Septic Services

As a certified septic system installer and inspector, Legacy Contracting wants to share with you the following information regarding Septic Systems. We are also a Maryland licensed Sand Mound Installer with continuing education in alternative systems and are ready to provide next day perc tests when necessary.

Septic systems treat and disperse relatively small volumes of wastewater from individual or small numbers of homes and commercial buildings. Septic system regulation is usually a state and local responsibility. EPA provides information to homeowners and assistance to state and local governments to improve the management of septic systems to prevent failures that could harm human health and water quality. Legacy Contracting recommends that every septic system be checked before purchase and every two years thereafter.

Information for Homeowners

If your septic tank failed, or you know someone whose did, you are not alone. As a homeowner, you are responsible for maintaining your septic system. Proper septic system maintenance will help keep your system from failing and will help maintain your investment in your home. Failing septic systems can contaminate the ground water that you or your neighbors drink and can pollute nearby rivers, lakes and coastal waters.

Ten simple steps you can take to keep your septic system working properly.

1. Locate your septic tank and drain field. Keep a drawing of these locations in your records.
2. Have your septic system inspected at least every two years. Legacy is happy to propose a maintenance contract for your home.
3. Pump your septic tank as needed (generally every two years). Legacy can help with this too!
4. Never dispose of household hazardous wastes in sinks or toilets.
5. Keep other household items, such as dental floss, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and cat litter out of your system.
6. Use water efficiently.
7. Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the system (see photo to the right). Also, do not apply manure or fertilizers over the drain field.
8. Keep vehicles and livestock off your septic system. The weight can damage the pipes and tank and your system may not drain properly under compacted soil.
9. Keep gutters and basement sump pumps from draining into or near your septic system.
10. Check with your local health department before using additives.

Note: Commercial septic tank additives do not eliminate the need for periodic pumping and can be harmful to your system.

How does it work?

A typical septic system has four main components: a pipe from the home, a septic tank, a drain field, and the soil. Microbes in the soil digest or remove most contaminants from wastewater before it eventually reaches groundwater. The septic tank is a buried, watertight container typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. It holds the wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle out (forming sludge) and oil and grease to float to the surface (as scum). It also allows partial decomposition of the solid materials. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet in the septic tank prevent the sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling into the drain field area. Screens are also recommended to keep solids from entering the drain field. The wastewater exits the septic tank and is discharged into the drain field for further treatment by the soil. Microorganisms in the soil provide final treatment by removing harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients.



Your septic system is your responsibility!

Did you know that as a homeowner you're responsible for maintaining your septic system? Did you know that maintaining your septic system protects your investment in your home? Did you know that you should periodically inspect your system and pump out your septic tank? If properly designed, constructed, and maintained, your septic system can provide long-term, effective treatment of household wastewater. If your septic system isn't maintained, you might need to replace it, costing you thousands of dollars. A malfunctioning system can contaminate groundwater that might be a source of drinking water. And if you sell your home, your septic system must be in good working order.

Pump frequently...

You should have your septic system inspected at least every two years by a professional and your tank pumped as necessary (generally every two years).

Use water efficiently...

Average indoor water use in the typical single-family home is almost 70 gallons per person per day. Dripping faucets can waste about 2,000 gallons of water each year. Leaky toilets can waste as much as 200 gallons each day. The more water a household conserves, the less water enters the septic system.

Flush responsibly...

Dental floss, feminine hygiene products, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, and other kitchen and bathroom items can clog and potentially damage septic system components. Flushing household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze and paint can stress or destroy the biological treatment taking place in the system or might contaminate surface waters and groundwater.

How do I maintain my septic system?

Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the drain field.

Don't drive or park vehicles on any part of your septic system. Doing so can compact the soil in your drain field or damage the pipes, tank, or other septic system components.

Keep roof drains, basement sump pump drains, and other rainwater or surface water drainage systems away from the drain field. Flooding the drain field with excessive water slows down or stops treatment processes and can cause plumbing fixtures to back up.

Why should I maintain my septic system?

A key reason to maintain your septic system is to save money! Failing septic systems are expensive to repair or replace, and poor maintenance is often the culprit. Having your septic system inspected (at least every 2 years) is a bargain when you consider the cost of replacing the entire system. Typically, your system will need pumping every 2 years, depending on how many people live in the house and the size of the system. An unusable septic system or one in disrepair will lower your property's value and could pose a legal liability. Other good reasons for safe treatment of sewage include preventing the spread of infection and disease and protecting water resources. Typical pollutants in household wastewater are nitrogen phosphorus, and disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Nitrogen and phosphorus are aquatic plant nutrients that can cause unsightly algae blooms. Excessive nitrate-nitrogen in drinking water can cause pregnancy complications, as well as methemoglobinemia (also known as blue baby syndrome) in infancy. Pathogens can cause communicable diseases through direct or indirect body contact or ingestion of contaminated water or shellfish. If a septic system is working properly, it will effectively remove most of these pollutants.

Legacy Contracting is fast becoming a leading septic service provider in Carroll, Howard and Baltimore Counties Maryland. Septic repairs are seldom foreseen and budgeted. Legacy wants to be the one you turn to during these difficult times. With financing options available and a great working relationship with the county's health departments we can help to get this critical system up and running.

Legacy will not direct you to contracting for unnecessary repairs, nor will we underplay the importance of having a functional and trustworthy septic system. Our Septic Team has years of experience and you'll know immediately that you're in good hands.

Give Legacy the opportunity to bid your septic requirement. You'll be so glad that you did.

FREE Septic System Upgrades

If you own a septic system, you can get a FREE upgrade to make sure it removes harmful pollution while at the same time protecting and extending the life of your septic system. The new equipment, the installation, and 5 years of maintenance are absolutely free -- 100 percent of your costs are paid through the Bay Restoration Fund.

The state of Maryland offers this program. Click here for more information and to apply.

Legacy Contracting is fast becoming a leading septic service provider in Carroll, Howard and Baltimore Counties Maryland. Septic repairs are seldom foreseen and budgeted. Legacy wants to be the one you turn to during these difficult times. With financing options available and a great working relationship with the county's health departments we can help to get this critical system up and running. Legacy will not direct you to contracting for unnecessary repairs, nor will we underplay the importance of having a functional and trustworthy septic system. Our Septic Team has years of experience and you'll know immediately that you're in good hands.

We are also a Maryland licensed Sand Mound Installer with continuing education in alternative systems and are ready to provide next day perc tests when necessary.

Give Legacy the opportunity to bid your septic requirement. You'll be so glad that you did.

Septic Photos

Carroll County Public Schools Chocolate Ball
Date: February 11, 2012