Septic Tank Installation

If you are building a home on a new lot in a rural area, you will need to hire a specialist to install a brand new septic tank. Alternatively, you might also need a brand new septic tank if your existing one is aged and needs to be replaced entirely.

This project is somewhat of a large undertaking. First, your septic tank specialist will test the soil in the area where you want to install the new tank and submit for a permit. Once approved, they will excavate the ground, drop in your new septic tank and connect the tank to your sewer pipes.

Septic Tank Repair

During your septic tank inspection, the service provider may find issues that need to be fixed, but they require new parts or tools they do not have on hand. You will schedule the septic tank specialist to come out later to complete these repairs. Common repair issues include replacing worn baffles, fixing damage caused by nearby trees or vehicles, patching leaks or replacing connected sewer pipes.

For more information about septic system inspections and repair, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: forbes.com

A frozen septic system can be a nightmare to deal with in the wintertime. Thankfully, with proper preparation you should be able to avoid this major headache. Here's what you need to do to prepare.

During winter months, freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing systems, including your septic system. As the ground freezes, it can affect the pipes and tank of your septic system, potentially leading to backups and costly repairs. Understanding how to prevent your septic system from freezing is crucial for maintaining a functional and healthy home environment throughout the cold season.

In this guide, we’ll explore the factors that contribute to septic system freezing, signs to watch for, and effective prevention methods. We’ll also discuss immediate actions to take if your system does freeze and provide tips for winterizing seasonal homes. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or new to septic system maintenance, this article will equip you with the knowledge to keep your system flowing smoothly all winter long.

Understanding the Frost Line and Its Impact on Septic Systems

The frost line, also known as the freezing depth, is the depth to which groundwater in soil is expected to freeze. This depth varies depending on your location, with northern regions experiencing deeper frost lines than southern areas. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), frost lines can range from 100 inches deep in northern Minnesota to none in southern Florida, with most of the country falling between 20 and 50 inches.

Understanding your local frost line is important for septic system health. Septic tanks and pipes installed above the frost line are at risk of freezing during prolonged cold spells. Factors such as lack of snow cover (which acts as insulation), infrequent system use, and pipes installed too close to the surface can all contribute to freezing issues. Even septic pipes in uninsulated basements or those connecting the tank to the drain field can freeze, potentially causing backups into your home.

Signs Your Septic System May Be Frozen

• Recognizing the symptoms of a frozen septic system early can help prevent more serious issues. Here are key indicators to watch for:
• Slow or non-draining fixtures: If your toilets, sinks, bathtubs, or washing machines are draining slowly or not at all, it could be a sign of a frozen system.
• Gurgling sounds: Unusual noises coming from drains or pipes may indicate ice blockages.
• Odors: Foul smells inside or outside your home near the septic area can signal a problem.
• Frozen ground: Unusually frozen or frost-heaved ground over septic lines or the tank area may indicate freezing within the system.
• Backing up: In extreme cases, you may experience sewage backing up into your home through low-lying drains.
• If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage to your septic system and home.

Immediate Actions for a Frozen Septic System

When faced with a frozen septic system, quick action is essential. Here are some steps you can take to address the issue:

Thawing Methods for Accessible Pipes

• If you can access the frozen pipes, there are several DIY methods you can try:
• Hot water: Pour hot (not boiling) water down drains to help melt ice in partially frozen pipes.
• Space heater: Use an electric space heater to warm the area around accessible pipes, particularly in basements.
• Heat tape: Apply heat tape to pipes, but be cautious of electrical hazards, especially if there’s standing water.
• Hot water hose: If you have access to a hot water hose bib, you can use a hose with a spray nozzle to thaw pipes leading to the septic tank.
• For PVC pipes, avoid using boiling water or extreme heat, as this can cause cracking. Cast iron pipes can withstand higher temperatures and may be thawed using a heat gun, but this method is not recommended for PVC.

Professional Thawing Services

If DIY methods aren’t effective or if you’re uncomfortable attempting them, it’s time to call a professional. Plumbers in cold climates often have specialized equipment for thawing septic systems safely and effectively. They may use steam machines or other professional-grade tools to clear ice blockages without damaging your system.

Preventative Measures to Protect Your Septic System

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to septic system maintenance. Here are some strategies to keep your system from freezing:

Proper Installation and Insulation

• Proper installation and insulation are fundamental to safeguarding your septic system from freezing during cold weather conditions. Here are some important considerations:
• Depth: The tank and pipes should be buried well below the frost line.
• Insulation: Cover pipes and tanks with insulation, typically 2-4 inches of rigid foam, before burial.
• Soil management: Avoid compacting soil above the system, as compacted soil freezes more readily.
• Maintaining an Active System.
• An active septic system is less likely to freeze. Consistent water flow can help prevent freezing. Be sure to repair any leaky faucets or fixtures to prevent small trickles of water that can easily freeze. Spread out water use to maintain a consistent flow. For example, instead of doing all of your laundry in one day, try spacing it out over the course of a week.

Soil Management Techniques

Proper soil management can provide natural insulation. Let the grass over the septic area to grow longer in September, and apply a layer of mulch, hay or leaves at least eight inches deep over the septic area. Use a trap to cover the insulating vegetation to keep it dry and more effective.

Winterizing Your Septic System for Seasonal Homes

• Seasonal homes or cabins require special attention before winter sets in to ensure the septic system stays protected during periods of disuse. Here are some steps to winterize a seasonal septic system:
• Pump the tank: Have your septic tank pumped before leaving to remove liquid that could freeze.
• Turn off water: Shut off the main water supply, and drain all fixtures and pipes.
• Add antifreeze: Use RV antifreeze in toilet bowls and traps to prevent freezing.
• Insulate: Consider adding extra insulation to pipes and the tank if they’re accessible.
• Mark system components: Place markers to indicate the location of your tank and drain field to prevent accidental damage from snow removal equipment.

DIY vs. Professional Septic Maintenance

While there are many steps homeowners can take to maintain their septic systems, it’s important to know when to call in the professionals.

When to Call a Professional

• You should contact a septic professional if:
• You’re unsure about your system’s layout or condition.
• You experience repeated freezing issues despite preventative measures.
• There are signs of system failure, such as sewage backups or foul odors.
• You need your tank pumped or inspected.

For more information about septic system inspections, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: thisoldhouse.com

Seasonal homes or cabins require special attention before winter sets in to ensure the septic system stays protected during periods of disuse. Here are some steps to winterize a seasonal septic system:

• Pump the tank: Have your septic tank pumped before leaving to remove liquid that could freeze.
• Turn off water: Shut off the main water supply, and drain all fixtures and pipes.
• Add antifreeze: Use RV antifreeze in toilet bowls and traps to prevent freezing.
• Insulate: Consider adding extra insulation to pipes and the tank if they’re accessible.
• Mark system components: Place markers to indicate the location of your tank and drain field to prevent accidental damage from snow removal equipment.

Source: thisoldhouse.com

Finding time in your busy schedule to set up a septic tank inspection may seem like a chore—but in the long run, it can set you up for septic success for many happy, odor-free years ahead. Here’s how.

Avoid Maintenance Emergencies

Few words strike fear into the heart of homeowners as quickly as “septic emergency.” By getting regular inspections, you can potentially avoid a major mess before it starts—and even save money on costly emergency maintenance services. Getting your septic tank regularly inspected is a whole lot cheaper than needing to have it replaced before it's time!

Enhances Septic Performance

A well-working septic tank is out of sight, out of mind, but if performance starts to slip, you’d better believe you’re going to know about it. Backed-up drains, hard-to-flush toilets, and unpleasant odors can creep into your life fast and make you, understandably, furious. Regular septic tank inspections keep your system working at its best, so you can keep it out of mind.

Increase in Home Value

Having a well-maintained septic system can increase your home’s overall value, which can put money in your pocket in the form of equity—and, if you should ever decide to move, a potentially higher sale price.

For more information about septic system inspections contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: www.angi.com

Arranging for the Inspection

The property owner or operator is responsible for arranging the inspection. The buyer and seller may change the responsibility for arranging the inspection prior to title transfer, provided that this change is put in writing and that the inspection still occurs within the specified timeframes.

The purpose of the inspection is to determine if the system in its current condition can protect public health and the environment. The inspection does not guarantee that the system will continue to function adequately, or that the system will not fail at a later date. This is particularly important if you plan to increase the flow to the system.

The inspection includes determining the location and condition of cesspools, septic tanks and distribution boxes. Often, this will not require extensive excavation.

Only MassDEP-approved individuals can conduct system inspections. The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission maintains lists of approved system inspectors (see below). System inspections conducted by any other individual are not valid for compliance with Title 5.

A System Inspector may not act as an agent of the Board of Health and also represent the system owner.

Reporting the Inspection Results

The System Inspector must use the MassDEP-approved inspection form, provided below. MassDEP and the local board of health will not accept reports in other formats as valid.

The inspection report must be submitted within 30 days of the inspection.

For most systems, the System Inspector is responsible for submitting the inspection report directly to the Board of Health. The buyer must also receive a copy from the seller of the property.

In some cases, inspection reports must be submitted to authorities other than the Board of Health:

• Inspection forms for State and Federal facilities must be submitted to MassDEP instead of the local Board of Health.
• Reports for large systems and shared systems must be submitted to both the local Board of Health and MassDEP.

The buyer or other person acquiring title to the property served by the system must receive a copy of the inspection report.

Inspections in connection with a property sale generally are good for 2 years. If a property is sold more than once in the 2-year period, the single inspection is valid for all property transfers.

If a system is pumped annually and the pumping records are available, an inspection is valid for 3 years.

Incomplete or Delayed Inspections

If weather conditions prevent an inspection before a sale, Title 5 allows the inspection to be done up to 6 months afterwards, provided that the seller notifies the buyer in writing of the need to complete the inspection.

For more information about septic system inspections contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: mass.gov

Your septic system performs a vital job, and regular septic inspections are the best way to make sure it keeps running properly. A septic inspection from a vetted professional will ensure your system is free of leaks, blockages, and other malfunctions that could cause a smelly situation. During an inspection, a pro will also determine the fullness level of your septic tank and suggest a pumping timeline based on your usage. Here’s what you need to know about septic inspections, including what they entail and how often you need one.

Common Checks Performed During a Septic Inspection

When you call your local septic tank company for an inspection, they’ll show up with a laundry list of checks to perform. For starters, they’ll need to locate your septic tank and drain field. The location may be obvious, particularly if the system was installed more recently, but in older homes, searching for the components of your system may take some more detective work.

Once they’ve gotten the lay of the land, the septic inspectors will make several assessments. The specifics will depend on whether it’s a visual or full septic inspection. If you’re buying or selling a house, a basic visual inspection is required. However, a comprehensive septic tank inspection, or Title 5 inspection, is a more in-depth, regular part of septic tank maintenance that should be carried out every two to five years.

Visual Septic Tank Inspections

During a visual septic tank inspection, the inspector will ask several questions about the system, including when it was last inspected, how old the house is, and how often the septic tank is pumped out. Your pro will also run water in all the available sites inside your home (sinks, showers, and toilets) in order to assess the water pressure. They’ll also go outside to check the drainage field for pooling, odors, sogginess, or excessive plant growth over the top of the field—all of which can indicate a failure in the system.

Comprehensive Title V Septic Tank Inspections

During a comprehensive septic tank inspection, all components of the system are evaluated, including the septic tank, leach field, drains, pipes, and pumps that move wastewater between them. The inspector will also come inside your home to perform water tests, just like with a visual inspection.

Here are some more items commonly listed on Title V inspection forms that your pro may talk about or check:

• Existence or condition of sink garbage disposal
• Recent water meter readings (sometimes going back two years)
• Sludge depth
• Scum thickness
• Date of most recent pumping
• Liquid level in distribution box
• Alarms
• Slope of land at installation site

The Leach Field

The septic inspector will look at your yard for common leach field problems like standing water, puddles, and other signs that could indicate it’s not working properly. The inspector may also introduce a special dye to your water system that will visually mark its journey through the system (and, ideally, evenly out into your leach field). However, this may not happen until they come into your home—more on that in just a moment.

The Septic Tank

The inspector will also remove the cover of your septic tank to check the water level inside since too much water could indicate a drainage problem. (Septic tanks should always have some water in them, but it should be 8 to 12 inches below the tank’s surface.)

The inspector may use a tool known as a “sludge judge,” which is essentially a hollowed-out tube, to determine how much sludge and scum are present in the tank. This can help them figure out how soon you’ll need to call a septic pro for pumping. If your tank does need to be pumped as part of the inspection, the inspector will use a flashlight to check the tank for leaks that could cause harmful wastewater to leach out into the surrounding environment.

Other Components

During a septic inspection, the pro will also look at the components of the system that connect the septic tank to the leach field—namely, the distribution box, which helps ensure wastewater is evenly distributed across the drain field. The pipes that connect the septic tank to the distribution box and those that connect the distribution box to the leach field are also subject to inspection.

Again, the inspector will step inside to try out your water sources and ensure there’s proper pressure and drainage. If they do choose to use a dye, they’ll introduce it to the system from inside your home, flushing it through a drain. The dye will be green. If, after a while, your yard looks like the Chicago River on St. Paddy’s Day, it means your system has failed inspection. A complete dye inspection takes between two and four hours on average.

For more information about septic system inspections contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

angi.com

You should get an in-depth septic inspection once every two to five years. Fortunately, that’s how often septic tanks need to be pumped, anyway, which means you can get both done at the same time.

A well-maintained and regularly pumped septic system can last as long as 20 to 30 years. Although they may seem daunting, regular septic inspections are the key to keeping your system in proper, working order for as long as possible. Your pro will do everything they can to ensure a pain-free inspection process that doesn't interfere with your daily activities too much.

How Much Does a Septic Inspection Cost?

Full septic tank inspections cost $550 on average, so add this regular expense to your budget. Although it may seem pricey, it’s an investment that can help you avoid repairs, which can be far more damaging to your budget. The average cost to repair a septic tank is over $1,800.

Visual septic inspections may be done as part of the overall home inspection process during the purchase or sale of a home, and the cost should be built into the overall inspection quote.

For more information about septic system inspections contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: angi.com

This U.S. Environmental Protection Agency video is part of a series of SepticSmart Week Quick Tip videos designed to educate the homeowner on the importance of properly using and maintaining their septic system, such as how a septic system works, what not to put down the drain, the importance of getting your well water tested, and more.

In this video, "Protect It and Inspect It," learn about a typical septic system inspection, how often an inspection should be performed, and considerations for advanced systems.

For more information about septic systems, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Since each septic system is installed a little differently, it would be difficult for us to give you an exact how-to on installing each one. That said, the overall process for septic system installation has some similarities.

1. Site Prep

First, you evaluate the site’s size, soil type, water table, etc. so you can decide which type septic system will work best for you. This may require a PERC test to evaluate soil absorption rates. Contact your county health department to find out more information regarding testing requirements in your area.

2. Health Approval

Most states have specific guidelines in place for septic system installation, as sewage naturally could have a large impact on public health and safety. You will need to receive the necessary permits and licenses to continue with the procedure.

3. Excavation

Once you have received the go-ahead from the correct authorities, you may begin excavating the site for system installation. Excavation involves a lot of measuring and drilling so that you can get the pipe to distance ratio correct. You will need to dig a hole large enough to fit the tank into comfortably.

4. Installation

It is important that you refrain from going into the installation blindly. That is, don’t just begin haphazardly digging holes and placing pipes. Call a professional septic system company for advice, or do your research online.

5. Final Inspection

It’s a good idea to have a professional inspect your work once completed. This ensures that everything is up to safety standards and that you won’t run into any unexpected issues.

6. Coverup

Cover everything back up, clean it up, and enjoy your money-saving handiwork!

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: nextmodular.com

Motivated homeowners can certainly remove snow themselves. You can purchase snow shovels, roof rakes, plow attachments and snow blowers at most local home improvement stores.

That said, snow removal can be dangerous and expensive. Snowplow attachments and snow blowers cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars each. And falling from your roof while shoveling snow off of it can lead to serious injuries.

Hiring a professional snow removal service is typically a more convenient option, especially if there’s a significant amount of snow to remove. Only attempt to DIY snow removal if you have the proper tools, time and energy. Otherwise, consider hiring out help.

Questions to Ask a Snow Removal Service

Before settling on a snow removal service, ask them some qualifying questions. You can avoid future mishaps, like driveway damage from the wrong type of snow plow, by hiring an experienced and reliable snow removal service.

Important questions to ask include:

• Do you have proof of liability insurance?
• Can you provide references?
• How do you price your snow removal services?
• How many workers do you have?
• Do you have snow removal experience?
• Are you willing to sign a contract?

Before hiring them, check references to make sure the company is reliable and does quality work. Make sure they are insured to avoid a legal mess if an accident happens while they are removing snow from your property.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: forbes.com