Sometimes in life there are things we’d rather not think about but which can bite us you-know-where if left unattended. Whether you’re new to living in an area with no town sewer, a confirmed Harvardite, or someone who plans to sell and needs to know what the state regs say, here’s a primer on the mysteries of the septic system.
Welcome to the septic responsibilities of being a homeowner and to the benefits of knowing more about your septic system. Follow the rules and you’ll save money and have peace of mind. Ignore them and you’ll learn the hard way and experience some painful and embarrassing headaches.
Think of a septic system like a car. A little bit of periodic preventative maintenance is cheaper than repair or replacement. You’ll also have a system that will last a lot longer.
Central to all septic discussions is Title 5, a section of the state environmental code. In turn, Harvard’s Board of Health, with the consulting services of the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health (NABH) in Ayer, is obligated to enforce these regulations. It is also charged with tracking changes in Title 5 regulations and applying them not only to new construction but also to houses that change ownership or that involve additions of living area.
In some cases, the BOH has its own, more stringent requirements to which it can grant variances in the case of hardship. The BOH will tell you that proper septic maintenance is essential for the protection of your private well, public health, and the environment.
The health board holds office hours on the second floor of Town Hall on Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 8 and 11 a.m. NABH sanitarian Ira Grossman, who is a consultant to Harvard’s health board in all things septic, is available at Town Hall between 8 and 9 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, and can be reached at 978-456-4106 or boh@harvard.ma.us.
The most recent iteration of Title 5 (310 CMR 15.000) took effect on April 21, 2006. Changes were technical and relatively minor in nature, affecting the installation requirements.
While Harvard is characterized by picturesque landscapes and high real estate values, it has topography that presents challenges to septic system location, installation, and function. With nondraining clay soil and bountiful ledge, wetlands, sometimes-tight lot lines, and sloping topography, engineers and installers occasionally have an uphill battle to locate and install a suitable system. (The sound of explosions in town may not be coming from Devens but from ledge-blasting.)
According to Grossman, the MassDEP requires that the average septic system be pumped every three to five years by a certified septic expert. Grossman’s recommendation is to check the scum and sludge levels the next time the system is opened up. Mandatory requirements do exist for acceptable scum and sludge levels.
“It all depends on the family, the number of people in it, whether they’re vegetarians, and how they handle the laundry,” said Grossman. “More fiber is hard on the system,” he added. “Aim for a balance [in input to the system].”
And despite what you might think, Grossman doesn’t recommend the use of monthly additives that claim to prolong the lifespan of septic systems.
“Rid-X is not recommended,” he said. “Routine pumping is all that’s recommended, not additives.” While the state’s website (see below) “authorizes” some additives, Grossman points out, it doesn’t “recommend” them.
How does a conventional system work?
A conventional system consists of a septic tank, a distribution box (D box) or dosing mechanism, a soil absorption system (SAS), and a reserve area. When wastewater from your toilet, sink, tub, dishwasher, or washing machine flows into your tank, the heavy solids settle to the bottom and form a sludge layer. As more wastewater enters, the components separate and the middle layer either flows out or is pumped into the leach field. Microorganisms living in the tank consume leftover particles, harmful germs and viruses, phosphorous, and nitrogen.
The sludge and scum layers remain in the tank, where naturally occurring bacteria work to break them down. Because these bacteria cannot completely decompose all the solids, the layers continue to grow, slowly filling up the tank. Eventually, these solids will have to be pumped out.
How often should I get my system pumped?
A common misconception among homeowners is that if they haven’t had any trouble with their systems, they don’t need to pump. Unfortunately, this belief can have serious and costly consequences.
Each time you use the system, solids settle to the bottom of the tank, forming a sludge layer; grease and lighter materials float to the top as scum. Depending on the number of system users, a properly designed tank should have enough space for three to five years of safe accumulation of sewerage. Once this saturation point is reached, solid wastes begin to escape into the soil absorption system (SAS), also called the leach field. If it then becomes clogged and unable to absorb what is coming in, you’re in trouble.
Regular pumping keeps solids from entering the leach field. While pumping frequency is a function of use, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) recommends that systems be pumped at least once every three years for homes without a garbage disposal. If the home uses an alternative technology (the FAST system, Presby Enviro-Septic, for example), the homeowner should follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Only licensed pumpers should be used.
What are the signs that my system is failing?
The plumbing will back up when you do laundry, take showers, or flush the toilet. Or toilets and drains may be slow draining. Unsanitary wastewater will bubble to the surface of the ground, especially after a storm, and form muddy pools around your septic tank or leach field. An odor may be noticeable around your system or inside your home. Neighbors may make comments, or, in the worst case, contact the BOH. Lush, green growth may appear over the drain field.
How much does it cost to get pumped?
It costs about $300 to $400 to pump a system, a cost affected by the degree of difficulty of locating the tank, digging up covers, and getting to the tank.
How much does it cost to replace a septic system?
It could cost up to $40,000 or more to replace a failing system.
How can I tell if the pumper is legitimate?
Pumpers must hold certified licenses from the state of Massachusetts. Contact the Nashoba Associated Boards of Health in Ayer for a list of approved pumpers.
What’s wrong with a garbage grinder?
First, kitchen disposals are illegal in Harvard. Second, they feed grease and matter into the septic tank.
How does doing laundry affect the septic system?
Normal laundry does not present a problem. However, doing excessive loads does not allow the system adequate time to break down waste.
What kinds of things shouldn’t I put down my drains?
System abuse can take several forms, ranging from the sheer amount of liquids or solids entered into the system to the nature of the additions. Don’t use chemical solvents to clean the plumbing or septic system. These will kill off the very microorganisms your system needs to consume waste. They will also eventually impact the groundwater. Never put antibiotics, paint thinner, polyurethane, latex and oil paints, petroleum products, antifreeze, pesticides, fertilizers, caustic chemicals, disinfectants, water softeners, or other strong chemicals into the system.
Don’t treat your drains or toilets like a garbage can by dumping nonbiodegradable things (cigarettes, diapers, or cat litter, for example) or grease.
Use bleach, disinfectants, and drain or toilet bowl cleaners sparingly and in accordance with product labels.
Other helpful hints
- When all is said and done, treat your septic system as well as you treat your car.
- Know the location of your system and leach field, and keep a record of all inspections, pumpings, repairs, contract, or engineering work for future reference.
- By all means grow grass or small plants (not trees or shrubs) above the septic system to hold the drain field in place. (Harvard has some lovely gardens to prove it.)
- Take leftover hazardous chemicals to the transfer station for disposal.
- Don’t use those automatic bowl cleaners. They’re hard on the system and corrode the toilet flapper.
For more information on state and local septic regulations, check out www.mass.gov/dep/water/wastewater/septicsy.htm and www.harvard.ma.us/bdhealth.htm.