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 Mobile ViewSEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR Septic Guide for Home Buyers or Owners Septic or Sewer Connection? Septic System Design Septic System Designs Master List Septic Inspection Testing Septic Maintenance Repair Septic Component & Product Suppliers Septic Videos AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEMS ALTERNATING BED SEPTIC SYSTEMS BACKUP PREVENTION, SEWER LINE BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS BIOLOGICAL POLLUTANTS in the HOME - EPA BOOKS, RECOMMENDED SEPTIC BOOKSTORE, SEPTIC SYSTEMS CESSPOOLS CESSPOOL SAFETY WARNINGS CHECK VALVES CHEMICALS & TREATMENTS for SEPTICS CHLORINE IN DRINKING WATER CISTERNS CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR FIRST SIGNS of DRAIN CLOGGING DRAIN vs SEPTIC BLOCKED DRAIN? DRAIN DRAINFIELD DIAGNOSTIC TABLE BLOCKED DRAIN REPAIR METHODS PLUMBING DRAIN NOISE DIAGNOSIS PLUMBING DRAIN NOISE REPAIR D BOX TROUBLESHOOTING DEFINITIONS OF SEPTIC SYSTEM TERMS DIFFICULT SEPTIC SITES DISTRIBUTION-BOX INSPECTION, SEPTIC DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS DRIVING or PARKING OVER SEPTIC COMPONENTS? DRYWELL DESIGN & USES FILTERS SEPTIC & GREYWATER FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP FLOODED SEPTIC SYSTEMS, REPAIR GARBAGE DISPOSAL vs SEPTICS GRAVELLESS SEPTIC SYSTEMS GRAVITY/SIPHON DOSING SYSTEMS GREYWATER SYSTEMS HOME BUYERS GUIDE to SEPTIC SYSTEMS 1-INTRODUCTION 2-YOU NEED TO KNOW AND DO 3-SEPTIC SYSTEM COMPONENTS 4-WHAT GOES WRONG 4-1 TANK FAILURES 4-2 PIPING FAILURES 4-3 LEACH FIELD FAILURES 4-4 OTHER SEPTIC TROUBLE SIGNS 5-HOW TO INSPECT & TEST 6-FINAL OVERVIEW SEPTIC FAILURE LAWSUIT HOME SELLERS GUIDE TO SEPTIC INSPECT HOW SEPTIC SYSTEMS WORK LAGOON SEPTIC SYSTEMS LEACHFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS MEDIA FILTER SEPTIC SYSTEMS MOUND SEPTIC SYSTEMS NOISE / SOUND DIAGNOSIS & CURE ODORS & SMELLS DIAGNOSIS & CURE ODOR DIAGNOSIS CHECKLIST ODORLESS CHEMICALS / GASES: CHECK FOR? ODORS, PLUMBING SYSTEM ODORS, SEPTIC or SEWER ODORS, SULPHUR SMELL SOURCES OUTHOUSES & LATRINES PLANTS & TREES OVER SEPTIC SYSTEMS PRESSURE DOSING SEPTIC SYSTEMS RAISED BED SEPTIC SYSTEMS SAND BED SEPTIC SYSTEMS SEEPAGE PITS SEPTIC & CESSPOOL SAFETY SEPTIC AUTHORITIES SEPTIC BACKUP PREVENTION SEPTIC BACKUPS During Heavy System Use SEWER BACKUP PREVENTION SEPTIC BACKUP REPAIR SEPTIC BOOK, ONLINE SEPTIC BOOKSTORE SEPTIC BIOMATS SEPTIC CARE INSTRUCTIONS Septic Guide for Home Buyers or Owners HOME BUYERS GUIDE to SEPTIC SYSTEMS HOME SELLERS GUIDE TO SEPTIC INSPECT HOW DO SEPTIC SYSTEMS WORK? SEPTIC SYSTEM COMPONENTS SEPTIC COMPONENT LOCATION SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE WHY DO SEPTIC SYSTEMS FAIL? HOW LONG SHOULD A SEPTIC SYSTEM LAST? WHAT ARE SIGNS OF A FAILING SEPTIC? HOW TO INSTALL OR REPAIR SEPTICS WHEN TO ADD SEPTIC CAPACITY HOW BIG SHOULD THE SEPTIC TANK BE? HOW BIG SHOULD THE LEACH FIELD BE? WHAT IS GRAY WATER? ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC SYSTEMS SEPTIC CLEARANCE DISTANCES SEPTIC CODES & REFERENCES SEPTIC CONSULTANTS SEPTIC D-BOX INSPECTION SEPTIC DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS SEPTIC DRAINFIELD INSPECTION & TEST SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LIFE SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LOCATION SEPTIC DRAINFIELD RESTORERS? SEPTIC DRAWINGS SEPTIC DYE TEST PROCEDURE WHAT TO DO FIRST ABANDONED or NEW SEPTIC SYSTEM TESTS OUTSIDE SEPTIC INSPECTION IMMEDIATE SEPTIC FAILURE EVIDENCE LOOK FOR SEPTIC COMPONENTS DIFFICULT SEPTIC SITES RECENT SEPTIC WORK SEPTIC SAFETY STEP BY STEP SEPTIC TEST INSIDE SEPTIC TEST STEPS AVOID SEPTIC DYE POWDER CATASTROPHY WATCH FOR INSIDE OUTSIDE SEPTIC TEST STEPS SEPTIC FAILURE CAUSES SEPTIC FAILURE CRITERIA SEPTIC FAILURE SIGNS SEPTIC FAILURE SPOTS SPOTTING SEPTIC DYE BREAKOUTS SEPTIC TEST VOLUMES & DYE AMOUNTS SEPTIC TEST WATER & DYE TABLE SEPTIC TEST FIXTURE FLOW RATE HOW TO SET THE SEPTIC TEST VOLUME REPORTING SEPTIC TEST RESULTS PUMP THE SEPTIC TANK SEPTIC DYE TEST WARNINGS SEPTIC FAILURE LAWSUIT SEPTIC FAILURE SIGNS SEPTIC FIELD INSPECTION SEPTIC FILTERS SEPTIC FLOOD RES SEPTIC INSPECTION BOOK SEPTIC INSPECTION & TEST GUIDE SEPTIC INSPECTION TYPES & LEVELS SEPTIC LIFE EXPECTANCY SEPTIC LIFE MAXIMIZING STEPS SEPTIC METHANE GAS SEPTIC ODORS SEPTIC PUMPS SEPTIC PUMPING REPAIR SEPTIC REFERENCES SEPTIC / CESSPOOL SAFETY SEPTIC SUPPLIES & PARTS SEPTIC SYSTEM DEFINITIONS SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN ALTERNATIVES Master List of Septic System Types ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC DESIGNERS ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC PRODUCTS AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEMS ALTERNATING BED SEPTIC SYSTEMS BIOGAS PRODUCTION & USE CESSPOOLS DISINFECTION SYSTEMS, SEPTIC EFFLUENT DRYWELL DESIGN & USES EVAPORATION-TRANSPIRATION SEPTIC SYSTEMS FILTERS SEPTIC & GREYWATER FIXED-FILM PROCESS SEPTIC SYSTEMS GRAVELLESS SEPTIC SYSTEMS GRAVITY/SIPHON DOSING SYSTEMS GREYWATER SYSTEMS HOLDING TANK SEPTIC SYSTEMS LAGOON SEPTIC SYSTEMS MEDIA FILTER SEPTIC SYSTEMS MOUND SEPTIC SYSTEMS OUTHOUSES & LATRINES PEAT FILTER SEPTICS PRESSURE DOSING SEPTIC SYSTEMS RAISED BED SEPTIC SYSTEMS SAND BED SEPTIC SYSTEMS SEEPAGE PITS SEPTIC SYSTEM PUMPS SEQUENCING BATCH SEPTIC SYSTEMS SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS STEEP SLOPE SEPTIC DESIGNS TOILETS, INSPECT, INSTALL, REPAIR TOILET ALTERNATIVES TOILET TYPES Toilet Types, Flush Methods TOILETS, DON'T FLUSH LIST TRAPS on PLUMBING FIXTURES VEGETATED SUBMERGED SEPTIC BEDS Wastewater Treatment Levels Wastewater Dispersal Methods WETLAND SEPTIC SYSTEMS SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS DRYWELL DESIGN & USES FILTERS SEPTIC & GREYWATER SEEPAGE PITS SEPTIC CLEARANCES SEPTIC SOIL & PERC TESTS SEPTIC TANK SIZE SEPTIC TANK DEPTH SEPTIC TANK TEES SEPTIC DRAINFIELD SIZE SEPTIC DRAINFIELD SHAPE SEPTIC TANK PUMPING FREQUENCY SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE SEPTIC PUMPS SEPTIC TREATMENTS STEEP SLOPE SEPTIC DESIGNS SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN MANUAL - Online SEPTIC SYSTEMS, HOME BUYERS GUIDE to SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & TEST GUIDE SEPTIC SYSTEMS INSPECTION COURSE SEPTIC INSPECTION TYPES & LEVELS ABANDONED or NEW SEPTIC SYSTEM TESTS DISPOSAL vs TREATMENT DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS SEPTIC FAILURE CAUSES SEPTIC FAILURE CRITERIA SEPTIC FAILURE LAWSUIT SEPTIC D-BOX INSPECTION SEPTIC DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LIFE SEPTIC DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LIFE SEPTIC DRAINFIELD INSPECTION & TEST SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LOCATION SEPTIC DYE TEST PROCEDURE SEPTIC FAILURE CAUSES SEPTIC FAILURE CRITERIA SEPTIC FAILURE SIGNS SEPTIC FAILURE SPOTS SEPTIC FIELD FAILURE CAUSES SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION WORK SHEETS SEPTIC SYSTEMS, PLANTS OVER SEPTIC TANK GRASS or SNOWMELT SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE SOIL CONDITIONS SEPTIC INSPECTION TYPES & LEVELS SEPTIC SYSTEM ODORS SEPTIC SYSTEMS ONLINE BOOK SEPTIC SYSTEM PUMPS SEPTIC SYSTEM SAFETY WARNINGS SEPTIC SYSTEM TYPES, MASTER LIST SEPTIC TANKS SEPTIC TANK BAFFLES SEPTIC TANK COVERS SEPTIC TANK, HOW TO FIND SEPTIC SEARCH SAFETY WHO KNOWS SEPTIC LOCATION? FIND MAIN WASTE LINE EXIT DISTANCE TO SEPTIC TANK POSSIBLE SEPTIC TANK LOCATIONS VISUAL CLUES LOCATE the SEPTIC TANK WHERE TO LOOK for the SEPTIC TANK SEPTIC TANK DEPTH SEPTIC TANK LOCATING EQUIPMENT SEPTIC TANK LOCATION SKETCH SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION CHECLIST Safety Warnings CLEANING SEPTIC TANKS Find the Septic Tank - a Photo Guide How to Open Septic Tanks Inspect Before Pumping Septic Tank Leaks Pumper Truck Operation Pumping the Septic Tank Inspect During Pumping Washing Septic Tank Sides/Bottom Inspect After Pumping Close the Septic Tank Record Septic Tank Location Advising Owners MEASURE SCUM & SLUDGE STEEL SEPTIC TANKS CONCRETE SEPTIC TANKS FIBERGLASS / PLASTIC SEPTIC TANKS HOME MADE SITE BUILT TANKS SEPTIC TANK BAFFLES SEPTIC TANK SOLIDS & SCUM SEWAGE LEVELS in SEPTIC TANKS WHEN to CLEAN THE SEPTIC TANK SEPTIC TANK LEAKS SEPTIC TANK LEVELS of SEWAGE SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE SEPTIC TANK SAFETY SEPTIC TANK SIZE SEPTIC TANK TEES SEPTIC TESTS: DYE & LOADING TESTS SEPTIC TEST VOLUMES & DYE AMOUNTS SEPTIC TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS SEPTIC PRODUCTS FOR SALE ARE ADDITIVES USEFUL? PUMPING PREVENTS FAILURES CANADA PROHIBITS ADDITIVES ONTARIO MINISTRY US EPA on ADDITIVES SEPTIC ADDITIVE TYPES SEPTIC DRAINFIELD RESTORERS? SEWAGE & SEPTIC CONTAMINANTS SEWAGE BACKUP, WHAT TO DO SEWAGE BACKUP TEST & CLEANUP SEWAGE BACKUP PREVENTION SEWAGE CONTAMINATION in buildings SEWAGE CONTAMINANTS in FRUIT / VEGETABLES BACTERIAL PATHOGENS in FRUIT & VEGETABLES SEWAGE LEVELS in SEPTIC TANKS SEWAGE NITROGEN CONTAMINANTS NITROGEN CONTAMINATION NITROGEN REFERENCES SEWAGE PATHOGENS in SEPTIC SLUDGE Components Entering a Septic Tank Components of Raw Sewage Components of Septic Tank Effluent Settled septic tank sludge Floating septic tank scum Gases in the septic tank SEWAGE PUMPS SEWAGE PUMP CLOG DAMAGE SEWER BACKUP PREVENTION SEWER GAS ODORS SEWER GAS ODORS in COLD WEATHER SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT SINKHOLES, WARNING SIGNS SOAKAWAY BED FAILURE DIAGNOSIS SUMP PUMPS TOILETS, INSPECT, INSTALL, REPAIR TOILET ALTERNATIVES General Categories of Waterless Camping & Emergency Toilets Chemical Toilets How to Use & Maintain a Chemical Toilet Dump into Septic Tank? Composting Toilets What is a Composting Toilet? Full-Time and Part-Time Composting Toilets Electric vs. Non-Electric Composting Toilets Automatic, Semi-Automatic, Manual Composting Toilets Toilet Trap/Bowl-Closure Methods Composting Process Methods Compost Toilet Installation Compost Toilet Operation Regulations and Standards Composting Toilet Sources, Models Buy Books on Composting Toilets Disabled or Elderly-Use Toilets Greywater Septic Systems Holding Tank Septic Systems Incinerator Toilet Systems OUTHOUSES & LATRINES Lime, Odor & Outhouse Sanitation Lime Alternatives for Outhouses Outhouse Vents for Odor Control Outhouse or Latrine Safety Outhouse or Latrine Fire and Explosion Outhouse or Latrine Sanitation & Location Outhouse Pit Depth Traditional vs. Composting Outhouse Latrine Types & Construction Lime Types & Outhouse Use TOILET FLUSHOMETER VALVES TOILET INSTALLATION PROCEDURE TOILET OVERFLOW EMERGENCY TOILET PLUGS, SEWER BACKUP TOILET REPAIR GUIDE Toilet Won't Flush at All Toilet Drain Clogged Toilet Flushes Poorly Toilet Leak Catastrophes Toilet Runs Continuously Toilet Tank Sweats Leaky Toilet Seals - Odors Loose Toilet Repairs TOILET TYPES Toilet Types, Flush Methods TOILETS, DON'T FLUSH LIST NEVER FLUSH INTO SEPTICS BETTER NOT TO FLUSH HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS OTHER CHEMICALS CHLORINE IN DRINKING WATER CHLORINE IN SEPTIC WASTEWATER DISHWASHERS vs SEPTICS DRUGS INTO the SEPTIC TANK? GARBAGE GRINDERS vs SEPTICS REDUCE IMPACT of SOFTENER on SEPTIC REVERSE OSMOSIS CONCENTRATE DISPOSAL SEWAGE PUMP CLOG DAMAGE TOILET TISSUE CHOICES WASHING MACHINES * NO FLUSH SUMMARY LIST TRAPS on PLUMBING FIXTURES VIDEO GUIDES: Septic Videos WASHING MACHINES WASTEWATER TREATMENT BASICS WATER, WELLS, WATER TANKS: TESTING GUIDE WATER PURIFIERS WATER QUALITY TESTS, CONTAMINANTS, TREATMENT WATER QUANTITY IMPROVEMENT WATER QUANTITY USAGE GUIDE WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS WATER SUPPLY & DRAIN PIPING CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR FIRST SIGNS of DRAIN CLOGGING DRAIN vs SEPTIC BLOCKED DRAIN? DRAIN DRAINFIELD DIAGNOSTIC TABLE BLOCKED DRAIN REPAIR METHODS PLUMBING DRAIN NOISE DIAGNOSIS PLUMBING DRAIN NOISE REPAIR WETLAND SEPTIC SYSTEMS WINTERIZE A BUILDING More Information |
These septic system articles explain how to buy, inspect, install, test, diagnose maintain and repair septic tanks and all other components of all types of septic systems. We discuss how septic systems work, and how to provide septic system care to avoid replacing the septic system unnecessarily. We provide septic cleaning and septic maintenance procedures, septic inspection methods, septic repair guides, and septic system design information. If you don't see information you want, ask us for it using the comments box at the end of this article. InspectAPedia offers impartial, unbiased advice without conflicts of interest. We will block advertisements which we discover or readers inform us are associated with bad business practices, false-advertising, or junk science. Our contact info is at InspectAPedia.com/Contact.htm.We give in-depth information about conventional septic tanks, septic digesters, drain fields, soakaway beds, reed beds, seepage pits, cesspools, drywells, soakpits, and also septic pipes, and septic waste handling. We describe and explain the need for and how to install alternative septic system designs for problem sites where the need is to save water or where it is difficult to dispose of septic waste. We include tables for septic tanks: pumping frequency, septic tank size, septic tank design, and clearances between septic systems, wells, and other site features and boundaries. This page organizes and links to our detailed septic system inspection, test, repair, and design articles, including our online septic systems book. Septic testing class presentations, septic system photos, septic system design sketches, septic care tables, links to products and consultants are provided. © Copyright 2012 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use page top links to major topics or use links at the left of each page to navigate within topics and documents at this website. Green links show where you are in a document series or at this website. SEPTIC INFO ARTICLES - Our Online Articles on Septic Systems - ST/SAS Septic Tanks & Soil Absorption Systems"How-To" Articles at our Septic System Information Website are in these groups: (these links are also at page left) 
We also discuss cesspools and drywells, aerobic septic systems, septic system repairs, treatments, and additives or chemicals. If you find that something is missing from this website just CONTACT us and ask for it. "Septic tanks" are what home owners or home buyers think of when buying or maintaining a home with a private septic system. But we should be thinking about the whole septic system - since the drain field or leach field makes up half of a typical septic system cost. Septic tank care and septic tank cleaning need to be done on a regular frequency (we provide a septic tank pumping schedule table) in order to avoid ruining the drainfield. Septic tank maintenance is not enough. Proper septic system design for the level of usage and soil conditions is critical if the system is going to have a long useful life. We are also quite concerned with septic system health and safety since there are potential collapse hazards which can be fatal, and there are bacterial and pathogen hazards for both site occupants and for the environment if a septic system is not working properly. The articles listed at this website form an extensive guide to septic systems care, inspection, testing, and installation. We welcome questions and suggestions for content. Information for Home Buyers or Owners
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- InspectAPedia.com® - Daniel Friedman - Publisher & Editor.
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Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.
SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR
SEPTIC INFO ARTICLES
Info for Home Buyers or Owners
Septic System Design
Septic Inspection Testing
Septic Maintenance Repair
Septic Component & Product Suppliers
Septic Videos
- "International Private Sewage Disposal Code," 1995, BOCA-708-799-2300, ICBO-310-699-0541, SBCCI 205-591-1853, available from those code associations.
- "Manual of Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines for Onsite Sewage Systems," Ontario Reg. 374/81, Part VII of the Environmental Protection Act (Canada), ISBN 0-7743-7303-2, Ministry of the Environment,135 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto Ontario M4V 1P5 Canada $24. CDN.
- Manual of Septic Tank Practice, US Public Health Service's 1959
- The Home Buyer's Guide to Septic Systems
- Home & Outdoor Living Water Requirements
- Septic Tank Capacity vs Usage in Daily Gallons of Wastewater Flow, calculating required septic tank size, calculating septic tank volume from size measurements
- Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf.
- How Big Should the Leach Field Be? - table of soil percolation rate vs. field size
- Septic System Drainfield Absorption System Biomat Formation - what leads to drain field clogging and expensive drainfield repairs
- Septic Tank Pumping Guide: When, Why, How to pump the septic tank
- "Septic vs Sewer: Might Septic be Better?", Chris Brooks, Ed., septicsystem.com, Note: InspectApedia.com contributed content to this article, January 2011, original source: septicsystem.com/septic-vs-sewer.html, quoting from private email, January 2011: "I think of my sites as "Consumer Reports for products Consumer Reports doesn't cover."
- Table of Required Septic & Well Clearances: Distances Between Septic System & Wells, Streams, Trees, etc.
- Ten Steps to Keeping a Septic System Working, suggestions from the U.S. EPA, edits and additions by DJF
- What is a Septic System An Engineer's View & Septic System FAQ's
- Pennsylvania State Fact Sheets relating to domestic wastewater treatment systems include:
- Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-161, Septic System Failure: Diagnosis and Treatment
- Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-162, The Soil Media and the Percolation Test
- Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-l64, Mound Systems for Wastewater Treatment
- Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-165, Septic Tank-Soil Absorption Systems
- Document Sources used for this web page include but are not limited to: Agricultural Fact Sheet #SW-161 "Septic Tank Pumping," by Paul D. Robillard and Kelli S. Martin. Penn State College of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension, edited and annotated by Dan Friedman (Thanks: to Bob Mackey for proofreading the original source material.)
Septic System Design & Installation
See the complete article series on septic system design and construction at SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS and (for problem or difficult sites) see SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN ALTERNATIVES. Excerpts below.
- Absorption Field Design size and specifications for leach fields, absorption beds, gravelless systems, seepage pits
- Absorption Fields Trench Length has an example of calculating leach line trench length.
- Alternating Bed Septic Systems may provide a retrofit repair for a failing drainfield or a means of extending drainfield life
- Alternative Designs for septic systems with problem sites, poor soil percolation, limited space: aerobic, dosing, evaporation, gravelless, greywater, lagoon, media filter, septic filters, mounds, raised beds, waterless toilets
- Authorities, Septic Design Specifications by Federal and State Regulators
- Aerobic Septic Systems: Design Alternatives for Difficult Sites, specifications, photos, sketches, product sources, suppliers, designers AGE of PLUMBING MATERIALS & FIXTURES including piping, plumbing fixtures, septic systems, cesspools, drainfields
- Basic Designs for septic systems, tank size, field size, design notes
- Books & Building Codes for Septic System Design. Septic System Education Materials
- Books on Septic Systems to Buy Online, our list of recommended books on septic system maintenance, design, and alternative designs available at Amazon.com - Septic System Education Materials
- Baffles & Tank Tees: septic tank baffles and tees, design to prevent system clogging
- Capacity: Determining Needed Septic Capacity - Septic Tank Size vs. Usage: What septic size is required?
- Capacity: Determining Needed Septic Capacity - Based on Water Usage: Typical residential water usage for people, appliances, and activities.
- Curtain drains or intercept drains can protect septic drainfields in areas of wet soils or surface and subsurface groundwater
- Cesspools: explained, design specifications, safety, photos, sketches
- Clearances & Distances from septic system components to other site features, property boundaries, waterways, etc.
- Contaminants in sewage which may be released from sewage spills from residential septic systems and wastewater disposal systems
- Curtain drains or intercept drains can protect septic drainfields in areas of wet soils or surface and subsurface groundwater
- Design Guide for Septic Systems complete list of detailed "how to" articles
- Distribution Box - Septic D-BOX Inspection provides for help in finding and inspecting the septic system drainfield distribution box
- Designs for Septic Systems - Master List of Septic System Designs & Types, named and described
- Distribution Box - Septic D-BOX Inspection provides for help in finding and inspecting the septic system drainfield distribution box
- Distances & Clearances from septic system components to other site features, property boundaries, waterways, etc.
- Distribution Box - Septic D-BOX Inspection provides for help in finding and inspecting the septic system drainfield distribution box
- DRYWELL DESIGN & USES Home Buyer's or Owner's Advice
- Composting Toilets Are They A Septic System Design Alternative for Difficult Sites?
- Composting Toilet Books, recommended reference books on composting toilet design, installation, maintenance, available for online purchase
- Design Alternatives for Septic Systems: Advanced & Alternative Septic System Designs for Onsite Wastewater Disposal - design engineers, consultants, products, books for special problem situations, difficult soils, old system repairs. Aerobic septic systems, chemical, composting, incinerating & waterless toilets, Evaporation-Transpiration (ET) Septic Systems, septic media filters, greywater systems, holding tank septic systems, mound septics, raised bed septics, pressure dosing septic systems, sand bed filters, peat beds, constructed wetlands, septic disinfection systems.
- Design Basics for Septic Systems: choosing septic tank size, leach field Size - basic septic system volume and absorption system design guides.
- Distribution Box design, inspection, testing, and maintenance of the septic system D-box
- Disinfection for Aerobic Septic Systems - use of calcium hypochlorite tablets versus swimming pool chlorine tablets
- Disinfection for Aerobic Septic Systems - warning about use of swimming pool chorine tablets
- Dosing Systems, Gravity, Siphons, Floats - to control movement of septic effluent to the absorption system
- Dosing Systems, Pressure - Pressure dosing, using manifold systems, rigid pipe systems, and drip irrigation systems to control movement of septic effluent to the absorption system
- Drainfield Layout: septic drainfield or leaching bed shape and placement considerations
- SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LOCATION: how to find the septic drain field or leaching bed
- Driving or Parking over Septic Components? is it ever acceptable to drive or park over septic system piping, tanks, or drainfields?
- DRYWELL DESIGN & USES design specifications for drywells, seepage pits, leaching pits
- Drawings and sketches of general septic system designs and septic system types - septic plans
- Evaporation/Transpiration Septic Systems - septic system design alternatives for difficult sites
- Filters for Septic Tanks & Graywater to protect septic drainfields and reduce drainfield clogging
- Gravelless Septic Systems - design and installation specifications
- Greywater Systems or Graywater systems for disposal of onsite wastewater: designs, products, advice, books.
- Greywater Books to Buy Online our list of recommended gray water systems design and installation guidelines available through Amazon.com
- Global Warming Effects on Septic Systems and Onsite Wastewater Treatment or Disposal
- Inspection & Testing of Septic Systems complete list of detailed "how to" articles
- Lagoon Systems for human and animal waste and wastewater treatment
- Leach Field Size specifications for leach fields, absorption beds, gravelless systems, seepage pits
- Life Expectancy of Septic Systems and septic system components
- Maintenance & Repair of Septic Systems complete list of detailed "how to" article
- Media Filter Septic Systems as components of alternative septic systems for difficult sites
- Mound Septic Systems as components of alternative septic systems for difficult Sites
- Percolation Tests septic soil tests, deep hole tests
- Pressure Dosing Septic Systems: explanation, design alternatives, photos, sketches, product sources, suppliers, designers
- Products - for Alternative Septic System Designs aerobic system pumps, media filters, gravelless systems, other advanced wastewater treatment products
- Pumps Septic pumps, sewage ejector pumps, grinder pumps, effluent pumps, sump pumps, & septic pumping stations compared; pump alarms. Advice.
- Raised Bed Septic Systems raised bed effluent disposal system as a component of alternative septic systems for difficult sites
- Retention Time in Septic Tanks Septic Tank Pumping Guide discusses retention time and "net free area" in a tank (allowing for sludge and scum layers)
- Sand Bed Septic Systems for effluent disposal as a component of alternative septic system design for difficult sites
- Seepage Pits for onsite wastewater disposal - design specifications. For more detail see DRYWELL DESIGN & USES design specifications
- Seepage Pit Collapse or Failure - stages in the life of a drywell, seepage pit, cesspool, and what to do if the pit is damaged
- Septic or Sewer Connection? - how to determine if a building is connected to a septic tank or to a public sewer line
- Septic Tank Abandonment Guide - how to safely find & abandoned unused septic tanks, cesspools, drywells
- Septic Tank Depth - how deep will we find or install a septic tank
- Septic Tank Leaks can prevent a valid septic loading and dye test and can damage the drainfield
- Septic Tank Sludge and Floating Scum: what makes up the contents of residential sewage
- Septic Tank Size: septic tank size and capacity vs. usage determine the required septic tank size, calculate size of an existing septic tank
- Septic Tank Types: characteristics and inspection guide for steel, concrete, plastic, fiberglass, and home made septic tanks
- Septic Tanks, Concrete defects and inspection suggestions for concrete septic tanks
- Septic Tanks, Fiberglass or Plastic defects and inspection suggestions for fiberglass or plastic septic tanks
- Septic Tanks, Steel defects and inspection suggestions for steel septic tanks
- Septic Tanks, Home Made defects and inspection suggestions for home made or site built septic tanks
- Sewage Contaminants which may be released from sewage spills from residential septic systems and wastewater disposal systems
- Sewer Gas - Methane and other septic system gas explosion or asphyxiation hazards such as hydrogen sulfide
- Sewage Treatment Systems for onsite wastewater treatment & disposal, small residential and community system designs
- Sewer Line Replacement diagnosing a clogged drain leads to drain line replacement - step by step photo-illustrated guide to drain replacement
- Soil Percolation Tests Perc Tests or Deep Hole Test for Soil Absorption Rate Testing
- Steep Slope Septic Designs - how to install sewer lines from building to septic tank; how to install septic drainfields, leach field systems at steep or sloped sites.
- Swimming Pool Clearance distance to septic components
- Tank Size: septic tank size and capacity vs. usage determine the required septic tank size, calculate size of an existing septic tank
- Tank Tees & Baffles: septic tank baffles and tees, design to prevent system clogging
- Toilets, Chemical, Composting, Incinerating: chemical toilets, composting toilets, greywater systems, holding tanks, incinerating toilets
- Treatment Levels describes the different levels of treatment of septic wastewater that occur in typical residential systems
- Water usage Home & Outdoor Living Water Quantity Requirements, table of daily residential water usage
- WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS maintenance, adjustment, and water softener effect on drinking water; potential effects of salts on septic systems
- Wastewater Treatment Basics describes the basic processes that occur in wastewater treatment processes
- Waterless & Low Water Septic Systems, chemical toilets, composting toilets, greywater systems, holding tanks, incinerating toilets
- Wetland Septic Systems
Septic System Inspection & Testing
See the complete article series on septic system inspection, testing, diagnosis and troubleshooting article list at Septic Inspection Testing. Excerpts below.
- Abandoned or New Septic System inspection & testing suggestions
- AGE of PLUMBING MATERIALS & FIXTURES including piping, plumbing fixtures, septic systems, cesspools, drainfields
- Baffles, Septic Tank septic tank baffles defects and inspection suggestions
- Books on Septic Systems to Buy Online, our list of recommended books on septic system maintenance, design, and alternative designs available at Amazon.com - Septic System Education Materials
- Buyer's Guide Home Buyer's Guide to Septic Systems Inspection & Testing - What to Do, Step by Step.
- Cesspools Home Buyer's or Owner's Advice
- Cesspool Age Estimates help evaluate cesspool condition and need for repair or replacement
- Cesspool Safety Warnings include dangers of cave-in and fatality
- Clearances & Distances from septic system components to other site features, property boundaries, waterways, etc.
- Design Guide for Septic Systems complete list of detailed "how to" articles
- Distribution Box - Septic D-BOX Inspection provides for help in finding and inspecting the septic system drainfield distribution box
- Designs for Septic Systems - Master List of Septic System Designs & Types, named and described
- Distribution Box - Septic D-BOX Inspection provides for help in finding and inspecting the septic system drainfield distribution box
- Don't Pump Before Testing Septic Systems: warnings for home buyers about septic tank pumping
- Drain Noises: may indicate defective or clogged plumbing: how to diagnose and cure drain sounds
- Drainfield Inspection Procedure Septic Leach Fields - how to inspect and diagnose septic drainfield failures
- Drainfield Layout: septic drainfield or leaching bed shape and placement considerations
- SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LOCATION: how to find the septic drain field or leaching bed
- Driving or Parking over Septic Components? is it ever acceptable to drive or park over septic system piping, tanks, or drainfields?
- DRYWELL DESIGN & USES Home Buyer's or Owner's Advice
- Dye Amounts, Water Volume: how much septic dye and how much water to use to perform a septic dye test
- Dye Tests: how to perform a Septic Loading and Dye Test - the complete procedure for septic loading & dye testing, a septic function test
- Failure Causes - Septic Systems Basic Septic Inspection Procedures: for septic tanks, septic drainfields, cesspools, drywells, distribution piping
- Failure Causes - Drainfields: how to inspect septic leach fields & what causes septic field failure
- Failure Spots - Where septic system trouble is likely to show up regardless of septic dye testing
- Filter Clogging signs of clogging septic filters at septic tanks or drywells
- Floating up Tanks - Septic tanks or oil tanks float up out of the ground if empty and exposed to rising ground water or flooding
- Inspection & Testing of Septic Systems complete list of detailed "how to" articles
- Inspecting & Testing Septic Systems - Online Book: Online Septic Book, Inspection, Test, Diagnosis, Repair, & Maintenance: Our Online Septic Book: Septic Testing, Loading & Dye Tests, Septic Tank Pumping, Clearances, details of onsite waste disposal system inspection, testing, repair procedures.
- Inspecting Onsite Waste Disposal Systems Online Septic Class, Explaining Septic System Operation to Clients; Visual Inspection, Testing, Invasive Inspection , Evaluation, Reporting; Future Trends, Legislation
- Life Expectancy of Septic Systems and septic system components
- Maintenance & Repair of Septic Systems complete list of detailed "how to" article
- Media Filter Septic Systems types of alternative septic systems using sand, peat, textile, foam cube or other filter media, single pass vs. re circulating media filters, how to identify them.
- OUTHOUSES & LATRINES - types, design, inspection, safety warnings
- Outhouse or Latrine Fire and Explosion - methane gas explosion and fire
- Inspection & Testing of Septic Systems complete list of detailed "how to" articles
- Septic or Sewer Connection? - how to determine if a building is connected to a septic tank or to a public sewer line
- Septic Inspection Types & Levels - describes the parameters of visual inspections, tank and field inspections, dye tests
- Septic Inspection Worksheets for use with various types and levels of onsite septic inspection and testing
- Septic Inspection Book - online text describes septic system inspection, diagnosis, repair, design
- Septic Inspection Course - online documents
- Sewage Pump Clog Damage - list of items that clog and damage or destroy different types of sewage pumps, grinder pumps, and ejector pumps
- SEWAGE & SEPTIC CONTAMINANTS - what contaminants are found in sewage or septic effluent
- SEWAGE CONTAMINANTS in FRUIT / VEGETABLES - is it OK for you eat fruits and vegetables grown over a septic drainfield?
- Septic Site Inspection Procedure - Simple Outside Visual Site Inspection Gives Key Information About Septic System Condition
- Septic Sludge & Scum Levels in Septic Tanks - Measuring the Level of Accumulated Solids, Sludge and Floating Scum in Treatment Tanks
- Septic Tank Depth - how deep will we find or install a septic tank
- Septic Tank Inspection Procedure - How to Inspect Septic Tanks and evaluate the septic tank condition, baffles, sludge levels, damage, evidence of septic failure, etc.
- Septic Tank Leaks can prevent a valid septic loading and dye test and can damage the drainfield
- Septic Tank Location - How to Find the Septic Tank, how deep will the cover be, how to document its location
- Septic Tank Pumping Articles - list of tank pumping and tank repair articles
- Septic Tank Size: septic tank size and capacity vs. usage determine the required septic tank size, calculate size of an existing septic tank
- Septic Tank Types: characteristics and inspection guide for steel, concrete, plastic, fiberglass, and home made septic tanks
- Septic Tanks, Concrete defects and inspection suggestions for concrete septic tanks
- Septic Tanks, Fiberglass or Plastic defects and inspection suggestions for fiberglass or plastic septic tanks
- Septic Tanks, Steel defects and inspection suggestions for steel septic tanks
- Septic Tanks, Home Made defects and inspection suggestions for home made or site built septic tanks
- Sewer Gas Odors diagnosing, finding, and curing septic tank and sewer line smells
- Sewer Gas Odors - Wet Weather or Cold Weather Septic Odors or Sewage Odor Diagnosis & Repair Guide diagnosing and eliminating cold weather sewer gas odors
- Sewer Gas - Methane and other septic system gas explosion or asphyxiation hazards such as hydrogen sulfide
- Sewage Contaminants which may be released from sewage spills from residential septic systems and wastewater disposal systems
- Sewage Levels in Septic Tanks - what are normal and abnormal sewage levels in septic tanks and what do they mean about tank condition, leaks, etc.
- Sewage Odors in Wet or Cold Weather - Septic Odors or Sewage Odor Diagnosis & Repair Guide for diagnosing and eliminating cold weather sewer gas odors
- Soil Percolation Tests Perc Tests or Deep Hole Test for Soil Absorption Rate Testing
- Spotting Breakouts - Spotting Dyed Septic Effluent Breakout Outside - Where Septic Dye is Likely to Show Up During a Septic Dye
- Swimming Pool Clearance distance to septic components
- TOILET OVERFLOW EMERGENCY: how to stop a toilet from overflowing
Septic System Maintenance & Repair
See the complete article series on septic system maintenance at Septic Maintenance Repair - excerpts below.
- Abandoned or New Septic System inspection & testing suggestions
- Additives & Chemicals for septic system maintenance. Are septic products needed? Are septic treatments legal? AGE of PLUMBING MATERIALS & FIXTURES including piping, plumbing fixtures, septic systems, cesspools, drainfields
- Alternating Bed Septic Systems may provide a retrofit repair for a failing drainfield or a means of extending drainfield life
- Blocked Drain Repair Methods - do-it-yourself steps you can try to clear a clogged drain before calling a professional plumber
- Books on Septic Systems to Buy Online, our list of recommended books on septic system maintenance, design, and alternative designs available at Amazon.com - septic system education materials
- Clogged Drain and Septic Backup Diagnosis - is the problem the septic system failure or a building drain system clog?
- Contamination in buildings how to test buildings for bacterial contamination from sewage and septic backup, remediation, & references
- Curtain drains or intercept drains can protect septic drainfields in areas of wet soils or surface and subsurface groundwater
- Design Guide for Septic Systems complete list of detailed "how to" articles
- Distribution Box - Septic D-BOX Inspection provides for help in finding and inspecting the septic system drainfield distribution box
- Don't Flush these things into a septic system: a list of what's ok and what's not ok to put into septic tanks and building drains offers important septic maintenance advice
- Drain Noises: may indicate defective or clogged plumbing: how to diagnose and cure drain sounds
- Flood Response what to do after a septic system has been exposed to flooding: key septic repair and maintenance steps and when to do them
- Garbage Grinders and garbage disposal units - effects on septic systems and on the need for septic tank cleaning
- Grazing, Animals Over Septic Fields, is it a problem?
- Inspection & Testing of Septic Systems complete list of detailed "how to" articles
- Leach Field Inspection Procedure septic leach fields - how to inspect and diagnose septic drainfield failures
- Septic Tank Leaks can prevent a valid septic loading and dye test and can damage the drainfield
- Life Expectancy of Septic Systems and septic system components and the relationship of field life to septic maintenance
- Maintenance: Ten Steps to Keeping a Septic System Working, septic maintenance suggestions from the U.S. EPA, edits and additions by DJF
- Maintenance & Repair of Septic Systems complete list of detailed "how to" article
- OUTHOUSES & LATRINES - types, design, inspection, safety warnings
- Outhouse or Latrine Fire and Explosion - methane gas explosion and fire
- Neighboring Septic System Problems - advice for dealing with a neighboring septic system producing odors or seepage
- Planting Over Septic Systems: trees, shrubs, groundcover over the septic system: what can you plant over or near septic system components without causing a problem?
- Planting Gardens Near Septics, vegetables, fruits, other types of gardens
- Planting Grasses or Flowers Over Septic Systems what's OK
- Planting Ground Cover, Ivy Over Septic Systems what's OK
- Planting Trees or Shrubs Over or Near Septic Systems what's OK
- Pumps Septic pumps, sewage ejector pumps, grinder pumps, effluent pumps, sump pumps, & septic pumping stations compared; pump alarms. Advice.
- Root Killers Over Septic Fields, is there a concern?
- "Roto Rooters" and Power Drain Snakes to clear clogged septic fields
- Safety: Septic System, Septic Tank, & cesspool safety warnings for septic inspectors, septic pumpers, and homeowners
- Sewage & Septic Backups and what to do about sewage spillage in buildings
- Sewage Contaminants which may be released from sewage spills from residential septic systems and wastewater disposal systems
- Inspection & Testing of Septic Systems complete list of detailed "how to" articles
- Septic or Sewer Connection? - how to determine if a building is connected to a septic tank or to a public sewer line
- Sewage Pump Clog Damage - list of items that clog and damage or destroy different types of sewage pumps, grinder pumps, and ejector pumps
- SEWAGE & SEPTIC CONTAMINANTS - what contaminants are found in sewage or septic effluent
- SEWAGE CONTAMINANTS in FRUIT / VEGETABLES - is it OK for you eat fruits and vegetables grown over a septic drainfield?
- Septic Inspection Types & Levels - describes the parameters of visual inspections, tank and field inspections, dye tests
- Septic Inspection Worksheets for use with various types and levels of onsite septic inspection and testing
- Septic Inspection Book - online text describes septic system inspection, diagnosis, repair, design
- Septic Inspection Course - online documents
- Septic Tank Abandonment Guide - how to safely find & abandoned unused septic tanks, cesspools, drywells
- Septic Tank Depth - how deep will we find or install a septic tank
- Septic Tank Leaks can prevent a valid septic loading and dye test and can damage the drainfield
- Septic Tank Pumping Frequency Guide for septic tanks: when, how, what to watch for when pumping or cleaning septic tanks - the key septic maintenance schedule
- Septic Tank Pumping Procedure step by step photo guideline of how to pump and clean a septic tank - septic tank care
- Septic Tank Sludge and Floating Scum: what makes up the contents of residential sewage
- Septic Sludge & Scum Levels in septic tanks - measuring the level of accumulated solids, sludge and floating scum in treatment tanks
- Septic Tank Inspection Procedure - How to Inspect Septic Tanks and evaluate the septic tank condition, baffles, sludge levels, damage, evidence of septic failure, etc.
- Septic Tank Location - How to Find the Septic Tank, how deep will the cover be, how to document its location
- Septic Tank Pumping Articles - list of tank pumping and tank repair articles
- Septic Tank Pumping Reasons why relying on the septic tank pumping schedule table or advice from pumping contractors isn't enough
- Septic Tank Size: septic tank size and capacity vs. usage determine the required septic tank size, calculate size of an existing septic tank
- Septic Tanks, Concrete defects and inspection suggestions for concrete septic tanks
- Septic Tanks, Fiberglass or Plastic defects and inspection suggestions for fiberglass or plastic septic tanks
- Septic Tanks, Steel defects and inspection suggestions for steel septic tanks
- Septic Tanks, Home Made defects and inspection suggestions for home made or site built septic tanks
- Sewage Contaminants which may be released from sewage spills from residential septic systems and wastewater disposal systems
- Sewer Gas Odors diagnosing, finding, and curing septic tank and sewer line smells
- Sewer Gas - Methane and other septic system gas explosion or asphyxiation hazards such as hydrogen sulfide
- Sewer Line Replacement diagnosing a clogged drain leads to drain line replacement - step by step photo-illustrated guide to drain replacement
- Soil Percolation Tests Perc Tests or Deep Hole Test for Soil Absorption Rate Testing
- Swimming Pool Clearance distance to septic components
- Tank Location - how to find the septic tank, how deep will the cover be, how to document its location
- Ten Steps to Keeping a Septic System Working, septic maintenance suggestions from the U.S. EPA, edits and additions by DJF
- TOILET OVERFLOW EMERGENCY: how to stop a toilet from overflowing
- Wet Weather or Cold Weather Septic Odors or Sewage Odor Diagnosis & Repair Guide diagnosing and eliminating cold weather sewer gas odors
- WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS maintenance, adjustment, and water softener effect on drinking water; potential effects of salts on septic systems
SEPTIC DESIGN BASICS - Septic System Design: Choosing Septic Tank Size, Absorption System Size, Basic Design Notes
See the complete article series on septic system Design Basics at SEPTIC DESIGN BASICS. Excerpts below.
If you need basic septic system design parameters such as finding the recommended septic tank volume and conventional recommended leach field or drainfield size, along with some notes on how to calculate these from simple water usage and site conditions, here are links to that information. Also take a look at the septic publications, septic design manuals, and onsite waste disposal standards links and articles above and below this section. I am re-writing and reorganizing this design material into a separate guide for laymen (like myself). Septic engineers already know all this stuff. Meanwhile look at the articles listed below as they will allow you to answer basic septic system design questions.
Septic Tank Sizing: to determine the required septic tank size you would need to look at article #1 to see the required tank size based on daily water volume usage and perhaps article #2 to confirm that you're estimating the water volume reasonably.
Tank Retention Time if you just wanted to know our opinion about tank size as a function of effluent retention time, see item #3.
Septic field size planning: see article #4 which sizes the field based on its percolation rate and #9 which describes performing a perc test, with perhaps a look at #10 to understand biomats and why a leach field in a wet area won't treat the effluent.
- Capacity: Table of Required Septic Tank Sizes: Septic Tank Capacity vs Usage is a table of required septic tank sizes
- Capacity: Home & Outdoor Living Water Requirements is a paper on daily water usage per household or person
- Driving or Parking over Septic Components? is it ever acceptable to drive or park over septic system piping, tanks, or drainfields?
- Designs for Septic Systems - Master List of Septic System Designs & Types, named and described
- Retention Time in Septic Tanks Septic Tank Pumping Guide discusses retention time and "net free area" in a tank (allowing for sludge and scum layers)
- Fields: How Big Should the Leach Field Be? - table of soil percolation rate vs. field size
- SEPTIC CLEARANCES: from wells, streams, etc.
- SEPTIC DESIGN ALTERNATIVES for onsite waste disposal systems - septic systems
- Steep Slope Septic Designs - how to install sewer lines from building to septic tank; how to install septic drainfields, leach field systems at steep or sloped sites.
- DEFINITIONS of common septic system and onsite waste disposal terms
- Drawing Library © drawings of septic system components, fields, layouts. These are educational, not engineering drawings and are © protected. Sample engineering drawings and plans wanted for the website.
- Soil Percolation Tests
- Biomat Formation in the Septic System Drainfield Absorption System - what leads to drain field clogging and expensive drainfield repairs
Inspecting, Testing, & Maintaining Residential Septic Systems - An Online Septic System Textbook
NOTE: The master copy of the following article is maintained as a separate web document http:/InspectAPedia.com/septic/septtext.htm
Septic system inspection procedures, defects in onsite waste disposal systems, septic tank problems, septic drainfield problems, checklists of system components and things to ask. Septic system maintenance and pumping schedules. © 2010-1978 Daniel Friedman, All Rights Reserved. Citation of this article by reference to this website and brief quotation for the sole purpose of review are permitted. No warranties are expressed or implied. Use of this information in books or pamphlets for sale is reserved to the author. Some technical review by industry experts has been completed-reviewers are listed at References. New York State Home Inspection License # 16000005303Introduction to Septic Systems - Inspection, Testing, Maintenance
What is a Septic System
A "septic system," also referred to as a private, on-site waste disposal system, receives waste water and solids from a Building's plumbing facilities (bathrooms, kitchens, shower, laundry), treats, and then disposes of the effluent from this waste, by permitting it to absorb into soils at the property. "Treatment" is accomplished by bacterial action in the "septic" or "treatment" tank and it is mostly accomplished by bacteria in the soil around and below the effluent absorption system, or "drain field." This bacterial action is needed to reduce the level of pathogens in the effluent discharges from the waste system into the soil. The principal components of a private on-site waste disposal system usually include the following:
- piping connecting the Building to the treatment tank
- a septic or treatment tank which retains solid waste
- piping connecting and conducting clarified effluent from the treatment tank to a distribution box
- a distribution box connecting the effluent line from the tank to the absorption system or "drain field"
- an absorption system which permits effluent to drain to soils below
- a bio-mat or bio-mass of pathogen-digesting bacteria which forms in soil below the absorption system.
Many variations on this general scheme are used, depending on local climate, soil conditions, available space, economy, and available materials. Special equipment and systems may be designed for problem or difficult sites such as rocky or wet ground, permafrost, or wet tropical marshlands. Readers who are unfamiliar with what a private septic system is and the types of systems installed should review articles and sketches of septic system components found at The Septic System Information Website
Types of treatment tanks, adsorption systems, pumps, and other special equipment are discussed in some further detail in this text, and are listed in the septic system inspection checklist data. For a more detailed introduction you may want to read our Lockwood article "What is a Septic System" and then return here to continue by using your browser's "BACK" button.
Safety Warnings for Septic System Inspectors
Providing inspection and diagnosis of on-site waste disposal systems is an extremely valuable public service which helps protect people from expensive unanticipated septic system repair costs and helps protect public health by assuring sanitary disposal of sewage and gray water waste from buildings. More importantly though, such inspections may detect and warn about serious safety hazards at some properties. The strong warnings issued below intend to reduce septic system safety hazards for inspectors and property owners/occupants, but it is not the author's intention to dissuade inspectors from providing this valuable service.
Danger lurks at cesspools, open covers, tanks or tank covers in poor condition, and from high levels of methane gas. These risk collapse, falling, asphyxiation, and other potentially fatal hazards as well as risks of unsanitary conditions.
Septic and Cesspool Inspection Safety:
- Collapse Hazards: Septic system inspectors face personal risks of
health and safety including possible fatal system collapse or asphyxiation.
Old steel tanks, thin, rusting steel or rotting home-made wood tank covers,
site-built tanks and cesspools, and recently-pumped cesspools are at particular risk of
collapse. Falling into a septic tank or cesspool is likely to lead to rapid asphyxiation from methane and
in cases of collapse, there is risk of becoming buried. The author has consulted in cases involving
such fatalities (homeowner fell into a site-built cesspool), and at one site inspection, walking near an
overgrown area the author himself stepped through a rusting steel septic tank top, surviving only
by throwing himself into a nearby clump of brambles! Beware of
- flimsy, rusted, old-steel, home-made, or missing septic tank/drywell/cesspool covers
- abandoned systems which may not have been filled-in
- collapsed, or collapsing septic tanks or cesspools
- possible presence of multiple components at a property, abandoned or in-use
- Entering or Looking into Tanks: No person, except those licensed, equipped, and trained, should ever enter a septic tank. Special equipment is needed. Tank inspection (or service) should not be performed alone. Even leaning over to look into a (recently pumped) tank has been reported to cause asphyxiation.
- Unsanitary conditions: Be alert for unsanitary conditions such as surface effluent or sewage backups into buildings, events which risk serious viral and bacterial hazards and which indoors, may require professional cleaning.
- Issue appropriate warnings: Septic system inspectors (and service personnel) must recognize and respond properly unsafe conditions at a site, including issuing appropriate warnings and in some cases, marking off unsafe areas where, for example, there is visual evidence of a risk of collapse hazard.
- Avoid damaging septic system components or the Building: Improper septic testing procedures, such as flooding a dosing-system, can damage the system. Also, remember to check for leaks into or under the Building being tested when running water into the Building fixtures and drains. Don't leave water running unattended - at risk of flooding the Building.
- Don't do anything dangerous: Inspectors should omit and report the omission of any planned inspection procedure which in the inspector's judgment is unsafe or unsanitary.
Septic Inspector Qualifications/Licensing
If you perform septic inspections you are obligated to do so with proper information, training, procedures, and in some communities a license is required. Some states (e.g. CA, CT, NJ, MA) have specific certification requirements for inspectors of septic systems, as well as specific regulations regarding the performance of the inspection itself. Be sure to obtain information pertinent to your own state, usually from the state health department or state department of environmental protection. For example, Massachusetts septic inspectors will want to look at the links and the Title 5 regulations at our page on the Massachusetts Septic Testing Law. Other links to septic system installation and inspection regulatory agencies are at our Local, State, U.S. Federal Government, & International Agencies & Resources for Septic Systems Wastewater Treatment page.
Septic System Warnings to Home Owners and Home Buyers
Septic system concerns for a Building owner start with safety. Here are some red flags:
- Signs of collapse-possible fatal hazards: include depressions or "soil subsidence" anywhere on or around the property. Any suspect area should be roped-off and absolutely no one should walk over or even close to such a spot until it has been investigated by a professional.
- Old or abandoned systems: such as site-built cesspools or drywells were often made with a thin steel or wood cover which with age can collapse. If the history of the site or visual observation suggests that there are or were old systems at the property, professional investigation is warranted. Improper "abandonment" (failing to fill-in a pit) can lead to sudden collapses. Signs that there may be old systems at a property might come from anecdotal evidence (ask a neighbor, ask the local septic installing or service companies), or visual evidence such as seeing abandoned waste pipes at basement or crawl space walls or floors. Don't assume that an old house which is now connected to the public sewer didn't previously have an on-site waste disposal system.
- Septic service by untrained workers: such as aerating, agitating, or pumping out an old site-built cesspool, can lead to sudden system collapse. Prevent access over or near any such systems.
- Unsanitary conditions such as discharge of sewage effluent to the yard surface, to a nearby well or stream, or previous septic backups into a Building deserve professional attention. Indoors special cleaning may be needed to remove bacteria or other pathogens.
- Septic testing by inexpert "inspectors" who may not follow an adequate procedure increases the risk of a costly surprise.
- Uninformed homeowners may not notice a danger or malfunction. Homeowners should review the safety warnings listed above. The information here is general in nature. Since conditions and requirements vary widely at individual sites, the you should obtain qualified expert advice pertaining to the specific system about which you have questions, and should not rely on this general text for costly diagnostic/repair/replacement decisions. In other words, I'll try to give you some helpful information. In exchange, don't expect me to pay for your new septic system.
The next chapter proceeds with inspection of the septic system components.
How Does Each Septic System Component Fail? - What to Look For During a Septic Inspection
This chapter discusses detailed "how to" steps instructing the investigator in how to inspect specific septic components for signs of failure. The following section will discuss types and causes of septic failure and will provide criteria that define "failure."
Before digging up your septic tank or calling a septic pumper, if you think the septic system is failed because of drain blockage or drains backing up into the Building, you should to see Diagnosing Clogged Drains: Is it a blocked drain or the septic system? - A First Step for Homeowners". If you link to that text, please return here using your browser's "BACK" button.
Inspecting Outside Waste Piping
Outside waste piping conducts sewage (black water and gray water) from the Building to the treatment tank or "septic tank," and from the treatment tank to the distribution box. These lines should be of solid, non-perforated material and need to be protected from mechanical damage (such as by vehicles). Piping extending from the distribution box into drain fields is normally perforated, though solid lines might be used if effluent is being processed by more specialized devices such as seepage pits, galleys, or a sand-bed system.
House to tank
This line may become blocked by waste, damaged by collapse of a section, or invaded by roots. Detection of these conditions is fairly easy by routing a snake or power snake from the Building drain to the septic tank. An experienced power snake operator can often tell by "feel" that a drain line is collapsed, partially collapsed, or invaded by roots. While you may make a temporary "repair" of such a condition by drain-cleaning, if the line is broken or root-invaded, you should expect to have to excavate and replace it soon.
Tank to Distribution Box
The same failures can occur on this line as from house to tank.
Drain field piping
In a conventional "drain field" of perforated pipes buried in gravel-filled trenches, a drain line may be invaded by tree roots. This is why experts advise keeping tree and shrub plantings away from drain fields. Vehicle traffic can also collapse this or any outdoor waste piping, which is why experts advise against ever driving over a drainfield or over any other septic system components.
Inspecting Septic Tank Condition
The purpose of the treatment tank or "septic tank" is to contain solid waste and to permit the beginning of bacterial action to process sewage into a combination of clarified effluent, settled sludge, or floating scum in the tank. An intact, un-damaged septic tank is normally always filled with these materials.
Only by pumping and visual inspection can actual tank capacity and condition be completely determined. Probing in the area of a tank, without excavation, is not recommended as the probe may damage a steel or fiberglass tank.
Steel septic tanks
Steel tanks typically last 20-25 years, then rust, and collapse. Before this time steel baffles may rust off (damaging the drain field with sludge) or the tank top may become rusty and unsafe. Since steel tank tops can be replaced while leaving the old tank in place, the condition of the top itself is not a reliable indicator of tank condition.Concrete septic tanks
Concrete tanks at an existing septic installation are usually viable, but might have damaged baffles or cracks that permit seepage of groundwater in or septic effluent out around the tank. Occasionally we have seen tanks made of poor-quality concrete (insufficient portland cement) which eroded badly. If the tank outlet or absorption system have been blocked, examination of the tank interior may show that effluent is or has been above the top of the baffles (see baffles below) thus indicating a system failure discussed next.
Other types of tanks and home-made onsite systems are described below at Septic Tank Type, Capacity, Material Details
Inspecting the Condition of Septic Tank Baffles
Baffles in a septic tank are provided to keep solids and floating scum and grease inside the tank. Baffles are provided at both the inlet to the tank (from the Building) and the outlet from the tank (to the absorption system).
Broken baffles or high sludge levels can cause solids to flow out of the tank and into the absorption system. The result is reduced absorption into surrounding soil and eventual failure of the system. Floating scum thickness and settled solids thickness can be measured through access ports into the tank or cesspool. Finding solids at or covering the outlets or damaged baffles should result in report of a very questionable adsorption system and possible major repair cost.
If baffles are lost or damaged (rusted off on a steel tank or broken off on a concrete tank), they can be repaired or replaced. For example at a steel tank the contractor may simply insert a plastic piping "Tee" into the tank inlet or outlet to create a new baffle system.
However, depending on how long the tank was used without good baffles, the volume of solids and grease that moved from the tank to the absorption system will have begun clogging soils there and will have reduced the future life expectancy of the absorption system.
Baffle damage and repair, or even a complete tank replacement when the absorption system has been left alone always lead the author to warn the Building owner that the future life of the absorption system may be in doubt and that additional expense will be involved.
Inspecting the Level of Accumulated Solids, Sludge and Floating Scum in Treatment Tanks
Solids entering a septic tank are intended to remain there until pumped out during tank service. A large portion of solids settle to the bottom of the tank as sludge. Grease and floating scum remain at the top of the sewage in the tank. Baffles (discussed above) help keep solids, scum, and grease in the tank. Bacterial action in the tank make a modest reduction in the solids volume and begin the processing of sewage pathogens, a step later completed by soil bacteria in the absorption fields.
Net free area: If the sludge level becomes too high or the floating scum layer too thick, in addition to risking passage of solids out of the tank (damaging the absorption system), the remaining "net free area" of liquid in the tank is reduced. When the net free area becomes too small, there is insufficient time for waste entering the tank to settle out as bottom sludge or top floating scum. That is, for an in-use septic tank with a small net free area, the frequent entry of solid and liquid waste will keep the tank debris agitated, thus forcing floating debris into the absorption system where the life of that component will be reduced (due to soil clogging).
The importance of keeping an adequate net free area in a septic tank is the reason that tanks need to be pumped at regular intervals. Building owners who never pump a tank until it is clogged have already damaged the absorption system.
See the Massachusetts Title 5 Septic Inspection procedure discussed below for details about determining the level of floating and settled scum and sludge in the tank.
Inspecting the Septic System Distribution Box
The distribution box (more than one may be in use) connects a single effluent line from the septic tank to a network of absorption system components such as drainfield leach lines or to a network of seepage pits or galleys.
In good system design the outlet openings from the distribution box to each drainfield line can be adjusted to regulate the flow among the various absorption lines. If a distribution box becomes tipped (or clogged) effluent may be routed to only a portion of the absorption system, thus overloading it and leading to a "breakout" of effluent at the surface or to clogging and system backup. An examination of the box interior may show flood lines in the box if the drain field has been clogged or saturated in the past even if at the time of inspection the box is not flooded. If the fields have been flooded you should be pessimistic about the remaining life of the absorption system. If the box is tipped and/or effluent has not been uniformly distributed among the drainfield lines (assuming they are of equal length and in equally good soils), only a simple adjustment of the outflow may be needed. Round plugs with eccentric openings may be present or can be inserted in the D-box outlet openings to regulate flow among the individual absorption lines.
Liquid level in the adsorption system
The absorption system or "drain field" has two jobs. First, it disposes of liquid effluent by permitting it to seep into the soil below. Second, a "bio-mat" of bacteria which forms in the soil below the drainage field processes pathogens in the septic effluent to make the effluent sufficiently sanitary as to avoid contaminating nearby ground water. This distinction between successful "disposal" and successful "treatment" is important to avoid groundwater contamination but has not been addressed by regulation in every municipality. Municipalities which require a minimum distance between the bottom of the drain field trenches (or equivalent component) and the top of the seasonal high ground water table have recognized the importance of a working bio-mat and the need to provide adequate dry soil for it to function.
Even in a well-designed drainage field, eventually the soil surrounding the drainfield device (perforated pipe in gravel trench or other seepage system) becomes clogged with grease and debris. Examining an excavated cross-section of a failed drainfield will often display a black or gray band of sludge and grease of about 1" thickness at the inside perimeter of the gravel trench. When this layer of soil becomes sufficiently clogged the passage of effluent into the soil below is slowed and eventually blocked, leading to the need for replacement. Keeping a tank pumped so as to reduce the passage of debris and grease into a drain field will extend its life.
This is the most expensive problem to correct. Look for septic effluent seepage to ground surface in area of equipment or downhill from such equipment. Look for (illegal) drain field line extensions to nearby streams, storm drains, or adjoining properties where the temptation to "fix" a failing system by sending the effluent to an improper destination overwhelmed a previous owner or repair company. In some areas inspectors use septic loading and dye test. Seepage may be due to overloaded tank, failed absorption system, or blocked/broken piping (may be less costly).
An excavator or septic contractor will often explore one or more drain lines (or similar components) by excavating a portion of it to look for evidence of flooding or soil clogging. we have used a simple probe at the end and along a leach bed to check for flooding of that component. (Be careful not to break or collapse old piping.)
Types, Causes, and Failure Criteria for Septic Systems: Defining "Failed" Onsite Wastewater Treatment or Disposal
This chapter discusses types of septic system failure lists causes of each type of septic component failure, and lists the septic component failure criteria or in other words what conditions are defined as "failure"?. The detailed "how to" steps instructing how to inspect specific septic components for signs of failure are discussed in the text above.
In simplest terms, there are two visible disposal failures:
- Toilets or other fixtures back up into the house - but first see "Diagnosing Clogged Drains and Septic Backups then return here using your browser's "BACK" button.
- Effluent or sewage appears at the surface of the yard, or the neighbor's yard!
Septic odors may also indicate a system failure or an imminent failure. But such odors may also be produced by defects in the plumbing vent system or other site conditions. Beware, sewer gas contains methane and is explosive if it reaches a dangerous concentration inside a Building.
Typical causes range from things that are easy and cheap to repair, to a need for complete system replacement:
- Clogged pipes
- Broken pipes
- Damaged tank
- Tipped distribution box
- Clogged/broken soil absorption piping
- Clogged absorption soils (grease & solids)
- Saturated soil absorption area
However there can also be treatment failures.
Effluent may not back up or appear on the surface, but if insufficiently
treated effluent reaches a private well or any stream or waterway, the
environment is being contaminated -- an unacceptable condition. Historically
many people have just worried about disposal. As the quality of drinking water
deteriorates in many areas and as population grows in many previously
thinly-populated areas, proper treatment has become the real concern for
everyone's health.
For example, if there is not sufficient soil between the bottom of the soil absorption system trenches and the local groundwater, the local environment is being contaminated.
Other causes of onsite wastewater disposal system failure:
- Driving over the absorption system, leach field, drainfield
- Paving over the absorption system
- Flooding the absorption system with surface or roof runoff, or rocky, poorly-drained or under-sized sites may simply lack capacity
- Improper original construction , especially on rocky, poorly-drained sites (pipes settle, for example)
- Tipped or flooded distribution boxes, resulting in uneven loading of soil absorption system lines
- Use of septic tank or drain field additives which claim to extend system life can generate so much activity in the tank that solids are held in suspension and forced into the soil absorption system! Do not add any treatments, chemicals, yeast, or other treats to a septic system. In general these treatments don't work, may ruin the system, and are illegal in many localities. There is no magic bullet to repair a bad SAS.
- Rusting steel tank covers can cause death! Rusted covers can collapse. I have reports of children and adults who have died from this hazard, as recently as December 1997. In 2000 I consulted in a fatality involving an adult falling into a cesspool. At a Building inspection I myself stepped through a hidden, rusted-through steel septic tank cover. Falling into a septic tank, drywell, or cesspool is quickly fatal, either from being buried by falling soils and debris, or by asphyxiation. Septic gases are highly toxic and can kill in just minutes of exposure. Even leaning over an empty (just pumped) tank has led to collapse and fatality of a septic pumper.
- Concrete tank lids: can be damaged by vehicle traffic; heavy duty covers are available.
- Steel tank baffles: rust out and fall off, permitting solids to enter the soil absorption system
- Steel tank bottoms rust out permitting effluent to leak into soils around the tank, possibly giving a large void in tank at time of testing, thus subverting a loading or dye test;
- Concrete tanks can crack or sections may separate causing leaks with the same effects as just stated
- Concrete tank baffles: may erode from chemicals, detergents, poor concrete mix, water flowing over top of baffles, or may be broken by improper pumping procedures
- Houses clustered around a lake: often will have a marginal system as properties were crowded together, built as part-time summer-camps, were built without code supervision, and often were built using amateur, marginal home-made systems.
- Age: eventually even a well-maintained SAS will clog and have to be replaced.
Onsite Waste Disposal System Failure Criteria
Massachusetts Title 5 lists specific failure criteria and serves as a good model for septic inspections anywhere.
- Backup anywhere in the system
- Discharge of effluent to the surface, stream, etc. regardless of whether or not septic dye is observed
- Static effluent level above outlet in the D-box
- System has to be pumped more than 4x/year
- Metal septic tanks (municipality dependent; note that in special site conditions small metal tanks may be the "only" solution and may be approved by local officials. An owner/buyer must be informed of the implications of such installations.)
- Soil Absorption System (or cesspool, etc) is at a depth exposing it to the maximum groundwater level
Cesspool failures (MA)
- less than 6inches of freeboard
- less than 1/2 day's storage
- within100 ft. of a pond or dug well (surface water supply)
- within50 ft. of a private well (modern sanitary well)
- between50 and 100 ft from a private well if well fails bacteria test
- in MA, within Zone 1 of a public well
- BOH evaluation is required if within 50ft of any surface water
Soil Absorption System Failures (leach fields, drain fields, seepage pits)
- Breakout of effluent observed (& I consider odors as well)
- BOH evaluation in MA if within 100 ft of surface water supply
- within Zone 1 of a public well
- within 50ft of a private well
- between 50ft and 100ft of a private well if well fails bacteria test.
Levels of Septic System Inspection and Testing
LEVEL-0 Septic Inspections - Basic Visual, Loading & Dye Test
This level of inspection is typically provided during a "home inspection" for real estate transactions.
- VISUAL ONLY: Basic visual inspection and reporting of information (Performed by home inspector or other expert) (Some municipalities require this test be performed only by specifically licensed septic contractors or engineers.)
- VISUAL PLUS LOADING DYE TEST - Visual + Dye test and system loading. Warning: using an inadequate amount of
tracer dye or an insufficient volume of water for this test will make it meaningless. Therefore ordering a
"stand-alone" septic loading and dye test of a system should be expected to cost considerably more than
such a test which can be performed overlapped in time with other Building inspection services. Beware of
quick, minimal tests which place only a small volume of liquid into the system (perhaps 50 gallons over 10 or 15 minutes).
The minimum quantities of water and septic dye needed are discussed in a separate chapter at Septic Loading and Dye Test Procedure Details - a chapter of this text "Inspecting, Testing, & Maintaining Residential Septic Systems".
ADDITIONAL LEVELS OF INSPECTION for real estate transactions and for problem diagnosis and bidding prior to actual repair work.
- LEVEL 1 = Level 0 + Open accessible covers & inspect equipment. May include loading and dye test, often does not. May include requiring tank pump out and inspection. (Performed by home inspector or other expert) (Some municipalities require this test be performed only by specifically licensed septic contractors or engineers.) This is the Pennsylvania PSMA definition for level-1. More detail is at our Level 1 Septic Inspection discussed at Levels of Septic Inspections.
- LEVEL 2 = Level 1 + Locate, excavate if needed, open, inspect tank and distribution boxes, pump and inspect tank, baffles, distribution boxes; determine system capacity, scum thickness, baffle condition, etc. (Performed by septic pumping contractor or other expert.) (Some municipalities require this test be performed only by specifically licensed septic contractors or engineers.) More detail is at Level 2.
- LEVEL 3 = Level 2 + additional site excavation, test openings in leaching area, other test holes, soil percolation testing, other engineering work. (Performed by septic pumping contractor, engineer, or other expert.) (Some municipalities require this test be performed only by specifically licensed septic contractors or engineers.) More detail is at Level 3.
Absorption System Design & Maintenance Soil Perc Tests & Septic Drain Field Design & Maintenance
Soil Percolation Requirements and Soil Depth Requirements for Septic Absorption Systems / Septic System Drainfields
What is a septic system soil percolation test?
In specifying the size and type of absorption field (leach field, seepage pits, galleys, other) a septic engineer or health department official will require that a soil percolation test or "perc" test be performed. You may hear it described as a "deep hole test." The first time I participated in this procedure I found myself smiling with surprise at how low-tech the procedure actually was (in New York State.)
After identifying the most-likely location on the lot for placement of a septic drainfield, the excavator used a backhoe to dig a rough hole about 5 ft. deep. Happily no groundwater immediately filled in the hole (which would have been bad news). Perhaps this is why builders try to have this test done in July which is the period of most-dry weather and lowest groundwater table levels.
After digging this rough hole, the septic engineer poured a 5-gallon (joint compound) bucket of water into the hole. In some cases a few buckets might be dumped therein. After that sophisticated move, the observers simply watched the rate at which the water disappeared. a one-inch drop in water level in this hole in three minutes was considered very good. If the water was found still in the hole at no drop in level the next morning, this was considered seriously bad and probably requiring some soil exchange or other special design measures.
What are the soil perc and other soil requirements for septic systems?
I like the Massachusetts Title 5 Septic Inspection criteria for defining a (at least possibly) functional drainfield, as the text explains the role of the biomass below the absorption bed, sets soil depth requirements, and recognizes the importance of keeping the bottom of the working biomass area in well drained soil sufficiently above the seasonal high water table.
Here is an example of soil requirements for a functional drainfield. This version is particularly clearly written and is for residents of Ohio but the principles apply anywhere. "In Ohio, soil absorption systems can be used in areas where the percolation rate of the soil is between 3 and 60 minutes per inch (soil permeability between 1 and 20 inches per hour). At least 4 feet of suitable soil is required under the soil absorption system to provide adequate treatment of the septic tank effluent. To accommodate the construction of the system and provide adequate soil cover to grade, a minimum of 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 feet of suitable soil is needed above the limiting layer.
A limiting layer may be bedrock, an impervious soil layer (hardpan, fragipan) or a seasonally high water table (gray soil or mottles). The soil absorption system must be at least 8 feet from any drain line on the lot, 50 feet from a water supply, and 10 feet from the property line, right-of-ways and the house. Septic systems cannot be placed on the flood plain and are limited to areas with less than a 15 percent slope." http://ohioline.osu.edu/aex-fact/0743.html Ohio State University Fact Sheet "Septic Tank - Soil Absorption Systems"
How large does the absorption field need to be?
The size of the absorption field needed (in square feet of area, presumably also unencumbered by trees, driveways, buildings, etc.) can range considerably depending on the soil percolation rate. A lot with a good percolation rate or "perc" of perhaps one inch of percolation in three minutes might require about 4500 square feet for a typical three bedroom home. If the same home were built where there was a poor a soil percolation rate of an hour per inch, 9000 square feet or more might be required for the absorption area.
Drainfield size and location also have to take into account local zoning - setback requirements from property borders, setbacks from streams, wetlands, wells, water supply lines, and other encumbrances.
Drainfield trench/line specifications
In the most common design of drainfield, perforated pipes are buried in gravel-filled trenches to form the drainfield. Pipes are placed across the slope line of sloped property (so that all of the effluent doesn't simply rush down to and leak out at the end of the drain line pipe). While some experts describe the bottom of these trenches as "level" in practice they are dug to slope slightly, perhaps 1/8" per foot or less. A typical trench is 18 to 30 inches in depth, and 8 to 12 inches wide. The trenches are dug about 6 feet apart which allows, in good design, space for a set of replacement trenches to be placed between the original ones when the first set fails. The maximum length of a trench is typically about 150 feet but I've found installations that were three times that length.
Where lot space does not permit drainfield trenches such as I've just described, a septic engineer may specify that seepage pits or galleys are to be installed. These fit in a smaller space since a single pit may be 6' to 8' in diameter. But the depth to which effluent is being delivered (4' or more) means that the sewage effluent is unlikely to be fully treated by a biomass. These systems may successfully "dispose" of effluent but they are probably not adequately "treating" it.
What destroys or shortens the life of drainfields?
It's easy to ruin or shorten the life of a drainfield:
- install a drainfield in wet weather (which compacts the soil)
- drive over the drainfield or build a parking lot over it (compacts soil, breaks pipes)
- plant trees on the septic absorption field (roots enter pipes)
- put a swimming pool in the middle of a drainfield - yes I've seen people do this!
- forget to pump out the septic tank regularly (solids/grease are discharged into the fields, clogging the soil)
- direct roof runoff or surface runoff across the drainfield or into the septic tank (flooding the system)
- install the drainfield in an area of high seasonal water tables (flooding the system)
- use the septic system to dispose of illegal oils, chemicals, fats, greases - one system in New York near the Taconic State Parkway was connected to house in which was operated an illegal drug manufacturing operation. So much contaminant was flushed down house drains that the workers contaminated their own well and poisoned themselves
Septic System, On-site Waste Disposal Inspection, Maintenance, Testing, Repair, Design: References
- US EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual [online copy, free] Top Reference: US EPA's Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, available from the US EPA, the US GPO Superintendent of Documents (Pueblo CO), and from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Original source http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm Onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems, Richard J Otis, published by the US EPA. Although it's more than 20 years old, this book remains a useful reference for septic system designers. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water Program Operations; Office of Research and Development, Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory; (1980)
- "Septic Systems," T. & A. Ferrero, Tri State ASHI Seminar, November 6-7 1993, and attachments listed below.
- "Septic Tank Pumping," Paul D. Robillard, Kelli S. Martin, Penn State College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Engineering Fact Sheet SW-161, Agricultural Engineering Department, 246 Agricultural Engineering Building, University Park PA 16802 814-865-7685 814-863-1031 FAX.
- "Preventing Septic System Failures," Paul D. Robillard, Kelli S. Martin, PennState College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Engineering Fact Sheet SW-162.
- "Mound Systems for Wastewater Treatment," Paul D. Robillard, Kelli S. Martin, Penn State College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Engineering Fact Sheet SW-164
- "Septic Tank Soil Absorption Systems," Paul D. Robillard, Kelli S. Martin, Penn State College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Engineering Fact Sheet SW-165
- "The Soil Media and Percolation Test," Paul D. Robillard, Kelli S. Martin, Penn State College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Engineering Fact Sheet SW-163
- "Level 1 Septic System Inspections During Real Estate Transactions," Paul D. Robillard, Kelli S. Martin, Penn State College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Engineering Fact Sheet SW-166
- "Take Care of Your Septic Tank," Washington State Septic Tank Pumpers Association, (WSSTPA) (Les Eldredge, President, 206-334-8263); Courtesy of Bob Kelwitz, 10/93. Items 3-9 provided courtesy of Jules Falcone.
- "Cottage Country, Environmental Manual for Cottages," 6th Ed., 1989, ISBN 0-7729-5085-7, Environment Ontario, 135 Clari Ave. West, Suite 100, Toronto Ontario M4V 1P5
- Septic Tank Maintenance," Circular 1343/January 1990, and "Why Do Septic Systems Fail?," K. Manci & J.A. Moore, Extension Circular 1340/January 1990, Oregon State University Extension Service, and "Know your Septic System," a home buyer's guide to on-site septic systems, Washington Association of Realtors, Govt. Affairs Dept, PO Box 719, Olympia WA 98507 206-943-3100, provided by Len Sherr, Bend OR
- One and Two Family Dwelling Code, Section P-2506, Septic Tank Design and Construction.
- "The Septic Tank Home Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System," Southern Rockingham Regional Planning District Commission, 19 Main St., Salem NH 03079 603-893-5766
- "Septic Tank News & Views," Stanley Carraway, Florida ASHI Seminar, October 9-10, 1993 available from FLASHI Chapter, includes some USDA tables and charts on design, loading, and references the New (1992) Chapter 10D-6, Florida Administrative Code, Standards for Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems.
- Pennsylvania Septic Management Association, RD 3 Box 3231, Moscow, PA 18444
- HUD Handbook 4910.1 (Well Clearances)
- "Private Sewage Disposal, Some Suggestions," RES-I-TEC, 145D Grassy Plains St., Bethel CT 06801 1989
- "A Homeowner's Manual for Septic Systems," Robert Berg, Wastewater Facilities Management Element Bureau of Construction and Connection Permits, State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Water Resources, January 1990, 609-984-4429, courtesy of Lewis Home Inspections
- "What Remodelers Should Know About Septic Systems,", Russ Lanoie, Journal of Light Construction [New England Builder], July, 1988, p. 31-36, RR#2, PO Box 146, Richmond VT 05477
- "Water Conservation and Wastewater Disposal," R. Siegrist et al., 1978, ASAE Pub. 5-77:121-136
- "Soil Infiltration Capacities as affected by septic tank effluent application strategies. In: Proceedings of the 3rd national Symposium on Individual and Small Community Sewage Treatment." ASAE Pub. 1-82 pp. 72-74. ASAE PO Box 410, St.Joseph MI 49085
- "Aerobic on-site systems studied in New Mexico," Asbury R. and Hendrickson C., 1982, Journal of Environmental Health, 45:86-87
- "Soil Clogging: Mechanisms and Control," R. Otis, Proceedings of the 4th National Symposium on Individual and Small Community Sewage Treatment, ASAE Pub. 07-85 pp. 238-250, ASAE, 2590 Niles Rd., St. Joseph MI 49085-9659
- "Residential Graywater Management in California," A. Ingham, 1980. California State Water Resources Control Board, PO Box 100, Sacramento CA 95081
- "On-site disposal of small wastewater flows," R. Otis, 1977, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
- NAHB Library, several resources listed, contact NAHB, 15th and M Streets NW, Washington, DC 20003 202-822-0203. "Pumped septics - improved waste-water systems distribute effluent from septic tanks over a wide area, preventing contamination of drinking water," Noele Stuart, Popular Science, My 1989, p. 84; "Septic tank effluent pump systems: an alternative to conventional sewers and grinder pump systems," Small Flows, October 1991, p 4. Courtesy of Heather Groves, NAHB Library and Information Center. 800-368-5242 Ext 204 (CD ROM search service, fees involved, for GTHBA members and NHBA members)
- "Septic Tank/Water Softener, potential effects of water softener use on septic tank soil absorption on-site wastewater systems; the effect of home water softener waste regeneration brines on individual aerobic wastewater treatment plants," Water Quality Research Council, Water Quality Association, 477 E. Butterfield Road, Lombard IL 60148
- "Design Handbook, Grinder Pumps, Low Pressure Sewer Systems," Environment One Corporation, 2773 Balltown Road PO Box 773, Schenectady NY 12301 518-346-6161 (Richard C. Grace, Sales Mgr.)
- "What you should know before buying a home served by a septic system," State of Connecticut, Department of Health Services, 150 Washington St., Hartford CT 06106, via Allspect, Westhaven CT and Butterly's Building Inspection Service, CT.
- "Soil infiltration capacities as affected by septic tank effluent application strategies," D.L. Hagett, et al, 1982, In: Proceedings of the 3rd National Symposium on Individual and Small Community Sewage Treatment." ASAE Pub. 1-82, pp. 72-84. ASAE, PO Box 410, St Joseph MI 49085, current address: ASAE, 2950 Niles Rd., St Joseph MI 49805-9659, courtesy of Bob Stead, ASHI.
- "Aerobic on-site systems studied in New Mexico," R. Asbury and C. Hendrickson, Journal of Environmental Health 45: 86-87,
- "Soil clogging: mechanisms and control," R. Otis, 1985, in National Symposium on Individual and Small Community Sewage Treatment." ASAE Pub. 1-82, pp. 238-250.
- "Residential Greywater Management in California," California State Water Resources Control Board, PO Box 100, Sacramento CA 95801
- "EPA Design Manual: Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems," R. Otis, et al., No. EPA-625/1-80-012 (or later edition if avail.)
- "On-site disposal of small wastewater flows," R. Otis, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison WI
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Private communication and "Private Sewage Disposal System," septic checklist developed for ITA, Inspection Training Associates, Kevin O'Malley, 1016 S. Tremont Street, Oceanside CA 92054, 800/323-9235 Private communication, K. Oberg to DJ Friedman, 12/15/93, 12/16/93, 7/22/94 Private communication, J. Appleby to DJ Friedman, 9/16/93, Venice FL Private communication, D. Barnett to DJ Friedman, 9/15/93, Evansville IN Private communication, N. Becker to DJ Friedman, 9/15/93 Private communication, E. Fitzgerald to DJ Friedman, 9/94, Adoption of New Jersey environmental protection law addressing septic system operation and maintenance, Subchapter 12, documented in New Jersey Register, 8/21/89, Cite 21 NJR 2635. Requires annual inspection beginning in 4th year after construction, describes acceptability criteria, inspection steps, conditions of failure. Private communication, T. Moore to DJ Friedman, 1/15/94, "Private Septic System Evaluation," Goshen NY, 914-294-3398 Private communication, S. Vermilye to DJ Friedman, 1/15/94, and sample checklist, 914-255-8888. Private communication, D. Surette to DJ Friedman, 5/6/94 Private communication, R. Klewitz to DJ Friedman, 10/1/93 Private communication, L. Scherr to DJ Friedman, 10/1/93, Cascade Home Inspection, Bend OR Private communication, G. Reid to DJ Friedman, 12/6/93 Private communication, G. Carroll to DJ Friedman, 11/29/93, Action Inspection Service, Cincinnati, OH Private communication, R. Johnson to DJ Friedman, 11/5/93, The Home Specialist, Inc., Roswell GA Private communication, E. Rawlins to DJ Friedman, 10/7/93, Boca Raton FL, and "You and Your Septic Tank, a guide to the proper operation and maintenance of a septic tank system," Department of Natural Resource Protection, 500 E. Broward Blvd, Suite 104, Fort Lauderdale FL 33394 305-765-5181, Broward County, FL, January 1993 Private communication, R. and B. Williams to DJ Friedman, 11/20/93, Williams Home Inspection Co, Hollis NH Private communication, A. Carson and R. Dunlop to DJ Friedman, 2/6/92, 11/10/93 Private communication, L. Cerro to DJ Friedman, 8/22/93 Private communication, R. Passaro to DJ Friedman, 9/15/93, 10/15/93, Res-I-Tec Corp., Bethel CT; also see Passaro's "Private Sewage Disposal, Some Suggestions," NY Metro ASHI Seminar, October 1993 (cc on hand) Private communication, J. Falcone to DJ Friedman, 10/15/93 Private communication, C. Greenberg to DJ Friedman, 9/9/93 Private communication, V. Faggella to DJ Friedman, 9/14/93, 9/24/93, Yorktown Heights, NY Private communication, R. Stead to DJ Friedman, 9/20/93, Charlton MA Private communication, T. Lewis to DJ Friedman, 9/20/93, Lewis Home Inspection, Lawrenceville NJ Private communication, G. Guarino to T. Lewis, 12/12/91, Septic system failure and inspection limitations, Township of Hopewell, Department of Health, 201 Washington Crossing, Pennington Rd., Titusville NJ 08560 Private communication, C. Eldredge to J. Falcone, 3/27/91, Septic Certification and Testing Information from the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association, Curt Eldredge, General Manager, Wastewater Management, Inc., West Chester PA 19380 215-436-4045. - "International Private Sewage Disposal Code," 1995, BOCA-708-799-2300, ICBO-310-699-0541, SBCCI 205-591-1853, available from those code associations.
- "Manual of Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines for Onsite Sewage Systems," Ontario Reg. 374/81, Part VII of the Environmental Protection Act (Canada), ISBN 0-7743-7303-2, Ministry of the Environment,135 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto Ontario M4V 1P5 Canada $24. CDN.
- Manual of Septic Tank Practice, US Public Health Service's 1959.
Septic SystemReferences & Books
- "International Private Sewage Disposal Code," 1995, BOCA-708-799-2300, ICBO-310-699-0541, SBCCI 205-591-1853, available from those code associations.
- "Manual of Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines for Onsite Sewage Systems," Ontario Reg. 374/81, Part VII of the Environmental Protection Act (Canada), ISBN 0-7743-7303-2, Ministry of the Environment,135 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto Ontario M4V 1P5 Canada $24. CDN.
- Manual of Septic Tank Practice, US Public Health Service's 1959
- The Home Buyer's Guide to Septic Systems
- Home & Outdoor Living Water Requirements
- Septic Tank Capacity vs Usage in Daily Gallons of Wastewater Flow, calculating required septic tank size, calculating septic tank volume from size measurements
- Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf.
- How Big Should the Leach Field Be? - table of soil percolation rate vs. field size
- Septic System Drainfield Absorption System Biomat Formation - what leads to drain field clogging and expensive drainfield repairs
- Septic Tank Pumping Guide: When, Why, How to pump the septic tank
- Table of Required Septic & Well Clearances: Distances Between Septic System & Wells, Streams, Trees, etc.
- Ten Steps to Keeping a Septic System Working, suggestions from the U.S. EPA, edits and additions by DJF
- What is a Septic System An Engineer's View & Septic System FAQ's
- Pennsylvania State Fact Sheets relating to domestic wastewater treatment systems include:
- Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-161, Septic System Failure: Diagnosis and Treatment
- Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-162, The Soil Media and the Percolation Test
- Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-l64, Mound Systems for Wastewater Treatment
- Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-165, Septic Tank-Soil Absorption Systems
- Document Sources used for this web page include but are not limited to: Agricultural Fact Sheet #SW-161 "Septic Tank Pumping," by Paul D. Robillard and Kelli S. Martin. Penn State College of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension, edited and annotated by Dan Friedman (Thanks: to Bob Mackey for proofreading the original source material.)
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
- Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
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- Inspecting Septic Systems: Online Book, Inspection, Test, Diagnosis, Repair, & Maintenance: our Online Septic Book: Septic Testing, Loading & Dye Tests, Septic Tank Pumping, Clearances, details of onsite waste disposal system inspection, testing, repair procedures.
| Advanced Onsite Wastewater Systems Technologies, Anish R. Jantrania, Mark A. Gross. Anish Jantrania, Ph.D., P.E., M.B.A., is a Consulting Engineer, in Mechanicsville VA, 804-550-0389 (2006), Advanced Onsite Wastewater Systems Technologies. Outstanding technical reference especially on alternative septic system design alternatives. Written for designers and engineers, this book is not at all easy going for homeowners but is a text I recommend for professionals--DF. |
Aerobic Septic Systems
| Builder's Guide to Wells and Septic Systems, Woodson, R. Dodge: $ 24.95; MCGRAW HILL B; TP; Quoting from Amazon's description: For the homebuilder, one mistake in estimating or installing wells and septic systems can cost thousands of dollars. This comprehensive guide filled with case studies can prevent that. Master plumber R. Dodge Woodson packs this reader-friendly guide with guidance and information, including details on new techniques and materials that can economize and expedite jobs and advice on how to avoid mistakes in both estimating and construction. Chapters cover virtually every aspect of wells and septic systems, including on-site evaluations; site limitations; bidding; soil studies, septic designs, and code-related issues; drilled and dug wells, gravel and pipe, chamber-type, and gravity septic systems; pump stations; common problems with well installation; and remedies for poor septic situations. Woodson also discusses ways to increase profits by avoiding cost overruns. |
| Country Plumbing: Living with a Septic System, Hartigan, Gerry: $ 9.95; ALAN C HOOD & TP; Quoting an Amazon reviewer's comment, with which we agree--DF:This book is informative as far as it goes and might be most useful for someone with an older system. But it was written in the early 1980s. A lot has changed since then. In particular, the book doesn't cover any of the newer systems that are used more and more nowadays in some parts of the country -- sand mounds, aeration systems, lagoons, etc. |
Composting Toilets - Books & References
| Composting Toilet System Book: A Practical Guide to Choosing, Planning and Maintaining Composting Toilet Systems, David Del Porto, Carol Steinfeld. Quoting an Amazon review: Del Porto's book is the definitive composting toilet book at this time. There is nothing even close. His book covers all aspects of composting toilet systems and touches on graywater issues as well. He treats the composting toilet as part of the home system. If a person is seriously interested in installing/having a composting toilet, this book can save him/her all of the mistakes people usually make. He even (carefully) explodes some of the advertising myths that the purveyors of composting toilets would have us believe. The book covers ready-made systems as well as home built sytems. As trite as this sounds, the book truly is a must for someone considering intstalling composting toilet. |
| The Humanure Handbook: A Guide to Composting Human Manure, 3rd Ed.,
Joseph C. Jenkins. Quoting part of an Amazon review: The Humanure Handbook provides a wealth of thoroughly researched, hands-on experience and scientific data that demonstrates that after a natural process called "thermophilic" bacterial digestion, which occurs in a compost bin and where all pathogens are killed, excreta is then converted to a valuable nutrient for agriculture and thereby completing a full-circle life cycle. Most importantly, effluent can then be kept out of our drinking water and not treated or referred to as an undesirable "waste product". The information is conveyed in a humorous, folksy, down-to-earth easy to understand style along with drawings, charts, tables, photos and a wealth of resource info for further research. Jenkins' website has a forum for sharing more info, experiences and to answer any and all questions in the process of humanuring and constructed wetland gray water treatment. |
Technical papers and online articles on composting or other alternative toilet designs, for download or purchase.
- Decentralized Systems Technology Fact Sheet: Septic Tank - Soil Absorption Systems, U.S. EPA, PDF Document provides basic information about septic tanks and drainfields.
| Thermal composting of faecal matter as treatment and possible disinfection method--laboratory-scale and pilot-scale studies, B. Vinneras, A. Bjorklund, H. Jonsson. Quoting Amazon review: When using toilets where the urine and faeces are collected separately for reuse as nutrients in agriculture, the collected matter should be disinfected. One way to do this is by thermal composting. Composting of different material mixes was investigated in a laboratory-scale experiment. This showed that the best mixture for dry thermal composting was a mix of faeces, food waste and amendment. The urine was collected separately by use of urine-diverting toilets. A new method was developed to mathematically evaluate and estimate the safety margins of pathogen inactivation during thermal composting. The method is based upon a mathematical calculation of the number of times total inactivation (at least 12log"1"0 reduction) of the organisms is achieved. In a pilot-scale experiment, the disinfection of a faeces/food waste mix was performed with a calculated safety margin of more than 37 times the total die-off of Enteroviruses and some 550 times that of Ascaris. Thus, well functioning composting seems to be effective for disinfection of faecal matter. To get a high temperature in all of the material, the reactor has to have sufficient insulation. A major disadvantage is the initial need for handling the raw un-disinfected material. The degradation of the organic matter in the compost was almost 75%, resulting in a small final volume that could safely be recycled. |
| Experiences with a composting toilet article from: Countryside & Small Stock Journal, available as HTML download.
Quoting Amazon review: This digital document is an article from Countryside & Small Stock Journal, published by Countryside Publications Ltd. on May 1, 1994. The length of the article is 1516 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser. From the supplier: A composting toilet is a good alternative to propane burning toilets, but it also has many problems. The worst part is emptying the waste and compost every 4-6 weeks. Other problems are the fan that must be kept running constantly and bug infestation. |
Incinerating Toilets
- Comparing Toilets a brief comparison of Composting, Low-flow, Incinerating, and Chemical Portable toilets from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse
- Eco John or at Global Inventive Industries, 17150 Newhope St. Ste 707, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, Tel:866.ECOJOHN Fax: 714.568.1068 or by email to info@ECOJOHN.com
- US EPA Article on Incinerating Toilets PDF file
- Fire Breathing Dragon nicknamed incinerating toilet - an amusing web article by "Jim" whose web page does not give his last name - (not authoritative). The author reports urinating on glowing waste being incinerated, causing quite a mess. Incinerating toilet brand not specified.
Design Manuals for Septic Systems
- Eco John® Innovative Toilet Solutions, Global Inventive Industries, Fountain Valley CA, PDF, product brochure
| US EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual [online copy, free] Top Reference: US EPA's Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, available from the US EPA, the US GPO Superintendent of Documents (Pueblo CO), and from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Original source http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm Onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems, Richard J Otis, published by the US EPA. Although it's more than 20 years old, this book remains a useful reference for septic system designers. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water Program Operations; Office of Research and Development, Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory; (1980) |
| Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank, Bombeck, Erma: $ 5.99; FAWCETT; MM; This septic system classic whose title helps avoid intimidating readers new to septic systems, is available new or used at very low prices. It's more entertainment than a serious "how to" book on septic systems design, maintenance, or repair. Not recommended -- DF. |
Greywater System Books & Products
- BUY GREYWATER BOOKS ONLINE
- Create An Oasis with Greywater, Art Ludwig. Also see Ludwig's "Branched Drain Greywater Systems" and his "Building Professional's Greywater Guide".
- Greywater Recycling Kits & Equipment from The Natural Home Building Source: http://www.thenaturalhome.com/greywater.html
- Graywater Central - online web with design information http://www.graywater.net/
- Arizona: Graywater Law and Designs:
- California: Graywater System Standards: www.owue.water.ca.gov/docs/Revised_Graywater_Standards.pdf
- Colorado: Graywater Design Suggestions: water.state.co.us/pubs/policies/waterharvesting.pdf discusses rainwater harvesting and graywater systems in Colorado
- New Mexico Graywater Law and Designs
- Utah: Graywater Systems Design Standards: www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r317/r317-401.htm
| The New Create an Oasis With Greywater, Art Ludwig; Buy New: $14.25. Ludwig is one of the most thoughtful, prolific, and sometimes controlversial writers on gray water systems and alternative designs. We recommend his book as clear, easy-to-understand writing aimed at property owners who want or need to consider a graywater installation to conserve water, recycle water, reduce water use, or to reduce the load on their septic system. This is the latest edition of this Art Ludwig's greywater design book classic. |
| Builder's Greywater Guide, Art Ludwig; Buy New: $10.17. Installation of Greywater Systems in New Construction & Remodeling; A Supplement to the Book "Create an Oasis With Greywater" (Paperback).
Quoting a review from Amazon: I recommend that you get the 3 companion books on greywater treatment "Create an Oasis", "Branched Drain Greywater Systems" and "Builder's Greywater Guide". The information in these volumes will keep most of us far more informed than most of the regulators, the system builders, and the experts-in-theory. These volumes are real-world gems. Art Ludwig has cut to the core of wastewater issues. He's obviously done all of his homework, mulled-over the variables, and come up with a common sense, economically reasonable, environmentally responsible approach to wastewater. I expect to save money that I would have spent on a post-septic tank, aerobic unit that would seemingly have been ecologically responsible; but because of the technological overkill, ultimately that system would have defeated my altruistic environmental concerns. ... These books talk the talk and walk the walk better than anything else that I've seen. Buy a set for yourself, a set for your neighbors, and a set for the regulators. |
| Branched Drain Greywater Systems [superseded by "The New Create an Oasis with Greywater"], Art Ludwig. If you already have this book but are in the process of installing new gray water systems you should take a look at the newer edition listed first above in this section of our grewater book recommendations. You may prefer the newest edition, but there is great information in this older version, perhaps all you need, and these copies are sold at very low prices - an aid to people of limited means. |
| Create an Oasis With Greywater: Your Complete Guide to Choosing, Building and Using Greywater Systems, Art Ludwig, [superseded by new edition] (Paperback) You may prefer the newest edition, but as I said above, there is great information in this older version, perhaps all you need, and these copies are sold at very low prices - an aid to people of limited means. |
| Rainwater Catchment Systems for Domestic Supply: Design, Construction and Implementation,
Erik Nissen-Petersen, John Gould. (Mr. Ludwig, while much appreciated, is not the only author providing really useful design guides for graywater systems.--DF)
Quoting from an Amazon review: This book reviews the art of roof and ground catchment systems for rainwater. The water collected can be used for household or other purposes. The designs are aimed for individuals with limited access to electricity and/or civic water utilities. The text includes drawings, photographs and step-by-step instructions. One might say the book is really written for the 'aid worker' since it also considers ethnic and gender issues that would be 'obvious' to the future owners of the the systems. |
| Guidelines on rainwater catchment systems for Hawaii, (CTAHR resource management publication) Patricia S. H Macomber. This more technical document may be especially helpful for rainwater collection and recycling systems for climates where there is heavy rainfall such as demonstrated for Hawaii. |
| Design for Water: Rainwater Harvesting, Stormwater Catchment, and Alternate Water Reuse, Heather Kinkade-Levario. Quoting from Amazon's review: Design for Water is an accessible and clearly written guide to alternate water collection, with a focus on rainwater harvesting in the urban environment. The book: Outlines the process of water collection from multiple sources-landscape, residential, commercial, industrial, school, park, and municipal systems Provides numerous case studies, Details the assembly and actual application of equipment, Includes specific details, schematics, and references. All aspects of rainwater harvesting are outlined, including passive and active system setup, storage, storm water reuse, distribution, purification, analysis, and filtration. There is even a section on rainwater harvesting for wildlife. In addition to rainwater, there are several affordable and accessible alternate sources, including cooling tower bleed-off water, air conditioning condensate, gray water, and fog collection. Design for Water is geared to providing those making development decisions and guidelines with the information they need to set up passive harvesting techniques. The book will especially appeal to engineers, landscape architects, municipal decision-makers, developers, and landowners. Heather Kinkade-Levario is a land-use planner in Arizona and the author of the award-winning Forgotten Rain. She is president of Forgotten Rain L.L.C., a rainwater harvesting and stormwater reuse company. |
| The Toilet Papers: Designs to Recycle Human Waste and Water : Dry Toilets, Greywater Systems and Urban Sewage (Paperback) Sim Van Der Ryn, Wendell Berry; Quoting from an Amazon review: With a title like "Toilet Papers" and from a distinguished eco-architect like Sim Van der Ryn, I needed no intro or review to buy a copy of this little, but well researched historical over-view of effluent mitigation and current eco-friendly toilet design. This book is filled with good line drawings and photographs to depict everything from the historical perspective to the current dry toilets and their construction.. |
| Rainwater Reservoirs Above Ground Structures for Roof Catchment: Most Common Rainwater Tanks in Comparison and Construction Manual, (Paperback) Rolf Hasse. [I have not reviewed this book --DF, but it may be helpful to people constructing rainwater collection and reservoir systems for use in arid climates such as Mexico and the U.S. Southwest. |
Greywater System Products, Controls, Sales
- Access Water Energy, PO Box 2061, Moorabbin, VIC 3189, Australia, Tel: 1300 797 758, email: sales@accesswater.com.au Moorabbin Office: Kingston Trade Centre, 100 Cochranes Rd, Moorabbin, VIC 3189
Australian supplier of: Greywater systems, Solar power to grid packages, Edwards solar systems, Vulcan compact solar systems, water & solar system pumps & controls, and a wide rage of above ground & under ground water storage tanks: concrete, steel, plastic, modular, and bladder storage tanks. - Eco John describes two incinerating toilet models: EcoJohn Sr - "A highly efficient, waterless toilet that incinerates the waste with propane.
This is a toilet that is ideal for cabins, pool houses, guest rooms, or other remote areas where a conventional toilet is not available or too costly to install."
and EcoJohn Jr Pr1 System "This is a new revolutionary system that incinerates gray/black water from a holding tank. This system is perfect in areas where a water toilet is needed, but pumping out the waste is problematic or too costly." This grey water and waterless toilet system that includes an incinerator for graywater that marries with a low-water toilet, the the EcoJohn Jr which is includes a sewage and graywater incinerating unit. The EcoJohn Jr. uses a low-flush toilet (not a waterless toilet). This is an incinerating unit not a composting toilet and not a chemical toilet system. - Clivus Multrum greywater systems use a holding chamber, effluent pump,
and an onsite irrigation chamber (see our Gravelless septic system components information) to dispose of graywater. Where soil conditions and site space permit
onsite graywater disposal this system design can significantly reduce the wastewater load on the septic or "blackwater" system.
Clivus Multrum has long experience with composting toilets (CM was an early designer of composting toilets) and greywater disposal
systems.
- Contact Us to list your product or service here - if you are a manufacturer of composting toilets or other alternative wastewater treatment system equipment your product may be listed at no fee. Website content critique, additions, and suggestions are also invited.
Technical papers and books on graywater systems and rainwater harvesting
- "International Private Sewage Disposal Code," 1995, BOCA-708-799-2300, ICBO-310-699-0541, SBCCI 205-591-1853, available from those code associations.
- "Manual of Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines for Onsite Sewage Systems," Ontario Reg. 374/81, Part VII of the Environmental Protection Act (Canada), ISBN 0-7743-7303-2, Ministry of the Environment,135 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto Ontario M4V 1P5 Canada $24. CDN.
- Manual of Septic Tank Practice, US Public Health Service's 1959.
- Septic System Design Types, Inspection, Diagnosis, Safety - text & references - NY Metro ASHI Seminar, White Plains NY, 11 Sept. 2010 text and refrerences for that seminar. (PDF File © 2010 Daniel Friedman).
Septic System Inspection Class original draft - generously provided by ASHI inspector Victor Faggella. (PDF) - Septic System Design Types, Inspection, Diagnosis, Safety - power point presentation Handouts - NY Metro ASHI Seminar, White Plains NY, 11 Sept. 2010
(PDF File © 2010 Daniel Friedman).
| Quality issues in harvested rainwater in arid and semi-arid Loess Plateau of northern China, K. Zhu, L. Zhang, W. Hart, M. Liu, H. Chen (out of print, find by search and deferred order). Amazon's description may be helpful: Loess soils cover vast areas in the arid and semi-arid regions of northern China. Due to the lack of reliable surface water and ground-water, rainwater harvesting has played a prominent role in farmers' domestic usage and agricultural irrigation. An economical and valid type of water storage cistern with optimum design of components has been introduced to rural areas in the Loess Plateau. Different collection alternatives showed apparent variations in rainwater quality. By using different catchments, such as mortar roofs and cement-paved courtyards, compacted land or road surfaces, rainwater can be effectively collected for storage in cisterns. This study focused mainly on the quality of rainwater harvested from the different catchment systems and stored for different periods of time. By analysis of the water samples stored in these cisterns, it was evident that rainwater quality could be improved significantly by self-purification during the storage. With emphasis on rainwater quality affected by the different catchment systems, it was found that the measured inorganic compounds in the rainwater harvested from roof-yard catchment systems generally matched the WHO standards for drinking water, while the concentrations of some inorganic compounds in the rainwater collected from land and road surfaces appeared to be higher than the guideline values for drinking water, but generally not beyond the maximum permissible concentrations. However, Fecal Coliform, which is an important bacteriological parameter for the three catchment systems, exceeded the limits of drinking water to a greater extend. Trace amounts of 55 organic pollutants were identified, including aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic compounds and phthalate esters, etc. The analytical results indicated that roof-yard catchments that included the ''first flush'' usually provided safe drinking water with low organic contents, even for rainwater collected immediately after rainfall. In contrast, rainwater harvested from road surfaces had poor quality with respect to the organic constituents, regardless of stored time. |
| City eying home water-recycling technology; uses bath and washer water for irrigation., (ReWater Systems' equipment for greywater irrigation): This is an article from: San Diego Business Journal [HTML] (Digital) available online in digital format. I have not (yet) reviewed it -- DF |
Onsite Wastewater Disposal Books
- Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf
- Soil Percolation Tests soil perc testing guide and instructions
- Percolation Testing Manual, CNMI Division of Environmental Quality, PO Box 501304, Saipan, MP 96950
- Planting Over Septic System Component", Daniel Friedman (author/editor, InspectAPedia.com), The Innovator, Winter/Spring 2008, BCOSSA, British Columbia OnSite Sewage Association, 201-3542 Blansard St., Victoria BC V8X 1W3 Canada
- Save the Septic System - Do Not Flush These Items Down the Toilet, Daniel Friedman, InspectAPedia.com - PDF document, printable
- SEPTIC STANDARDS
- SEPTIC MAGAZINES
- Test Pit Preparation for Onsite Sewage Evaluations, State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Portland OR, 800 452-4011. PDF document. We recommend this excellent document that offers detail about soil perc tests, deep hole tests, safety, and septic design. Readers should also see Soil Percolation Tests and for testing an existing septic system, also see Dye Tests
- US EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual Top Reference: US EPA's Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, available from the US EPA, the US GPO Superintendent of Documents (Pueblo CO), and from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Original source http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm
- The NSFC Products List has an excellent list of design manuals/modules available from their website or by telephone 800-624-8301
| Onsite Wastewater Disposal, R. J. Perkins; Quoting from Amazon: This practical book, co-published with the National Environmental Health Association, describes the step-by-step procedures needed to avoid common pitfalls in septic system technology. Valuable in matching the septic system to the site-specific conditions, this useful book will help you install a reliable system in both suitable and difficult environments. Septic tank installers, planners, state and local regulators, civil and sanitary engineers, consulting engineers, architects, homeowners, academics, and land developers will find this publication valuable. |
 |
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, Bennette D. Burks, Mary Margaret Minnis, Hogarth House 1994 - one of the best septic system books around, suffering a bit from small fonts and a weak index. While it contains some material more technical than needed by homeowners, Burks/Minnis book on onsite wastewatre treatment systems a very useful reference for both property owners and septic system designers. Minnis says the best place to buy this book is at Amazon.com. Minnis' website is at http://web page .pace.edu/MMinnisbook |
| Septic System Owner's Manual, Lloyd Kahn, Blair Allen, Julie Jones, Shelter Publications, 2000 $14.95 U.S. - easy to understand, well illustrated, one of the best practical references around on septic design basics including some advanced systems; a little short on safety and maintenance. Both new and used (low priceO copies are available, and we think the authors are working on an updated edition--DF. Quoting from one of several Amazon reviews: The basics of septic systems, from underground systems and failures to what the owner can do to promote and maintain a healthy system, is revealed in an excellent guide essential for any who reside on a septic system. Rural residents receive a primer on not only the basics; but how to conduct period inspections and what to do when things go wrong. History also figures into the fine coverage. |
| Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook, R. Dodge Woodson. This book is in the upper price range, but is worth the cost for serious septic installers and designers.
Quoting Amazon: Each year, thousands upon thousands of Americans install water wells and septic systems on their properties. But with a maze of codes governing their use along with a host of design requirements that ensure their functionality where can someone turn for comprehensive, one-stop guidance? Enter the Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook from McGraw-Hill. Written in language any property owner can understand yet detailed enough for professionals and technical students this easy-to-use volume delivers the latest techniques and code requirements for designing, building, rehabilitating, and maintaining private water wells and septic systems. Bolstered by a wealth of informative charts, tables, and illustrations, this book delivers: * Current construction, maintenance, and repair methods * New International Private Sewage Disposal Code * Up-to-date standards from the American Water Works Association |
| Wells and Septic Systems, Alth, Max and Charlet, Rev. by S. Blackwell Duncan, $ 18.95; Tab Books 1992. We have found this text very useful for conventional well and septic systems design and maintenance --DF. Quoting an Amazon description:Here's all the information you need to build a well or septic system yourself - and save a lot of time, money, and frustration. S. Blackwell Duncan has thoroughly revised and updated this second edition of Wells and Septic Systems to conform to current codes and requirements. He also has expanded this national bestseller to include new material on well and septic installation, water storage and distribution, water treatment, ecological considerations, and septic systems for problem building sites. |
Effluent Disinfection Processes Septic System Designs, References & Product Sources
- Bauer, D.H., E.T. Conrad, and D.G. Sherman. 1981. Evaluation of Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Options. EPA/600/S2-81-178. NTIS No. PB-82-101-635. National Technical Information Service, Cincinnati, OH.
- Crites, R., and G. Tchobanoglous. 1998. Small and Decentralized Wastewater Management Systems. WCB/McGraw-Hill, San Francisco, CA.
- Hanzon, B.D., and R. Vigilia. 1999. Just the facts. Water Environment and Technology November 1999, 34-42.
- Scheible, O.K. 1987. Development of a rationally based design protocol for the ultraviolet light disinfection process. Journal of the Water Pollution Control Federation 59:25.
- University of Wisconsin. 1978. Management of Small Waste Flows. EPA 600/2-78-173. Cincinnati, OH.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1980. Design Manual: Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems. EPA 625/1-80-0012. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1986. Municipal Wastewater Disinfection Design Manual. EPA 625/1-86-021. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1992.Ultraviolet Disinfection Technology Assessment. EPA-832/R-92-004. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington, DC.
- Water Environment Federation. 1998. Design of Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants, 3d ed. Alexandria, VA.
- White, G.C. 1992. The Handbook of Chlorination and Alternative Disinfectants. 3d ed. Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York.
- Septic Tank Soil Absorption Systems - Decentralized Sysetms Technology Fact Sheet, US EPA, EPA 932-F-99-075, September 1999 - original citation www.epa.gov
- Mark Cramer Inspection Services Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, Mr. Cramer is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors and is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator. (727) 595-4211 mark@BestTampaInspector.com
- Victor Faggella, is a senior home inspector in New York and can be reached at Centurion Home Inspections, Inc. Mahopac, NY 10541. 845-628-0941 vjf@centurion-inspections.com The company has offices in Mahopac, NY, Woodbury CT., and Mansfield Center, CT.
- Hankey and Brown home inspectors, Eden Prairie, MN, technical review by Roger Hankey, prior chairman, Standards Committee, American Society of Home Inspectors - ASHI. 952 829-0044 - hankeyandbrown.com
- Rissy Plastics - Matt Cauthorn, Flout@engineer.com for text describing the Flout(TM) floating outlet valve dosing system control (see above).
- InspectAPedia.com® - Daniel Friedman - Publisher & Editor.
- Construction Guidelines for Gravity and Flood-Dose Trench Onsite (Septic) Systems, Indiana state health department
- Maintenance of Low Pressure Distribution Septic Systems, Vermont Cooperative Extension
- Dosing Gravity Drainfield Systems, Recommended Standards and Guidance for Performance, Application, Design, and Operation & Maintenance, Washington State Department of Health, July 1, 2007
- US EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual - original citation epa.gov/nrmrl/pubs/625r00008/html/625R00008.htm and for effluent disinfection systems for septics, see EPA http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/pubs/625r00008/html/tfs4.htm
Effluent Dosing Septic System References & Products
- Rissy Plastics FLOUT floating outlet for septic effluent dispersal. Contact Rissy at 518-834-7940 or Flout@engineer.com - Keeseville NY.
- Please also see ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC PRODUCTS and also review the suppliers listed at ATU Suppliers
Evapotranspiration and Evapotranspiration / Infiltration Systems for Septic Effluent Disposal
- Bauer, D.H., E.T. Conrad, and D.G. Sherman. 1979. Evaluation of Existing and Potential Technologies for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal. EPA/600/S2-81-178. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH.
- Beck, A.F. 1979. Evapotranspiration bed design. Journal of Environmental Engineering Division-American Society of Civil Engineers 105(2): 411-415.
- Frank, W.L. 1996. Engineering parameters in the design of evapotranspiration beds. Water and Engineering Management November, 31-37.
- Ingham, A.T. 1987. Guidelines for Evapotranspiration Systems. State Water Resources Control Board, State of California. Sacramento, CA.
- Lomax, K.M., et al. 1978. Guidelines for Evapotranspiration Systems. State Water Resources Control Board, State of California. Sacramento, CA.
- National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC). 1998. Evapotranspiration Systems Fact Sheet. Cooperative Agreement CX825652, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC.
- National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC). 2000. Evapotranspiration systems. Pipeline 11(1).
- Peters, E.C. 1988. An Evaluation of Enhanced ET Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems. Master's thesis, University of Maryland, College Park.
- Salvato, J.A. 1982. Rational design of evapotranspiration bed. Journal of Electrical Engineering-American Society of Civil Engineers 109(3):646-660.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1999. Manual: Constructed Wetlands Treatment of Municipal Wastewaters. EPA/625/R-99/010. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH.
- Victoria (AUS)-Environmental Protection Agency. 1980. The Use of Transpiration Beds for Domestic Wastewater Disposal. EPA Report No. 104. Melbourne, Australia.
- Wheeter, D.W. 1979. The Use of Evapotranspiration as a Means of Wastewater Disposal. Research Report No. 73. Tennessee Water Resources Research Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- ...
Media Filters - Septic Media Filter System References & Products
- Measuring Septic Sludge & Scum Levels in Septic Tanks - Measuring the Level of Accumulated Solids, Sludge and Floating Scum in Treatment Tanks
- Septic Contaminants, identifying - what are the Nitrogen contaminants produced by septic systems and what can be done about them if they escape initial treatment?
- Safety: Septic System, Septic Tank, & Cesspool Safety Warnings for Septic Inspectors, Septic Pumpers, and Homeowners
- Sewage & Septic Backups and what to do about sewage spillage in buildings
- Septic Flood Response when and what to do to a septic system after area flooding
- "Septic Tank/Drainfield System Fact Sheet", Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Drinking Water, Source Protection Program - (801) 536-4200 Division of Water Quality - (801) 538-6146 Sonja Wallace, Pollution Prevention Coordinator - (801) 536-4477 Environmental Hotline - 1-800-458-0145 - Original source: http://www.drinkingwater.utah.gov/documents/spec_services/pollution_prevention_septic_tanks.pdf
- New York State Wastewater Treatment Standards - Individual Household Systems, Appendix 75-A (1990), Public Health Law 201(1)(1).
- New York State Alternative Septic System Design Regulations, Wastewater Treatment Standards - Individual Household Systems, Appendix 75-A, of Public Health Law 201(1)(1) 1990.
Fixed-Film Septic Treatment Process References & Products
- Hutzler, N.L., L. Waldorf, and J. Fancy. 1978. Performance of Aerobic Treatment Units. In Proceedings of the Second National Home Sewage Treatment Symposium. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, Chicago, IL.
- Otis, R.J., and W. C. Boyle. 1976. Performance of single household treatment units. Journal of Environmental Engineering Division, American Society of Civil Engineers, 102, EE1, 175.
- Otis, R.J., et al. 1975. The Performance of Household Wastewater Treatment Units under Field Conditions. In Proceedings of the Third National Home Sewage Disposal Symposium, American Society of Agricultural Engineers, Chicago, IL, p.191.
- Tchobanoglous, G., and F. Burton. 1991. Wastewater Engineering. 3rd ed. McGraw-Hill, Inc., New York.
- Water Environment Federation. 1998. Design of Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants. Manual of Practice no. 8. 4th ed. Water Environment Federation, Alexandria, VA.
- Water Pollution Control Federation (WCPF). 1988. O & M of Trickling Filters, RBCs, and Related Processes. Manual of Practice OM-10. Water Pollution Control Federation, Alexandria, VA.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1984. Design Information on Rotating Biological Contactors. EPA-600/2-84-106. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1984. Review of Current RBC Performance and Design Procedures. EPA-600/2-85-033. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH.
Holding Tank Septic System Design References & Product Sources
- Anderson, C.D. 1986 Trucked Collection Systems Experience in the Northwest Territories. In Proceedings of Appropriate Wastewater Management Technologies for Rural Areas Under Adverse Conditions. Technical University of Nova Scotia, Halifax, NS.
- Burrows, R., and N. Bouwes. The Cost of Holding Tanks for Domestic Wastewater. Small Scale Waste Management Report. University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.
- Dix, S.P. Case Study Number 4: Crystal Lakes, Colorado. National Small Wastewater Flows Clearinghouse, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV.
- Mahoney, W.D., ed.-in-chief. 1989. Means Site Work Cost Data. R.S. Means Co., Kingston, MA.
- Mahoney, W.D., ed.-in-chief. 1990. Means Site Work Cost Data. R.S. Means Co., Kingston, MA.
- Manci, K. No date. Wastewater Treatment Alternatives.Holding Tanks. The Pennsylvania State University, College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University Park, PA.
- Mooers, J.D., and D.H. Waller. 1996. Onsite Wastewater Research Program: Phase III. TUNS/Centre for Water Research Study, Halifax, NS.
- National Association of Waste Transporters (NAWT). 1998. Introduction to Proper Onsite Sewage Treatment. National Association of Waste Transporters, Scandia, MN.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1984. Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement: Wastewater Management in Rural Lake Areas. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5, Chicago, IL.
- Waller D.H., and A.R. Townshend. 1987. Appropriate Wastewater Management Technologies for Rural Areas Under Adverse Conditions. Special Publication, Technical University of Nova Scotia, Halifax, NS.
Peat Media - Septic Peat Moss Bed Designs & Suppliers
- Ecoflo Pennsylvania system - distributed in Falling Springs Technologies, PO Box 410, Newburg, PA 17240 http://www.ecoflopa.com - (814) 632-9692.
- Puraflo peat biofilter – distributed in Pennsylvania by Site Development Services, PO Box 5873, Wyomissing, PA 19610, 610-478-9900, puraflo1@comcast.net
Recirculating sand bed filter septic systems - references & product sources
- Anderson, D.L., R.L. Siegrist, and R.J. Otis. 1985. Technology Assessment of Intermittent Sand Filters. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, and Office of Water, Publication, Washington, DC.
- Ayres Associates. 1997. Florida Keys Wastewater Nutrient Reduction Systems Demo Project: Second Quarter Report. Florida Department of Health, Tallahassee, FL.
- Ayres Associates. 1998. Unpublished data from Wisconsin.
- Bruen, M.G., and R.J. Piluk. 1994. Performance and Costs of Onsite Recirculating Sand Filters. In Proceedings of the Seventh On-site Wastewater Treatment Symposium. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI.
- Kerri, K.D., and J. Brady. 1997. Small Wastewater System Operation and Maintenance: Vol. 1. California State University, Sacramento, CA.
- Louden, T.L., D.B. Thompson, L. Fay, and L.E. Reese. 1985. Cold-Climate Performance of Recirculating Sand Filters. In Proceedings of the Fourth On-site Wastewater Treatment Symposium. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI.
- National Small Flows Clearinghouse. 1998. Recirculating Sand Filters. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington, DC.
- Orenco Systems, Inc. 1993. Cost Estimating for STEP Systems and Sand Filters. Orenco Systems, Inc., Roseburg, OR.
- Owen, J.E., and K.L. Bobb. 1994. Winter Operation and Performance of a Recirculating Sand Filter. In Proceedings of the WEFTEC 67th Annual Conference. Water Environment Federation, Alexandria, VA.
- Piluk, R.J., and E.C. Peters. 1994. Small Recirculating Sand Filters for Individuals Homes. In Proceedings of the Seventh On-site Wastewater Treatment Symposium. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, Joseph, MI.
- Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. 2000. Sand Filter Guidance Document. Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Providence, RI.
- Roy, C., and J.P. Dube. 1994. A Recirculating Gravel Filter for Cold Climates. In Proceedings of the Seventh On-site Wastewater Systems Symposium. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI
Sand Filters - Septic Sand Filter System References & Products
- Using a Sand Bed Effluent Disposal System as a Component of Alternative Septic Systems for Difficult Sites. This document includes the NYS Appendix 75-A section on sand filter beds (next citation) as well as sand filter bed design comments and advice from other experts
- Sand Septic Filters - New York State Appendix 75-A Design Details for Intermittent Sand Bed Filter Septic Systems
Sequencing Batch Reactor Septic System References & Products
- Arora, M.L., et al. 1985. Technology evaluation of sequencing batch reactors. Journal of the Water Pollution Control Federation 57:867.
- Ayres Associates. 1998. Florida Keys Onsite Wastewater Nutrient Reduction Systems Demonstration Project. HRS Contract No. LP988. Florida Department of Health, Gainesville, FL.
- Buhr, H.O., et al. 1984. Making full use of step feed capability. Journal of the Water Pollution Control Federation 56:325.
- Deeny, K.J., and J.A. Heidman. 1991. Implementation of Sequencing Batch Reactor Technology in the United States. Paper presented at the 64th Annual Meeting of the Water Pollution Control Federation, Toronto, Canada.
- Eikum, A.S., and T. Bennett. 1992. New Norwegian Technology for Treatment of Small Flows. In Proceedings of Seventh Northwest Onsite Wastewater Treatment Short Course, ed. R.W. Seabloom. University of Washington, Seattle.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1986. Summary Report, Sequencing Batch Reactors. EPA 625/8-86-001. Technology Transfer, Cincinnati, OH.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1987. Analysis of a Full-Scale SBR Operation at Grundy Center, Iowa. EPA/600/J-87-065. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1993. Process Design Manual for Nitrogen Removal. EPA 625/R-93-010. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH.
- Water Environment Federation. 1998. Design of Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants. Manual of Practice No. 8. Water Environment Federation, Alexandria, VA.
- [Websearch original material on Onsite wastewater treatment: Morrison-Maierle, Inc - http://www.m-m.net/techsheets/on_site_ww_treatment.pdf ]
Septic & Sewage Pathogens and Contaminants, References & Research Articles
- Amahmid, O., Asmama, S., & Bouhoum, K. (1999). The effect of waste water reuse in irrigation on the contamination level of food crops by Giardia cysts and Ascaris eggs. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 49(1-2), 19-26.
- Barak, J.D., Whitehand, L.C., & Charkowski, A.O. (2002). Differences in attachment of Salmonella enterica serovars and Escherichia coli O157:H7 to alfalfa sprouts. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 68(10), 4758-4763.
- Beuchat, L.R. (1996). Pathogenic microorganisms associated with fresh produce. Journal of Food Protection, 59(2), 204-216.
- Breuer, T., Benkel, D.H., Shapiro, R.L., Hall, W.N., Winnett, M.M., Linn, M.J., Timothy, J.N., Barrett, J., Dietrich, S., Downes, F.P., Toney, D.M., Pearson, J.L., Rolka, H., Slutsker. L., & Griffin, P.M. (2001). A multi-state outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections linked to alfalfa sprouts grown from contaminated seeds. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 7(6), 977-982.
- Castro-Rosas, J., & Escartin, E.F. (2000). Survival and growth of Vibrio cholerae O1, Salmonella typhi, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in alfalfa sprouts. Journal of Food Science, 65(1), 162-165.
- Charkowski, A.O., Barak, J.D., Sarreal, C.Z., & Mandrell, R.E. (2002). Growth and colonization patterns of Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli O157:H7 on alfalfa sprouts and the effects of sprouting temperature, i inoculum /in·oc·u·lum/ (-ok´u-lum) pl. inoc´ula material used in inoculation.
- Evans, M.R., Ribeiro, C.D., & Salmon, R.L. (2003). Hazards of healthy living: Bottled water and salad vegetables as risk factors for Campylobacter infection. Emerging Infectious Disease, 9(10), 1219-1225.
- Frost, J.A., McEvoy, M.B., Bentley, C.A., Andersson, Y., & Rowe, B. (1995). An outbreak of Shigella sonnei infection associated with consumption of iceberg. Emerging Infectious Disease, 1(1), 26-28.
- Guo, X., Chen, J., Brackett, R.E., & Beuchat, L.R. (2001). Survival of Salmonellae on and in tomato plants from the time of inoculation at flowering and early stages of fruit development through fruit ripening, said of meat. See curing. . Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 67(10), 4760-4764.
- Guo, X., Chen, J., Brackett, R.E., & Beuchat, L.R. (2002). Survival of Salmonellae on tomatoes stored at high relative humidity, in soil, and on tomatoes in contact with soil. Journal of Food Protection, 65(2), 274-279.
- Guo, X., Iersel, M.W.V., Chen, J., Brackett, R.E., & Beuchat, L.R. (2002). Evidence of association of salmonellae with tomato plants grown hydroponically in inoculated nutrient solution. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 68(7), 3639-3643.
- Itoh, Y., Sugita-Konishi, Y., Kasuga, E, Iwaki, M., Hara-Kudo, Y., Saito, N., Noguchi, Y, Konuma, H., & Kumagai, S. (1998) Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli EHEC Any of the E coli serotypes–eg O29, O39, O145 that produces shiga-like toxins, causing bloody inflammatory diarrhea, evoking a HUS. See Escherichia coli O157:H7, Hemolytic uremic syndrome. O157:H7 present in radish sprouts. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 64(4), 1532-1535.
- Madden, J.M. (1992). Microbial pathogens in fresh produce--The regulatory perspective. Journal of Food Protection, 55, 821-823.
McMahon, M.A.S., & Wilson, I.G. (2001). The occurrence of enteric pathogens and Aeromonas species in organic vegetables. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 70(1-2),155-162. - Puohiniemi, R., Heiskanen, T., & Siitonen, A. (1997). Molecular epidemiology of two international sprout-borne Salmonella outbreaks. Journal of Clinical Microbiology . 35(10), 2487-2491.
- Shearer, A.E., Strapp, C.M., & Joerger, R.D. (2001). Evaluation of polymerase chain reaction-based system for detection of Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria spp., and Listeria monocytogenes on fresh fruit and vegetables. Journal of Food Protection, 64(6), 788-795.
- Takeuchi, K., Hassan, A.N., & Frank, J.F. (2001). Penetration of Escherichia coli O157:H7 into lettuce as influenced by modified atmosphere and temperature. Journal of Food Protection, 64(11), 1820-1823.
- Wright, C., Kominos, S.D., & Yee, R.B. (1976). Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa recovered from vegetable salads. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 31(3), 453-454.
Septic Tank Chemicals & Additives - US EPA List, Refrerencves, Products
- Original citation for EPA article: http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/pubs/625r00008/html/fs1.htm
- Andress, S.; Jordan, C. 1998. Onsite Sewage Systems. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Civil Engineering Department, Blacksburg, VA.
- Angoli, T. 2000. Hydrogen peroxide not recommended to unclog failed drainfields. Small Flows Quarterly Vol. 1 No. 2, p. 42-44.
- Clark, G.H. 1999. The Effect of Bacterial Additives on Septic Tank Performance. Master's thesis, North Carolina State University, Department of Soil Science, Raleigh, NC.
- Dow, D., and G. Loomis. 1999. Septic Tank Additives. University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension Service Onsite Wastewater Training Center, Kingston, RI.
- Hairston, J.E., G. Speakman, and L. Stribling. 1995. Protecting Water Quality: Understanding Your Septic System and Water Quality. Alabama Cooperative Extension Publication wq-125.al, June 1995. Developed with support from Auburn University, Auburn, AL.
- Olson, K., D. Gustafson; B. Liukkonen; and V. Cook. 1977. Septic System Owner's Guide. University of Minnesota Extension Services Publication PC-6583-GO. University of Minnesota, College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, St.Paul, MN.
- Rupp, G. 1996. Questions and Answers About Septic System Additives. Montana State University Extension Service, Bozeman, MT.
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). 1996. Septic System Maintenance. VTU publication no. 440-400, October 1996. Water Quality Program Committee, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA.
US EPA References List for Septic System Design and Maintenance
- Andress, S., and C. Jordan. 1998. Onsite Sewage Systems. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Department of Civil Engineering, Blacksburg, VA.
- Hazeltine, T.R. 1951. Addition of garbage to sewage. Water & Sewage Works, pp. 151-154. Annual compilation, 1951.
- Jensen, P.D., and R.L. Siegrist. 1991. Integrated Loading Rate Determination for Wastewater Infiltration System Sizing. In Proceedings of Sixth Onsite Wastewater Treatment Symposium. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI.
- Mancl, K.M. 1998. Septic Tank Maintenance. Ohio State University Extension publication AEX-740-98. Ohio State University, Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Columbus, OH.
- Rawn, A.M. 1951. Some effects of home garbage grinding upon domestic sewage. American City, March, pp.110-111.
- Siegrist, R.L. 1987. Hydraulic Loading Rates for Soil Absorption Systems Based on Wastewater Quality. In Proceedings of the Fifth Onsite Wastewater Treatment Symposium. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI.
- Siegrist, R.L., D.L. Anderson, and J.C. Convene. 1984. Commercial Wastewater Onsite Treatment Symposium. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI.
- Stuth, W.L. 1992. Treating Commercial High-Strength Waste. In Proceedings of Seventh Northwest On-Site Wastewater Treatment Short Course. University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
- Tyler, E.J., and J.C. Converse. 1994. Soil Acceptance of Onsite Wastewater as Affected by Soil Morphology and Wastewater Quality. In Proceedings of Seventh Onsite Wastewater Treatment Symposium. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, St. Joseph, MI.
- University of Wisconsin. 1978. Management of Small Waste Flows. USEPA/600/2-78-73. September, 1978. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH.
Vegetated Submerged Bed Septic System Designs, References & Products
- Bauer, D.H., E.T. Conrad, and D.G. Sherman. 1979. Evaluation of Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Options. EPA/600/s2-81-178. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH.
- Cowlter, J.B., S. Soneda, and M.B. Ettinger. 1957. Anaerobic contact process for sewage disposal. Sewage and Industrial Wastes Journal 29(4):468-477.
- Crites, R., and G. Tchobanoglous. 1998. Small and Decentralized Wastewater Management Systems. WCB McGraw-Hill, San Francisco, CA.
- DeRenzo, D.J. 1977. Energy from Bioconversion of Waste Materials. Noyes Data Corporation, Park Ridge, NJ.
- Hamilton, J. 1975. Treatment of Septic Tank Effluent with an Anaerobic Filter. Master's of Science in Civil Engineering thesis, University of Washington, Seattle.
- Hamilton, J. 1976. Proceedings of Northwest Onsite Wastewater Disposal Short Course. University of Washington, Seattle.
- Jewell, W.J. 1987. Anaerobic sewage treatment. Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 21(1):14- 21.
- Kennedy, J.C. 1979. Performance of Anaerobic Filters and Septic Tanks Applied to the Treatment of Residential Wastewater. Master's thesis, University of Washington, Seattle.
- Lombardo & Associates, Inc. 1983. Design Report. Anaerobic Upflow Filters. Newton, MA.
- Netter, R., E. Stubner, P.A. Wildner, and I. Sekoulov. 1993. Treatment of septic tank effluent in a subsurface biofilter. Water Science Technology 28(10):117-124.
- Reed, S.C., R.W. Crites, and E.J. Middlebrooks. 1995. Natural Systems for Waste Management and Treatment. McGraw Hill, Inc, New York.
- Switzenbaum, M.S. 1985. Proceedings of Seminar/Workshop-anaerobic Treatment of Sewage. Report No. Env.E. 88-85-5. University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA.
- Thaulow, H. 1974. Use of Anaerobic Filters for Onsite Treatment of Household Wastewater. Master's thesis, University of Washington, Seattle.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1992. Wastewater Treatment/Disposal for Small Communities. EPA 625/R-92-005. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1993a. Nitrogen Control Manual. EPA 625/R-93/0010. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Washington, DC.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1993b. Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment: A Technology Assessment. EPA 832-R-93-008. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, Washington, DC.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1999. Manual: Constructed Wetlands Treatment of Municipal Wastewater. EPA 625/R-99/010. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH
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