Homeowners Seeking Septic System Improvements Have a Flexible Financing Option from Connecticut Green Bank
Successful energy-loan program expands into resilience improvements for homes across Connecticut
HARTFORD, Conn. (March 3, 2026) - The Connecticut Green Bank is pleased to announce a new resource for homeowners facing costly or unexpected septic system repairs or replacement. Through partnerships with participating community banks and credit unions and a network of local contractors, the Green Bank’s Smart-E loan can provide flexible, low-interest financing to help cover these expenses.
“At Drainage Experts LLC, we see firsthand how unexpected septic and drainage issues can place a significant financial burden and stress on homeowners. Partnering with Connecticut Green Bank has allowed us to offer our customers a practical financing option that makes necessary infrastructure repairs and improvements more accessible and less stressful,” said Benjamin Bahler, Managing Member of Drainage Experts, LLC, in Ellington. “Their program gives homeowners the flexibility to move forward with important projects without compromising quality or delaying work that protects their property and the environment.”
The Smart-E loan offers financing up to $50,000 with terms ranging from 5 to 15 years, and competitive interest rates that are not based on borrowers' credit scores (a minimum credit score applies). To be eligible for Smart-E, the home must be owner-occupied with 1-4 units, and the homeowner must meet debt-to-income ratio requirements.
“From a contractor’s perspective, the Connecticut Green Bank team has been professional, responsive, and easy to work with throughout the process,” continued Bahler. “The application and approval experience has been straightforward for our customers, and the clear communication helps ensure everyone understands the scope, timeline, and financing details. Having a trusted financing partner not only supports homeowners but also helps us deliver long-term solutions with confidence. Overall, the program has been a valuable resource for our customers and our business. It allows homeowners to invest in reliable septic and drainage systems while supporting responsible environmental practices. Definitely a win for the homeowner, the contractor, and the community.”
In addition to Drainage Experts, ALT Services LLC in Hamden, Brookfield Septic Service, Inc., in Brookfield, Camarota Sanitation & Excavation in Durham, CT Septic and Inspections LLC in East Haddam, Downies Septic and Excavation LLC in Old Saybrook, New London County Septic Service Inc., in Ledyard, and T & A Mechanical LLC in Brooklyn are also currently offering the Smart-E loan to homeowners seeking financing for septic projects. Any septic contractor in the state can easily become eligible to offer Smart-E. Contractors are encouraged to contact the Green Bank to learn more about the process.
“A working septic system is a non-negotiable item for homeowners, so when upgrades or improvements are needed, we are excited to offer Smart-E as a lending solution to address this important need,” said Barbara Waters, Director of the Smart-E loan program. “This type of project can create financial challenges, but with Smart-E, homeowners have a flexible option to pay to get their system running properly again.”
Since 2013, the Smart-E loan has helped homeowners make energy-related improvements, including adding solar and battery storage, upgrading HVAC systems, and adding insulation. The program was recently expanded to include resiliency-related projects, such as septic systems, wells, basement floodproofing, and lead pipe replacement, to encourage homeowners to make their properties more climate-ready. Properly functioning septic systems can help prevent groundwater and surface water contamination, as well as other public health issues.
In total, more than 300 contractors provide Smart-E to their customers annually, and more than 10,000 homeowners have benefited from the loans.
For more information about Smart-E, please visit https://www.ctgreenbank.com/smarte.
About the Connecticut Green Bank
The Connecticut Green Bank was established by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2011 as the nation’s first state-level green bank and has since supported the creation of nearly 30,000 green jobs in the state, while reducing the energy cost burden on over 75,000 families, businesses, and nonprofits. The Green Bank’s vision is a planet protected by the love of humanity and its mission is to confront climate change by increasing and accelerating investment into Connecticut’s green economy to create more resilient, healthier, and equitable communities. This is accomplished by leveraging limited public resources to scale-up and mobilize private capital investment into Connecticut. In 2017, the Connecticut Green Bank received the Innovations in American Government Award from the Harvard Kennedy School Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation for their “Sparking the Green Bank Movement” entry. In 2021, the Green Bank’s model was expanded to include new areas of environmental infrastructure, related to climate adaptation and resiliency, land conservation, parks and recreation, agriculture, water, waste and recycling, and environmental markets, including carbon offsets and ecosystem services. To date, the Green Bank has mobilized more than $3 billion into the State’s green economy. This has reduced the energy costs for thousands of families and businesses, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change and worsen public health.
For more information about the Connecticut Green Bank, please visit www.ctgreenbank.com.
For More Information, Contact:
Rudy Sturk (rudy.sturk@ctgreenbank.com)