Septic System Replacement

WinnisquamZ · 02-03-2025, 10:29 AM

Not a bad take at it. Unfortunately these things tend to fail at the wrong times. Lead times for those that do this stuff is long so at the minimum I would have an inspection done. Won’t hurt

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TomC · 02-03-2025, 10:41 AM

If its working well and has been properly pumped over the years, it may still be fine for many more - especially if its a weekend/seasonal place that has been lightly used over its life. The shoreline protection act really limits what you can do - and the solutions within your lot constraints are often expensive.

Biggd · 02-03-2025, 10:57 AM

26 to 30 years isn't that bad. strict regulations have been in effect for over 40 years so as long as it's been serviced regularly it should be fine.
You should have it inspected first and see what they say.
Mine is almost 40 years old and works the way it should.
It is a second home for me, so I pump it every 5 years with no issues.

garysanfran · 02-03-2025, 11:04 AM

I had my entire system inspected by Lamprey Septic. It's over 30 yrs. old and passed with no problem.

Descant · 02-03-2025, 11:45 AM

30+ years ago there was a lot less consideration of slope, soil type and the settling tanks were smaller. Shorefront systems never failed, they just leached into the lake. The OP doesn't say seasonal, STR or year round use. Short term renters who are on a sewer at home may dump all sorts of things into the system. There are designers, inspectors and builder/installers. There is a temptation to think that somebody who "does it all" may do it all to you, while different perspectives from different contractors may be a better solution.
Flushing dye through the system may sound like a good idea, but it is unlikely to be definitive if the system isn't being used routinely.

02-03-2025, 10:57 AM	#3
Biggd Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Waltham Ma./Meredith NH Posts: 4,167 Thanks: 2,252 Thanked 1,203 Times in 767 Posts	26 to 30 years isn't that bad. strict regulations have been in effect for over 40 years so as long as it's been serviced regularly it should be fine. You should have it inspected first and see what they say. Mine is almost 40 years old and works the way it should. It is a second home for me, so I pump it every 5 years with no issues. Last edited by Biggd; 02-04-2025 at 08:23 AM.

02-03-2025, 11:04 AM	#4
garysanfran Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: San Francisco/Meredith Posts: 1,575 Thanks: 673 Thanked 682 Times in 348 Posts	I had my entire system inspected by Lamprey Septic. It's over 30 yrs. old and passed with no problem. __________________ Gary ~~~~_/) ~~~ ~~~~~~~~

02-03-2025, 10:29 AM	#1
WinnisquamZ Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Posts: 2,082 Thanks: 212 Thanked 667 Times in 441 Posts	Not a bad take at it. Unfortunately these things tend to fail at the wrong times. Lead times for those that do this stuff is long so at the minimum I would have an inspection done. Won’t hurt Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

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02-03-2025, 10:41 AM	#2
TomC Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 700 Thanks: 22 Thanked 100 Times in 69 Posts	If its working well and has been properly pumped over the years, it may still be fine for many more - especially if its a weekend/seasonal place that has been lightly used over its life. The shoreline protection act really limits what you can do - and the solutions within your lot constraints are often expensive.

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to TomC For This Useful Post:
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02-03-2025, 11:45 AM	#5
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,392 Thanks: 1,358 Thanked 1,631 Times in 1,063 Posts	30+ years ago there was a lot less consideration of slope, soil type and the settling tanks were smaller. Shorefront systems never failed, they just leached into the lake. The OP doesn't say seasonal, STR or year round use. Short term renters who are on a sewer at home may dump all sorts of things into the system. There are designers, inspectors and builder/installers. There is a temptation to think that somebody who "does it all" may do it all to you, while different perspectives from different contractors may be a better solution. Flushing dye through the system may sound like a good idea, but it is unlikely to be definitive if the system isn't being used routinely.

The Following User Says Thank You to Descant For This Useful Post:
secondcurve (02-03-2025)