Septic Repairs
Andrews-Perry Construction is a septic system contractor and we have been designing, installing and performing septic repair services since 1988. We have the experience and strive to make the process worry-free for our customers. If you suspect a problem with your septic system or you have been told your septic system is failing, an evaluation of the problem is needed to determine the best course of action. Every situation and site is different so in addition to the information found on our website, we are available by telephone to speak with you and help you understand your particular situation.
Minor vs Major RepairsMinor septic repairs typically entail a small amount of hand digging and minimal mess to make the repair.
Major septic repairs include septic tank replacement and/or installation of new leaching area and will require the use of heavy excavating equipment. Disruption to your yard, although unsightly for a couple of days, can all be restored to its original beauty with a little bit of effort. We can import topsoil to top dress the disturbed area, provide finish grading and seed application or you may prefer to use your existing landscaping service. Either way, we will work with you to provide the services you desire. |
Replacing distribution box; a minor repair.
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Typical Minor Repairs
Typical Major Repairs
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Warning Signs and Evaluation
If you suspect a problem with your septic system or you have been told that your septic system is failing, a Septic Evaluation is the next step. Evaluating the problem and determining a course of action is a step-by-step process.
Gaining an understanding of the problem you are experiencing helps to guide the recommendations and septic repair process. A site visit will be recommended and you will want to disclose as much information as possible about the following conditions:
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• Ponding, wet, mushy spots in the yard or exceptionally green grass over the leaching area
• Visible sewage coming to the surface. Typically referred to as a “blowout” and hazardous to people, pets and the environment • Sewage backups through the interior plumbing • Foul odors outdoors • Fluids flowing back into the septic tank from the leaching area during a septic tank cleanout (this can be an indication that the leaching area is not adequately handling the fluids) • Septic tank is cracked |
If the recommended repair involves replacement of the septic tank or leaching area, we work in conjunction with you and the local health department to gather the necessary data relative to your site in order to provide the appropriate remedy that conforms to current health codes. The following additional information will be needed.
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• Number of bedrooms in the home (the number of bedrooms dictates the size of the septic tank)
• Use of a garbage disposal (existence of a garbage disposal often increases the required tank size) • Use of a water softener system - CT Health Code prohibits water softener discharge from entering the septic tank. Read more here and here. • Known drainage issues on the property • Soil and percolation data on the property (Read more on this below) |
Evaluating a septic system for a real estate sale / transfer of ownership may differ from the process described on this page. Follow this link to learn more about a Septic System Inspection for a real estate sale.
Deep Hole / Perc TestingDeep hole and percolation tests are typically required by the health department and are used to:
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Deep Hole TestingDeep hole testing involves digging an 8' hole to view soil layers to determine the restrictive layers, if any. It is typically necessary to hire an excavation company, such as Andrews-Perry to dig the required test holes.
Deep hole testing is also conducted and observed by your local health department sanitarian or a licensed engineer. There are fees associated with this testing, please inquire. |
Percolation TestingPercolation testing requires the digging of test holes 18" to 24" deep using a post hole digger. Water is introduced into each hole and is measured as "minutes per inch" representing the time it takes for the column of water to drain. The quicker water passes through the soil, the smaller the leaching area can be. Percolation testing must be conducted and observed by your local health department sanitarian or a licensed engineer. We will arrange this for you. There are fees associated with this testing, please inquire.
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Septic System Design
In the majority of cases, Andrews-Perry Construction can design your septic system and submit the design for approval to your local health department. There are some situations in which a health department may require an engineer to handle the design. There are a variety of septic system designs ranging from basic stone and pipe trenches, proprietary galley type systems and pump systems to name a few. The design of your system is dictated by many factors including but not limited to: percolation and soil data, current technical standards, number of bedrooms and location of nearby wells.
If you are in a town served by Torrington Area Health District (TAHD) then you may be required to have a licensed engineer design your septic system. Of course we will still guide you throughout the process, however TAHD may not accept septic system designs by licensed septic installers.
If you are in a town served by Torrington Area Health District (TAHD) then you may be required to have a licensed engineer design your septic system. Of course we will still guide you throughout the process, however TAHD may not accept septic system designs by licensed septic installers.
Obtaining Quotes
Once you have an approved septic design either from us or from an engineer, it is time to obtain quotes for the work.
Andrews-Perry provides free quotations for all work. Your quote will be based on the septic design as approved by the local health department. Ours is a personal approach. We want you, our customer, to be informed. We welcome your questions. We take the time to explain the process to you so you will know what to expect.
Andrews-Perry provides free quotations for all work. Your quote will be based on the septic design as approved by the local health department. Ours is a personal approach. We want you, our customer, to be informed. We welcome your questions. We take the time to explain the process to you so you will know what to expect.
On-Site Installation
A typical septic system installation takes 3 to 5 days to complete. While there may be much commotion going on in the yard, your bathroom facilities remain completely operational during most all of this time. It is only a matter of an hour or two while disconnecting the old septic tank and reconnecting the new septic tank that we will ask you to avoid using the water or flushing the toilets.
Go to our Septic Installation page to see photos using proprietary leaching units.
Go to our Septic Installation page to see photos using proprietary leaching units.
Andrews-Perry Construction is fully insured.
Our employees hold the following licenses in the State of Connecticut:
CT Home Improvement Contractor - License #HIC0564685
Sub-Surface Sewage Installer - #33.003575, #33.005026, #33.005862
Sub-Surface Sewage Cleaner - #005458, #005631
P-7 Plumbing & Piping Limited Contractor - #PLM0208599, #PLM0283698
For license verification, visit CT Licensing Verification
Our employees hold the following licenses in the State of Connecticut:
CT Home Improvement Contractor - License #HIC0564685
Sub-Surface Sewage Installer - #33.003575, #33.005026, #33.005862
Sub-Surface Sewage Cleaner - #005458, #005631
P-7 Plumbing & Piping Limited Contractor - #PLM0208599, #PLM0283698
For license verification, visit CT Licensing Verification