Septic Systems

Shaping Your Earth, One Job at a Time

At Terraform Contracting Inc., we are an experienced septic system repair and replacement company Located in New Hampshire. As a licensed installer for over 15 years, we have repaired or replaced hundreds of septic systems, ensuring that potentially harmful wastewater is continually treated properly. You can trust that our team will take great care to make sure that your septic system is installed properly and timely, with minimal disruption to your daily routine.

Septic systems and often overlooked until they become problematic. Whether it’s your primary dwelling or a camp on the lake, a septic system is a major component of your home. We are here to relieve the burden of a broken or failing septic system and take action to get it operating quickly!

Backed by over 17 years of industry experience, having our team on your side will benefit you with our workmanship, expertise in the industry, and value oriented construction practices. We are licensed septic installers and septic evaluators in New Hampshire.

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What is a Septic System?

A septic system is an underground, onsite wastewater treatment system that is used in areas where a centralized sewer system is not available. Commonly referred to as an Individual Sewage Disposal System or ISDS. The two main components is an ISDS are the septic tank and the drain-field or leachfield.

Septic Tank:

The septic tank is the first step in the wastewater treatment process and is generally a concrete tank where all of the water used in your house flows into. The septic tank is designed to collect the wastewater from the house through the inlet pipe and retain the solid waste, allowing the liquid to flow into the leach field. Once the solids settle in the tank, over time bacteria will break them down into what is referred to as sludge. The lighter solids, grease, and oil, forms a layer that floats on the top of the liquid inside the tank, this is called a scum layer. The liquid wastewater is then clarified in the mid-section of the tank, and flows out into the leach field. Septic tanks should be pumped regularly by a licensed pumper, generally when the total solid accumulation is 1/4 to 1/3 of the total volume of the tank.

Leach Field:

The leach field or EDA is where the liquid wastewater (effluent) is further treated by natural bacteria and soil absorption, and is returned to the groundwater. The leach field can be a traditional pipe and stone system, chambers, or one of the various alternative styles of leach field that are common as well. All leach fields are based on the same principles; effluent flows into the EDA from the septic tank, is dispersed throughout the leaching pipes, is treated by natural bacteria, and then it is absorbed into the surrounding soil. A properly functioning EDA is designed to last for decades, although its useful life may be cut short by overuse, poor maintenance, abuse, or other factors. Proper maintenance is critical to ensuring adequate wastewater treatment and overall system health, increasing longevity.

Helpful Septic System Tips!

Have your tank pumped periodically when solids equal between 1/4 and 1/3 the volume of your tank, usually every 3 or so years
If you have an outlet filter, inspect and clean it annually
Have your pumper inspect your tank each time it is pumped
"Laundry Day" is bad for your septic! Instead of washing all of your laundry in one day, space it out evenly over the course of the week.
Refrain from allowing grease, fats, or oils from going down your drain
Do not dump chemicals, paints, or large volumes of household cleaners down your drain. This will kill the beneficial bacteria in your leach field
Do not plant gardens or shrubs on top of or near your leach field
Ensure trees remain at least 10’ away from your leach field components Root intrusion is a common septic problem and can be costly to repair
Do not drive on your leach field with passenger vehicles, tractors, or farm equipment, unless it is specifically designed for it
Do not cover your leach field with any additional materials
Do not build anything over the top of your leach field
Do not allow water treatment systems or heavily chlorinated water to flow into your leach field
Do not remove or obstruct your “candy cane” vent
Get your tank pumped during the summer to allow for better bacteria growth versus wintertime pumping
If you are unsure of your septic health, contact us for for a septic evaluation evaluation. We offer free septic evaluations to all previous septic install customers!

Septic System FAQ's

What should I do if I notice an odor or wet spot over my leach field?

Does my septic system need to be replaced if there is a problem with it?

What is a rejuvenation?

Do all septic systems have to hump out of the ground?

Do I need a “candy cane” vent on my septic?

We have all seen them sticking up in the middle of the yard. Some homeowners relish the opportunity to put a landscaping feature around it, but others would rather not see them. A vent will extend the life of your septic system by providing proper airflow. We take every opportunity to locate the vent out of the way and disguise it so you never know its there. Several photos of vent disguises or remote vents pictured below.

Do you offer septic pumping?

What is the best type of septic system?

How much does a septic system cost?