FINALE!
Author: Jean Burns
So now it’s installing time. After engineering plans completed (thanks Pete McEntee at Engineering works!), financing in place, and the green light from the Town of Dennis for the install, we are ready to go.
Typical installation of a basic system with no major issues would usually take about 3-4 days. With more complex systems; like mine, it will take a bit longer. With my new system I was required to get a second tank added to my system and a completely new soil absorption system aka leaching field. Making it a bit of a more complex install. I wasn’t worried, I knew I was in the best hands with Cape Cod Septic Services.
My biggest concern was, can we still use the bathroom while this was happening? The answer is you will never have to leave home while the install in taking place. There maybe a few hours while they are connecting a new septic tank that you should refrain from using the bathroom, but no need to leave your house.
To start the install Breck and Johnny two of the best septic installers on Cape Cod showed up to take a few trees out and prepare my yard. The heavy equipment and the septic components are large and there needs to be room for them to get into the property. Also, depending on each situation, if you have a firepit, patio, fencing or and lawn decorations these items would need to be removed and moved out of the way. The technicians in most cases will move these items but are not responsible to return them back to where they were located.
Using the engineering plans; which looks like a completely foreign language to me, Breck and Johnny start the digging. My new system required an additional 1,000-gallon septic tank, new distribution box and a completely new soil absorption system aka leaching field. Depending on the soil conditions and the naturally occurring ground water, it will determine the type of leaching facility and where it will be placed. Number of bedrooms will determine the size of the leaching facility. Many people believe the size of their septic is determined by bathrooms but it is based on the number of bedrooms. Basically, the state of Massachusetts sets the parameters of 110 gallons of water usage per day per bedroom. Another factor in the size of a septic system would be if the property has a garbage disposal, which will require the system to be larger. Garbage disposals are not good for septic systems so I’m please to say that I do not have one! Whew!
Breck and Johnny started with the install of the additional tank. Next was to remove the old leaching field to make room for my fancy new soil absorption system. Contingent on system type, stone may need to be utilized to ensure proper drainage of effluent. Big word effluent, basically it is the outflow of liquid waste. The Town of Dennis had to come out to my house to inspect the stone since they needed to use it in my case. Inspect the stone sounded interesting to me but it makes sense why this has to be done. If the stone is dirty with silt it will hinder the way the effluent travels into the surrounding soils.
All components of our new system are installed and ready for coverage. This is a good time to mention that the municipality you live in will come out a few times for a few different inspections to ensure the project is accurately following the plans that were submitted by the engineer. The yard was back filled to cover tank and soil absorption system. The vent pipe was far to the back of the system and not in the middle of my yard. This vent has a charcoal filter to reduced the odor from my leaching facility. My neighbor’s noses can thank Cape Cod Septic Services for that cap.
Lastly, Cape Cod Septic Services will return when the weather is more conducive to grass growth and will loam and seed my yard. The owner of Cape Cod Septic Services, Christopher Maki, has started a new venture of All Cape Hydroseed, so for an additional charge this can be an option for a faster lawn.
Cape Cod Septic Service will provide the Town of Dennis with an updated As Built. As Built you ask? These are drawings that show the existing dimensions and conditions of building, space, or area. These drawings help to show where all the parts of the septic system are located. The engineer who designed the septic system will inspect the entire install to be certain it followed the plans that were approved. After the engineer makes certain all is square, they will provide a letter that the system was installed indeed by plan. The big finale is once the Town of Dennis receives all documents needed a Certificate of Compliance is issued and I am home free. Well, sort of…now I have to pay the bill. But luckily with the low interest rate loan from Community Septic Management Loan Program I can swing it.
I was in the dark about much of my own journey to a new septic. I figured this would be a perfect method to hopefully help another panicking homeowner. You got this!
Please call Cape Cod Septic Services, 508-775-2825, anytime with any problems or concerns.
I hope this helps someone who is trying to navigate this process.