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The material provided below is intended to be used for general information purposes only and shall not be used as a basis to evaluate, review, investigate or consider the effectiveness or reliability of an existing or proposed septic system. Every effort has been made to provide clear and correct information below. However, Glenn E. Mauk, PE, PLS, Esq. assumes no liability or responsibility for the provided information. Glenn E. Mauk, PE, PLS, Esq. recommends that an experienced Professional Engineer be engaged to advise any party on the condition, requirements, needs or design of a septic system.
SUBSURFACE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS (A.K.A. Septic Systems)
In Massachusetts, On Site Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (A.K.A. Septic Systems) must be inspected in accordance with Volume 310 of the Code of Massachusetts Regulation Section 15 (“310 CMR 15.00”), also known as “Title V”. These regulations are created and issued by The Department of Environmental Protection Division of Water, Wastewater and Wetlands (http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/index.htm and http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/wastewater/ownrhome.htm and http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/wastewater/inspects.htm Section 15.300 of these state regulations cover septic systems inspections (http://www.mass.gov/dep/service/regulations/310cmr15.pdf). Generally, a Septic System Inspection must be performed upon the transfer of Real Estate. However, the regulations are very specific as to what types of transfers require Septic System Inspection and what the time periods are for compliance with the Inspection regulations.
It is important to note that under 310 CMR 15.300 et. seq., a property Seller is not required to provide a Septic System Inspection to a Buyer. However, since the creation of the Septic System Inspection requirements, established practice has had the Seller have the inspection done to give to the Buyer. In my professional opinion, notwithstanding that Septic System Inspectors are “licensed”, I would encourage a Buyer to have a Septic System inspected by someone working for the Buyer. I say this because in my opinion, Septic System Inspection licensing requirements are not very demanding. As such, again in my opinion, a Buyer should interview and engage their own Septic System Inspector. I Also, and although I maybe biased on this point, I generally advise a buyer to engage a Professional Engineer with a Septic System Inspection Certification to review or perform a Septic System Inspection. I believe that usually, a Buyer will be better served by the experience and education that most active, practicing Professional Engineers have.
Generally, in the situation of the conveyance of a single family dwelling from a Seller to Buyer, the Septic System must be inspected no more than two (2) years prior to the sale and no more than six (6) months after the sale. Septic Systems constructed and pumped within three (3) years, that have had the system pumped in the last year, do not need to have a current Septic System Inspection. System pumping refers to removal all material (liquid, sludge, solids, etc.) from the septic tank by a licensed “Septage Hauler” (A.K.A. Septic Pumper).
During a Septic System Inspection, the septic tank must be uncovered. There are usually 2 to 3 openings in the top of the septic tank. One opening is usually over the inlet pipe into the septic tank. One opening is usually over the outlet pipe leaving the septic tank. The three opening is usually over the center of the septic tank. A septic tank can be pumped from any of these opening. However, the center opening usually provides better access for pumping and inspection of the septic tank. In the picture below, the cover opening over the septic tank outlet pipe is shown. To find where a septic tank is located, it is worth while to get a copy of the original septic system design plan and a copy of a septic system "as-built" plan. Most towns require an as-built septic system plan to be submitted prior to allowing a septic system to be used.
The picture below shows the top part of the 4" diameter PVC inlet pipe into the septic tank. This septic tank was backed up from some blockage.
In the picture below, you can see the filter tee in the 4" diameter PVC outlet pipe from the septic tank. This pipe has an "effluent" filter in the discharge pipe. These filters need to be cleaned in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations and Massachusetts DEP and local town requirements. This particular filter had not been cleaned. However, failing to clean the filter had not created any problems yet. After the filter was removed and cleaned, the level waste water in the septic tank returned to normal.
Below is a picture of the top of a distribution box. The distribution box allows the incoming effluent to be divided into 2 or more outlet distribution pipes that carry the effluent to the soil absorption system. The distribution box is also usually made or concrete. During a Septic System Inspection, the distribution box must be uncovered. Because there are several types of septic system designs, not all septic systems have a distribution box.
In the picture below, the distribution box is open. This distribution box was operating normally and did not show any signs of hydraulic failure. The distribution box was in proper position and was evenly distributing septic effluent to the 3 - 4" diameter PVC pipes leading to the soil absorption system.
The next step during a Septic System Inspection is to make a determination of the elevation of the seasonal high ground water. The measurement is made from the ground surface down. The reason to that elevation of the seasonal high ground water elevation is important is that a high ground water (close to the ground surface) can adversely effect the functioning of the soil absorption system. If any part of the soil absorption system is below the seasonal high ground water elevation, the septic system is considered to be failed (see 310 CMR 15303(1)(a)(1)). During a septic system inspection, the Inspector is not required to dig a hole in the soil absorption system or otherwise disturb the soil absorption system. Although digging a soil observation hole would likely be the best way to determine the actual seasonal high ground water elevation. The Inspector can use other indications of the likely depth of the high ground water elevation. Other such indicators could be: nearby waterbodies, nearby basement, recent neighboring soil tests, etc.
The regulations require that septic system inspections be reported on a form approved by DEP and submitted to the local "Approving Authority" (typically the local Board of Health) within 30 days of the inspection. See http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/approvals/t5insp.pdf
NOTE: A SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION DONE FOR THE PURPOSES OF REVIEWING THE CONDITION OF AN EXISTING SEPTIC SYSTEM IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE BOARD OF HEALTH REPORTING REQUIREMENT. SEE 310 CMR 15.303(10). THIS TYPE OF INSPECTION IS USUALLY DONE FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES FOR A HOME OWNER THINKING ABOUT SELLING OR ADDING ONTO AN EXISTING HOUSE SERVED BY A SEPTIC SYSTEM.
If a homeowner is interested in finding the components of a septic system, the best place to start is the local Board of Health. The Board of Health is likely to have a copy of the original septic system design and possibly, a copy of a septic system "as-built" plan. The as-built plan generally shows the location of the septic system components with measurements from fixed objects (such as a building corner).
Glenn E. Mauk, PE, PLS, Esq.
P.O. Box 1123
Westport, Massachusetts 02790
(508) 636-1343