Here’s a typical New Hampshire dry well that is still functioning. This system was installed in the late 1960s just before traditional stone and pipe systems were developed. The state of New Hampshire will no longer allow these systems to be repaired so once the go into failure a new system must be designed, approved by the state and installed by licensed contractors. A typical system can start at 10K, making it probably the most expensive single component to a home.
One of the most important aspects of my septic inspection is the tank cover. The one pictured here is in good condition but I have seen many covers that have deteriorated over time. Concrete covers will, over time, crack, especially where the steel handle is attached. The steel will corrode and expand cracking the cover. This poses an extreme safety hazards for my clients. As you can see, this cover is at grade. If someone stood on a cover similar to this that was deteriorated it could collapse and that person could become trapped inside the tank.
Note how close this cover is to grade. Fortunately this cover is in good condition and I’m not worried about it collapsing into the tank.
