• How much will it cost me to have a new septic system installed?

This is a difficult question to accurately answer because of variables in soil type and ground
water elevation, the two primary determining factors in your system design. Also the location,
accessibility and topography of your property determine the complexity of the construction
process. In our work area systems range from about $10,000 (in very few instances) to
$30,000 or more. The average for most 3 bedroom gravity system with average perc rate is in
the $18,000 to $25,000 range.
  • If I get a new septic system will I have a mound in my yard?

Mound systems are common in our work area. The reason for the mound is the code
requirement of separation to seasonal high groundwater. The bottom of a new leach field
must be four feet above the seasonal high ground water table as determined from a soil
analysis during your perc test. For example, a 12 inch h.g.w.t. means the bottom of your leach
field would be 3 feet above existing grade. Add 1 more foot for the field itself, plus 1 foot of
cover, and you are at 5 feet above ground level. This is where the mound comes from.
Note: A variance for existing dwellings may be sought for a one foot reduction in separation
  • What are I/O Systems? (Innovative/Alternative Systems)

Alternative systems are non-conventional systems. They are designs used to deal with
environmentally sensitive areas such as nearby lakes or ponds. Other situations which may
require alternative systems would be a lack of space to build a conventional system. Some
examples of alternative systems are recirculating sand filter systems, individual sewage
grinders/treatment units, and tight tanks. Alternative systems are generally avoided and only
used out of necessity due to added cost and maintenance.
  • When can I conduct a perc test?

In the Town of Granville the perc test season for a new building lot is as follows:
March 15th to May 15th, and September 15th to November 15th.
There are no date restrictions for repairs to existing systems.
  • Will S. Loomis, Inc. guarantee my new septic system?

You are not likely to find any contractor or designer that will guarantee any new septic
system for longevity. The short reason for this is that proper use and care of the system after
construction is beyond the control of the designer and installer. Almost all of the time that a
septic system fails prematurely, it is a result of property owner misuse. You can rest assured
that your new system design must meet Title 5 specifications, and all installations are
inspected at three different stages of construction to insure conformity. S. Loomis, Inc. will
unconditionally guarantee our workmanship. If you have a problem with your new system that
is determined to be a result of a flaw in workmanship, the repairs will be completed on our
dime. Additionally, most system components include a warranty provided by the respective
manufacturers.
  • What is a "Pump System"?

Septic systems that cannot function through the use of gravity to allow effluent to flow from
the septic tank to the drainfield is sometimes referred to as a pump type system. This is
usually due to a high ground water condition or other topographical conditions prohibiting the
septic tank outlet invert from being higher than the leach field D-Box inlet invert. A concrete
pump chamber (usually 1000 gallons) is installed next to the septic tank. The septic tank
outlet pipe feeds into the pump chamber. This pump chamber contains a float controlled
effluent pump that periodically pumps septic tank effluent out to the drainfield D-Box.  An
alarm system is installed to alert homeowners if the pump fails for any reason and the level in
the pump chamber exceeds the normal upper limit. The whole process is fully automatic and if
installed properly it is typically very dependable and no more maintenance than a
conventional system.
  • What is "Title 5" or a "Title 5 System"?

The term "Title 5" is used to reference 310 CMR 15 of the Massachusetts State Environmental
Code. It contains the regulations governing the design, construction and maintenance of on-
site disposal systems as well as the disposal, transport, and treatment of sanitary waste in
Massachusetts. Originally it was put into effect in 1978 and called the "1978 Code". Title 5 is
periodically revised with the latest significant revision taking place in 1996.
A "Title 5 System" is an on-site disposal system meeting current Title 5 criteria.
  • Can I fix my septic system without having a whole Title 5 System done?

If your system or a system component has failed a permit must be sought for any and all
repairs made. When a permit is sought work is subject to inspection and therefore must be in
Title 5 compliance when completed. All septic system repairs or alterations must be completed
by an individual licensed by the approving authority and done in compliance with the
provisions set forth in Title 5.