Septic Design Service in Eastern Massachusetts
Are you a Massachusetts homeowner who needs help with a failed Title 5 septic system, new septic design, or a septic system upgrade? If so, Chongris Engineering is your go-to expert for septic system design in eastern Massachusetts.
We work with homeowners at every stage of the process, whether you’re responding to a Title 5 failure, planning new construction, or upgrading an older system to meet current Title 5 regulations.
We’re a full-service civil engineering firm working with clients in Georgetown, Wayland, Acton, and more. Because septic system design requirements can vary by town, soil conditions, and lot constraints, we take a site-specific approach to every project. And when you work with us, we’ll make sure to provide you with
- Free, no commitment estimates on your septic design project
- Fast turnaround times so you can move your septic design project forward
- Low-impact septic designs that account for your unique situation while minimizing environmental impact
- Affordable, transparent pricing so your project can stay on time and on budget
Our team regularly works with homeowners throughout Georgetown, Wayland, Acton, and surrounding Massachusetts communities, giving us firsthand experience with local Boards of Health and permitting requirements.
As part of our septic design services, we also offer soil evaluations and percolation testing – both of which are required by Title 5 for septic system designs.
These soil evaluations allow us to assess soil suitability, groundwater conditions, and system placement to ensure your septic system is properly designed and fully compliant with Massachusetts Title 5 regulations.
We understand that septic projects can feel overwhelming, especially when permits, inspections, and regulatory approvals are involved. That’s why we take the time to explain the process, answer your questions, and help you move forward with confidence.
So no matter what type of septic system design project you’re working on, we’re here to help. When you work with us, we stay involved throughout the entire process—from initial soil testing through approved septic design plans, permitting, and project completion.
Ready to discuss how we can help with your septic design? Give us a call today. We’re happy to review your situation, provide guidance, and help you take the next step toward a reliable, title 5 compliant septic system.
Why work with us on your
septic design project?
Free estimates
Fast permitting
Licensed & Insured
Short lead times
Reliable service
FAQs about Septic Design
I Failed My Title 5 Inspection — What Do I Do Now?
If you are selling your house in Massachusetts and failed your Title 5 inspection, don’t panic — this is very common. Before a property changes hands, Massachusetts Title 5 regulations require an inspection of the existing septic system. If the system is in Title 5 failure, you will need to hire a septic engineer to design a replacement system.
The process is straightforward:
- We perform soil testing (test pits) with the Town present
- A site survey is completed
- We prepare a new septic system design
- The design is submitted to the Town for approval
- Once approved, you select a septic installer to construct the system
We specialize in fast turnaround septic design and can typically move from testing to plan submission very quickly — helping keep real estate transactions on track.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Septic Design?
Once we are under contract, it usually takes about two weeks to schedule soil testing with the Town, since a municipal representative must be present.
After testing is complete, and assuming no wetlands or variances are required, the septic design is typically completed and submitted within another two weeks. More complex sites may take longer, but most standard residential projects move quickly.
How Much Does a Septic Design Cost?
The design phase is typically the least expensive part of the overall septic project. Depending on soil conditions, groundwater depth, wetland constraints, and overall site limitations, septic system design fees generally range from $3,000 to $5,000.
My Property Is Too Small — Can a Septic System Still Fit?
Possibly, yes. Chongris Engineering is licensed to design bottomless sand filters, a modern septic technology that provides excellent wastewater treatment with a much smaller footprint.
In many cases, bottomless sand filters can reduce the required system size by up to 80%, making septic systems feasible on small or constrained lots where a conventional system would not work.
I’m Building an ADU or an Addition — Do I Need a New Septic System?
If your project increases the overall septic system flow, a new or upgraded septic system will be required. Septic systems are designed based on the number of bedrooms, not the size of the house.
When bedrooms are added, the existing system may no longer meet Title 5 requirements. In some cases, especially for ADUs, it may make sense to install a separate, smaller septic system rather than replacing the main system.
Every property is different — give us a call and we’ll walk through your options.
How Much Does a New Septic System Cost?
Septic system installation costs vary based on soil conditions, groundwater depth, site access, and system type.
After soil testing, we can provide a more accurate estimate, but typical installation costs are:
- $25,000–$40,000 for most residential systems
- Up to $60,000 for difficult or highly constrained sites
These numbers reflect construction costs only; design, testing, and permitting are separate.
Will I Need a Mounded or Raised Septic System?
This depends entirely on the depth to groundwater at your property. Under Massachusetts Title 5, the bottom of the septic system must be separated from groundwater by a required vertical distance.
If groundwater is shallow, a raised (mounded) system may be necessary. However, newer Innovative/Alternative (I/A) septic systems can allow reduced separation distances, often minimizing the height and visual impact of a raised system.
What Is the Difference Between a Cesspool and a Septic System?
A cesspool is a pit that serves as both a settling chamber and a leaching system. Cesspools can overload surrounding soils and are ineffective at removing bacteria, viruses, phosphorus, and nitrogen.
A conventional septic system includes:
- A septic tank where solids settle and break down
- A distribution system
- A soil absorption system (SAS) that further treats wastewater
Because cesspools provide minimal treatment, they are no longer permitted for new construction and often trigger Title 5 failure.
How Do I Know If My Septic System Is Having Problems?
Common signs of septic system failure include:
- Muddy soil or pooling wastewater near the septic system
- Sewage odors around the system or inside the home
- Plumbing backups during laundry, showers, or toilet use
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your local Board of Health immediately.