Public Health Question

Presented By
Monmouth County Regional Health Commission No. 1

November 2018

 How do I handle a repair of my septic system?

Answer:

This question can be addressed in 2 parts.

Part 1: Am I permitted to do the work myself or do I need to hire a contractor?

N.J.A.C. 7:9A “Standards for Individual Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems” governs all types of septic systems from cesspools to high- tech alternative design systems.

Section 1.6 “General Prohibitions” states that “a person shall not install, construct, alter, or repair an individual subsurface sewage disposal system without first obtaining the necessary permits, approvals or certifications as required by this chapter.” That’s pretty straight forward, but in addition to this requirement, MCRHC passed an ordinance October 27, 2015 which requires a registration process for anyone planning to install or repair a septic system. The registration form, which is available on this website, requests references from engineers and builders who have knowledge of your work as an installer. Proof of liability insurance is also required. Most homeowners would not be able to comply with these requirements unless they are licensed contractors.

Part 2: Do I need to hire an Engineer?

To answer this question, we need to know what part of the septic system is malfunctioning?
If any part of the disposal field requires repair, an engineer must certify that 1) the repaired disposal bed “will adequately treat and dispose of the estimated volume of sewage, and 2) the repair will correct the malfunction.

If components other than the disposal bed need to be replaced such as the septic tank, the repair can be done without the services of a design engineer as long as the repair is made “in a manner that restores and preserves the original design and does not change the original location, size, capacity, type, or number of components of the system.” In other words, the failing part(s) must be replaced with a new component that is exactly the same.

If it is not possible to repair the system in this manner, then an “alteration” is needed. Alterations change the original design of the system and always need the services of a design professional. Plans and specifications signed and sealed by the design professional and an application (available at www.mcrhc.org) will need to be submitted to the Health Department for approval prior to any work being performed on the system.