Septic Systems

If there is no available sewer service from the nearest municipality, then an on-site septic system will be necessary.  The following is a list of questions that need to be answered in order to properly install and maintain it.

1. Is the water table and bedrock sufficiently deep to allow for installation of tank and proper infiltration from the leach field?

2. Does the permeability of the soil promote good infiltration of septic effluent?

3. Is any public sewer service planned for your area?

4. Does the lot meet minimum Health Department requirements, including isolation distance between the leach field and the well?

5. Is the lot located in a flood hazard area?

6. Is the lot large enough to permit relocation of the leach field if needed in the future?

7. For an existing house, is there a detailed map showing the location of the septic tank and leach fields? It might also be a good idea to have some record of the installation and maintenance of existing septic systems. 

8. Does the property have access to an adequate outlet for curtain drain discharge?
(a curtain drain is a subsurface drainage tile around the leach field for draining excess water away so that normal infiltration can continue).