Why It’s Best to Schedule a Septic Inspection

It’s common for home buyers to inspect a home before committing to a sale. When problems arise, such as issues with a home’s plumbing and septic system, the buyer may choose to walk away from the sale altogether, which deprives you of time and money.

You may also need to pay for septic repairs for the sale to go through. In either case, it’s best to be fully aware of any problems with your home’s septic system before a sale is in motion, and inspections provide ample information.

What to Expect During the Inspection

Septic inspections have multiple steps:

• Sewer Line Inspection: The sewer line runs from the plumbing in your house to the septic tank. Along with investigating how indoor plumbing functions, the inspector may also use a sewer line camera to look for damage and blocks in the pipes.
• Tank Inspection: The tank is where wastewater is distributed. The inspector will most likely open your tank to look for cracks, leaks, and other issues that could impact its function.
• Leach Field Inspection: The leach field is the area that surrounds the septic tank that helps with processing contaminants out of the wastewater. Inspectors insert a probe into the soil, which provides information on moisture levels.

How to Ensure the Inspection Is a Success

If you take care of your septic system while in the home, you’ll experience fewer issues when it’s time to sell. Regular septic pumping is a crucial aspect of proper maintenance. While pumping schedules depend on how many people live in your home and how often a system is used, once every three years is usually the average.

If you’re planning to sell your home within the next year, and you pumped the system over three years ago, it’s best to schedule a pumping now. In the meantime, only flush toilet paper.

If you’re in need of a septic inspection, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: connect2local.com

Your home’s septic system gives you the ability to live in a clean environment. When it malfunctions or when building a home, you need to consider what type of septic system you should get as a replacement. Below are the main differences between a conventional system and a mound system installation so that you can choose the one that fits best with your home.

Mound Septic Systems

A mound septic system installation involves creating an above-ground pile of sand or gravel to hide the components of the system. The system’s absorption area is above ground, so it uses an electric pump to bring the waste to the mound where it can be treated.

Mound system installations are suitable in areas where there is a high water table, bedrock, or a lack of soil to store the entire septic system below ground. However, due to the additional work required to build a mound, these systems are more expensive. They can also be an eyesore since they can’t be hidden by any trees; roots could damage the system. They require annual cleaning to make sure they are working efficiently.

Conventional Septic Systems

If the soil is deep enough and there isn’t a high water level, a conventional septic system can be installed beneath the surface, so there’s no need for a mound. Like the mound system, a conventional septic system installation involves a tank and a drain field. However, unlike the mound system, there’s no need for a pump since all components are underground. The septic tank holds waste as it removes the solids from the liquids. The drain field treats the wastewater and then drains it.

Conventional septic systems are preferred because they cost less to install. Inspections also occur every three years, less frequently than mound systems.

If you’re in need of a new septic tank, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: connect2local.com

1. Disgusting Odors

If your nose is telling you something is wrong, it probably is. The more full a septic tank gets, the worse it will smell inside and outside your home. If you smell something foul, you should call a professional to have your tank cleaned before it causes a bigger problem.

2. Slow Drainage

A properly functioning septic system will allow water to flow effortlessly through the drains, but septic system repairs could be necessary if your water begins draining slowly. If your toilet, tub, and sinks are slow to refill or drain, your system needs servicing.

3. Pooling Water

If your yard is full of water and it hasn’t rained in days, either your septic tank is overflowing or your drain field’s pipes are clogged with sewage. Either way, a professional needs to be called to determine the type of septic system repairs needed.

4. Backed-Up Sewage

If a septic tank gets too full, it will flow back through your pipes and into your home, causing a smelly, unsightly mess. You’ll begin to see black sludge coming up into your toilets, sinks, and drains. Regularly cleaning your tank is the best way to avoid this problem.

5. The Grass Dies Unexpectedly

If the grass you planted over your septic tank begins to turn extra green, becomes brown, or dies, you should have an inspection. This is usually a sign water is leaking into the drain field, a problem that needs to be corrected right away.

The best way to avoid serious septic system repairs is to have your septic system serviced regularly and on a set schedule.

Source: connect2local

If you’re looking to install a new septic tank while building a home or need to replace a damaged system, early fall is the best season.

1. Better Weather

Though the days are getting shorter, the weather is more predictable in late summer and early autumn. This means that your technicians will be able to get more work done each day without having to take time away from the project due to heavy snowstorms. Remember, the better the weather, the faster installation will go.

2. Drier Soil

New septic systems are best installed in dry soil. Late summer and early fall are ideal because much of the summer rain has passed and conditions are not quite ripe for heavy snowfall. Since the chance of storms is minimal, the installation crew will be able to work faster without waiting for the soil to dry out before continuing work on the project. During dry conditions, most average-sized systems can be installed in as little as two days.

3. Faster Digging

Cold temperatures can quickly freeze the ground, making digging harder. The warmer the soil, the easier digging will be and the faster work will be complete. Though the number of appointments ahead of your installation may be fewer during winter, the process may take far longer overall. It’s best to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to take full advantage of the better weather.

If you’re in need of a new septic tank, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: connect2local.com

Although it’s vital to care for the system year-round, several issues can affect its integrity in the fall. Here’s what you should know so you can handle them efficiently.

1. Potential System Blockages

It’s crucial to schedule septic tank pumping at least once every three years, or more often depending on your household’s usage. A qualified contractor can provide you with a schedule, but you should consider emptying it in the fall if it’s been a while. Once it gets colder outside, it’s more difficult for contractors to access the septic tank, particularly if the ground is frozen. Addressing it now will also help you avoid potential flood concerns during the coldest months of the year.

2. Excessive Water Usage

It’s not unusual for homeowners to use more water than usual during the holidays. With the influx of guests visiting during Thanksgiving and Christmas, along with all of the cooking you’re likely doing, your septic system will work overtime to keep up with your usage. You can take steps to minimize strain by limiting your consumption as much as possible. Avoid using dishwashers and washing machines while the shower is running, for example, and take shorter baths if possible. Even small changes can make a difference.

3. Cold Ground Temperatures

As the season progresses, you’ll encounter more uncomfortable temperatures that risk the integrity of your system. When the ground freezes, the tank is also susceptible to frost. By growing extra grass around the tank, you can create a layer of much-needed insulation that puts a barrier between the elements and system.

Source: connect2local

Are you managing a rental with a septic tank? If your property runs on a septic system, it’s important that you as the landlord thoroughly understand how it works and how to set your tenants up for success with it.

What Are Some of the Common Issues in Rentals with Septic Tanks?

Septic systems are generally much smaller than city-run sewer systems as they’re designed to serve only a single home. Their small scope and delicate piping, combined with the fact that most landlords aren’t plumbing or wastewater experts, can result in certain issues for rentals with septic tanks.

Toilet Backups and Overflows

Two of the most common problems that rentals with septic tanks can face are toilet overflowing and backups. Both problems can cause a massive inconvenience for tenants, and both are indicative of an issue with the septic tank. Usually, a toilet will overflow or back up if the septic tank hasn’t been properly maintained.

Every septic system has a septic tank as well as a drain field, which is a predetermined area of soil on your property where the contents of the septic tank are drained. If the tank isn’t leeching the water properly into the drain field, its contents could travel back through your pipes to cause a toilet overflow or a backup.

Septic Tank Smells

Tenants in rentals with septic tanks will sometimes complain of bad smells around the property. When the septic system is working properly, the residents of the property shouldn’t be bothered by the smell. This means that if a bad odor is present, there must be an issue with the septic system.

Usually, a noticeable odor is caused by an overflowing septic system that needs repair.

This can happen because of a period of excessive rain, a broken septic pump, frozen pipes, or a plumbing leak. If you’re not sure what the issue could be, it’s important to call a professional to make sure you don’t create additional damage while trying to fix the problem.

Septic Additives: What Are They and Should You Use Them?

If you’ve owned and rented a property with a septic system for a long time, you may have heard of septic additives or even tried them before. Septic additives are meant to maintain good bacteria in your septic tank that allows the system to efficiently break down solids within the wastewater.

Though septic additives can be useful in rentals with septic tanks, overusing them can cause additional issues in your system. Better ways to care for your septic system include avoiding drain cleaners that aren’t septic-safe, avoiding bleach, and never disposing of items like medications, non-biodegradable items, oil, or fat in your pipes.

How to Prevent Septic Tank Issues for Your Tenants

When it comes to managing septic function in rentals with septic tanks, it’s crucial to get your tenants on board with helping to keep the system working properly. Give your tenants detailed descriptions of what not to do to prevent septic issues and simple ways that they can support septic system health.

If any issues do arise, make sure you respond to them quickly, as a septic malfunction left unattended could get worse quickly.

For more information on inspecting, replacing, or repairing a septic system, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

pageepa.gov

payrent.com

For owners of rental properties with a septic system, outreach materials can be used to help educate your rental guests that your home is on a septic system, and tips on what to put (or not put) down the sink and/or drain.

Click here for a rental property flyer that you can post in your rental home!

For more information on replacing or repairing a septic system, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: pageepa.gov

If you don’t have the cash handy to repair or replace the system there is a loan program in Massachusetts participating lenders offer low-interest rates to eligible homeowners through this Massachusetts Housing Program.

Some septic installers will also be paid out of the closing proceeds but, that is part of the negotiation of the real estate agent and usually there is a document that needs to be provided by the attorney as well to secure payment.

Massachusetts Septic Tax Credit

When installing a new system there is a State tax credit The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides. The amount changes over times and I want this blog to be timeless so, here is the link State of Massachusetts Tax Credit for Septic Systems.

With Title V and septic systems, the size of the system depends on the bedroom count.

For more information on replacing or repairing a septic system, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

hottelrealestate.com

There are exceptions. If the exceptions don’t apply then yes, you do need a passing Title V inspection.

You do not need an inspection when the house transfers title between:

1. Between current spouses;
2. Between parents and their children;
3. Between full siblings; and
4. Where the property is held in a trust.
5. Refinancing a mortgage or similar financial instrument;
6. Appointment of, or a change in, a guardian, conservator, or trustee;
7. Any other change in ownership or the form of ownership where NO NEW parties are introduced (e.g., for estate planning or in a divorce);
8. The property owner or buyer has signed an enforceable agreement with the Board of Health to upgrade the system or to connect the facility to a sanitary sewer or a shared system within 2 years following the transfer of title, provided that such agreement has been disclosed and is binding on subsequent owners;
9. The property is subject to a comprehensive local plan of septic system inspection approved in writing by MassDEP and administered by a local or regional government; and the system has been inspected at the most recent time the plan requires.

Without exemptions, it is required for the sellers to provide a passing Title V report. .

Title V Test

The Title V tests are to be done during normal usage of the property so, toilets flushing, laundry and showers etc. however, some houses are vacant so the soil has had time to dry out so to speak and it’s hard to determine if under normal usage the system would show signs of failing. This is very important that a buyer understand this and the buyer has a contingency plan should the system fail under normal usage.

The day of the test the septic system inspection should include a discussion with the homeowner to determine the history of the system, size of the household, a review of the system permit, a tank inspection, a distribution box inspection, a drain field bed inspection, and a house inspection. Usually they charge you extra if they have to dig out the lid so be aware.

The inspector will evaluate the tank and associated water use. No leaks or cracks can be in the tank. The inspector will dig test pits 2-3 feet down to check for signs of standing water or biomat growth for the drain field test. The D-Box will also be inspected to insure all mechanical equipment is in good working order. Inside the home, he will flush the toilets, run water in the sinks, and run the washing machine through a full cycle to see if the household plumbing is all going to the system and working correctly.

Reporting requirements The report takes about a week and Inspector must use the MassDEP-approved inspection form and provide the report to the governing health department within 30 days of the inspection.

The buyer or other person acquiring title to the property served by the system must receive a copy of the inspection report. One thing you can do as a buyer is to go to town hall to see when the initial system was installed, so you can determine if it is likely there will be problems in the future.

For sellers, oftentimes sellers put the house on the market and have not completed the Title V test, which can be a risk as if the septic system fails it is a big expense and time delay. Some towns take the full 90 days for review and approval as many of the towns don’t hire full –time staff or share environmental engineers for a specific region. Then there is the installation and then the final approval which can add several weeks.

It’s a good idea to get a few prices too because there is the cost for the engineering drawings, the permit costs and the installation costs. For the installation costs there can really be a big range. I’ve seen everything from 11K to 30K for the same system. Not always do sellers have the luxury to do the tile v test and then take the process slow so sometimes you just have to go with the flow. If you are planning to move in a few years from now, know that once the test is completed it is valid for 2 years unless it is pumped annually and then it is valid for 3 years. After that time frame you have to re-do the test.

For more information on replacing or repairing a septic system, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

hottelrealestate.com

Q. I am selling a home that has a failed Title 5 inspection. What are my seller’s options? h3

It is a common misunderstanding that a property must have a passing Title 5 inspection for title to transfer. What the law requires is that a pre-sale inspection occurs within 2 years before a transfer takes place. A failed Title 5 is one of the most frequent stumbling blocks to a successful transaction.

If a property has a failed inspection, the system must be repaired or replaced within 2 years. The current owner or buyer of a property with a failed inspection may enter into an enforceable agreement with the Board of Health requiring them to upgrade the system or connect to the public sewer within 2 years following the transfer of title. If a property owner has entered into this type of agreement, they must disclose it to prospective buyers, and it must be binding on subsequent owners.

The most straightforward option available to sellers with a failed Title 5 inspection is to repair or replace the septic system prior to transfer. However, this may not be a viable option for all sellers because of the expense involved. In these situations, the seller and buyer may negotiate a resolution that satisfies both the requirements of the law as well as the financial well-being of all parties involved.

It is also important to remember that an inspection is not required before a transfer in the following situations:

Refinancing or any situation where no new parties are introduced;

• A transfer between spouses;
• A transfer between parents and child(ren);
• A transfer between full siblings; and
• Where the property is held in a trust.

For more information on replacing or repairing a septic system, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: cciaor.com