Town and state requirements for installation or replacement of your septic system

When you install or replace a septic system, there are many phases that must be completed and inspected/approved by the town you live in and the State of NH DES, Subsurface Bureau.

1.  Call a RCI Septic Service to pump your septic tank. We can confirm that you have a problem with your septic system.
2. RCI does septic system installations. We are licensed in the State of NH. We do have a licensed septic system designer that we work with, however, you may chose to use a different designer. Please keep in mind that if you hire your own designer, ensure that he is licensed & in good standing with the State of NH DES, Subsurface Bureau. Please also know that if you choose to hire a septic system designer on your own, that designer is responsible for many of the steps noted going forward.  The septic system installer (RCI Septic Service) cannot proceed with any installation or repair without the proper permits and approvals – that must be obtained by the septic system designer. There are several points within the installation/replacement which require physical inspection by the town, and/or the State of NH DES Subsurface Bureau.
3. A test pit must be dug beside the existing leaching area to determine the distance between the bottom of the leaching area and the seasonal high water table. This test pit is to be inspected by the town health officer or other local official responsible for health code enforcement. The official must prepare a written statement verifying that the existing system is in failure. This statement must be submitted to the State of NH DES with the application to replace the existing system.
4. Once the system is designed, a set of plans are submitted to the Town for review to insure that it meets town requirements.
5. After approved by the town, it is then forwarded to the State of NH DES Subsurface Bureau for their review and hopefully approval; State of NH DES requires four copies of the plans.
6. After the system has been approved by both the town and the state, the septic system can be installed.
7. Once installed, the septic system designer must contact the State of NH DES Subsurface Bureau to have bed bottom inspected.
8. Upon approval by State of NH DES Subsurface Bureau, the septic system can be back-filled.
9. There must be a final inspection by the State of NH DES Subsurface Bureau.