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

Dye testing is a diagnostic procedure used by home inspectors and contractors to identify issues within a septic system, particularly leaks or improper connections that could lead to the discharge of effluent (liquid sewage) into the environment.

The test introduces a non-toxic, water-soluble dye into the septic system and observes if the dye surfaces above ground, indicating a problem.

How Dye Testing Works

Introduction of Dye: A specific amount of dye, typically green or red, is added to the septic system by flushing it down a toilet, pouring it directly into the septic tank, or through other entry points.

Water Flushing: Water is flushed through the system to push the dye through. This helps in tracing the path of the effluent and identifying any leaks or issues where the dye surfaces above ground.

Observation: Inspectors then wait and observe for the appearance of the dye on the ground surface. The presence of dyed water above ground indicates a leak or fault in the septic system.

Applications and Limitations

Leak Detection: Dye testing is primarily used to detect leaks in the septic system where effluent might escape into the environment.

Verification of Connections: It can also verify that new appliances or drains are correctly connected to the system.

Limited Diagnostic Capability: While useful for identifying leaks, dye testing cannot assess the full functionality of a septic system or pinpoint all types of issues. It is most effective when there’s already a suspicion of a problem. Regulatory Compliance: In some jurisdictions, dye testing is required for home inspections or property transfers to ensure no illegal connections or discharges.

Other Inspection Considerations

Inspector Expertise: The effectiveness of dye testing can depend on the inspector’s expertise and the septic system’s specific conditions.

Environmental Safety: The dyes used are non-toxic, water-soluble, and environmentally friendly, ensuring the testing process does not harm the surrounding ecosystem.

Complementary Tool: Dye testing is often used with other inspection methods to evaluate a septic system’s health comprehensively.

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

Source: homeinspectioninsider.com 

A septic tank should be inspected once a year. The average household needs to have a septic tank pumped every three to five years. It’s best to have a thorough septic inspection when the tank is pumped because all sides and the tank’s floor are visible.

A septic inspection thoroughly examines a property’s septic system to ensure it functions correctly and efficiently. It is vital for the health of all the family members living in the house and is often a requirement of insurers or banks before transferring a property to a new owner. A standard septic inspection includes several key steps:

1. Locating the septic system: The inspector’s first step is to find the septic system. This can be done using an “as-built” drawing or sketch left over from the permitting process.
2. Inspecting the septic tank: The inspector will open and visually inspect it. They will check the integrity of the tank, the operational level of sewage, and whether the risers are watertight with no visible leaks.
3. Inspecting the distribution box: The distribution box is also opened and checked to ensure it’s functioning as it should. The box should be free of solid waste, scum, and clogs.
4. Inspecting the leach field: It is checked to ensure it works as intended. The inspector will look for strong odors, mushy or swampy areas, or surfacing effluent.
5. Checking other components: If the system features pumps, electrical float switches, or mechanical components, these are also inspected.
6. Pumping the tank: Most of the time, the inspector will pump it unless done recently.
7. Testing the system: The inspector will also test the system by running water in the house to make sure the system is working properly.

The system will pass inspection if all three components (the septic tank, the distribution box, and the leach field) function correctly and are structurally sound. There are two types of septic inspections: visual and full.

A home inspector does a visual inspection, which includes checking the age of the system and maintenance history (if records are readily available), while a full inspection is more detailed and includes checking the water level in the septic tank and performing a couple of tests.

If you notice a problem, such as unusual odors around the drains, weak flushing or sluggish toilets, slow-draining sinks, or the appearance of wet spots or lush plant growth over the surface of your drain field, an inspection may be needed sooner.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: homeinspectioninsider.com

Labor Day Weekend is here and it's hard to say, but soon it will be time to line up snow removal services. During winter in Western Massachusetts, snow can become a serious problem for business owners. It's challenging to live where winter covers the road and makes it a snow wonderland. The chances of accidents increased because of slippery and blocked roads.

Unfortunately, when it snows business owners suffer. Snowstorms bring various challenges for owners. Businesses need plowing services more than anyone else.

Excessive snow can also lead to the closure of their business. Company owners cannot call their employees to the office and employees cannot work from their offices because of blocked roads and due to no transportation service for traveling. That is why plowing service is important.

Snow plowing:

Outdoor surfaces need to be cleaned after the snowstorm hits in winter. A snowplow clears the roads and removes the snow. Professional snow removal services are important because they know the right tricks and equipment to remove the snow from the road.

There are different types of snowplows available.

• Front-end Plows
• Rear-end Plows
• Rotary
• Wing and underbody Plows

Snow removal services reduce the risk of slip-and-fall accidents and accidents on your property while driving. That is why it is important to find trusted plowing services when winter comes.

The benefits of Snow plowing services

Working with snow plowing company has enormous benefits.

1. Increase visibility

One of the major benefits of a plowing service is it increases the visibility on your commercial property during snow. Poor visibility can lead to dangerous conditions for pedestrians and people in vehicles. Hiring a plowing services company will keep your complex property clean from the ice and help improve visibility.

2. Reduces your liability

Without any doubt, one of the major benefits of a professional snow removal service is it gradually reduces your liability. If you are not prepared for the winter season then this is the time to think about it. Start your searches for the best company to hire and compare options to choose better. A professional service has all the equipment and knowledge to handle the situation. You can rest assured that your outdoor surfaces or residential and commercial property are safe and snow-free.

3. Follow safety regulations

Professional plowing services and experts understand the right way to remove snow. This means that your employees won't be at risk and your company won't be at risk of worker's compensation claims or having down time for snow removal. Hiring professionals is more efficient.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: rawsealpaving.com

Design and Components

Chamber systems are an alternative to traditional gravel or stone drain fields. Instead of using traditional gravel, chamber systems utilize interconnected chambers that are filled with soil. These chambers provide a larger surface area for wastewater to infiltrate the soil and promote better treatment.

How they work

Chamber systems work similarly to conventional septic systems, with wastewater flowing from the home into a septic tank. From the tank, the wastewater is then distributed to the chamber system. The chambers provide additional contact between the effluent and the soil, allowing for better treatment and absorption.

Pros and cons

One of the major advantages of chamber systems is their ease of installation. They require fewer materials and less excavation compared to traditional drainfields. They are also more resistant to clogging, as the chambers have self-cleaning features. However, chamber systems may be more expensive to purchase and maintain than conventional systems. Cost to purchase and maintain h3

The cost of purchasing and installing a chamber system will vary depending on factors such as chamber size, soil conditions, and labor costs. On average, homeowners can expect to spend between $5,000 and $15,000 for a chamber system, including installation. Maintenance costs are similar to conventional systems, with regular septic tank pumping recommended every 3-5 years.

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

Source: aboutseptictanks.com