If you are about to purchase a new home with a septic system, the homebuyer's brochure and guide are for you.

These documents provide information homebuyers need to know before purchasing a home with a septic system, how a septic system works, and the importance of having it inspected prior to purchasing a home. The documents also provide information on everyday, preventative, and corrective maintenance for when you are living in your new home.

For more information, contact  Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: epa.gov

Design and Components

The most common type of septic system is the conventional septic system, which consists of two main components: a septic tank and a drainfield. The septic tank is a buried, watertight container that holds the wastewater from your home. The tank separates solids from liquids, allowing the solids to settle to the bottom and the liquids to flow into the drainfield. The drainfield, also known as a leach field, is a shallow, underground system of perforated pipes that distribute the treated wastewater into the soil.

How they work

Conventional septic systems work by allowing gravity to transport wastewater from the home into the septic tank. The solids settle to the bottom of the tank, forming a layer of sludge, while the liquids pass into the drainfield. In the drainfield, the wastewater is further treated as it percolates through the soil, where beneficial bacteria and natural processes remove contaminants before the water reaches groundwater sources.

Pros and cons

Conventional septic systems have several advantages. They are simple in design, reliable, and can be cost-effective compared to other types of systems. They also have a long lifespan if properly maintained. However, they may not be suitable for all sites, particularly those with shallow soil, high groundwater levels, or steep slopes. In these cases, alternative septic systems may be necessary.

Cost to purchase and maintain

The cost of purchasing and installing a conventional septic system will vary depending on factors such as tank size, drainfield size, local labor costs, and permits. Maintenance costs are relatively low, consisting mainly of regular pumping of the septic tank every 3-5 years.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: aboutseptictanks.com

Most septic system problems are a result of poor initial design, misuse, or physical damage, such as driving heavy vehicles over the leach field. Common conditions that can cause a septic system to perform poorly include:

• House plumbing: clogged or inadequate plumbing vents, blockage between the house and septic tank, or inadequate pitch in sewer pipe from house
• Septic tank to leach field: Blockage between the septic tank and leach field caused by a plugged or broken tank outlet, or a plugged line to the leach field cause by tree roots, or by solids that overflowed from the tank
• Leach field piping: Driving or parking heavy vehicles over the leach field can break the perforated leach pipe, especially if it is not uniformly supported by the gravel bed. Usually tree roots do not penetrate through the gravel bed into the perforated piping.
• Leach field sizing: Drain field may be too small for current flow levels out of the home. Reducing flows though use of flow restricters, and low-flow faucets and fixtures might help.
• High water table: A seasonal high water table can saturate the soil around the trenches impairing the soil’s ability to absorb wastewater. This is sometimes an issue on relatively flat building sites with poor surface drainage. This can often be fixed by installing subsurface drains or curtain drains to intercept the water flow toward the leach field area and to lower the water table locally.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction Industries for more information.

Source: buildingadvisor.com

Plastic Septic Tanks

The Advantages: There are many advantages to using a plastic septic tank over a concrete septic tank, which include, but are not limited to:

• Plastic septic tanks are very resistant to cracking, unlike concrete.
• Rusting is a non-issue.
• As plastic weighs less than concrete, it is much easier to get a plastic septic tank into the location for installation.
• A plastic septic tank is more cost-effective than a concrete septic tank.

Plastic septic tanks can be water-tight and corrosion proof.

The Disadvantages: There are many advantages to using a plastic septic tank over a concrete septic tank, which include, but are not limited to:

• Plastic septic tanks tend to have lower effluent levels, which may be discovered after a tank is opened for pumping.
• If not installed properly, a plastic septic tank can "float" to the surface of the ground.
• Because plastic is such a light-weight material, it can be damaged at installation.
• Plastic septic tanks are not approved in all states.

When is a plastic septic tank appropriate? Plastic septic tanks can be the right choice when they are permissible in your state and when cost is a significant consideration. In the end, you must decide if a plastic septic tank is best for your project.

Concrete Septic Tanks

The Advantages:

• Concrete septic tanks have higher effluent levels than plastic septic tanks.
• Because concrete septic tanks are heavy, there is no chance of floating, unlike plastic septic tanks.
• Concrete septic tanks are long lasting and extremely durable.
• These septic tanks are approved in all states.

The Disadvantages:

• Concrete septic tanks are very expensive.
• These septic tanks can crack under extreme circumstances.
• Because concrete is heavy, it is very difficult to install.
• Though concrete septic tanks are very durable, they can crack and are more susceptible to leaks.

When is a concrete septic tank appropriate? When concrete is mandated by zoning codes, concrete septic tanks are appropriate. Additionally, septic professionals choose concrete when value is a more important consideration than cost.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: septic.com

About 30% of all homes in Massachusetts depend on privately owned septic systems to take care of sewage disposal. Various governmental regulations are in place to guide the consumer through every step of the process in owning a septic system.

Regulation of Septic Tank Systems

Local Massachusetts Board of Healths are the authority in charge of regulating the septic tank systems. Title 5 of the State Environmental Code contains guidelines for the positioning, construction, and maintenance of sewage systems. MassDEP or Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is in charge of processing application approvals, and is also responsible for implementing Title 5 regulations.

Licensure Requirements for Septic System Contractors

From 2004 onwards, the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission has been in charge of the Massachusetts Title 5 Onsite Wastewater Training and the Certification of Soil Evaluators and System Inspectors. Soil Evaluator training entails 3 days of classes plus 3 days of fieldwork and a combined written and field test. The System Inspectors have to undergo a 1-day class and a written exam. Both categories have to renew their licenses every 3 years.

Installing a New Septic System

To install a new septic system or repair an existing one, consumers need to apply for permission to the Board of Health. They have to get the relevant DEP approved application forms from the local Board of Health for the purpose. Applications are necessary for permission to construct, and approval for onsite construction. An onsite soil test and a percolation test have to be conducted by authorized personnel. After construction or repair, a Certificate of Compliance will be issued by the Board of Health.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: septic.com

Most septic system problems are a result of poor initial design, misuse, or physical damage, such as driving heavy vehicles over the leach field. Common conditions that can cause a septic system to perform poorly include:

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction

Source: buildingadvisor.com

What should I expect in a typical septic system inspection?

Septic system inspections are a vital step in making sure your system is operating properly. Regular inspections ensure you and your family do not get sick due to a leak or other problems with your septic system. Since these wastewater systems are located underground, homeowners may overlook having a septic inspection. Routine inspections help prevent expensive repairs to your system or avoid a sewage backup in your home. In many states, a septic system must be inspected with the transfer of real estate. However, it is not only when you are buying a home that these inspections are needed. Septic system inspections should be done every 1 to 3 years for as long as you own your home.

In general, an inspection will involve the following:

Review of the system permit, design, and installation records (including system age)

Review of the septic tank pumping and system maintenance records

Opening and inspecting all tanks (septic tank, pump tank, distribution box)

Evaluating the septic tank sludge and scum levels and determining the need to pump

Assessing the condition of the septic tank effluent filter (if installed)

Looking for signs of leakage, such as low water levels in the tank

Looking for signs of backup, such as staining in the tank above the outlet pipe

Evaluating the integrity of the tank, inlet and outlet pipes and looking for signs of corrosion

Verifying all electrical connections, pumps, controls, and wiring are intact

Possibly using a camera to look at solid pipes and leach lines for blockages or collapsed piping

Evaluating the drainfield for signs of system failure, such as standing water (surfacing) or unequal drainage

Possibly excavating parts of the drainfield to look for signs of ponding in the system or groundwater impacting the drainfield

Examining the distribution box for structural integrity and to make sure drain lines are receiving equal flow

Reviewing other available records on water use and required inspections, monitoring, and reporting to ensure system compliance with local regulations regarding function and permit conditions.

Contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: EPA.gov

A typical residential excavation job can range between $1,552 and $6,340, with an average of $3,931. You'll likely pay between $40 to $150 an hour. Alternatively, you may pay fixed pricing, or the project bid amount. Project bids reflect cubic yards of dirt moved, usually between $50 and $200 per cubic yard.

In residential settings, a local residential excavation company prepares a site for development by removing trees, digging and grading the land in preparation for home foundations. If it has to do with dirt—dirt removal, cut and fill, land clearing, digging, compacting, and land prep—these earthmoving experts do it.

Although the specific machinery used for excavation may vary depending on the size of the lot and the plant life already in place, the most common choices are either an excavator, backhoe loader, or tracker with a backhoe attachment. Many elements influence how much you'll pay for excavation, including accessibility, terrain, equipment, gradient, and the project purpose.

Source: homeadvisor.com

How many years does a septic tank last?

Depending on several elements, a septic tank will typically last 14 to 40 years.

Tank material: Concrete requires more maintenance, but commercial-grade fiberglass and plastic tend to last decades.

Maintenance: Get inspections every one to three years and pump it out every three to five years. If you have a larger home with more than three bedrooms and tend to use a lot of water, aim for every three years at a minimum.

Vehicle traffic over the leach field: Driving over the leach field compresses it and may cause it to fail.

Soil composition: Varying soil types and depths affect how long it may last.

What are the signs I need a new septic tank?

There are a few signs you should get a new septic tank. These include the following:

Unpleasant odors: If you smell sewage, you may be dealing with an overfilled septic tank that's solid waste.

Standing water: If there's no obvious cause for standing water like heavy rainfall, you may have an oversaturated drain field or a broken pipe or septic system.

Slow draining: A full septic tank will cause pipes to drain more slowly.

Patches of vibrant grass: A wastewater leak can actually fertilize grass, making it grow thicker and greener over your septic area.

Home addition: Building onto your house or adding more residents will affect the septic system. Make sure your septic tank can handle any additions.

Nearby water contamination: A septic tank leak can lead to wastewater contamination that can deposit nitrate, nitrite, or coliform bacteria in water sources near your home. If these bacteria are found nearby, check your septic system to see if it's the source.

Old age: If your septic tank is at the end of its life span, it's time for a new one.

How much do septic system repairs cost?

Septic tank repairs cost $650 to $3,000 by a septic system repair pro near you. Tank repairs usually cost less than $1,500 for each type of repair or part (listed below), while leach fields run $2,000 to $20,000.

Tank pump: $800–$1,500; a septic tank located lower than the drain field may require a pump to bring wastewater up to the drain field.

Pumping cost: $300–$600; even a properly functioning system will need to be pumped every three to five years to remove the solid waste.

Tank lid: $100–$300 to purchase and install; you'll only spend $50–$150 buying the lid and putting it on yourself.

Tank lid risers: $300–$1,000; they raise the lid level up to the surface for deeply buried tanks.

Contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: homeadvisor.com

How often should I pump my septic tank?

The frequency with which you should have your septic tank pumped depends on factors like the tank’s size and the level of your household’s usage. Typically, pumping is recommended every three to five years to prevent overflows and maintain your septic system’s efficiency. However, consulting a professional for personalized advice based on your specific situation is a wise approach.

What are the signs of septic tank problems?

Signs of septic tank problems can include foul odors around the tank area, slow-draining sinks or toilets, sewage backups in your home, unusually green or lush grass near the tank, or even gurgling sounds in your plumbing. If you notice any of these signs, it's critical to address them immediately to prevent further septic system issues and costly repairs.

How can I prevent septic tank problems?

Preventing septic tank problems starts with responsible usage. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items like wipes or chemicals. Limit excessive water use, fix leaks promptly, and schedule regular tank inspections. Be cautious about what you plant or build over the tank, as roots and heavy structures can damage it. These measures help maintain a healthy septic system and prevent costly issues down the road.

Contact Morse Engineering and Construction for more information.

Source: angi.com