Lauterbach Inc.
Septic System Installation and Repair
Owner: Paul Lauterbach (203) 521-0382
Connecticut Department of Health FACT Sheet!
Many different kinds of septic systems are used, but most are slight modifications of the conventional septic system. These types have a septic tak and drainfield with six trenches. Other types of systems include pump to convential systems, pressure manifold systems, low pressure pipe (LLP) systems, and aerobic treatment unit (ATU) systemsYour local Health Department can tell you what type of system you have and what legal requirements there are for long-term maintenance of that system. You may be required to have an operation permit from the Health Department and a maintenance contract with an approved "management entity" (organization). The management organization could be a certified septic system operator or a public agency involved in wastewater management. These activities will result in monthly or yearly system maintenance fees for homeowners, but they also should help improve the longevity and performance of your system.
Things You Need to Know About Your Septic System
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Do You Know the Location of Your Septic System and Repair Area?
To properly maintain your septic system, you should know the location of both the septic tank and the drainfield. Contact the local Health Department for a copy of your septic system permit and soil evaluation sheet, which will indicate the approximate location of the system and the size of the tank. Keep these items in a file folder.
A good starting point for finding the tank is to look in the crawl space to see the direction in which the house sewer pipe enters the soil. Then, gently push a thin (3/8- to 1/2-inch diameter) steel rod into the soil to feel for the tank about 10 feet away from the house. Of course, you should first call local utility companies to make sure there are not any underground utilities (such as buried electrical cables) in the area.
Most housing sites are legally required to have a repair area in which a second drainfield could be built if needed. This repair area is identified when the site is permitted. The law also requires you to protect this area from excavation, building, swimming pool construction, and other land-moving activities.
Sketch your home, septic system, repair area, and other important features (such as your driveway) on a grid. When you have your septic tank pumped, measure and record the distance from the house to the access port on the tank. This will help you find it again. You may also wish to mark the location of your tank and boundaries of your drainfield in your yard.
Is Your Septic System Working Properly?
Unfortunately, if house fixtures drain well, many people are not concerned about whether their septic system is working properly. They don't realize that untreated sewage can be a health hazard. If your system shows signs of problems, contact your local Health Department immediately. They will diagnose the problem and prescribe changes or additions that must be made to repair the system.
State law requires that you get a permit from the Health Department before repairing a failing septic system. It is important that the system is repaired as soon as possible to minimize the health risk to your family and community.
What Maintenance Has Been Done?
Before planning a maintenance program, find out what maintenance has already been done. If you are buying an existing home, ask the seller a few important questions such as:
If the house has just been built, ask a septic system contractor to provide you an "as built" diagram that may show details not on the permit. If you have an LPP system, ask a contractor and Health Department to provide details concerning the initial pump delivery rate and pressure head they set up when the pressure distribution network was approved for use.
Proper care of your septic system requires day-to-day management as well as periodic maintenance and repairs.
Day-to Day-Management
Don't use too much water.
Limit disposal to sewage.
Protect the system from physical damage.
Dispose of all wastewater in an approved system.
Preventive Maintenance Record |
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Your Septic System Installer |
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Date System Installed |
Your Septic System Pumper |
Name |
Address |
Phone |
Septic Tank:
Regulations and Precautions:
Signs of Possible Septic System Problems
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