- Is there a guarantee that my system will work?
- Which is more expensive: a central sewer or my septic system?
- Can I use a natural wetland on my property to treat my septic effluent?
- What was wrong with the type system Grandpa had? It didn't cost near this much.
- Is it worth the extra money to install a soil absorption field larger than the minimum requirement?
- How clean is the water coming out of a septic tank?
- Can my home be condemned if my septic system fails?
Answers
Is there a guarantee that my system will work?
Installers can make guarantees, but you should probably get them in writing.
Many entities are involved in siting, designing, installing, inspecting, and maintaining a septic system. Each entity is responsible for a particular part of the permitting process. If any part of this process is compromised, the system may not function properly. Therefore, it is important for homeowners to choose contractors wisely.
Be certain your contractor is experienced, licensed, and bonded.
Which is more expensive: a central sewer or my septic system?
Many believe central sewer systems are cheaper because of the high initial cost for septic systems ($4,000 to $15,000).
Remember, local, state, and federal taxes frequently subsidize sewer construction. By contrast, there are seldom any subsidies for residential septic systems, so homeowners must pay all the costs.
Can I use a natural wetland on my property to treat my septic effluent?
No. State law prohibits discharging untreated wastewater to surface water. Septic systems must discharge to a soil absorption field.
What was wrong with the type system Grandpa had? It didn't cost near this much.
Prior to 1977, Indiana did not have regulations regarding the construction or placement of septic systems.
Before 1977, construction practices varied widely, and it is likely that the soil absorption field was not built to today's standards, which states that all wastewater must not contaminate groundwater or surface water, or interfere with household plumbing.
For more information, see Purdue Extension publication HENV-6-W, Grandfathered Septic Systems: Location and Replacement/Repair.
Is it worth the extra money to install a soil absorption field larger than the minimum requirement?
A well-designed, installed, and maintained septic system is adequate for typical use under normal conditions.
Since septic systems designs are based on the number of bedrooms in a home, you might consider a larger soil absorption field if:
- Each bedroom has multiple occupants.
- You expect frequent extended visits from friends or relatives.
- You plan to add another bedroom in the future.
How clean is the water coming out of a septic tank?
Septic tank effluent contains an abundance of harmful pathogens, chemicals, and noxious gasses. Wastewater from a septic tank or a secondary treatment device is not potable, and should not be used for irrigation or as a bathing water source.
Remember: a septic tank is merely a primary treatment device. Wastewater effluent leaving the home is treated in a septic tank AND must be treated by soil processes before it is recycled to the groundwater.
Other dangers from septic tanks include a harmful gas called hydrogen sulfide, which is a byproduct of the septic tank digestion process. Each year, hydrogen sulfide kills at least one person in the United States. So never inhale directly from a septic tank access port, and leave all septic tank repairs to professionals. Your county health department can provide you with a list of maintenance professionals that can assist you. Contact information for your health department can be found at www.in.gov/isdh/links/local_dep/index.htm. [[LINK]] .
In a properly maintained site, there is no danger to you, your pets, or family, if you're out in the yard above the soil absorption field and the access ports on the septic tank are closed.
For more information, see Purdue Extension publication HENV-5-W, Septic Tanks: The Primary Treatment Device of Your Septic System.
Can my home be condemned if my septic system fails?
County health departments have the power to condemn a home if it threatens human health or safety.
Typically, condemning a home is a last resort and health departments will work with homeowners to avoid this situation.
Responses on this page are developed and maintained through a collaborative effort between:
Indiana Environmental Health Association - Wastewater Management Committee
Indiana Onsite Wastewater Professionals Association
Indiana Rural Community Assistance Program
Indiana Department of Environmental Management
This page does not express the views of any individual organization, but the aggregate response summarized by representatives from Purdue University.
This list is maintained by Brad Lee and Don Jones, Purdue University .
Don't see your question here? Send yours to blee@purdue.edu
Care and Maintenance | Building a New System or Making Repairs |
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