Septic System Installations Phippsburg, Maine

Septic System Installations in Maine

New Septic System Installations in Phippsburg, Maine
We specialize in new residential septic system design and installations

Are you building a new home or developing a parcel of rural land that doesn’t connect to the municipal sewer system? Maybe you have an existing septic system that is beyond repair and is now in need of proper redesign and replacement?

C&C Construction and Septic Services is based out of Phippsburg, Maine and serving Sagadahoc County and the surrounding area. We specialize in conventional septic system installations for residential and commercial new construction projects or the replacement of existing septic systems.  We can design and install a trouble-free septic system suitable for the intended use and size of your household or building.

There are thousands septic systems in Maine and with lots of development happening in rural areas septic systems are going to remain a popular method for treating wastewater.

Septic System Installations Phippsburg, Maine

  • New septic system installations
  • Conventional septic system installations
  • Aerobic septic system installations
  • Mound septic system installations
  • Septic system repairs
  • Septic drainfield repairs and installations

What Are The Steps And Permit Fees For A New Septic System Installation?

If it’s been determined that your system needs to be replaced or a new installation is required for your new construction project the first step in the process is to hire an registered septic engineer to evaluate your property and design a septic system that would be adequate for your particular property and wastewater treatment needs.

After you’ve hired an engineer the next step is usually a “perc” test otherwise known as a percolation test. The perc test is a useful tool in measuring the rate at which water is absorbed or dispersed into the ground where your septic system will be installed.  The perc test basically determines whether the soil has suitable drainage for a septic system or not.  The engineer will design your septic system based upon the results of the perc test, the size of your home or building, and how many bedrooms and/or bathrooms you have.

Common Types Of Septic Systems Installed In Maine

In Maine, the most common types of septic systems are conventional systems, which include the standard septic tank and leach field, drain field, or soil absorption system, as well as alternative systems designed to treat and disperse wastewater more effectively in challenging site conditions. Some of the alternative systems commonly used in Maine also include:

  1. Mound systems: These systems are used when the soil depth is insufficient for a conventional leach field, or when the water table is too high. A mound system uses a sand mound to raise the leach field above the natural soil surface, providing additional treatment and reducing the risk of groundwater contamination.
  2. Chamber systems: A chamber system is a type of leach field that uses plastic chambers instead of traditional perforated pipes and gravel. These chambers provide more storage capacity for wastewater and can be more easily installed in difficult soil conditions or tight spaces.
  3. Aerobic treatment units (ATUs): ATUs use aeration to promote the growth of aerobic bacteria, which can break down wastewater contaminants more effectively than anaerobic bacteria found in standard septic tanks. ATUs are often used when the available area for a leach field is limited or when a higher level of treatment is required due to environmental concerns or local regulations.

Between the above systems conventional and aerobic septic systems are the two most common in our area of Maine.  Both systems have distinct characteristics and are designed to treat wastewater in different ways. Here's a brief explanation of the differences between conventional and aerobic septic systems:

Components: Conventional septic systems typically consist of two primary components: a septic tank and a soil absorption field, also known as a drain field or leachfield.

Process: Wastewater flows from the house into the septic tank, where solids settle to the bottom, forming a layer of sludge. The lighter materials, such as grease and oils, rise to the top, forming a layer of scum. The liquid effluent in the middle layer is then discharged to the drain field through a series of perforated pipes.

Treatment: In the drain field, the effluent is treated as it percolates through the soil, which acts as a natural filter, removing harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.

Maintenance: Conventional septic systems require periodic pumping of the septic tank to remove the accumulated sludge and scum. The frequency of pumping depends on factors such as tank size, household size, and water usage.

Components: Aerobic septic systems consist of a pretreatment tank, an aeration chamber, and a disinfection or clarification chamber. Some systems also include a pump tank to disperse the treated wastewater to a drain field or other disposal method.

Process: Wastewater first enters the pretreatment tank, where solids settle out, similar to a conventional septic tank. The liquid effluent then flows to the aeration chamber, where air is pumped into the chamber to promote the growth of aerobic bacteria.

Treatment: The aerobic bacteria break down the organic matter in the wastewater, converting it into carbon dioxide, water, and other byproducts. The treated wastewater then flows to the disinfection or clarification chamber, where any remaining contaminants are removed before the effluent is discharged.

Maintenance: Aerobic septic systems require more frequent maintenance than conventional systems, as they involve more mechanical components, such as pumps and aerators, which need regular inspection and servicing. Additionally, aerobic systems may require periodic replenishment of chlorine or other disinfectants to ensure proper treatment of the wastewater.

In summary, conventional septic systems rely on gravity and natural soil processes for wastewater treatment, while aerobic systems use forced aeration and additional treatment stages to achieve a higher level of wastewater treatment. The choice between these two systems depends on factors such as site conditions, local regulations, and the homeowner's preferences and budget.

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) provide regulations and guidelines for the design, installation, and maintenance of septic systems in the state.  We can help you navigate the specific septic system requirements for your property.

Why Choose C&C Construction and Septic Services For Your Septic Installation Project?

When you choose C&C Construction and Septic Services for your septic project you are partnering with a small local business that has been serving the Sagadahoc County area for many years.  We are also licensed and insured to be working on your septic system.

Our goal is provide you with a working septic system that will be trouble-free for many years to come with just regular maintenance.  We rely on our word of mouth advertising from happy clients for our business to grow and your project will be treated with the utmost of attention and care so you’ll be just as happy with our work!

If you’d like to receive an estimate for your septic system installation please give us a call (207) 751-3715 or fill out our contact form and we’ll get right back to you.