12-31-2009, 03:51 PM
quote:Thanks for the explanation.
Originally posted by Wao nahele kane
A septic system should be done by licensed contractors only; however, a cesspool would be well within the ability of the OB and should be acceptable.
The septic system licensed contractor is to insure that this potential community health hazard system is done properly and the licensed contractor would be ultimately responsible for a failure of this system. Because a septic system is more complex with regard to methane gas entrapment and handling it is not something that should be allowed to be preformed by the OB.
But when the system is installed, it's inspected to ensure it meets all applicable codes and safety standards. If it passes inspection it should meet codes regardless who installed it. If it fails, the contractor or the O/B need to fix the problem. The inspection determines if it is or isn't approved. Who installed it has no bearing on what the inspection should encompass and it has no bearing on responsibility should something go wrong.
I don’t understand how you can argue against requirements to use a license contractor for some trades yet in the same breath argue for protectionism and requirement to use another trade. If it's not installed to codes and standards, and it fails inspection, it fails. If it passes inspection, it passes. If the O/B install a septic system to all applicable codes and health standards, and it passes inspection, obviously it's not that complicated and they should have the right to do it themselves.
You have essentially created protectionism for the licensed septic contractor just like the protectionism you argue against for the electric/plumbing trade. If the codes and inspection is to be the final judge of quality and approval for all other aspects of building a residential building, why are you wanting government protection of the licensed septic contractors?