Septic System - Sewage Disposal

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  Documents On Demand
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  Open Gov (Online Permitting)

Can I get a copy of the sketch of the location of my well and/or septic system?
Yes, Health department files are always available for viewing on the public computers located outside the Land Use Offices in the hallway and on the town website via documents on demand under agenda/minutes. Or you can request the file during the hours open to the public.

If I plan to put an addition on my house do I have to upgrade my septic system?
Any addition to your house even if the footprint is not changed will probably require testing for a code compliant septic system. This may include finishing the attic or basement or increasing the living space. Additional improvements such as swimming pools, garages, pool houses, shed or modifying the soil may require testing as of August 1998, per Section 19-13-B100a of the Public Health Code. Testing is done by a licensed septic installer or professional engineer and witnessed by the Health Department.

How often should I pump my septic tank?
Tanks should be pumped on a regular schedule. Two years is generally a good rule of thumb. The schedule may vary widely depending on the size of the system relative to the house, the number of occupants and the age of the system. Generally the older systems are smaller and may require the tank to be pumped more often and the newer systems are larger and may not need pumping as often.

Can I have a garbage disposal if I'm on a septic system?
Yes provided that your septic tank is properly sized since the CT Public Health Code requires an additional 250 gallons of storage in the septic tank for each garbage disposal. The state health department does not recommend installing a garbage disposal unit since it will limit the storage capacity of the tank and will likely compromise the function of the tank and drainage fields.

Will septic tank additives be beneficial to my septic system?
There is no product on the market that is approved by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the State Health Department or local health departments. The products range from having no effect on the septic system to a detrimental effect by destroying bacterial action in the tank or polluting the soils and groundwater.
Helpful Links: 

What a Homebuyer Should Know
Septic Systems 101
Sewage Backups-DPH Fact Sheet
Septic Smart- EPA Flyer
Pump Chamber Details  
Water Treatment Wastewater (WTW) Guidelines
CT Public Health Code Technical Standards
Silt fence installation instructions