About a third of all homes in Massachusetts are dependent upon septic systems, rather than municipal sewer. These include some of the toniest suburbs all the way down the Cape.

While the month of April brings the start of the busy spring real estate market, it also brings lots of rain which can wreak havoc with older septic systems and their leaching fields. Most buyers and their Realtors recoil at the words “Title V” and “fail” and for good reason. The cost to replace a failed septic system can be exorbitant, running upwards of $50,000 in some cases.

Massachusetts septic systems are governed by Title V of the Massachusetts Environmental Code administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). These complex regulations govern the inspection, design, construction and operation of septic systems. The rules affect as many as 650,000 Massachusetts homeowners with septic systems.

If you are selling your home, you cannot close without a passing Title V inspection of your septic system, which is good for 2 years.

For reliable Title V septic services, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: MassRealEstateNews

Whether you're building a new septic system or upgrading an existing one, there are Title 5 requirements in Massachusetts that apply to new construction.

Title 5 requirements must be followed in order to prevent damage to the environment and to protect the health of the public. It is always the system owner's responsibility to ensure things are done in accordance with Title 5 regulations. Your local Board of Health can answer any questions you have if you are having a Title 5 system built or expanded. They are the primary regulatory authority for new construction.

For new construction of a system, the first step is to go to your local Board of Health and your local Building Department for permits from both separately.

Before construction may begin, a percolation test and soil evaluation must be performed and a design must be completed and approved by the local Board of Health or other approving authority.

Construction of a typical residential septic system often begins with the installation of a large concrete septic tank a minimum of 10-feet away from the house. The tank is sized to accommodate the amount of wastewater generated daily and often has a 1,500-gallon capacity.

Downstream from the septic tank, a watertight structure known as a distribution box is installed. The distribution box is designed to with distribution lines in the soil absorption system. There are many different types of soil absorption systems such as leaching trenches, perforated pipes set in stone or sand, leaching pits and cement or plastic chambers. The soil absorption system is installed per the approved design.

Once the individual components are installed and connected they must be inspected by the Design Engineer and the Board of Health. After the components are inspected they are carefully backfilled to prevent damage to the new system and the entire disturbed area is graded, covered with loam, and seeded to stabilize the site.

For reliable Title V installation services, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Specializing in the design, construction, repair, and replacement of on-site sewage disposal systems in accordance with Massachusetts Title 5 regulations.

In addition to our extensive work in on-site sewage disposal systems, MEC’s expertise and specific capabilities in earthwork, structures, water/wastewater utilities, and drainage are directly applicable to potential work on a variety of projects. MEC is experienced in all facets of excavation and typically self performs site work, erosion control, embankment and riprap, in addition to other associated incidentals.