Septic Location and Design

Instructions for proper maintenance, and reasons for septic failures, are a discussion found on other portions of this website. If you are reading this, you are likely aware of the basic components and processes of how a septic system works. And you are also likely having problems with yours. If you have a malfunctioning system or sewerage or effluent is leaking and seeping onto the ground surface, or if your inspection report uses words like “not performing as designed” or “unsatisfactory condition,” BLSH&E can assist you with remedying the situation.

We will:

• Provide a detailed scope of work, with no hidden surprises, so that you are informed as to ALL of the expenses associated with septic design THROUGH construction.

• Review the inspection report. Confirm the presence of the problem, which may require investigative excavation beyond what the report accomplished.

• Coordinate the performance of a topographical survey (physical characteristics) to determine the ground elevations, contours, and grade (steepness) at the project location. Note: a boundary survey (property lines, easements and right-of-way) is also necessary as part of the application submission documents.

• Call for a utility markout, coordinate with town Health Department, and hire an excavator to perform a soil log (an exploratory test of the soil conditions).

• Observe and test the soil for the purposes of design.

• Prepare the necessary plans, details, and specifications; submit application to Health Department for review and approval.

• Obtain any required environmental permits.

• Assist the homeowner with contractor selection. Once construction begins, perform various required inspections to ensure project is built according to plan.

• Ensure final grading and other punch list items are completed; prepare what’s called an “as-built” drawing (plan showing final conditions as actually constructed); execute a Certificate of Compliance indicating final acceptance.

For a typical 3-bedroom gravity system, the complete engineering costs range from $2000-$3000, including the survey and inspections. Make sure that you are comparing apples to apples if you have multiple engineering quotes, as many proposals omit a lot of the necessary work only to have you pay "ala carte" as the project unfolds. BLSH&E septic proposals are 100% complete, soup to nuts. Call today for a free phone consultation.