheers to Brian as well. Would love to meet up some day!
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Sure. We can do that. 😊
@@bondpaz Once covid pressure is off some kindly let me know when a good time would be and I'll come by. Or other way around. Thanks Pam.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 ❤️👍
That was great to see.. That kind of money up front to even start the project would have sunk me.. Good to see you are doing it right.. I was somewhat dismayed to see that you had neighbors that close,, here all this time I thought you were out in the boonies.. lol..
Robert I didnt want to invest in buildings etc and have the County come knocking on my door at some point saying nothing was permitted and I am now in trouble and as a senior have no cards left in my hand for a place to lay my head. Yep my property is only 333 ft wide but neighbors are a good distance away. The camera was on zoom. They are really nice and brought Christmas cookies over to me etc. I have 4 neighbors I can see. But no issues with them and some of them are super kind and welcoming. ie. gifts of pie, gloves when it got cold etc.
your good my neighbors are 10 feet away .@@affordabledesertliving3487
I’ve never seen that before. Good show!
Thanks so much for watching!
I already have a countertop washing machine and a wooden dryer. The dryer isn't high cxapacity but it will accommodate a load from the small washer.
Some day I will get a washer I figure. Thanks for watching!
glad to see all is going well and keep up the great work your doing. have a great day as well
Thanks so much R G Homestead! Had a wonderful day with "neighbor" off-grid folks Bob & Karen who have a cob home.
Just found your channel recently. It will be fun to watch your journey Good luck and Godspeed.
Bronco Billy delighted to hear comments like these! So fun to share with others everything that is going on here! Tons of videos coming!
Gangsters in Vegas can dig and fill holes pretty fast too.
I have land in petrified Forest looking to start my dream project also you are all inspiring I looking for to your videos and info thanks for all your time sir good day and God bless
Congratulations on your property Kings of Quality Network! I wish you every bit of success with your dream project. Delighted my videos can be helpful in some way. Many more coming!
Thanks brother they are very much need I’m Learning a lot from your experience
Nice videos about your journey! Keep posting them!! Im In Ohio but likely to buy land out in AZ to retire on as well.
Thanks Jeff! Working on a new one as we speak.
It would be interesting to see your temporary set up with your tent.. Other than that great video!
Max the "temporary set up" wasnt anything to see! LOL. Small one burner propane cannister stove. Trunk of car for all food storeage that was either cans or sealed packets. Water obtained from local service stations in 5 gallon buckets. Car mirrors for shaving, One bucket for dishes/bathing. Home made compost toilet. That was it.
Awesome video , thank you for sharing your journey with us .
Thank you so much for checking my channel out! Great to have you here!
I want my cloth line like yours, Excellent
Thanks for your super comments Mohamed. Cheers!
Great video for newbies like me!
Thanks, Don! 😊
Your so very welcome Helene. I am delighted it was helpful! Hope you and Fil are doing well. I expect you are busy with lots of projects. Cheers!
@@affordabledesertliving3487
Yes. Busy with work, a few projects and some decisions. Let’s talk soon!
Excellent video. how much cost septic tank 's soil analysis? Would mind to tell? Cloth washing was great
$6800 for the install. But check with Mike as this was several months ago and prices change of course. Thanks for your excellent comments! Glad you liked my "clothes line" I still use it! LOL
@@affordabledesertliving3487 , NRCS Soil reports which was 14 depth of profile. County did not accept
@@AbidAli-bv2gl The only analysis that the County will accept from my understanding is from your septic man. He has a working relationship with the County and has had one for years. If there is a problem with the soil not draining or "perolating" properly he can address that. In this case rocks/gravel had to be added for my situation to work.
A good step on your progress. 😁👍🏼
Thanks GreenHorn. For Cochise County everything hinges on the septic install before moving forward!
$$$$$..........I was thinking more like 60 ft. of 3" pipe going in to a fairly deep hole and throwing a piece of plywood over it. Should be good enough for one or two people.
Well your on your way now👍
All about getting the county to give a thumbs up Cliff! If they dont permit you your sunk from the start. Jim and Jess of the Green Dream Project actually did an inexpensive self-made septic and saved a ton. But they are only using a small one to catch blackwater from their sink.
You could do that but I bet the electric company will not hook power up until you have a inspection and the proper paperwork..I wonder if someone could just use their land for boondocking?
@@richardhowe4140 As per the video Richard Cochise County has a special permit called Opt Out. That means inspections are minimal and I can have my solar hooked up with basic code. They will not inspect my electrical at this point. That is why I chose the Opt out of permits clause. You CANNOT use your land for boondocking. The inspectors can come by and mandate you have a proper septic and put in and a permit is required on your land. If you watch my vids I explain this. Thanks for watching!
@@affordabledesertliving3487 I am sorry for asking so many stupid questions..I should watch all of your videos first because you probably answer all of them in the videos.. sorry to bother you..I am going to watch the videos..
@@richardhowe4140 I so appreciate your interest Richard. Thanks for coming by!
Fantastic info and video... Only thing, I don't see Mike's info! Lol
Added it champ. Check it out!
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Thank you! Bill and Yvonne are great. I am glad you hooked up with them. Jim and Jessica are fabulous DIY'ers too. Derek and Hannah and many others are all around you.... I find they are all down to earth and willing to help out, just as it should be...
@@DesertOasis2023 I spent 3 years on my lunch hours at work watching Derek and Hannah's channel. This was what started the ball rolling towards Cochise Co. Now I am here. As we speak I am insulating the underside of my shed to cottage the very same way Derek insulated his Tiny home. Apologies for being behind on videos but I am catching up! What area are you moving to?
@@affordabledesertliving3487 I started thinking of this when I stumbled upon "The Crockers" a couple years back, when he was doing a Shed tour that lead to a house conversion for "Jared Crocker".
Then I stumbled upon Derek's "Handeeman" channel, which spun me out of control on learning so much...
Anyways, I been leaning towards the Cochise area too. Just not sure exactly where in the county as of yet...
I live in Northern California, but further north from the North Bay. I'm about 60 miles south of Mt. Shasta, in Redding... Our temps here average around 110 during summer, which is a bit more than average in Sierra Vista. Winter here is cold all season, but I notice the overnight lows are a bit colder in Sierra Vista, but daily highs are better too...
I am not a Snow Person, much like yourself. I prefer a moderate year round climate, so I can do more work all year round...
@@DesertOasis2023 I have friends in Shasta and have visited Redding at all seasons. Love California but insanely expensive and always the threat of fire taking out your home. I started off with Derek's channel and watched practically everything he produced. I have learned a ton from him.
i had no idea the perk test was that involved. thanks for filming and explaining that. how much did that part cost? i know my neighbor had one done AND failed it. no building. p.s. i like how deserthorrizons takes care of his sewage. just throws a match on it.
Wow sorry to hear your neighbor had that problem! My soil was hard and didnt perc well but Mike is so experienced he didnt bat an eye and simply make the leech fields the right size and added crushed rock. Simple solve. deserthorizons has a fascinating channel for sure. Not sure about permitting in his county. He lives in a different one than I do. Unless you want potential problems being confronted by the county here for illegal building on your land you better do a septic. Mandatory. Thanks for watching!
That was a significant nut to crack. I'm glad you had the resources. Now, how are you fixed for things like a generator, air compressor, table saws, etc.? Do have have light construction experience?
Jim so nice you joined me here on the channel. Much appreciated. While resources for me are limited I brought in enough retirement savings to deal with this one. I knew it was the most crucial step of all. At this point I have a great generator I really like. I have yet to acquire much in the way of tools but have a bit so far. I do have light construction (underline light) experience. But a lot of this is learn by trial and error. Good thing is that I might be a senior guy but I have always been adventuresome. This is a wonderful adventure for sure! Thanks for watching!
Awesome Don!
Thanks for all of your encouragement Patti! So appreciate you!
Gotta wonder if Mike has any “missing” relatives!
LOL.
Thanks! Great details! Personally interested in the process, still uncertain about the details for the buildings you are planning?
I am planning to complete a 1100 sq ft cabin/home that will be the primary use of the septic system.
This is steven we had a great chat
Thanks for the fantastic help today Steve! Made my day/week!
❤️for the algorithm
Good on ya Karen! Many thanks!
Good evening, I bought a 1-acre piece of land in Tonopah, Arizona, how much does it cost to install a septic tank, to later install a mobile home, 3 bedrooms, I want to have an idea of the cost, thank you very much

Each county and area is different Oscar. You will need to check with your Maricopa county office.
Don, I own a couple of acres over on blk 813 and need to look into a septic guy soon as im going to start preping the lot. Is this guy still around, and do you have a company name or contact info for him? Hope you are doing ok these days bud!
Nice work.
Thanks so much Jess!
Forgive my ignorance I'm fairly new to all this and will be buying land there soon. They are making you pay to put a septic system in even though you don't need it if you want to compost. What's that price tag 5gs?
Nick if you are only doing a compost toilet you can even have a small septic tank hand dug. Then your black water from your kitchen sink goes there. Check out The Green Dream Project. That is what Jim and Jessica did. I am hoping to have guests later on. Not all guests want to use a compost toilet so I am installing a flush toilet so thus the larger septic system. Yes price tag you mentioned is correct. As I mentioned in order to receive a building permit you HAVE to have some sort of septic. Compost toilet or not.
Could you use a composting toilet, instead of putting in a sectic tank?
Yes you can do that as long as it is to the county's specifications.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 thanks, I really like your channel
@@drifter50038 Thanks for watching. I need to be more helpful and complete with information in a future video. You dont need a standard septic system here in Cochise. This is just the typical and most uniform way to do it. With the 3 compost barrel system all you need to pass inspection is a small septic/leech field for kitchen sink. See the channel Green Dream Project for details. I chose the typical system because I hope to do airbnb later. Cheers.
Hmmmm, my brain has turned into a calculator over doing these things for myself. Where do you stay while this is going on? Thank you for sharing!
I stayed in my tent for a short time. But Septic was in really quck. Then my tiny cottage where I am now.
Why did you turn off comments on your last video. I had questions without any opportunity to ask anything.
hi there. You are always welcome to drop me an email with your questions.
affordabledesertliving@gmail.com. The last video is the only one here I dont have comments enabled. Why? pretty simple. For some reason this video amassed dozens and dozens of harsh comments telling me that I was in essence "not very bright" for purchasing property without having it surveyed first and flooding the comment section. I have no tolerance for non constructive negativity. One can be honest without being disparaging. Its that simple. Harsh comments on the channel fortunately are a real rarity. Which is super. Hope that makes sense and thanks for watching!
@@affordabledesertliving3487I thought that was the reason for the disabled comments. People often seem to conveniently forget that there are not perfect. There are a lot of shards of glass all over this world 😂. Thank you for the helpful videos!
Hi don't. So it began. Good luck with it all. Can you not use the black water for your land.?? To help grow things. Bye for now. Keep it up.
James you can indeed use blackwater but only in this specific way. You can't use the black water from your sink and it has to be plumbed into a septic. County law. However ....you can take the other "black" waste from bathroom use in the form of a compost toilet and use that for landscaping easily. It definitely helps things grow. Check out The Green Dream Project with Jim and Jessica. They live only about an hour from me. Lots more details about using waste for fertilizer on their channel. Good Luck! and thanks for watching!
if you had maintain the well share - then you could have spread out the cost of the well with others - 18k is very high that is why well share is very popular in az
Respectfully Jen human nature can bring out the worst in folks when it comes to something as important as water. Also you can recover money but you cannot often deal with wronged relationships and conflict. Prefer to avoid well shares like the plague at this point. I can understand your reasoning on this one though. Thanks for watching!
Amen~!
Hello I was wonder how much did it cost for mike to come out and do the work he did !?
$5000.00 for the septic. $1800.00 for leveling 2 building sites and one driveway.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 ok nice thank u and the 5000 was him checking the soil and installing the septic do you know what type of septic was installed ? I have 1.5 acres is there like a certain size that I need for
@@thetruthaboutbusiness 1000 gallon septic. You count how many recepticles are needed. ie. flush toilet, kitchen sink etc. A normal modest home would be a 1000 gallon. But before you decide you would want to check in with the septic installer first. Hope that helps!
Hi Don, can you please tell what was the price range for the septic system, thank you!
I paid $5000.00 for mine but it was super inexpensive. They are more closer to $10,000 grand now!
What was the approximate cost of the septic system? Just a ballpark estimate would be helpful. Thanks!
$5000. Thanks for watching.
Is the weather warm you’re around or do you get freezing during the winter
Occasional freeze but not severe. Had 6 in of snow last Jan that stayed a few days. But then being from Canada the winters here are jamaica by comparison.
All "permits" are only a way to gather funds. 95% of the inspectors could not install a water line much less a proper drain. That goes double for the construction permit to build.
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I just bought land in this county and also need to install septic. How much did mike charge and what is the total cost for all you added?
You would need to connect with Mike on his current prices but I was charged $6800.00
Thanks for every little bit of information you give. I am looking at buying property in Cochise county. Would love to have contact info for your septic guy Mike.
Donald Putney you are so welcome bud. Check out the video description area for Mike's contact info. All the best!
Good luck Don!
Question:in selecting the site of the septic tank, are you also selecting the site if your house?
Yes! Mike plumbed the outlet from the tank to go within a few feet of the proposed house site. If you watch the video again you can see staked areas where the house and guest cottage are layed out. Thanks for watching!
Yes indeed! I hope to do 2 buildings. The largest one is designed to be close to the septic. The plan there is a 16x40 shed to cottage conversion.
What was the name of Mike’s septic service and about how much did he charge for the septic? Did he also install the septic and did the holes? Was the permit expensive? I sure want to thank you for any information you can help me with. I will be moving just as soon as my place sells since I already bought my land in Cochise County
Hi Kenn. I put this all of this information in the video description to be helpful to folks. Give it a peruse. The permit with the county was not expensive at all. (Sorry almost 2 years ago so not sure of price). Less than $500.00.
Awesome video Don! I will be receiving my 16X40 shed cabin this week. I’ll make a video so you can check it out. GOD bless brother!
David congrats on your 16x40! I am wondering who is building it. Forgive me if you mentioned that already. Cheers and thanks for watching! God Bless you as well!
@@affordabledesertliving3487 It’s being built by Premeir Portable buildings in Coolidge,AZ. All 2X6 construction and custom ordered to meet code in my area. This is their website: www.premierbuildings.us/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI29nVgvuT7gIVUhx9Ch2UxAsjEAAYASAAEgLfaPD_BwE
@@Christianwarrior2014 which style did you choose and do they have prices listed? Thanks!
@@affordabledesertliving3487 Hey Don! I went with the Deluxe Lofted Barn Cabin with L-shaped porch with extra additions like upgraded wall heights and French doors. Whjte metal roof, mahagony for side color and white trim.Yes the website has the base prices listed and here is a custom shed builder design that can create a quote for you.
@@Christianwarrior2014 great info Bro. Hope you are totally delighted when it arrives!
On your last video with survey in your property could the surveyor be drastically wrong and you would need to get that corrected?
There is always that possibility just like any expert doing work for you. I dont think its likely because now my property has been surveyed twice. Once in the 1980s and now last year in 2020. So the markers and pins have now been confirmed twice.
Why do you fail to include prices? How much was it to install septic? How much was it per acre? Don’t be shy about the costs.
Doug its right in the description of the video. Thanks for watching.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 I watch u tube on my tv, I don’t see descriptions. I just see the title.
@@999montanaguy Oh wow I get to be on your TV. How cool. That makes sense.
@@999montanaguy Septic is much more expensive now but I paid 6500 for mine
@@affordabledesertliving3487 thanks. You should state the prices in your videos. Some people might want to follow in your footsteps and should know how much to expect to spend. I enjoy your videos. Have a good day.
You bought the lot not knowing if the perc will pass? How most people do when buying land?
No neighbor here had any issue with perc tests so it was an educated move to purchase the lot. Thanks for watching.
Thanks Don! We will be doing a short trench septic on our own because we use the compost toilet system but we'd like to at least get that soil test done first. I realize that prices may have changed but around how much does the soil test alone cost for Mike to do?
Allan I am not sure if Mike would do just a soil test and not continue with doing a full septic install since that is such a major part of business for him. You should see if you can connect with Jim of the Green Dream Project. Jim used a person in the Douglas area I believe. Hopefully Jim still has his information. If you havent done so watch Jims video on his septic install. It failed first and then was passed. All the best.
Go get a shovel full of that 12 foot deep dirt! Pan it for gold!
Charles Tait. Yep its tempting for sure! I havent seen any big nuggets yet though by shoveling in it so far.
@@affordabledesertliving3487 There are many tutorials on gold panning on RUclips.
Are the '3 holes....for testing of 'best soil?....then, you select '1', obviously? is this right?
Good question. No. Mike does 3 holes to test the general area thoroughly for the proper drainage when the liquid comes from the septic tank to the leech lines. Remember if you watch closely MIke fills in each of the 3 holes entirely. They arent used for anything except for taking soil samples. I am not sure but he may have even combined the soil from each to do the test. Insightful question! Thanks for following the channel!
How long did it take before the county reviewed the results so you could put a septic in.
Sorry for the delay in responding. I believe it was around 2 weeks. Pretty fast actually.
Are you allowed to dig the septic your self
In some cases yes but a county approved perc test has to be done first. Give the county a buzz if you have specific questions about a particular type of septic set up you have in mind.
Thanks I learned some from the green dream and another couple who are opting out
Should you do a perc test before you buy a piece of land then, in case it's not favorable for a septic system? Can you do that?@@affordabledesertliving3487
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