This clean toilet wouldn't look or smell so clean. We would have a lot more feces in places it shouldn't be and paying a heavy amount in both external and internal costs. This is why it is important for homeowners to maintain a proper care system year-round. If it's too late and you need an entire new treatment system (or if you're constructing one for a new home), lucky for you I know just how to do it. First, you need to make sure you contact your local health district about STS (sewage treatment systems) permits or when you start to develop a land development plan. The staff will come to the site for evaluation. Also, review the Know How to Select a Home Site fact sheet. Next, to determine how much usable soil is present and where it is located, a complete evaluation of the soil on the property is needed, so obtain a site and soil evaluation. Then you may begin to work with an STS designer to analyze the different types of systems available for your land. More than one system may be suitable so before you make your final decision, be sure to carefully evaluate all system costs. After that, get quotes and bids from registered STS contractors. Always make sure you have a written contract and have fully discussed all steps of the construction process and services the contractor will provide. Once you have chosen a contractor and construction has begun, try to watch as much of the construction as possible, even documenting the installation with pictures. The local health district will then perform a final inspection and either approve or disapprove of the installation. Work with the system contractor and your local health district if problems occur (it's their job to protect you and the public health). Finally, keep up with proper operations and maintenance to ensure optimal usage. If you have any further questions, please visit the Ohio Department of Health's Sewage Treatment Systems Program page. As always, may your life be like toilet paper, long and useful!
