Septic Design - Is hiring a professional septic designer worth it?

There are many people to choose from when you are looking for a septic system designer. The list includes:

• Part time people who design sand mounds on the side.

• Sewage Enforcement Officers (SEO’s) who design septic systems outside the area of their jurisdiction to supplement their SEO income.

• Professional designers.

At the time of this article, January 2010, the average price for a residential septic design in central PA has quite a range as well. All of these people are capable of designing a system and enable you to get a sewage permit. Who you choose is completely up to you.

How to Choose a Designer – Some Considerations

Things you should consider before you choose a designer for your septic system:

1. How close is the designer to my septic site?

2. How many systems has a particular person/company designed?

3. Will they stand behind their design?

4. Can they offer me design options?

5. Will their design and drawings be accurate?

6. Will they treat me professionally and communicate with me so I can understand?

Let’s Look at the Answers One at a Time.

1. The time and distance required for the designer to travel to your site will most likely be reflected in their price. It may also affect how responsive they will be. You may want to target designers within a 25 mile radius, or more if you live in a very rural area.

2. The number of systems someone has successfully designed can be a reflection of their relative experience. The more experienced they are the more efficient and confident they will be.

3. Ask the potential designer if they will stand behind their design. If they answer quickly with a positive reply you probably have nothing to worry about. But if they hesitate and start groping for words, I’d stay away.

4. Not all designers can offer options like sand filters, peat tanks, siphon systems or drip dispersal systems. Not all options make sense nor do they deserve consideration for each site. But knowing when to consider these options can save you real money by eliminating a pump, sand or topsoil, etc. when it comes to construction and future maintenance.

5. I have heard stories of folks who run into problems after their system is constructed by discovering that it was built partly on the neighbor’s property. This can lead to legal battles and easements that need purchased to allow the system to stay where it is. All of this extra hassle wastes time and money. Accurate drawings and designs will prevent these situations.

6. You will know the minute you speak to them on the phone, or in how quickly they respond to your voice mail message. I have designed many systems where my client has told me that I was the only one who got back to them, or that they liked my approach and the options I could offer.

You can choose anyone you want. Look around on the internet. Ask your neighbors and ask local contractors. They will often know which designs they liked and which ones were hard to work with. Then call a couple designers in your area and ask your questions. After all they will be working for you.

Wentz & Webster Engineering has successfully designed dozens of septic systems in north central PA. We will treat you professionally and stand behind everything we design. We have state of the art survey and computer drafting equipment to ensure accurate drawings done efficiently. Historically our design fees have been right in the middle of the pack. If you need a septic designer, give us a call.