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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.

This website 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, ask by email.

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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.

• Basic Design Procedures & Steps for a Septic System step by step, how do we set up a conventional septic tank and drainfield?
• Absorption Fields, Drainfields, Leach Fields for septic systems
• Absorption Field Design size and specifications for leach fields, absorption beds, gravelless systems, seepage pits
• Absorption Field Trench Length has an example of calculating drainfield leach line trench length
• Absorption Field Layout: septic drainfield or leaching 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


• Alternative Septic System Designs
• SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN ALTERNATIVES 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
• 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. Also see Alternative Septic Component Suppliers for a Septic System Product Suppliers List
  
  
• Authorities, Septic Design Specifications by Federal and State Regulators
• Aerobic Septic Systems: Design Alternatives for Difficult Sites, specifications, photos, sketches, product sources, suppliers, designers


• 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.
• 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 Components? is it ever acceptable to drive or park over septic system piping, tanks, or drainfields?
  
• 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
• Seepage Pits for onsite wastewater disposal - design specifications. For more detail see Drywells 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 mainfold 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


• Drywells
• Drywells Home Buyer's or Owner's Advice
• Drywells 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 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

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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.

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.

1. Capacity: Table of Required Septic Tank Sizes: Septic Tank Capacity vs Usage is a table of required septic tank sizes
2. Capacity: Home & Outdoor Living Water Requirements is a paper on daily water usage per household or person
3. 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)
4. Fields: How Big Should the Leach Field Be? - table of soil percolation rate vs. field size
5. SEPTIC CLEARANCES: from wells, streams, etc.
6. SEPTIC DESIGN ALTERNATIVES for onsite waste disposal systems - septic systems
7. DEFINITIONS of common septic system and onsite waste disposal terms
8. 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.
9. Soil Percolation Tests
10. 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

1. "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.
2. "Septic Systems," T. & A. Ferrero, Tri State ASHI Seminar, November 6-7 1993, and attachments listed below.
3. "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.
4. "Preventing Septic System Failures," Paul D. Robillard, Kelli S. Martin, PennState College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Engineering Fact Sheet SW-162.
5. "Mound Systems for Wastewater Treatment," Paul D. Robillard, Kelli S. Martin, Penn State College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Engineering Fact Sheet SW-164
6. "Septic Tank Soil Absorption Systems," Paul D. Robillard, Kelli S. Martin, Penn State College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Engineering Fact Sheet SW-165
7. "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
8. "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
9. "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.
10. "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
11. 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 homebuyer'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
12. One and Two Family Dwelling Code, Section P-2506, Septic Tank Design and Construction.
13. "The Septic Tank Home Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System," Southern Rockingham Regional Planning District Commission, 19 Main St., Salem NH 03079 603-893-5766
14. "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.
15. Pennsylvania Septic Management Association, RD 3 Box 3231, Moscow, PA 18444
16. HUD Handbook 4910.1 (Well Clearances)
17. "Private Sewage Disposal, Some Suggestions," RES-I-TEC, 145D Grassy Plains St., Bethel CT 06801 1989
18. "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
19. "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
20. "Water Conservation and Wastewater Disposal," R. Siegrist et al., 1978, ASAE Pub. 5-77:121-136
21. "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
22. "Aerobic on-site systems studied in New Mexico," Asbury R. and Hendrickson C., 1982, Journal of Environmental Health, 45:86-87
23. "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
24. "Residential Graywater Management in California," A. Ingham, 1980. California State Water Resources Control Board, PO Box 100, Sacramento CA 95081
25. "On-site disposal of small wastewater flows," R. Otis, 1977, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
26. 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)
27. "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
28. "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.)
29. "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.
30. "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.
31. "Aerobic on-site systems studied in New Mexico," R. Asbury and C. Hendrickson, Journal of Environmental Health 45: 86-87,
32. "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.
33. "Residential Greywater Management in California," California State Water Resources Control Board, PO Box 100, Sacramento CA 95801
34. "EPA Design Manual: Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems," R. Otis, et al., No. EPA-625/1-80-012 (or later edition if avail.)
35. "On-site disposal of small wastewater flows," R. Otis, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison WI

36. 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.
    

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

• Our recommended books about building design, inspection, and repair, and about indoor environment testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore.
• ...

More Information on Building Diagnostic Inspections and Repairs

• Planning to call us "just to ask a question"? We're sorry but the traffic volume at this website prevents us from providing free telephone consulting. Please use email at the "contact us" link on any of our pages instead of calling. We will however provide pro-bono consulting by telephone or by email for elderly, disabled, and people with limited means. Before paying for consulting services, be sure to read the septic system inspection, care, inspection, and design articles we provide above and at the websites listed below. These will answer most basic questions about septic system maintenance, repair, and basic installation and design, and the articles offer more depth and better organization than an off-the-cuff email. We always invite email about content suggestions or corrections for this website.
• For general septic repair advice, contact your local health department, or experienced septic engineer or contractor in your area.
• Besides Septic Tanks, other types of tanks such as buried and aboveground oil storage tanks present similar environmental and hazard issues.

More Information on Building Diagnostic Inspections and Repairs

• The Septic System Information Website home page for this topic
• Septic Systems Inspection, Testing, & Maintenance- online textbook. Detailed how to inspect, maintain, repair information
• Septic System Inspection Methods and Procedures, - online illustrated class for Building and septic inspectors
• Septic Tank Pumping Guide: When, Why, How to pump the septic tank

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The Mold Information Center: What to Do About Mold in Buildings, When and How to Inspect for Mold, Clean Up Mold, or Avoid Mold Problems

Use this simple, economical mold test kit by following our instructions on how to collect and mail mold samples to our lab

Environmental Inspection, Testing, & Diagnosis On-Site IAQ, Gas, Air Testing, Mold Investigation, Sick Building Diagnosis, Lab Services, & Remediation Plan Preparation - indoor air quality testing, problem source determination, supporting lab work, written remediation plan addressing removal of environmental and other hazards and prevention of their recurrence.

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Contact Daniel Friedman for website content suggestions or for fee-paid consulting