septic replacement

[arctic_scrap1]

I am closing on my new house at the end of March and I have to do something with the septic. It's a "dry well" septic system and it needs to be pumped multiple times a year. What are my best options for a long term solution? Am I best just replacing it with a leach field style septic?

[pushbutton]

Have you had any perc tests done yet?

[Tom7227]

Contact the local zoning people and they will tell you what is required. They likely have accurate info on the soil types in your area. Then you will need to talk to someone who can determine what you need and design it for you. Be aware that if you have to go with a mound you could be talking $15k plus. I would be a bit surprised if you could get a loan without some sort of contingency fund built in to make sure the work gets done. I know that would be required down here in 612.

[acroman]

The first thing you need to find out is what kind of system you can install on your lot and this will depend on were you are located (food plan etc.) soil type, etc. etc. etc. What you need to do is have a site evaluation done by a State certified "subsurface sewage treatment system" inspector. Then you can start looking at costs depending on the options you have for the type of system(s) you are allowed to install. But as a general quideline a drain field system will start around 5k with mound systems starting around 8k and experimental systems going up from there. These are what I have seen as being low end prices for a small system in good soil etc. Ok any more and I have to charge you. Just kidding, be happy to answer any other questions.

[acroman]

Personally I would have and independent inspector look things over before I brought the county in. Not saying the county will steer you wrong but it is always nice to have some ammo in the gun when dealing with the government in my experience.

[arctic_scrap1]

No perc tests done. I figured around $15k for a septic when I made my offer on the house. The current owners had stated they were quoted $12k for a new system but who knows if it is the truth or not.

[nobody05]

Talk to a near neighbor and see if they have had a new sewer installed lately. That will get you pretty close. Anyway for a mound generally 12k, Atgrade 101/2k.

[delcecchi]

Leach field type is standard. Lots of mounds also. Carleton County or St. Louis? Find an installer/designer you trust and between you and them you can make an arrangement with the county.

How much area do you have to work with?

[Walleyehooker]

Wondering why it had a dry well septic to begin with?

[arctic_scrap1]

It's in carlton county on 1.75 acres. I guess I'll just start calling septic companies and find out what they say. I had wanted to get something scheduled as early as possible.

[acroman]

I would go with a company that you know has a good reputation not just the cheapest price. Make sure you know the company uses clean certified sand and aggregates etc. These are simple things that can greatly effect the performance of the system over time. I few bucks saved here will bite you later. A properly designed and installed system should last you 30 to maybe even 40 years if taken care of (pumped when should be)

[PurpleFloyd]

My in-laws in Northern Wisconsin had a pretty archaic septic system that used clay tiles and such and at some point after my F.I.L passed away it started to fail. The soil was heavy clay and there was not much ability to drain so after a few backups and such the M.I.L decided to convert it to a dry well because of the expense of a drain field or anything else that was available. She knew she was selling the house in the future and didn't want to cost of updating. She then sold the house and moved to a section of property she owned in the woods ad she decided to go with the dry well again and just have it pumped. Her feeling was she could be frugal enough with water that it wouldn't cost too much doing it that way because she is there all by herself. Personally I think she is nuts but that is due to more than just the septic deal.

What type of soil do you have? have you spoken with any neighbors about what type they have and any problems they came across that might help you? I know here in the farm belt the county has been mandating mounds for a long time.