Septic System Replacement

[dpg]

You cant just be proactive and get permits "in place" now. Once their issued there's a time limit on them to act or they expire.

[secondcurve]

Originally Posted by dpg

You cant just be proactive and get permits "in place" now. Once their issued there's a time limit on them to act or they expire.

I have been told the plan can be used for up to 4 years from issuance. And if the system isn't installed during the four year period updating the plan and getting a new permit isn’t that costly as much of the work done the first time around is able to be used again.

[retired]

I am by no means an expert. If I were you, I would start by going to your town hall to get a copy of the last septic design/approval on record. As the property owner, it should be no charge. From there you can contact a licensed septic system designer to see if you can replace the leach field under the current regulations. If you want to proceed, you can get an estimate for the replacement. If the dollars are too high, then keep on keepin on.
Good luck.

[ITD]

No, just treat it well. Pump it out every couple years, don’t have a garbage disposal unit attached to it, don’t put grade down it, down put anything but human waste and tp, nothing else. Do this and you should be fine.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by ITD

No, just treat it well. Pump it out every couple years, don’t have a garbage disposal unit attached to it, don’t put grade down it, down put anything but human waste and tp, nothing else. Do this and you should be fine.

At 70, I'm terrible at remembering things, always try to make lists now. This past winter I forgot to replace the batteries in my garage thermostat, it went dead while I was away and I had a freeze up.
I just replaced it with a wifi T-stat so I get a warning on my phone now.

[Descant]

Only 70? Oh you kid! Retirement planning should include building a cadre of folks who will either do things automatically or call to remind you. Our handyman calls to change smoke detector batteries, the septic folks send a card every couple of years for a pump out. We put almost everything on autopay so we never get zinged for interest or late fees. The local PD has a wellness check if we fail to call them daily and they do a routine house check if we go away. Not much to remember these days.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Descant

Only 70? Oh you kid! Retirement planning should include building a cadre of folks who will either do things automatically or call to remind you. Our handyman calls to change smoke detector batteries, the septic folks send a card every couple of years for a pump out. We put almost everything on autopay so we never get zinged for interest or late fees. The local PD has a wellness check if we fail to call them daily and they do a routine house check if we go away. Not much to remember these days.

I'm not there yet! I still try to do everything myself, but it is getting more difficult.

[Pineedles]

We started the replacement process 2 years ago and it was installed last year. Expensive $40k but the site plan was excellent and everything was done right.

[Winilyme]

Ditto here. System designed mid-2023 and installed early 2024. Great/responsive site engineer and contractor. It just feels super to have a new system in place that replaces our prior questionable one. Next up - roof maybe? New docking? It just never ends.

[retired]

Seriously, I recommend Brian Bissonnette in Barnstead to replace your system. That is, assuming he is still in business. He replaced our leach field with a pipe and stone system in 2018 for around $14,000 including permitting. He did a fantastic job, in and out in minimum time. BKB Excavation. Check him out.

[winterharbor59]

Originally Posted by Descant

Only 70? Oh you kid! Retirement planning should include building a cadre of folks who will either do things automatically or call to remind you. Our handyman calls to change smoke detector batteries, the septic folks send a card every couple of years for a pump out. We put almost everything on autopay so we never get zinged for interest or late fees. The local PD has a wellness check if we fail to call them daily and they do a routine house check if we go away. Not much to remember these days.

Which town/PD department does a house check if you go away? That would certainly save a lot of $ on homewatch bills. My friend in Chatham MA has the wellness check if she does not call daily. She’s in poor health & lives alone. But I’ve not heard of this in the lakes region. I’m having a hard time imagining our small Tuftonboro department taking this on. We don’t even have a police officer on duty overnight!


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[Descant]

As you can see from my profile, I'm from Merrimack. Our PD does all the items I mentioned. In the summer, they might walk around the house--winter not so much because deep snow prevents opening gates. Early on, before our road was paved, we were away and within a minute or two of our return there was a patrol car checking to see who the new car was. They keep track of a neighbor who can give keyed access to the house if necessary. At one point, we had a family member on a ventilator. Shortly after he passed, the Fire Dept. called to offer condolences and to see if we no longer needed their emergency generator. We didn't even know we were on the generator list. Haven't seen evidence lately, but Gilford PD used to do a fall check on island properties and leave a note that they had been there. (I don't do the open/close myself anymore, so I wouldn't see the note.)
Anyway, I'd guess most PD's and FD's do a lot that you're not aware of, but you have to call and ask. And some services get discontinued as commercial substitutes become available. In 1963, Merrimack Town Meeting voted to discontinue plowing private driveways. Now, THAT's a real Town Meeting! None of this official ballot wishy washy.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by winterharbor59

Which town/PD department does a house check if you go away? That would certainly save a lot of $ on homewatch bills. My friend in Chatham MA has the wellness check if she does not call daily. She’s in poor health & lives alone. But I’ve not heard of this in the lakes region. I’m having a hard time imagining our small Tuftonboro department taking this on. We don’t even have a police officer on duty overnight!
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The internet has replaced many things and that includes homewatch. The availability of remote monitoring of your home is enough for many people. Connected burglar alarms, thermostats, and cameras make the cost of a homewatch person something many people pass on. You can tell a lot about what is going on with your property when you are not in the area. Sure, it is nice to have someone check on it, but a lot of people are satisfied with what they can see online and forego the expense of homewatch.

Plus, you can check on your property as often as you want with no additional cost. On the really cold days this past winter I sometimes checked the Gilford house thermostat twice a day just to be sure that the heater was operating well.

[songkrai]

Originally Posted by retired

I am by no means an expert. If I were you, I would start by going to your town hall to get a copy of the last septic design/approval on record.

The state and towns began keeping records somewhere in the 1980's or thereabouts. Maybe someone can come up with the correct time period.

If it is not broken. Don't fix it.

One problem seen is folks let brush/trees grow up. The roots will destroy leech field. Also keep roots/brush/trees away from all pipes.
Other issues are bleach from washing machine. Kills necessary bacteria.

Here it is mandated that only human waste and tissue paper go down toilet.
If guests stay. Owner needs to be quite clear as to what goes down toilet . And provide other receptacles for all other personal hygiene products.
Not an easy subject to discuss. But needs to be.

My Ambrose system was not pumped for 15 years. Decided to have it pumped. Lamprey came. Told that mine was one of the "cleanest" tanks he had ever pumped. All liquid. So if one is vigilant and has a good system to start. Should be no problems.