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4 Steps for Septic System Installations
- Site
- Design
- Installation
- Use & Maint.
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Dollars Best Spent:
Test Regularly
and
Pump Regularly
Fact Corner:
The EPA estimates that, in 2007, 26.1 million (20%) of all US households were served by septic systems.
Breakdown:
Rural - 50%
Suburb.- 47%
City - 3%
Coming Soon:
Wastewater plans for Cape Cod towns.
The Debate:
Centralized vs De-centralized
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Need a
consultation?
Contact:
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On-Site Septic System History
For most of human history, sewage disposal largely consisted of discharging directly into rivers, streams, and even streets, along with garbage and all other types of waste. In the 18th century, indoor plumbing, including bathrooms, gained widespread appeal in homes and businesses in large cities. The most common design included a single system of pipes, made of wood or clay and, later on, cast iron, that transported wastewater to sewers and then to convenient waterways - with no treatment. Read more... |
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Snapshot of an On-site Septic System
Today's septic systems remain similar in design to those of mid-19th century Europe where they consisted of a tank and a drain or leach field. Advancements include modernization of leach fields; they are designed for different on-site conditions and to meet local codes. Read more... |
4 Steps to Septic System Peace of Mind
Most on-site septic systems in Massachusetts are regulated under Title 5 of the Massachusetts Environmental Code. There are many considerations to be made before installing an on-site Title 5 septic system. The following considerations will help homeowners have years of trouble-free, environmentally-responsible use.
 Site Evaluation: For a septic system to function properly, it is important for the underlying and surrounding soil to have certain characteristcs, most importantly, permeability. The water-carrying capacity of the soil must be determined before a system can be designed. Read more...
Design: To prepare a design plan suitable for review by the board of health, a registered professional civil engineer or sanitarian takes into account the results of the site evaluation, the proposed use of the property, and the design flow. The design must allow for setbacks required from existing or proposed structures, property lines, drinking water wells, wetland resources, and the groundwater table.
Installation: Once the design has been approved, a septic installation contractor uses the plan to install the system. If the installer follows the plan, putting the components where shown on the plan and uses the materials and methods specified, the system should operate properly. Read more... Use and Maintenance: A professional engineer or sanitarian designs a proper septic system based on site conditions and proposed use. Likewise, a septic system installer installs the system by following the design plans and using approved materials and methods. Once the system is in the ground, the key to long, trouble-free use rests with the owner. Read more... |
Centralized v. De-centralized Sewer Debate
As Cape towns develop their individual Comprehensive Waste Management Plans, the debate between constructing town-wide centralized sewer systems versus installing de-centralized cluster systems rages on. Town leaders are being urged to re-evaluate the data and balance the science and available technologies with the costs and effectiveness of the different methods. An upcoming issue of Coastal Currents will examine this topic, present a "Pro and Con" discussion, and provide a better understanding of both sides of this important issue.
~ Todd J. Palmatier, Hydrogeologist
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Coastal Engineering Company, Inc.
260 Cranberry Highway
Orleans, MA 02653
508-255-6511
www.coastalengineeringcompany.com | | |
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