Septic System Design Home Page
How to Design & Build a Septic System

SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN - Detailed articles on how to specify, design, and install a conventional or advanced/alternative septic system such as a septic tank and septic drainfield, mound systems, aerobic septic systems, and others
- How to determine the necessary capacity of a septic system, its space requirements, and its basic layout
- How to choose a septic tank size and type
- How to calculate the necessary size of a septic drainfield, leach field, or soil absorption system for final wastewater dispersal
SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN ALTERNATIVES - home
SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS - home
Questions & Answers about how to find out design information for alternative types of septic systems and onsite wastewater treatment and dispersal or disposal
References

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Here we list detailed "how to" articles on the design of septic systems of both conventional (tank and drainfield) and alternative (aerobic, mound, raised bed, sand filter, media filter, etc) septic system designs for difficult sites.

We give in-depth information about conventional septic tanks, drain fields, septic pipes, and septic waste handling. 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.

See basic SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS and alternative SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN ALTERNATIVES septic system design and product links below and at the left of this page. Also see our SEPTIC DRAWINGS and our SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN MANUAL - Online. This article series answers just about any question you might have about buying or owning a house with a septic system. If you do not quickly find here information you need, CONTACT US

Septic System Design & Installation

"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. 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.

SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS, step by step, how do we set up a conventional septic tank and drainfield?, including septic maintenance and septic care instructions for home owners and home buyers; steps to take when buying a home with a septic tank and septic fields, and basics septic system information about: Septic soil & percolation tests, septic tank size, septic tank depth, septic tank tees, filters, graywater, clearances septic system to other site features, drainfield size, drainfield shape, tank pumping frequency, tank pumping procedure, tank repair, septic treatments & chemicals, steep slope systems
SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN ALTERNATIVES, septic system designs, designers, suppliers & products for Aerobic, Alternating Bed, Biogas, Cesspools, Disinfection, Drywells, Evaporation-Transpiration, Filters, Fixed-Film, Gravelless, Greywater, Lagoon, Latrines, Media Filter, Mound, Outhouses, Pressure dosing, raised bed, sand bed, sequencing batch reactor, sewage treatment, toilet alternatives, vegetative submerged bed, wastewater treatment, & wetland septic systems. Also see Alternative Septic Component Suppliers for a Septic System Product Suppliers List
Absorption Field Design drainfield or leachfield or soakaway field size and specifications for leach fields, absorption beds, gravelless systems, seepage pits
Absorption Field Trench Length has an example of calculating drainfield or leachfield or soakaway field trench length
Absorption Field Layout: septic drainfield or leachfield or soakaway bed shape and placement considerations
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
Authorities, Septic Design Specifications by Federal and State Regulators
AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEMS: Design Alternatives for Difficult Sites, specifications, photos, sketches, product sources, suppliers, designers. See these Aerobic Septic System & Aerobic Treatment Unit ATU articles:
-   AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEMS
      ATU TANK SIZES
      ATU FINAL TREATMENT
      ATU CERTIFICATIONS
      ATU PROBLEMS
      ATU FAILURE RATES, COSTS
      ATU MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
      AEROBIC SEPTIC DISINFECTANTS - Calcium Hypochlorite
      AEROBIC SEPTIC DISINFECTANTS - Pool Chlorine
      AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEM ATU SUPPLIERS
      AEROBIC CONTINUOUS FLOW, Suspended Growth
      AEROBIC EFFLUENT SPRAY Head Maintenance
BIOGAS PRODUCTION & USE describes the production and use of methane produced by sewage or manure

Basic Septic Designs
Baffles & Tank Tees: septic tank baffles and tees, design to prevent system clogging
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
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.
CESSPOOLS: to absorb septic tank effluent explained, design specifications, safety, photos, sketches. Also see DRYWELL DESIGN & USES.
Clearances & Distances from septic system components to other site features, property boundaries, waterways, etc.
Curtain drains or intercept drains can protect septic drainfields in areas of wet soils or surface and subsurface groundwater
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
Drawings and sketches of general septic system designs and septic system types - septic plans
DRIVING or PARKING OVER SEPTIC is it ever acceptable to drive or park over septic system piping, tanks, or drainfields?
DRYWELL DESIGN & USES to absorb graywater or roof runoff - also see CESSPOOLS
Filters for Septic Tanks & Graywater to protect septic drainfields and reduce drainfield clogging and also see Filters for a Septic Filters & Wastewater Treatment Systems Using Filtration Methods Products Directory
Leach Field Layout septic drainfield or leaching bed shape and placement considerations
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
Treatment Levels describes the different levels of treatment of septic wastewater that occur in typical residential systems

Cesspools & Seepage Pits
Cesspools: explained, design specifications, safety, photos, sketches Also see DRYWELL DESIGN & USES.
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

Clearances & Distances from septic system components to other site features, property boundaries, waterways, etc.
Composting Toilets Are They A Septic System Design Alternative for Difficult Sites?
Contaminants in sewage which may be released from sewage spills from residential septic systems and wastewater disposal systems
Distribution Box design, inspection, testing, and maintenance of the septic system D-box

Drainfields, Absorption Fields, Leach Fields
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 chorine 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 Design size and specifications for leach fields, absorption beds, gravelless systems, seepage pits
Drainfield Layout: septic drainfield or leaching bed shape and placement considerations
Drainfield Trench Length has an example of calculating leach line trench length.
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
Treatment Levels describes the different levels of treatment of septic wastewater that occur in typical residential systems
Drawings and sketches of general septic system designs and septic system types - septic plans

DRYWELL DESIGN & USES
DRYWELL DESIGN & USES to absorb graywater or roof runoff - also see CESSPOOLS, drywell design specifications for drywells, seepage pits, leaching pits

Evaporation/Transpiration Septic Systems - septic system design alternatives for difficult sites
Filters for Septic Tanks & Graywater to protect septic drainfields and reduce drainfield clogging

Global Warming Effects on Septic Systems and Onsite Wastewater Treatment or Disposal
Gravelless Septic Systems - design and installation specifications for gravel-less septic drainfields. Also see Gravelless Leach Field Septic Systems Products Directory List
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

Inspection & Testing of Septic Systems complete list of detailed "how to" articles
Lagoon Systems for human and animal waste and wastewater treatment
Leach Field Layout septic drainfield or leaching bed shape and placement considerations
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
Treatment Levels describes the different levels of treatment of septic wastewater that occur in typical residential systems

Perc Tests
Soil Percolation Tests Perc Tests or Deep Hole Test for Soil Absorption Rate Testing

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
Septic pumps: for pumping stations, ejector pumps, grinder pumps, aerobic septic pumps, and effluent pumps for mounds and sand beds
Pumps Septic pumps, sewage ejector pumps, grinder pumps, effluent pumps, sump pumps, & septic pumping stations compared; pump alarms. Advice.
Pumping Stations describes sewer system pumping stations.

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
Septic Tanks
SEPTIC or SEWER CONNECTION? - how to determine if a building is connected to a septic tank or to a public sewer line
Septic Tank Depth - how deep will we find or install a septic tank
Septic Tank Sludge and Floating Scum: what makes up the contents of residential sewage
Septic Tank Suppliers Directory List for a list of septic tank suppliers
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 Tank Leaks can prevent a valid septic loading and dye test and can damage the drainfield
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
Septic Tank Types: characteristics and inspection guide for steel, concrete, plastic, fiberglass, and home made septic tanks
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
Treatment Levels describes the different levels of treatment of septic wastewater that occur in typical residential systems

Sewage & Public or Municipal Sewer Lines & Pumping Stations
Contaminants in sewage which may be released from sewage spills from residential septic systems and wastewater disposal systems
Pumping Stations describes sewer system pumping stations.
SEPTIC or SEWER CONNECTION? - how to determine if a building is connected to a septic tank or to a public sewer line
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
Treatment Levels describes the different levels of treatment of septic wastewater that occur in typical residential 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.

Toilets
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
Toilets, Chemical, Composting, Incinerating: products & designs for chemical toilets & waterless toilets, composting toilets, greywater systems, holding tanks, incinerating toilets
Toilet Suppliers Directory List, Composting Toilets, Biological Toilets, No-water/Low water toilets, Waterless toilets, Chemical Toilets, Incinerating Toilets and related products list
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
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

Wetland Septic Systems

Also see these Directory Lists of Septic System Parts & Supplies

Aerobic Septic System Products Directory List
Alternative Septic System Product Suppliers List
Filters, Septic Filters & Wastewater Treatment Systems Using Filtration Methods Products Directory
Gravelless Leach Field Septic Systems Products Directory List
Septic Effluent Distribution Products Directory List
Toilets, Composting Toilets, Biological Toilets, No-water/Low water toilets, Waterless toilets, Chemical Toilets, Incinerating Toilets and related products list
Other Septic Wastewater Treatment Products List
Plumbers & Septic Repair Companies List
Septic Tanks septic tank suppliers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Technical Reviewers & References

Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.

SEPTIC DESIGN BASICS - Septic System Design: Choosing Septic Tank Size, Absorption System Size, Basic Design Notes

The full Chapter on Design Basics is at SEPTIC DESIGN BASICS. Excerpts are 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
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
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

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.

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 septic drainfield 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.

See SEPTIC DRAINFIELD SIZE for design specifications for septic drainfields.

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

"EPA Design Manual: Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems," R. Otis et al, EPA 625/1-80-012. GPO Bookstore, 26 Federal Plaza, Room 110, New York NY 10278 212-264-3825.
"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

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.

The Septic System Information Website home page for this topic
Septic Systems Inspection, Testing, & Maintenance- online textbook. Detailed how to inspect, maintain, repair information
The Home Buyer's Guide to Septic Systems
Septic Tank Pumping Guide: When, Why, How to pump the septic tank
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
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
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.

The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.

Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.

Building inspection education & report writing systems from Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd

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). 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.
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.

Design Manuals for Septic Systems

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)
Eco John® Innovative Toilet Solutions, Global Inventive Industries, Fountain Valley CA, PDF, product brochure
"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.

Onsite Wastewater Disposal Books

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 wastewater treatment systems a very useful reference for both property owners and septic system designers.
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
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 priced 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.
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
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.
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
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.
The NSFC Products List has an excellent list of design manuals/modules available from their website or by telephone 800-624-8301
Submissions welcome. send us a suggested document link or request an exchange of website links
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Ask a Question or Search InspectAPedia