Overview:

On site waste water systems have been built in New Hampshire for centuries, and therefore exist at all different ages. Due to bacteriological action in the leach field, the systems eventually become plugged and will no longer pass water into the earth and you have a failed waste water system. A number of other problems can render a system inoperative, some are minor and do not require a new design and permit be issued.  Once a system fails, the New Hampshire rules require that a licensed designer be involved.  Replacing a failed system may be done by replace-in-kind if certain critieria are met, or by submitting a new design to the State of New Hampshire.  A construction approval is then issued in preparation for repairing/replacing the failed system.

Failure definition:

1. Sewage is backing up into the building making it impossible to run the usual quantity of waste water down the drain.

2. Sewage is breaking out on the surface of the ground in the area of the disposal system, outdoors. There may be lush green grass or plant growth and/or a foul oder.

Failure mechanism:

All components of a system are subject to failure.

1. Piping, before or after the septic tank

2. Septic tank can back up if not pumped regularly, although this is not common

3. Pump station, if used, can fail

4. Disposal area may have become plugged with biomat, over time and need replacement.

Assessment contacts:

1. Septic evaluator

2. Septic designer - waste water consultant

3. Septic tank pumper

4. Excavating contractor

Actions required to correct situation:

1. Varies widely depending on failure mechanism.

Hogg Hill Design LLC responds to failed system calls and provides timely advise and service. We can provide an assessment of failure and what needs to be done to correct the situation. An excavator may also be required in some situations.

This residence required site modifications at the same time the failed system was replaced.