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Septic Systems
Septic systems are used to process waste
water from homes not connected to a municipal
sewage treatment system. While a septic system
is a rare subject of conversation for most
homeowners, there are three instances when
it should be of concern:
Buying, Building, or Expanding a House with
a Septic System
If there is an existing septic system, hire
a qualified inspector to assess the condition
and capacity of the system. This can alert
you to any existing or upcoming problems
and whether the system has the capacity to
meet your family's needs. For a new system,
you will need a professional designer since
the efficiency of the septic system will
depend on the leaching field. A specialist
determines whether the soil has adequate
percolation characteristics (as determined
by the “perc test”) for draining the septic
tank. If not, additional fill material may
need to be added (keep in mind that these
engineered systems are a lot more expensive
--some reach well over $10,000 -- and should
be maintained carefully).
Periodic Cleaning
The septic system separates solids (which
settle at the bottom of the septic tank)
from liquids (which flow into the ground
through the leaching field). Since scum accumulates
in the tank, periodic cleaning of the tank
is necessary. Depending on the number of
people living in the house and the size of
the system, this should be done every one
to three years.
When Problems (smell, drainage problem, etc.)
Arise
Common causes of failure:
- neglecting to inspect and clean the septic
tank regularly
- lack of understanding on proper use of the
system
- poor soil conditions and/or faulty design
or installation
Keep in mind that periodic maintenance and
inspection can avoid significant expenses
later.
When hiring a septic system inspector or
designer, make sure they have local experience
and the appropriate licensing. Some states
require specific certification for inspectors
and may also have specific regulations regarding
the inspection itself. If you are unfamiliar
with the requirements in your area, the State
Health Department or Department of Environmental
Protection is usually a good place to start. |
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