Important facts on Sewage treatment on Georgia Mountain Land and North Carolina mountain cabins

Important facts on capacity, type, and age of septic systems on Georgia Mountain Land and North Carolina mountain cabins.

Does the lot have a suitable site for changing, repairing or adding the system? This can be a significant problem on lots that are smaller then an acre. Regardless, expansion or repair of the drain field must maintain a minimum setback of as much as 100 feet from surface waters or streams, depending upon the water quality classification assigned by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Is the drain field site adequately protected from surface and subsurface (groundwater flow)? Surface run off from up slope areas, roof drains, roads, and spring outlets can rapidly cause a septic system to fail.

Septic systems are designed to handle only the wastewater from the home. The county health department can help you answer these questions. You can also do some simple checks yourself. Run the water in the house and watch the lowest plumbing fixture ( A drain or toilet in the basement), for sewage backup. Outside, unusually lush, dark, green grass or vegetation, as well as moist areas over the drain field, indicate that the sewage may not be absorbed properly and that system rehabilitation may be needed. Check water drainage on the property during or right after a heavy rain. Raw sewage from a failing septic system may rise to the surface and stink during rainy periods.

Coming soon a section on Flood plains or water constraints on the property with additional discussion about building lots.