Contents (Click To Jump)
- 1 What Is the Process for Septic Tank Installation in Plymouth?
- 2 How Does Permitting Work for Installing Septic Tanks in Plymouth?
- 3 How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in Plymouth?
- 4 What Type of Septic Tank Is Best for Residents in Plymouth?
- 5 How Often Do Homeowners in Plymouth Need to Have Their Septic Tank Inspected?
- 6 Are There Any Rebates Available for Septic Tank Services in Plymouth?
What Is the Process for Septic Tank Installation in Plymouth?
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts closely monitors septic tank installation. All work related to septic tanks is regulated by 310 CMR 15.000: Septic Systems (“Title 5”). Here are the steps you need to take to install a septic tank on your Plymouth property for the first time:
Step 1: Submit an application.
Before beginning the construction work, you need to speak with the Board of Health and Building Department. During the initial conversation, you have to ask which Title 5 requirements are applicable to your project.
Both departments will provide an application you need to fill out. Then, these departments will send you a letter either approving or denying your request. Once the Board of Health approves your application, it will tell you whether you need MassDEP to approve it as well.
Depending on the type of septic tank work you are approved for, you may need to work with a licensed system inspector like us. However, keep in mind that no matter how many experts you hire to perform the installation, you, as an owner, are always fully responsible for your septic system.
At Mr Blue Plumbing, we can submit all the necessary applications and obtain approvals to simplify your septic tank installation process.
Step 2: Arrange a percolation test.
To make sure the soil on your property is suitable for a septic system, you need to arrange a percolation test.
A percolation test checks the quality of the soil and its rate of water absorption. This is necessary to evaluate if the wastewater can safely percolate into the ground while maintaining environmental safety. If the ground isn’t sufficiently porous, the conventional septic system can’t function properly.
- Fill out and submit a percolation test application
- Pay the fee ($350) and wait for the town to schedule the inspection
In Plymouth, percolation tests have to be performed by a Massachusetts Registered Professional Engineer, Massachusetts Registered Sanitarian, or a qualified Soil Evaluator. At Mr Blue Plumbing, we are qualified soil evaluators who can do the job on your property before septic tank installation.
Step 3: Design the system.
Unless you are simply replacing your old septic tank, you need to design the septic system. It’s important to design the system professionally since it has to be done with the consideration of:
- Soil
- Location
- Budget
- Personal needs
- Household size
Our designer can advise the best system and tank for your property.
Step 4: Obtain necessary permits.
In Plymouth, you need to obtain special permits for septic tank installation. We’ll go into more detail in the next section.
Step 5: Install the septic tank.
Installing a septic tank is a complex procedure that requires a professional approach. It’s imperative to hire a licensed contractor like Mr Blue Plumbing to get the job done.
Even a minor mistake during the installation process could cause serious consequences for both the property and the environment.
How Does Permitting Work for Installing Septic Tanks in Plymouth?
To install a septic system in Plymouth, you need to obtain a permit. Besides submitting applications and getting approvals from the Board of Health, MassDEP, and Building Department, you have to email your request for a permit to publichealth@plymouth-ma.gov and pay the $100 pick-up fee.
The permit will be emailed to you for a digital signature once the payment goes through. At Mr Blue Plumbing, we can handle all the permit applications for you in order to speed up the tank installation process and ensure full compliance with the town’s requirements.
How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in Plymouth?
The average cost of septic tank installation in Plymouth is around $6,000. However, the final amount you pay depends on several factors.
Septic Tank Size
The tank size can have a significant effect on the price of the installation. When you choose a septic tank, you have to pick the right size for your household.
A good rule of thumb is to buy a tank that can hold two times the amount of water your family uses daily. This way, you won’t be putting extra strain on the tank and have to worry about frequent emptying.
The larger the tank, the longer it takes to install. That’s why the cost goes up. Let us know the size of the septic tank when asking for a quote.
Remember, smaller septic tanks are cheaper to buy and install, but more expensive to maintain. Investing in a large tank may save you money in the long run.
Septic Tank Location
If you are planning to install an underground tank, the cost of the process goes up. Larger septic tanks are usually designed to be located underground. Meanwhile, a small septic system can remain above the ground, thus, saving you money. However, you have to be prepared for the maintenance costs.
Installing an underground septic tank requires excavation. We would also need to clear the area and remove stumps and other obstacles. Additionally, installing the tank in a sloped area can warrant extra costs.
If you are replacing a tank, we would need to remove the old one. This will also cost extra.
Septic Tank Type and Material
The cost of installation can also depend on what type of septic system you plan to install as well as the material your tank is made of. Conventional septic systems are less expensive to install than alternative systems, like anaerobic treatment units.
It’s imperative to choose the right septic tank material and system type to ensure proper operation and drainage. Avoid buying the system before you speak to our professionals. Our experts are always ready to offer you an in-depth consultation about the best septic tank type for your property.
What Type of Septic Tank Is Best for Residents in Plymouth?
Choosing the right septic tank is the key to its longevity and low maintenance costs. In Plymouth, the most common septic system is a conventional system:
Conventional Septic Tank
This simple septic system works well for many Plymouth residents. It’s also not too expensive to install. The system consists of a septic tank and a trench or a drain field. It’s usually suitable for small family homes and small businesses.
In a conventional system, sewage flows from the building with the help of gravity. It enters the first chamber of a two-chamber tank where all the waste settles while bacteria break it down. The components are broken down even further in the second chamber.
Then, the fluids from the second chamber go through the pipes into the designated area of your yard or the drain field where they continue to break down while seeping through the soil.
The key to a well-functioning septic system is proper installation. A minor mistake could send poorly processed sewage into the ground, causing serious contamination.
A conventional septic system is anaerobic. It means that bacteria that break down your sewage don’t need oxygen to survive. However, some Plymouth residents choose to take advantage of aerobic systems.
Aerobic Septic System
An aerobic septic system uses natural processes to treat your wastewater. The aerobic bacteria that break down your sewage use oxygen to do it. To stay alive, this type of bacteria needs oxygen and organic matter, making it perfect for your septic system.
A surface or diffusion aerator sends oxygen into the system at the same time the organic waste enters it. Bacteria eat your sewage, breathe the air, and generate carbon dioxide. In the end, you get clean water that you can send into the environment.
Aerobic septic systems are more complex than their anaerobic counterparts. They take longer to install, thus increasing the installation costs. However, these systems come with a huge variety of benefits, including environmental friendliness, suitability for all land types, and impressive longevity (up to 40 years).
Septic Tank Material
If you are choosing a conventional system, another important aspect to consider is the septic tank material. Septic tanks are usually made of:
- Concrete
- Steel
- Fiberglass
- Plastic
In Plymouth, residents usually choose concrete tanks for their durability and longevity. However, you may also want to consider plastic septic tanks. They are light, easy to install, and less expensive than other types.
The only downside these tanks have is that they can break down during installation. However, if you delegate the installation to a septic tank expert from Mr Blue Plumbing, you can be sure that your plastic tank stays intact and serves you for decades.
How Often Do Homeowners in Plymouth Need to Have Their Septic Tank Inspected?
According to State of Massachusetts guidelines, Plymouth residents need to have the septic system inspected and pumped by professionals like us every 3 to 5 years.
If you are planning to sell your home, you can’t finalize the deal without passing the Title 5 inspection of the septic system. Title 5 inspection is valid for 2 years. However, if you have documented septic pumping service annually, the inspection can be valid for 3 years.
Are There Any Rebates Available for Septic Tank Services in Plymouth?
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers financial assistance opportunities for septic system owners.
- Massachusetts septic loan program: For systems that fail Title 5 inspection, the state can ease the financial burden.
- Massachusetts septic tax credit: If your system fails the inspection, you can take advantage of a tax credit of up to $6,000 over four years to cover the costs of septic repairs on a primary residence.
Take the time to learn about these programs to save some money on septic tank repair.
