Thinking about adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or guest house to your Riverside County property? It’s a great way to increase value, but if your home relies on a septic well and system, there are strict rules you must follow before you break ground.
At Davis Plumbing, we help homeowners navigate the complexities of septic system design when expanding their property. Here is how adding a second unit affects your waste management.
1. Capacity is Key
Every septic system is designed for a specific “daily flow” based on the number of bedrooms in the primary home. Adding a 1-bedroom ADU counts as an increase in that flow. If your current tank is only 1,000 gallons, it likely won’t be cleared by the county to handle the extra load.
2. The “Expansion” Rule
In many parts of the 951 area code, you cannot simply “tie in” a new unit to an old system. You may be required to:
- Upgrade to a larger septic tank.
- Expand your existing drain field.
- Install a completely separate system for the ADU.
3. Setback Requirements
Riverside County has strict “setback” rules. Your new ADU must be a certain distance away from the existing tank and leach field to prevent soil compaction and system failure. A professional septic tank inspection is the first step to mapping out your property before you finalize your build plans.
4. Pumping and Maintenance
If you do get approval to use your current system, remember that more people means more waste. You will likely need to move to a more frequent septic pump schedule—perhaps every 2 years instead of every 5—to prevent the system from being overwhelmed.
Plan Your ADU with Confidence
Don’t let septic issues stall your construction project. Davis Plumbing can evaluate your current system and help you design the necessary upgrades to meet local codes.
Call Davis Plumbing at (951) 657-0393 for an ADU septic consultation today.