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Note: drains/groundwater interceptor drains are sometimes installed upgrade of the drainage system to minimize high groundwater conditions.

It is important to realize that, once a system has been installed, only one of the above factors can be controlled by the homeowner. The homeowner can control how much water is actually being discharged to the system. Since each system has a set maximum capacity, it behooves the homeowner not to exceed that amount.

If a system starts to experience difficulties, what are some of the common symptoms?

1. Plumbing fixtures may exhibit difficulty in releasing its contents (slow draining, bubbling, backups, etc.). This condition may be system related but it could also indicate just a clog in the interior piping or sewer line. You should have the interior piping checked before proceeding with an investigation of the sewage disposal system.

2. Large volume discharges (such as, washing machines, dishwashers and bathtubs) cause either a backup, as noted above, or, an overflow of sewage above the septic tank or leaching field. This condition is usually at its worst during and/or directly following a heavy rain event.
 
3. Foul septic odors in storm drainage piping, catch basins, footing drain piping or curtain drain discharges may indicate that sewage from your or an adjacent property is entering these groundwater systems.

III - SOURCES OF INFORMATION

What can a prospective purchaser of a home do to gather as much information as possible relative to the present condition and possible future expenses associated with the existing septic system? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Obtain Information from the Present Property Owner

a. Ask for any drawings regarding the actual location (an "as-built" drawing) of the existing septic system. Another source would be the town’s health department (see Paragraph 3, below).
 
b. Ask for the records regarding maintenance of the system; Has the septic tank been pumped at a frequency of at least 3 to 5 years?; What pumping contractor was used?; If the system contains a pump, how often has it been maintained?; If major repairs have been made, when and to what extent?
c. Ask about the past performance of the system. Have any of the symptoms described in Section II manifested during the life of the system?

2. Do a Site Inspection of the Property a. Once the location of the septic tank and drainage fields are known, walk over the entire area and observe whether there is evidence of a sewage overflow condition. Greener grass in the drainage area may not necessarily indicate a system problem. If, however, the area is completely saturated and odorous you should be very concerned. It most likely indicates an active failure.
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