FAQ
1. The Importance Regular Septic System Inspections
Your septic system is one of the most important — if not the most important — appliances in your home, and like any appliance, it needs regular maintenance. The following 3 reasons are why it’s important to schedule regular inspections with a licensed MA septic system inspector.
Your septic system will perform better and with more efficiency when you give it regular maintenance and take some preventative measures.
The most basic of these maintenance practices is to get your septic tank pumped regularly (approximately every 2-3 years). During this time you should have the inspector/pumper look at you inlet and outlet tees in the tank, and to clean any outlet filters/baffles that may be plugged with debris.
A MA septic system inspection can uncover blockages and other problems that may be causing your system to perform at suboptimal levels. After the Inspection the system should be working like new again, and will improve the longevity of the system.
A Title V inspection is required when you sell your property. However if you’ve decided to sell your home, and the buyer asks to see the previous records of your past MA septic system inspections, it will illustrate that the system is working optimally.
By showing that your system has been inspected regularly, you’ll be boosting the value of the home in the eyes of the buyer
Perhaps the most important reason to schedule regular inspections is to avoid maintenance emergencies. An expert septic system inspector will know which issues to be on the lookout for during the inspection and help prevent septic system failure.
Some common signs of septic system failure include:
- Very slow drainage in bathtubs, sinks or showers.
- Gurgling noises in your pipes.
- Algae blooms in nearby lakes or ponds.
- Elevated nitrate/bacteria levels in water wells.
- Unpleasant odors or standing water near the septic tank or Soil Absorption System.
- Water/sewage back-up in drains, sinks and toilets.
- Grass that grows bright green and spongy over the tank or Soil Absorption System , even when the weather has been dry.
These are all signs of possible breakout and failure of the SAS and that you may need a new septic system. Don’t worry, because all septic systems will fail eventually. That being said a properly sized / designed system that has been regularly maintained and serviced may last for 30+ years and we have seen some last more than 50 years. Good Operation and Maintenance of the system will significantly improve the longevity of the system.
Common issues a MA septic system inspection can uncover
There are a few common septic system issues that could be threatening your system. This might not indicate a system failure, but are issues that will affect how well the system works. Some of these more common issues include the following:
When the pipe from your home to the septic tank becomes clogged, you might see your drains begin to drain slowly, or not at all. This could be caused by debris build up, such as pouring fats, oils and other greases down your drain, which may eventually harden and solidify in the pipe. You can prevent the inlet pipe and baffle from becoming clogged by only flushing waste and toilet paper in your toilet and by having regular septic system inspections. However, these pipes can sometimes be damaged by tree roots, vehicle traffic or animals, all of which require a bigger repair.
If the outlet filter/ baffle become clogged with debris, this may lead to sewage back-ups in your home, or you may see sewage surface near your septic tank. If this happens, it may be a signal that there’s too much water flowing into the tank. You can prevent this issue by cleaning the effluent filter (if the system has one) and getting your system inspected regularly.
When a Soil Absorption System fails or becomes saturated with water, you might see sewage back-up in your home, soggy areas near the Soil Absorption System or bright green grass growing above the Soil Absorption System is a tell-tail indication that the system has become inundated, is not draining properly into the subsoil, and is breaking out . There are several reasons why this failure might occur, which is why this issue is something best left to a septic system professional. A full Inspection should be done in this case to check the best course of action.
MA Septic System Inspection with Sieruta Engineering
Regular inspections can help you make sure your septic system is running smoothly and protect your property from damage. A Title V inspection is required when selling a home.
At Sieruta Engineering, we’ve installed more than 1000 septic systems in more than 50 towns and cities in Massachusetts. We have done thousands of Title V inspections in the greater Massachusetts area. If you are in need of a Septic System Inspection, please feel free to contact us today for help with your home’s septic system.
2. Common Septic System Questions
At Sieruta Engineering, we have been doing MA septic system design work for over 3 decade. We have come to anticipate some of the questions we’ll get from clients before Septic System Inspections.
That’s why we’ve put together this blog post, with the hopes of addressing some questions you might have if you’ve never owned a septic system before.
MA septic system design is meant to last, providing a long-term waste treatment solution for your home. But most systems that fail before their time do so because they haven’t been properly maintained. By taking the preventative measures listed in this site as well as good housekeeping practice, you may significantly improve the longevity of the system. Also an improperly designed system will fail sooner than a properly designed one. I have done many title Vs and discovered that the previous system had serious design flaws that should have been caught by the original designer. That’s why it is most important to have a designer who not only understands the code, but one who understands the ins and outs of how the system works and what would be best for your unique site. Ask any excavator in the area, our track record speaks for itself, and I am confident that we can give you the most efficient system for the best price. Many builders exclusively use us as designers because of the longevity of our systems.
In most cases, septic systems fail when the Soil Absorption System doesn’t work properly. The septic tank overflows and effluent enters the Soil Absorption System and clogs the pipes. This in turn causes your plumbing to become backed up. You might also see slow drainage in your sinks and toilets, smell sewage, and notice wet ground near or above the Soil Absorption System.
There are three things you can do to prevent septic system failure:
- Get regular system maintenance
- Get regular system maintenance
- Get regular system maintenance
Having a MA septic system design professional perform an inspection regularly can make a world of difference when it comes to extending the life of your system.
A general rule of thumb is to get your tank pumped every three to five years, but this may vary depending on the size of the tank, the number of people living in your home and the amount you’re using the system. If you’re not sure if your tank needs to be pumped, talk to a MA septic system design professional, who can inspect the tank and recommend how often you should have it pumped.
It’s never a good idea to let things other than water or waste enter your septic system, as many materials that make it down the drain won’t decompose inside your tank. That means you shouldn’t pour chemicals, grease, fats or oils down your drain. We generally do not recommend having a garbage disposal. However, if you are intent on having one there are other preventative measures to do. Don’t treat your garbage disposal like anther trash can and use it as sparingly as possible, again don’t pour oils and fats down the drain, or put coffee grounds, egg shells, or trash in a garbage disposal, The same goes for your toilet. You should only flush human waste and toilet paper. Things like floss, cat litter, hair, tissues, cigarette butts, cotton swabs, prophylactics, feminine hygiene products, diapers and disposable wipes can all clog your system and may cause it to fail.
Having grass over the Soil Absorption System is completely acceptable, and will not affect the efficacy of the system. Grass is the perfect cover over a Septic System, for a number of reasons, and should grow nicely over the system. However with other plants, caution should be used when choosing them.
Trees and shrubs may have deep roots that will grow into the Soil Absorption System. These can potentially damaging your system or clog the pipes thus making the system less efficient. Make sure trees or larger shrubs are planted at least 25 feet from the Soil Absorption System. This will reduce the likelihood that its roots will migrate to the Soil Absorption system.
Growing vegetables is completely out question. Not only will sewage potentially contaminate the vegetables, but when watering the vegetables, the water will make its way through the soil, saturating it and preventing the system from working properly. The risk far out way the reward (Example - a complete failure and replacement of the system, for maybe having slightly bigger tomatoes). Also the activity associated with planting vegetables — digging, tilling — can threaten your pipes. These plants also have roots that will burrow deep and threaten your system.
If you have additional questions about septic system design, maintenance, repairs or inspection, turn to Sieruta Engineering. We’ve helped families across Massachusetts keep their systems running smoothly for over 30 years. Contact us today to learn more about everything to do with Septic System Inspections.
3. What Does a Title 5 Soil Evaluator and System Inspector Do?
Nearly one-third of homes in Massachusetts depend on septic systems, and those systems are governed by 310 CMR 15.000 (Title 5) of the state’s environmental code. It’s a complex set of regulations that deals with the design, construction, operation, and inspection of septic systems. Septic systems work by breaking down sanitary waste and safely dispersing wastewater into the surrounding soil. Before you can install a septic system, you need to make sure that soil can handle the waste load. That’s where a Title 5 soil evaluator comes in.
A Title 5 soil evaluator is a state-certified professional who can evaluate soil’s suitability to house a septic system. This includes a complete understanding of Title 5 and how to accurately do a Soil Suitability Assessment for On-Site Sewage Disposal, as well as run a Percolation Test for the Site. These forms will be submitted to the local board of health, and from this information we can start with the design process for your site
Soil evaluators must pass a training course, classroom tests, and field exams offered by the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC). Once they pass these exams, only the following people may qualify as a Title 5 soil evaluator:
- Sanitarians and engineers registered in Massachusetts
- Land surveyors registered in Massachusetts
- Certified health officers
- Agents or members of the Board of Health
- MassDEP employees involved in administering 310 CMR 15.000
- Engineers-in-training with a concentration on sanitary, civil or environmental engineering
In addition to the work of a Title 5 soil evaluator, your system may also need a Title 5 inspection by a Licensed System Inspector.
Under state law, a Title 5 inspection is required:
- Within two years before the sale of a home or transfer of a title
- In some cases involving an inheritance (for example, when a child inherits a home from their parents)
- In cases involving bankruptcy, foreclosure, or tax taking
- When the footprint of the home is enlarged or the building is expanded
- When the use of the home is changed (for example, moving from residential to commercial use)
A Title V inspection is not required when:
- You refinance your mortgage
- Your system was inspected within three years before selling the home and you have records showing you’ve had it pumped annually since then
- The home’s title transfers from one spouse to another or is placed in certain family trusts
- Your local health board issues a certificate of compliance within two years of your title transfer
- Your community has a comprehensive plan approved by the DEP requiring periodic inspections and your system was inspected at the most recent time specified by the plan
During the inspection, the SE/SI will inspect every park to the septic system thoroughly to make sure that everything is working as intended. This will include looking at the Septic Tank, Distribution Box, Drain Field, etc. The inspector should check every component of the system and check for failure. They will also check construction and design and verify how the estimated seasonal high groundwater elevation was determined and if it is correct.
After the inspection the inspector will generate a report which will be submitted to the owner and board of health. There are 3 possible outcomes of the system inspection which are:
- Pass — Your system has passed you do not need to make any changes. The septic system is working as originally intended/designed. This is good for 2-3 years
- Conditional — Your system has conditionally passed. This means that in order for the system to meet Title 5, or to work as intended, some improvements / alterations are required. These will be clearly indicated in the Title 5 Report. These include minor repairs such as a cracked distribution box or pipe
- Fail — Your septic system is in need of serious repairs which cannot be covered under a conditional pass, or that the system is in need of a complete replacement, and it may be an immediate danger to public heath
A Septic system failure can be an anxiety inducing situation for anyone to deal with, whether you are a new or an experienced homeowner. These replacements can be extremely difficult to deal with on your own, which is why it is important to hire an experienced professional who can help solve this issue. Luckily, Sieruta Engineering is here to help you with your problem, and to show you the best course of action to get a quick an inexpensive solution. By having Title 5 System Inspectors, Soil Evaluators, and Engineers, Sieruta Engineering a one stop shop to solving any issues with your septic system. We have designed 1000 septic systems in more than 50 towns / cities across Massachusetts. Contact us today to learn how we can make sure your system is running smoothly
4. Common Problems with Septic Systems
Your home’s septic tank is one of the most important pieces of equipment that you will hopefully never have to worry about. Many people never even think about their septic tanks, because by and large a good septic system will work covertly without any issues. However, when septic systems do fail, they sometimes do so catastrophically. This post aims at identifying some common septic tank problems in Massachusetts that we’ve observed at Sieruta Engineering.
A septic system is a large tank in which its sole purpose is to hold human biological waste. This waste is held until natural processes break the waste down into water, gases, and solids. Not all homes have septic tanks, however many homes do have septic tanks and occasionally there will be a shared tank among a grouping of homes depending on the locale.
Septic tanks best serve homes that are in more rural areas that do not benefit from access to a centralized sewer system, though they are not strictly limited to rural homes. Let’s take a look at some common septic tank problems that you may be experiencing.
Clogged Septic Tank
A septic tank that has not been pumped out will be prone to clogs. The tank works by filtering out greywater into a drain field and leaving the solid matter behind in the tank. The amount of wastewater your home produces will help determine how often the tank should be pumped.
If the tank was pumped recently—the past year or two, and you’re experiencing issues, the clog could lie somewhere between the home and the tank, but not necessarily in the tank itself. Problems with pipes not draining quickly can be a result of flushing inappropriate household items down the toilet, items that do not dissolve properly.
Flushing Harmful Chemicals
Pouring chemical products down the drain can negatively affect your septic system. Consider that whatever passes through the drains into the tank will inevitably make its way into the soil. These harmful chemicals can also interfere with the natural separation and breakdown of waste into the tank. This interference in breakdown can eventually lead to other problems such as clogging.
Septic Tank Drainfield Failure
If the drain field fails or has become otherwise non-functional, one of the worst cases scenarios can happen: sewage can back into your home. The drain field’s function is to hold water that leaves the tank until the surrounding soil can absorb it naturally. If the drain field has become saturated—whether through natural factors or improper routing/soil planning, then the drain field cannot work properly.
When water sits too long in the drain field, it can leave a viscous coating on the walls which may make it difficult for water to permeate into the soil, thus causing further back up.
Septic Tank Installation and Repair Massachusetts
Septic tank failure can be one of the worst experiences a homeowner can go through. The backup of raw sewage and human waste into your home can turn into a serious ordeal which can cost thousands of dollars in installation, repair, and cleaning fees. Contact Sieruta Engineering today for installation, repair, or assistance with your home’s septic system. Ted has over a decade of experience and has installed over
1000 septic systems in more than 50 cities and towns!
The Massachusetts State Environmental Code, Title 5 (310 CMR 15.000) requires that all systems with a design flow greater than 2000 gallons per day be designed by a Massachusetts Registered Professional Engineer.
Although smaller systems are not required by law to be designed by an Engineer, the homeowner should carefully consider the wisdom of entrusting the design of a septic system that is likely to cost thousands to anyone other than an experienced, properly licensed Engineer. With over 1000 septic systems designed and over 60 years experience between father and son, Sieruta engineering prides itself with having the experience and knowledge to take on any septic design project
5. Design and Installation Process for a new Septic System
The following is an itemized list of tasks, from start to finish for the design and installation of a new septic system. This may be for a new unoccupied site, a repair or upgrade, or an entire replacement. The process is the same, although some of the details may be different
Soil testing is the first step in designing a new septic system — it determines how large the system must be and at what elevation. State regulations require that soil testing be performed by a licensed Soil Evaluator registered and that the testing be witnessed by a local Board of Health agent.
Deep test holes are used to determine the class of soil and establish the estimated high groundwater elevation. Percolation tests are used to determine the permeability of the soil. The amount of holes may vary depending on the site, if it is new construction, if it is a repair or upgrade, and the type of system that is to be installed.
For a Repair or Upgrade (where the new system will have the same or smaller capacity than the existing system), testing usually only needs to be performed in the area where the new leaching field will be constructed.
For New Construction (for a new house or for a system with an increased capacity), testing must also be performed in the required Reserve Leaching Area which will be reserved for possible use in the event of a future system failure.
Sieruta Engineering will arrange for an excavating company to provide a backhoe to excavate deep test holes for soil evaluations (usually 10 to 12 feet deep) and scratch holes for percolation tests. If you have a particular excavator in mind we can certainly arrange to make that happen. However, it is important that the machine used needs to be able to excavate a 10 to 12 ft deep hole.
After soil testing, Sieruta Engineering will perform a Topographical Survey of the property to locate significant site features such as buildings, driveways, fences, utilities, wells, trees, wetlands, test holes, etc. as well as obtain elevations in the area where the new system will be built. From this information we can generate and existing conditions plan.
Using the data obtained during soil testing and the topographical survey, Sieruta Engineering will design a new septic system and prepare the Proposed Septic System Plan. If the site is an undeveloped site, Sieruta engineering can do a Site/Septic Plan which will meet the needs of both plans (building elevations, driveway alignment profile, utilities, grading, drainage, construction details, etc). This one of the advantages of using a civil engineering instead of a sanitarian for your design needs.
The system design will be carefully tailored to the specific situation, taking into consideration the required capacity and site conditions while minimizing costs and disruption to the existing landscaping. The required capacity of the system will be based upon the number of bedrooms in the house.
The size of the system will be based upon the required capacity, the type and permeability of the soil and whether a garbage grinder is installed. The height or depth of the leaching system will depend upon the depth of groundwater at the leaching system.
Sieruta Engineering will submit the Septic System Design Plan to the Board of Health for review. Administrative approval by Health Department staff can take up to 45 days. More time may be required if variances to Title 5 or local regulations are needed for the new design and the plan requires approval at a Board of Health meeting, or if there are wetlands nearby and Conservation Commission approval is required. Sieruta Engineering can attend all city/town meetings per the request of the client/owner. When the plan has been approved by the Board of Health, a Construction Permit will be issued to the homeowner.
In order to construct the system, the homeowner must hire a Licensed Septic System Installer. Sieruta Engineering will supply several copies of the final plan to send to the local installers for prices. We usually recommend that the client gets at least 3 bids. We have a list of recommended installers in the area, all of which come highly recommended by us. The homeowner may then select an installer and enter into a contract for construction.
Construction may begin as soon as the Construction Permit has been issued, as well as any other necessary permits (such as an Order of Conditions for work near a wetland). During construction, the Board of Health will usually be on site several times to conduct their inspections to ensure compliance with regulations. Also Sieruta Engineering may have to conduct a site visit during construction to do a sub-grade inspection and elevation/location check.
After construction of the septic system has been substantially completed, but before the system is backfilled. Sieruta Engineering will take a series of measurements and to verify locations and elevations of the septic system components in order to prepare an As-Built Plan. During the As Built Inspection, Sieruta Engineering will also conduct a Final inspection of the system to make sure the system was installed properly (detailed component check, pump check, etc)
The As-Built Plan will show the actual location of the completed system, allowing the manholes and inspection ports to be easily located for future maintenance and inspections. The series of measurements and elevations will be recorded and shown on the final copy of the As-Built Plan set. Final Copies of the As-Built Plan will be provided to the homeowner and to the Board of Health. If everything is satisfactory, the Board of Health will then issue a Certificate of Compliance to the homeowner.
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