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

If you are building a new septic system or upgrading an existing one, there are Title 5 requirements that must be followed in order to prevent damage to human health and the environment.

System owner's responsibilities

Whether or not you are the person actually doing the construction, it is always the system owner's responsibility to ensure things are done in accordance with Title 5 regulations. If you have questions related to building or expanding a new Title 5 system, you should contact your local Board of Health directly as 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 as well as your local Building Department. You will need to obtain permits from both separately. You should initially provide each department with a verbal explanation of what you're proposing.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: mass.gov

Why can't I put my soil absorption system (SAS) under my driveway?

Title 5 precludes using area under a driveway for a soil absorption system unless restrictions on the land leave no other feasible option. Impervious areas such as driveways or parking lots restrict air passing through the soils. In addition, the weight of the cars can compact the soil and may break distribution pipes. Lack of oxygen prevents the degradation of the septic tank effluent in the soil, and compaction reduces flow, making the system likely to clog and fail. Soil absorption systems which are placed under driveways are required, by 310 CMR 15.240 (7), to be vented to the atmosphere. Additional standards apply to system components in areas where automobile or other heavy equipment is anticipated. How far away from property lines and existing buildings does my septic system need to be? h3

Title 5 (310 CMR 15.211) lists minimum setback distances, and the local Board of Health can provide more information about your particular situation.

I am thinking about adding living space to my home (family room, garage, etc), but I'm maintaining the same number of bedrooms. Am I required to have a Title 5 inspection to get a building permit? h3

A system must be inspected upon any change of use or expansion of use for which a building permit or occupancy permit is required. However, if the change of use or expansion does not increase the existing design flow, the requirement is for an assessment only, in order to determine the location of all system components, including the reserve area. This will ensure that the proposed construction is not placed on top of any system components. The requirement for an assessment can be waived if an official record exists that shows the location of system components as they relate to the proposed construction. (310 CMR 15.301(5).

Contact your local board of health to verify if local regulations require a full inspection.

Can a Board of Health require the replacement of an undersized septic tank?

Yes, if its continued use will jeopardize the soil absorption system or the environment. Any tank smaller than 1000 gallons may be judged to be too small, depending on individual circumstances.

Does a Board of Health have to issue a Disposal System Construction Permit (DSCP) for the replacement of a single component such as a Distribution Box or septic tank? h3

Yes. Title 5 allows system components to be replaced without replacing the entire system, but requires a DSCP and a Certificate of Compliance once the work is done (see Conditional Pass).

What are the advantages of pressure distribution for a septic system with a pump?

Although Title 5 does not require it, pressure distribution for systems with pumps generally results in a more efficient and longer-lasting system. Pressure distribution can be especially important when a reduction in distance to ground water is being requested for a mounded system.

Is it legal for the Board of Health to restrict the use of mounded systems for new construction?

Communities may have requirements more restrictive than DEP's provided correct procedures are followed in adopting them (310 CMR 15.003 (3)).

A property owner with a failing septic system is in the process of obtaining local approvals for an upgrade. In the meantime, the system is experiencing breakouts of sewage onto the ground. What should be done in the interim?

Breakout of sewage onto the ground is a significant threat to public health and the environment, and the Board of Health should take immediate action to address the situation. Interim steps could include requiring the system owner to seal off any discharges from the septic tank and begin a pumping program with a licensed septage hauler. Ultimately, responsibility for the failing system falls on the system owner, but Boards of Health have primary responsibility for enforcing Title 5 in order to ensure public health and safety.

Can MassDEP recommend a certified soil laboratory?

No. Massachusetts does not certify soils testing laboratories. You can inquire with your local Board of Health on any local labs that may provide that service or check the yellow pages under "testing laboratories".

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: mass.gov

When you need to hire a system inspector, there are two important things to remember:

1. MassDEP does not regulate inspection fees, nor does any other state agency. Inspectors can charge whatever their customers are willing to pay. The fee also may vary depending on the complexity of the inspection.
2. Only certain professionals may perform Title 5 system inspections:
   • Professionals who meet experience requirements and have passed a MassDEP-administered exam;
   • Registered Sanitarians;
   • Certified Health Officers; and
   • Registered Professional Engineers who specialize in civil, environmental or sanitary engineering.

For a list of qualified system inspectors in your area, contact your local Board of Health. You can also see lists of approved system inspectors on the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control website.

Before hiring anyone, do some comparison shopping:

• Get written estimates from several inspectors. Ask them whether the price of the inspection includes pumping the system; often it does not.
• Ask for and check each inspector's identification and references.
• Before signing a contract, be certain that it spells out the work plan, the cost and payment terms, and any guarantees the inspector is willing to provide.
• Once the inspection is complete, make sure the person who signs the form is the same person who conducted the inspection.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

mass.gov

Larger septic tank repair jobs can put a dent in your home maintenance budget. To reduce your costs over time, consider the following strategies:

Clean it: Retain the annual services of a local septic tank cleaning company. Regular cleaning gives your septic pro access to spot potential issues before they develop into big problems, while also eliminating one major cause of septic system failure—the buildup of sewage and scum that overwhelms your system.

Use treatment products: Ask your septic pro about products designed to help the bacteria in your system break down solid waste to stop clogs from occurring. Products such as Rid-X or Green Gobbler can give those bacteria an extra boost so your system operates more efficiently.

Pump it regularly: According to the EPA, you should have your septic tank pumped every three to five years.

Minimize water use: On average, a single-family home uses approximately 70 gallons per person per day. Leaks and inefficient appliances, such as leaky toilets, can waste hundreds of gallons of water. The more wastewater your septic system must process, the more frequently it’ll need inspection, servicing, and repair. Consider installing newer versions of heavy-use appliances, such as high-efficiency toilets and showerheads.

Point Drains Away: Keep your home’s drainage components (roof drains, gutters, etc.) flowing away from the drainfield so it doesn’t flood and slow down the treatment process or cause backups in your home’s plumbing fixtures.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: angi.com

1. You’ll Never Have to Replace a Well-Maintained Septic Tank

In terms of septic tank longevity, some people may tell you it needs replacing at least every 20 years, while others will say that it could last a lifetime with proper maintenance. The truth is likely somewhere in the middle.

No matter how good your septic system maintenance is, the tank will need replacing at some point. Poor management could see the system fail a little after five years of use. However, with regular tank pump-outs, efficient water use, appropriate waste disposal, and careful drain maintenance, your septic system could still work after 20 to 30 years or more.

2. Using Additives Means Pump-Outs Are Unnecessary

Regular tank pump-outs (ideally every two or three years) are necessary for septic system maintenance. These typically occur when the solid waste in the tank reaches between 30% and 50% of its total storage capacity. Professionals will empty the tank and ensure it’s completely clear of the solid sludge that accumulates at the bottom of the tank and the lightweight scum that floats at the tank surface. Without pump-outs, you will end up with expensive repair bills, clogs, and a significant reduction in the system’s longevity.

You may have heard that septic tank additives can eliminate the need for this process. The claim is that these microbes and enzymes can be added to your septic tank to enable the complete breakdown and digestion of sewage waste. They can interfere with solids settling, corrode tank walls, and leach harmful chemicals into the drain field. Even the Environmental Protection Agency does not recommend their use.

If you don’t want wastewater suddenly backing up into your house, stick with periodic pump-outs and don’t try to do them yourself. Local authorities have strict regulations in place for how to handle and dispose of solid waste. Hire a septic tank cleaner near you to tackle this complex job.

3. A Full Tank Always Needs Pumping

Just because a septic tank looks full doesn't mean it’s time for a pump-out. Even after doing so, an average family-size tank will fill up to around 12 inches within a week.

You only need to do a pump-out when there are high solid levels in the tank (they should take up about a third of it). A professional septic tank cleaning company can establish this point by conducting a sludge test that checks the solid levels present.

4. Repairing a Tank Is Preferable to Pumping Out

If you have a tight few months money-wise, you might think it won’t matter if you put off getting a scheduled pump-out on your septic tank. After all, how expensive could the repairs be if something goes wrong?

The cost to pump a septic tank is usually only a few hundred dollars, but a backed-up system could cause unpleasant, unsanitary problems that are costlier to fix.

Once you smell odors from your drains or your toilet won’t flush anymore, this can indicate that damage has already occurred. Sometimes, it could result in you calling a local septic tank installation company to replace the tank.

5. You Can’t Repair a Clogged System

If your system gets clogged up, you may hear the only option is to replace the tank or the entire system. However, depending on where and why the clog has occurred, a pressure-washing technique called jetting can often clear the system so it continues to function normally.

Always be cautious if someone tells you that things cannot be fixed—they may be more interested in the low-hanging fruit than making the more difficult repairs.

This involves high-pressure water pumping through your septic pipelines to dislodge debris. However, you won’t be able to tackle major clogs or problems in the system pipelines with this technique, and it isn’t suitable if your pipes are made from more fragile clay rather than rigid PVC. Contact a local septic tank repair specialist for further advice. They use specialist equipment. If this technique isn’t done correctly, it can lead to pipeline damage and groundwater quality problems.

6. Seeding Your Tank Is Beneficial

Seeding refers to getting good bacterial growth started in a freshly pumped system to help break down the waste. To do this, some people suggest dumping a pound of yeast, some manure, or even dead pests down your toilet.

You’ll be glad to hear this is entirely unnecessary. As soon as you flush regular toilet waste away, it’s enough to introduce the beneficial bacteria needed to kick-start the system.

7. You Can Flush Most Things Down the Drain

While septic systems are relatively robust, it doesn’t mean you can chuck anything you like down the toilet or drain. They’re designed to handle only two things: wastewater and sewage.

Nothing beyond toilet paper and standard waste should enter a septic system. Even adding bleach and strong disinfectant cleaners can upset the balance of the beneficial microbes needed to break down sewage. Coffee grounds, feminine hygiene products, cat litter, grease, and oils are common problematic items flushed down drains or toilets. These items in the system can lead to drain blockages, irreparable tank malfunctions, pipe damage, and the release of toxins or dangerous bacteria into the environment.

8. It’s Fine to Build on Top of Your Septic Tank

Some people believe building a structure on top of the septic tank isn’t a problem. After all, they’re so far underground that it shouldn’t matter, right?

Adding a deck, patio, or garden shed on top can make it difficult or impossible for the pros to access the septic tank when it needs pumping, repairing, or replacing.

It can also cause problems with the breakdown of wastewater entering the drainage field. The soil won’t have full oxygenation, and this can lead to backups in the system.

Instead, growing a lawn or planting non-aggressive, water-loving plants over your septic system is a perfect solution.

9. Professional Maintenance Isn’t Necessary for a Septic System

Regular professional maintenance is essential to maximize the longevity of your septic system. A septic system specialist can test the waste levels in a tank to check when it needs pumping, perform those pump-outs, and reduce the chances of problems with poor drainage and clogs.

Getting into the habit of arranging an inspection by a reputable local contractor every year or two is well worth the expense.

For more information on septic system installation, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: angi.com

First you need to know how a septic system works. A septic system treats all wastewater that comes from your home—from the dishwasher to the toilet—on site. Waste flows out of your home through a main line and into a water-tight septic tank through an inlet pipe.

Once inside the tank, the waste separates into several layers. And just a heads up, the layers do not have lovely names. Solids known as sludge—we warned you—fall to the bottom of the tank while grease and oil, known as scum, form a layer that floats on the top.

The remaining water in the middle—called effluent—passes the test to move on to the next treatment area through an outlet pipe and into a drain field. A drain field, or "leach field," includes unsaturated soil, pipes, and chambers that treat the water further. Oxygen, microbes, and bacteria in the soil remove the final harmful materials in the effluent before it heads back into the earth.

As you can imagine, building and maintaining such a complex system in your backyard can be complicated. When well-cared for, however, septic systems can be both cost-effective and highly beneficial for rural areas.

Pros

• Ideal for rural areas without access to city sewer systems
• No monthly costs outside of maintenance
• Naturally treats water
• If there are leaks, contamination is concentrated to one area
• Easier to install compared to new city line hookup

Cons

• Requires pumping every three to five years
• Replacement is more expensive than sewer
• Solid materials are more likely to clog and back up systems
• Leaks can lead to potent and unhealthy waste in your backyard
• Roots can damage septic system pipes

For more information on septic system installation, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: angi.com

If you’re curious about what it means to live with well water and a septic tank, here’s what you need to know

Buying a Home With Well Water and a Septic System

From grabbing a drink to brushing your teeth to making a meal, we rely on water constantly for everyday life. If you’re considering a home purchase in a more rural area, one important factor to think about is where your water utilities will originate. Access to a municipal water and sewer line may not be available, so you might be introduced to a well water and septic tank system for the first time.

Before you move forward with that rural homestead purchase, you will want to be familiar with living with well water and a septic tank.

How Does a Well and Septic Tank System Work?

You may not give much thought to where your water comes from, but a well and septic system will require a bit of knowledge in order to keep everything running smoothly. While the concept is simple in theory, there are several different parts that homeowners should be aware of.

What Is a Well?

In simplest terms, a well is a hole drilled into the ground that provides access to water. A pump and pipe system is used to pull water out of the ground, and then a screen filters out unwanted particles to help avoid clogs. Because groundwater sources can be exposed to bacteria and chemicals, wells can easily be contaminated if built incorrectly.Every well is made up of four important components:

Casing made from steel, PVC pipe, or concrete pipe. The casing maintains open access in the ground while preventing any leakage into the well from the surrounding area.

Grout is used as a sealant to fill in any cracks or spaces around the outside of the well, preventing contaminants from getting in.

Filter screen made from stainless steel or slotted PVC pipe keeps gravel, sand, and other debris out of the well.

Gravel is packed around the outside of the filter screen to prevent debris from entering the well or clogging the screen.

What Is a Septic System?

A septic system is an underground wastewater structure that consists of a septic tank and a drain field. These systems are commonly found in rural areas without access to centralized municipal sewers.

All the wastewater from a home’s kitchen, faucets, and bathrooms exits through one main drainage pipe into the tank, a water-tight container buried in the ground. The tank then holds all the wastewater, slowly separating the solids (which sink to the bottom) and the oils (which float to the top). Because sludge builds up over time, septic tanks need to be pumped every two to three years.

Eventually, the liquid (called effluent) is released from the tank and distributed into the drain field, which is a shallow, covered trench of unsaturated soil. The drain field treats and disperses the wastewater, eliminating much of the bacteria as it filters into the soil.

For more information on septic system installation, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: angi.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.

For more information on septic system installation, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: homeadvisor.com

Are you wondering what a septic system is and how it works? Maybe you are wondering what type of septic system you have.

When people look for answers to these questions, it is often because the septic system needs repair or replacement.

Do you need to replace your septic system? Are you interested in understanding the costs of septic system replacement?

If you’re considering buying a home that needs a new septic tank system or getting a construction loan to build a new property, you might need to know a typical septic system’s cost.

The costs involved with buying such a system are significant as it requires a lot of work from your contractor.

Many factors affect typical septic system costs.

Let’s examine what you need to consider when installing a new septic system and replacing an existing one.

What is a Septic System?

A septic system is an underground wastewater treatment structure most often used when a municipal sewer system is unavailable.

They are commonly found in rural areas rather than in cities.

A typical septic system consists of a tank, a distribution box, and a leach field. A leach field is also called a drain field or soil absorption field.

A septic tank will help digest organic matter and separates floatable material such as grease, oils, and solids from the wastewater.

The system discharges the liquid from the septic tanks into perforated pipes buried in a leech field, designed to slowly release the effluent into the soil.

Although the first septic tanks have been in use since the late 1800s, they did not become popular until the 1960s. Up until that time, a cesspool was typical in most homes.

Are Septic Tank Locations Public?

Yes, they are. Typically, the local health board will have an approved septic system design. The system design will show where the system is located in relation to the home.

Many older homes will not have a record of septic tank locations. In these instances, a septic professional will locate it.

Will a Septic Tank Work Without Power?

If your system has a pump, it will not work unless you have a generator as a backup power source. Not every system has a pump.

For those that do, it won’t work without power. When you lose power, it is necessary to avoid frequent flushing as the chamber will become filled.

It could potentially overflow, leading to sewerage into your home.

What Causes a Septic System to Fail?

Why Do Septic Systems FailLike many other things, septic systems will cease to function correctly over years of use. However, septic systems are designed to last many years when properly cared for.

Those homeowners who don’t treat their systems properly will see their life shortened.

Not knowing how a septic works makes it hard to maintain it well. You will want to avoid doing these things to keep an optimal septic system.

What enters a septic system needs to be broken down. When that can’t happen, it will cause septic systems to fail.

For example, you do not want to flush diapers, chemicals, or cigarette butts.

A garbage disposal should not be used as you will dispose of items that cannot be broken down easily.

For this reason, it is highly discouraged to have a garbage disposal with a septic.

Chemicals, cleaning products, and antibacterial soaps all kill bacteria. A septic system doesn’t work as intended without healthy bacteria levels.

Having an abundance of sludge can also be problematic because it can overflow into the leach field. When that happens, the drain field becomes clogged.

This is why periodic pumping is needed to keep sludge levels down. It is also essential to ensure large tree roots do not become embedded into the drain field. That could cause failure.

Treating your septic system properly can add years to its life expectancy.

When a Septic System is Full, it Should Be Pumped.

Regular maintenance of your septic tank system includes pumping. The size of your family and the age of your system influence how frequently your tank should be pumped.

As the system ages, you should expect to pump your tank more frequently. When needed, it would be best to put it on your spring home maintenance checklist.

How Much Does a Septic Tank Cost?

The cost of a septic tank depends on several factors. The most significant factor in how much you will have to pay for a septic tank is the number of bedrooms your home has. More bedrooms mean more possible occupants and a higher capacity septic tank requirement.

For a 3-bedroom home, the size of a septic tank is usually 1000 gallons. A 1000-gallon septic tank ranges from around $600-1200.

Remember that your location can change costs from one end of the pricing spectrum to the other.

You can expect the septic tank’s size to be 1500 gallons or more for homes with four bedrooms or more. You can expect to pay between $1200 and $2000 for a larger septic tank.

When most people think about septic system costs, they think about replacing a tank or installing a new one. However, this is not where the highest costs come into play when discussing septic systems.

The actual expense of installing a septic system comes from installing the leach field. When you think about installing a new septic or replacing an old one, the money will be spent installing the leaching area.

The location of your property, the soil’s quality, and the water table are some other things that could change your septic system installation costs.

The Cost of Septic System Installation

Septic System Installation CostsIt is far more crucial to understand how much it costs to replace a septic system than a tank.

Replacing a septic tank is relatively inexpensive compared to replacing a leach field.

Replacing a leach field can run anywhere from $5000 to $50,000 or more! Yes, you read that correctly.

There is an extreme variation in septic system replacement costs due to several factors, including the soil’s condition, how high the water table is, whether there are designated wetlands nearby, and the location of your property.

To determine the costs of a septic system replacement, an engineer is hired who will start by doing a land survey.

The engineer will use the land survey to determine the best location for the system’s installation. They will design an “as-built” that shows how the system is constructed.

The engineer will also conduct soil testing, including doing what’s called a perk test and deep hole test to assist in the correct location.

They use the data from these tests to design a system that will function properly.

Factors That Impact The Cost of a Septic System

Areas with gravel as their primary soil source are the best due to how easily they leach.

Having soils high in clay leads to a higher expense because they will need to be replaced by trucking in the gravel.

A high water table can also dramatically affect the pricing of a septic system. The local board of health will likely want the system to be 3-4 feet above the water table. The requirement is based on preventing contamination of the water source.

If your lot is situated with a high water table, you can expect to pay more for installation.

In this situation, your contractor must bring in large amounts of aggregate to raise the leaching field’s height. This will push up your installation costs considerably.

The cost of a septic system installation can also vary by area due to labor costs. The average septic system cost will vary by area, but you can expect it to be over ten thousand.

Who Installs Septic Systems?

A licensed company stalls a septic system for such work. Like any other business, it is imperative to do your due diligence before hiring a septic installation company.

Be sure to interview multiple firms and get estimates in writing. The cost of replacing a septic system can vary tremendously from company to company. The estimate should include fees for permitting, installation, and restoration work for your yard.

Make sure the septic installer has the proper insurance and licensing. I would recommend speaking to family and friends for references on anyone they know or have done business with.

Your real estate agent could also be a valuable source for finding a septic installer.

If you’re not having much luck, you could also do a Google search for septic system installers near me, septic system installers nearby, or septic system contractors near me. Doing this kind of online search should provide some suggestions to start.

Whether you are pricing a new septic system or a replacement, you can plan on it being expensive.

Buying and Selling a Home With a Septic System

When buying or selling a home, a septic system inspection is vital. Like a home inspection, it is a significant hurdle to clear.

Nobody wants to purchase a lemon and have the added expense of spending thousands of dollars on a septic system replacement.

In some states having a septic inspection is a legal requirement. For example, a Title V regulation in Massachusetts requires a seller to inspect their septic system. It must pass the examination for the home to be able to be sold.

Lenders will not grant mortgage financing without having a passing Title V septic report. If the septic system inspection fails, the seller has two choices.

They can either replace the system or do an escrow holdback until the installation is complete if the buyer’s lender allows it.

Doing the escrow holdback allows the agreed-upon closing date to continue without interruption. Lenders almost always will ask for 1.5 times the average of two estimates to be held in escrow.

One other vital tip: make sure you don’t misrepresent your bedroom count when you have a septic system. You could find yourself in a lawsuit when doing so.

Getting a Septic System Replacement Loan

Can you get a loan for a septic system replacement? Over the years, lots of people have asked me this question. The answer is yes, and some states will also provide financial assistance.

Here is a helpful list of where you can get funding for replacement.

You Need a Permit for Your Septic System

Before you begin your installation, you must get a permit from the county clerk’s office or the environmental or zoning department.

When is the Septic Tank Installed During a New Build?

To complete the groundwork necessary to install the septic system, your contractor must wait until the home’s framing is finished. If the hole is dug before then, it can compromise the new construction process.

It would mean any trucks on the lot must be carefully positioned to avoid the hole, which could compromise the construction and add to your costs.

Usually, your contractor will include the cost of installing the septic in your overall costs. This will likely be the case, even if they use subcontractors to do this work.

maxrealestateexposure.com

The total cost of installing or replacing your septic tank is largely dependent on the type of system you choose. Here are some of the most common kinds of tanks:

Anaerobic Septic System

Anaerobic systems are a common choice for many homeowners because they don’t require additional power or chemicals. An anaerobic system contains bacteria that do not need oxygen to survive. The bacteria break down solid waste, and the remaining liquid waste is piped out and distributed under the soil. The waste is naturally recycled as the water passes into the soil.

These systems cost about $2,000 to $5,000 (CAD 2,600 to CAD 6,400) to install.

Aerobic Septic System

Unlike anaerobic systems, aerobic systems use bacteria that do require oxygen to survive. Oxygen is pumped into the tank to activate the bacteria, which then feed on solid waste. Aerobic systems work well where the soil isn't favorable for other systems and the groundwater table is high. It's a good option for homes located near a body of water.

Aerobic systems are more expensive to install. Fixr says you should expect to pay between $10,000 and $20,000 (CAD 13,000 and CAD 25,800).

Gravity Septic System

A gravity septic system uses gravity for filtration and water flow. They need to be installed on a gentle slope to enable water flow without a pump.

Installation costs $1,500 to $4,000 (CAD 1,900 to CAD 5,100).

Conventional Septic System

The conventional septic system consists of a septic tank and a trench that acts as a drain field. The trench is constructed on stone or gravel and allows water to pass through. To prevent sand or dirt from contaminating the clean soil, geofabric is installed on top of the trench. A conventional septic system needs a large space to operate.

Installation cost $2,000 and $7,000 (CAD 2,600 and CAD 9,100).

Mound Septic System

If your groundwater is close to the surface, a mound septic system is the best choice. A sand mound is constructed on the septic system area to pump wastewater from the tank into the mound in small quantities. The sand then filters the water before it gets into the soil and groundwater. This design requires a lot of space.

They’re also expensive to install because a sand mound has to be constructed. Total cost ranges from $10,000 to $20,000 (CAD 13,000 and CAD 25,800).

Chamber Septic System

Chamber septic systems have recently become a popular choice. They’re similar to conventional systems, except plastic chambers are used in the drain field instead of gravel. These are easier to construct and have a smaller carbon footprint.

They cost $3,500 to $10,000 (CAD 4,500 to CAD 13,000).

For more information on septic system installation, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: homeserve.com