Maznek Septic Services provides septic designs from a New Hampshire certified septic designer.
Septic systems are a very cost-effective, environmentally-friendly way to reclaim waste. Through a combination of mechanical and biological processes, On-Site Wastewater Disposal Systems (OWDS) clean wastewater and rehydrate the location from which it came – as opposed to pumping it into an off-site sewer system.
Although fairly simple in construction, a septic system is complex in the engineering aspect. In New Hampshire, a state-permitted septic installer can install a system, and septic designs can only be approved if done by a permitted septic designer.
Soil conditions, water table, lot size and elevations all play a key role in determining the size and type of septic system design. The ideal conditions would be large footprint and a gravity-fed system with well-drained soil. In this case, a traditional stone-and-pipe drain field would be the best solution. Unfortunately, this is not always the case.
So many options. When lot size is restricted, there are drain field options such as a chamber system that can reduce the dispersal area needed by as much as 60%. Elevated leach fields are sometimes necessary if the soil does not percolate well. In this case, there are very specific engineering components with regards to elevation, pump sizing, and check valves.
Once our septic designer has applied for a town permit, and drafted a septic plan, he will submit that plan to the state for approval. Septic plan approvals happen faster today than they used to – often within five days – because plans are submitted and reviewed online.
The final step in the design process is to oversee the setting of benchmarks and elevations. The septic installation is also subject to state inspection at key points in the construction process.
The “in-kind” exception. There are some circumstances in which a new septic design is not needed. The law was created for replacing existing systems that have a state approved septic design. If nothing has changed in the usage requirements, a system can be installed based on the specifications of the previously approved septic plan. This can be helpful to expedite a failed system, or replace a leach field as part of a real estate closing agreement. There are strict guidelines to be followed under the “in-kind” law: https://legiscan.com/NH/text/HB1415/id/655211/New_Hampshire-2012-HB1415-Chaptered.html
If your septic system is failing, Maznek Septic Services is available on short notice to expedite an approved septic plan and leach field replacement. (603) 471-1415