Do I need a septic design and permit to add an accessory dwelling unit?
•Yes, an accessory dwelling unit adds bedrooms and increases the need for septic capacity and water supply.
Can I build a new house with a composting toilet and greywater drain and do without a septic tank and leach field?
•Unfortunately, no. The composting toilet will enable you to reduce the leachfield size by 25%. But Vermont state rules require that the greywater drains into a septic tank and then into a leachfield.
Can I use a constructed wetland instead of a leachfield?
•Unfortunately, no. However, the use of a constructed wetland can decrease the leach field size by as much as 50%.
What is a soils investigation?
•A soils investigation is the essential piece of field work for designing a code compliant leach field. The licensed septic designer analyzes the soil profiles to determine the texture and consistence of the soil layers. They also determine the level of the spring highest water table. All of this provides essential information for designing a safe and effective leach field.
What is a perc test?
•A perc or percolation test involves digging a cylindrical shaped hole in the ground and pouring water into it. The person performing the test times how long it takes for the water level to drop in the hole. The percolation test is no longer used as part of the septic design process. However, the term “perc test” or needing to see if your property “percs” lives on as another word for a soils investigation.
What is the best way to prolong the life of your leach field?
•There are a few low cost things your can do to prolong the life of your leachfield. First, do not flush disposable diapers or other sanitary products down the drain. These can easily take on excess moisture, expand and clog your sewer lines and your leach field. The second easiest thing is to install a septic tank effluent filter, if you don’t have one already. This is a simple device that contains screens that prevent solid particles from leaving the septic tank and flowing towards your leachfield. If you have an effluent filter, you should remove it, wash it off with a hose and re-install at least once per year.
There will be more FAQs to come. Stay tuned!