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FAQs
What should I do if I want to sell my house or build an addition?
If you own property in Massachusetts with a private sewage treatment system, you are required to have an official Title V inspection performed on the system by a State certified Title V inspector.
What is a Title V inspection?
The private sewage treatment system is checked thoroughly by a certified inspector. He /she:
1. Interviews owner
2. Does research of paperwork at the Town's Board of Health
3. Inspects the general size of the building or the number of bedrooms
4. Inspects the connection from the house or building to the system.
5. Inspects the inlet & outlet of the septic tank
6. Examines the integrity of the tank & measures the liquid & contents of the tank
7. Examines the integrity of the distribution box & measures the liquid & contents of the box
8. Checks the condition of the soil absorption system (SAS)
9. Checks the water table in relation to the SAS
10. Examines the integrity of the pipes by using a special "sewer cam"(Not required-this is an All-Clear specialty)
11. An official 17-page document including all findings & sketch of the system is then sent to the local approving authority and the owner
Can I have an inspection performed if I am NOT selling my home? Or if I don't live in Massachusetts?
Yes, this is called a Voluntary Assessment. All of the same steps are taken except the 17-page document is NOT sent to the local approving authority. A Voluntary Assessment is recommended as a matter of knowledge about your own septic system. We at All-Clear can help to show how to prolong the life of your system. Ask us how.
Should I have the system pumped before the inspection?
NO! State Law requires that the system be inspected under normal use conditions for a minimum of 2 weeks or more. If pumping is indicated, we can arrange to have that done while the system components are exposed.
What will happen to my landscaping during the inspection?
At All-Clear, we are respectful of the home's landscaping. We use state-of-the-art locating equipment that allows us to locate components within a 4-inch radius and a sewer camera that allows us to "enter" the pipes without digging them up. We cut sod and carefully and lay it on tarps, so that we can replace it after the inspection is complete.
What should I do after I have a new system installed?
Obtain a copy of the As-Built & Design Plans of your system from the Health department or the designer. This will help guide your service provider should any repairs be necessary. You'll also need a diagram of your septic system when you are considering any home renovations, landscaping projects, or new parking places and driveways. Call All-Clear to discuss a Preventive Maintenance plan to keep your system running clear. Add a laundry filter to your washing machine.
How often will I need to have my tank pumped?
This depends on usage. An average family of four living in a three-bedroom house will need their tank pumped every two to five years. We recommend an All-Clear Preventive Maintenance Program so that pumping can be determined as needed.
Can I build over my septic tank?
This is never advisable and is against most municipal and State codes. Do not build any additions, pools or driveways over a tank. Also, do not build or plant on top of your drainfield.
If I think there is a problem, should I open my septic tank?
NO! Though septic systems are safe for your family, opening the septic tank without professional training can expose you to dangerous gases and bacteria. Call a certified and trained septic professional, All-Clear, if you suspect or detect any problems in your system.
What are the major do's and don'ts of maintaining a trouble-free system?
DO THIS
• Call All-Clear for a Voluntary Assessment of your system.
• Conserve water to reduce the amount of wastewater that must be treated and disposed.
• Repair any leaking faucets and toilets.
• Only discharge biodegradable wastes into system.
• Restrict or avoid garbage disposal use.
• Divert down spouts and other surface water away from your drainfield.
• Keep your septic tank cover accessible (install risers and covers) for tank inspections and pumping.
• Have your septic tank pumped regularly and checked for leaks and cracks.
• Install an effluent filter to keep debris from entering the drainfield.
• Install a laundry filter to your washing machine.
• Compost your garbage or put it in the trash.
• Click here for information on our Preventive Maintenance Contract to prevent problems before they occur.
DON'T DO THIS
• Flush sanitary napkins, tampons, disposable diapers, condoms, wipes and such products into your system.
• Empty kitchen grease or oils down the drain.
• Dump solvents, oils, paints, thinners, disinfectants, pesticides or poisons down the drain that can disrupt the treatment process and contaminate groundwater.
• Dig in your drainfield or build anything over it.
• Plant anything over your drainfield except grass.
• Drive over your drainfield or compact the soil in any way.
• Run Purification back flush into the septic tank.
How much do your services cost?
We'd be happy to answer any questions you may have, click here to contact us. Or, if you'd like to read more, check out www.nowra.org
