If your civil engineering firm handles septic system projects, you already know how time-consuming the production side can be. Once the perc test results are in and the site constraints are mapped, someone still has to calculate the lateral sizing, design the elevation grades, lay out the septic field, D-box, and tank, and produce a complete permit drawing package.
That production work — the engineering design and CAD drafting after the field data is collected — is exactly what A2Z Civil Engineers handles for US firms as an outsourced design support team.
What A2Z Civil Engineers Does in a Septic Project
A2Z does not perform site visits or percolation testing. Those require a licensed professional on the ground in your jurisdiction, and that stays with your firm or your PE of record.
What we handle is everything that comes after the field data is collected:
- Review perc test results and soil investigation data provided by your team
- Calculate the required number of laterals based on percolation rate, daily flow, and state-specific absorption standards
- Design the septic field layout — field dimensions, lateral spacing, and setbacks per state code
- Position the septic tank, distribution box (D-box), and drain field on the site plan
- Design the elevation profile — invert elevations, pipe slopes, and gravity flow from tank to field
- Produce full CAD permit drawings: plan view, profile view, detail sheets, and general notes
- Coordinate drawings with the overall site plan — grading, drainage, and utility layout if needed
Your PE reviews the completed package, makes any adjustments, and seals the drawings for submission. We handle the production hours — you handle the professional responsibility and client relationship.
Which States Generate the Most Septic Outsourcing Work?
Septic design regulations vary significantly by state. Firms in states with detailed, code-heavy requirements tend to have the highest production burden per project — and are the best fit for outsourcing the drafting and design work.
States where A2Z has handled septic design support projects include jurisdictions that follow Title 5 (Massachusetts), state-specific OWTS codes (New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania), and similar regulatory frameworks. These states typically require stamped engineered drawings, detailed soil data, and specific layout calculations before a permit is issued — all of which translate directly into billable production hours that can be outsourced.
How the Process Works — From Perc Test Data to Permit-Ready Drawings
Step 1 — You send us the field data: Perc test results, soil profile, site topographic survey, lot dimensions, building footprint, and any applicable state design standards or local health department requirements.
Step 2 — We confirm scope within 24 hours: A2Z reviews the inputs, flags any missing information, and confirms the timeline. Most standard residential septic projects are completed within 3 to 5 business days.
Step 3 — We calculate and design: Our team calculates lateral requirements, determines field sizing, designs the elevation profile, and positions all system components in compliance with the applicable state code.
Step 4 — We deliver the drawing package: You receive a complete AutoCAD drawing set — plan view, elevation profile, detail sheets — formatted to your firm’s standards and ready for PE review.
Step 5 — You review, revise if needed, and seal: Your licensed PE reviews the design package. We handle revisions at no additional charge. You submit to the health department or permitting agency.
Why Septic and Stormwater Work Well Together
Many residential and small commercial land development projects require both a septic system design and a stormwater management plan on the same site. A2Z Civil Engineers handles both — HydroCAD and Storm and Sanitary Analysis (SSA) for stormwater, and septic field layout and permit drawings for onsite wastewater.
For firms that regularly work on rural residential lots, subdivisions, or small commercial sites outside municipal sewer service areas, this means a single outsourcing relationship covers two of the most production-intensive deliverables on a typical project.
What Makes This Work — and What Does Not
Outsourcing septic design drafting works well when:
- Your firm has a licensed PE and handles the client relationship, site visit, and permit submission
- You receive clear perc test data, soil profiles, and site survey information
- Your projects follow codified state or county standards that can be applied consistently
- You have recurring septic project volume — even 2 to 4 projects per month justifies the workflow
It is not the right fit when:
- The project involves highly unusual site conditions requiring extensive engineering judgment at each step
- The jurisdiction has no published standards and relies entirely on the PE’s discretion
- Your firm does not have a PE available to review and seal the output
About A2Z Civil Engineers
A2Z Civil Engineers is a Vietnam-based civil outsourcing firm providing design support services to US civil engineering and land surveying firms. Our team has completed more than 100+ septic system design support projects across multiple US states, and works regularly on stormwater management (HydroCAD, SSA), survey drafting (ALTA, boundary, topographic), and civil site design.
All work is produced in AutoCAD and delivered to your firm’s standards. We work under NDA and operate on a project-by-project basis — no long-term contract required.
To discuss a project or request a sample, contact us at contact@a2zce.com or visit a2zce.com.
