FAILED!
Author: Jean Burns
My septic has failed!
I pride myself in being successful in my endeavors, so hearing the word “fail” took the wind out of my septic sails, so to speak. I’m sure you’re wondering how I discovered it failed and what steps were taken to go from failure to success. I figured our first blog would be a great platform to share the steps of this “journey to success”. Ironically, all of these events happened before I started working for Cape Cod Septic Services.
Its here where I’d like the opportunity to share how many of us homeowners do not think twice after we flush once. In my naïve mind though, if my drain was stinky or draining slow, I’d get my tank pumped and all would be right in the universe. I heard the horror stories of basement sewages back ups and not so horrific overly greening grass, but that was not my experience. In my case, I had some extra cash and thought I have not had my septic serviced in 2 years and it was time. How I remembered to schedule a septic pumping but can never find the car keys is beyond me. My last service the technician came to the door and told me “lady, your septic looks like it’s failing…better get it looked at”. He left and I stood there dumbfounded as to what that entailed exactly. I immediately panicked! I have to inform the readers of this gripping saga that I used a different company than our beloved Cape Cod Septic. Our technicians would have guided you as to what to do next in this case. Collectively the technicians on our staff and our General Manager, Paul, have many years’ experience. Cape Cod Septic Services also has a 15-year veteran of the industry at the helm in the office. Amy is not only the office manager; she is a licensed Title 5 inspector as well. Basically, you are in the most able hands in the industry here on the Cape.
Septic stories from neighbors, relatives and coffee shop compatriots came flooding in. First thing that came into my head was the COST! Next was who to call, what to do first and more importantly would I get a candy cane in my yard, like many of my neighbors (For the literal readers, this is not a real candy cane but a gas vent). I could see the technician’s lips still moving in slow motion two weeks later “looks like it’s failing”. Time for action! I did some research and found my first step was to find a Title 5 inspector to look at all the components of my septic system. This inspection as I later found out is good for two years and will determine the health of your system. I found a licensed Title 5 inspector and I was off to the races!
Here is where I will give you a little Title 5 inspection education. Title 5 inspections can result in three findings. PASS, CONDITIONAL PASS AND FAIL. Pass is good for 2-3 years depending on your pumping schedule. Conditional Pass is a pass once repairs have been made. A new report is submitted to the Board of Health to show that the system has now passed the Title 5 inspection. A failed septic system can go two avenues. If your system is a threat to public health (backing up in your house or yard) you have a specific allowed time to repair. If it is not a public threat; two years to complete the work needed to pass. I know, exciting stuff! So, my system was now officially failed by the nice Title 5 inspector.
I will leave you here, hanging on the edge of your seat. Part two is on its way.