Useful links

The Christopher Bryant Co. LLC

Check Out Some Useful Links

The team at The Christopher Bryant Co has compiled a few links of institutions that deal with healthy and safe sanitation practices in Connecticut. Please review them for your reference.


The Chatham Health District — Serving the towns of East Haddam, East Hampton, Haddam, Hebron, Marlborough, and Portland.


The Farmington Valley Health District — Located in Canton, CT, this is the local health department serving the towns of Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, East Granby, Farmington, Granby, Hartland, New Hartford, and Simsbury.


The Northeast District Department of Health — Serving Brooklyn, Canterbury, Borough of Danielson, Eastford, Hampton, Killingly, Plainfield, Pomfret, Putnam, Sterling, Thompson, Union, and Woodstock.


The Eastern Highlands Health District — Serving Andover, Ashford, Bolton, Chaplin, Columbia, Coventry, Mansfield, Scotland, Tolland, and Willington.


The North Central District Health Department — Serving Enfield, Ellington, East Windsor, Windsor Locks, Suffield, Vernon, Windham, and Stafford.


The Torrington Area Health District — Serving Bantam, Borough of Litchfield, Litchfield, Goshen, Harwinton, Morris, Torrington, Bethlehem, Thomaston, Cornwall, Warren, Winsted, Kent, Salisbury, Norfolk, Watertown, Plymouth, Canaan, North Canaan, and Middlebury.


Bristol-Burlington Health District


The Metropolitan District (MDC) — Each property owner in the towns of Bloomfield, East Hartford, Hartford, Newington, Rocky Hill, West Hartford, Wethersfield, and Windsor is eligible to be reimbursed for the cost of septic tank pumping up to a maximum of $180 every three years.


Christopher Bryant Company is a member of COWRA (Connecticut Onsite Wastewater Association).

  • How does a septic system work?

    A septic system consists of six main components. First, a house sewer line transports waste to the septic tank. The tank then allows solids to settle while liquids remain. Since 2000, all septic tanks have included outlet baffle filters that need cleaning during tank pumping. Distribution piping then carries effluent from the tank. A liquid distribution box may be used to evenly distribute effluent through the leaching system. Finally, the leaching system, which can include fields, trenches, pits, beds, or galleries, purifies the effluent by filtering it through soil.

  • How often should the septic tank be cleaned?

    For an average-sized family of four to five members, septic tanks typically require cleaning every two years. However, larger families or homes with food disposal systems may need more frequent cleaning to maintain optimal system performance.

  • Why do I need to have my septic tank cleaned?

    Regular septic tank cleaning is essential to prevent the buildup of undigested material, known as sludge. While bacterial action breaks down some solids, sludge accumulates over time and must be removed. If not pumped out regularly, these solids can reach high levels and be carried into the absorption field, potentially clogging pipes, stone, and surrounding soil.

  • Does the number of bedrooms in the house impact the size of the system I should have?

    Indeed, the number of bedrooms does influence the required septic system size. For instance, a 4-5 bedroom house typically requires a 1250-1500 gallon tank. The average water usage is estimated at 60 gallons per person per day. If occupancy exceeds the average for the dwelling size or if the septic tank is smaller than state regulations, biennial cleaning is recommended until experience indicates a longer interval is suitable.

  • What are some of the causes of septic system failure?

    Septic system failure can result from several factors. These include neglecting regular inspections and cleanings, lack of understanding about proper system use, and poor soil conditions or inadequate system design and installation.

  • What are the signs of septic failure?

    Indicators of septic system failure include noticeable sewage odors, visible sewage discharge on the ground, wet or muddy patches in your lawn, unusually lush green grass, slow-draining fixtures in bathrooms or kitchens, sewage backup into your house, and sewage flowing back from the leach field into the tank, which can be observed during tank cleaning.

  • What can I do to prevent any septic failure?

    To prevent septic failure, ensure regular cleaning of your system. Avoid disposing of grease and coffee grounds down drains. Additionally, refrain from flushing items such as diapers, cooking fats, paper towels, cigarette butts, personal wipes, and feminine products down the toilet. These practices help maintain your septic system's efficiency and longevity.

  • What do I do if my septic fails and who do I contact?

    In the event of septic failure, first contact your town sanitarian or health officer for guidance, as pumping and cleaning alone may not resolve the issue. Next, reach out to a qualified septic repair company, ensuring they are licensed and well-recommended. We recommend verifying if the contractor is a COWRA member, as these professionals are committed to high standards and stay updated on current methods through continuing education.