Q: How much does a new system cost?
A: Depends on the system. Most systems today are designed with 1500 gallon tank, distribution box, and a leaching field. If you have terrain, soil, or high water table that prevents the natural hydraulic flow of water, you will need to install a pumping system in order to create a new hydraulic level, or an alternative type of system.
Standard systems for a three bed room house typically run from 8,000 - 15,000 dollars including engineering costs. If you need a pump system or an alternative system they can run from 12,000 - 20,000 dollars including engineering costs.
To understand systems view "learn about your septic" tab
Q: How does my system fail?
A: There are a certain factors that Mass DEP determines failures:
1. Back up - Sewerage backing up into the house
2. Breakout / Ponding - Sewerage on the surface of the ground outside the home or leaking from the ground
3. System is pumped more than 4 times in one year
4. System is in the estimated high ground water table.
5. Within a certain distance of a drinking well, either public or private
Q: What is a conditional pass?
A: There was something damaged or missing on you system that prevented it from being a passing system. The numerous items that make it a conditional pass can be:
1. Damaged septic tank or is leaking and letting water infiltrate in.
2. Distribution box is damaged or out of level.
3. There is a pipe sag, or are missing inlet and outlet tees.
All of these are correctable issues. What need to be done is a license septic installer will need to pull a permit, do the work and be inspected by a local approving authority, the system then is a passing system.
Q: How long does a septic system last?
A: Depending upon usage, and maintenance. A properly maintained system should last 20 + years. It not uncommon for your system to exceeds 20 years.
Q: Will my cesspool pass?
A: Depending upon your local approving authority, some towns it is an automatic failure, Mass DEP rulings allow cesspools as long as it meets certain passing parameters. There is a chance it can pass.
Q: How often should I pump my system?
A: You should pump your tank every three years, if you have a garbage disposal; you need to pump every year. If you have a cesspool you should pump every year.
