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SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR

ADDITIVES / TREATMENTS for SEPTIC SYSTEMS
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
CHLORAMINE / CHLORINE Tests
CHLORINE IN DRINKING WATER
CHLORINE IN SEPTIC WASTEWATER
CISTERNS

D BOX TROUBLESHOOTING
DEFINITIONS OF SEPTIC SYSTEM TERMS
DIFFICULT SEPTIC SITES
DISTRIBUTION-BOX INSPECTION, SEPTIC
DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS
DRIVING or PARKING OVER SEPTIC
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
HOME SELLERS GUIDE TO SEPTIC INSPECT

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 SYSTEM ARTICLES
SEPTIC AUTHORITIES

SEPTIC BACKUP PREVENTION
SEPTIC BACKUP REPAIR
SEPTIC BOOK, ONLINE
SEPTIC BOOKSTORE
SEPTIC BIOMATS

SEPTIC CARE INSTRUCTIONS
SEPTIC CLEARANCE DISTANCES
SEPTIC CODES & REFERENCES
SEPTIC CONSULTANTS
SEPTIC DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS
SEPTIC DRAINFIELD INSPECTION & TEST
SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LIFE
SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LOCATION
SEPTIC DRAINFIELD RESTORERS?
SEPTIC DRAWINGS

SEPTIC DYE TEST PROCEDURE

SEPTIC FAILURE LAWSUIT
SEPTIC FAILURE SIGNS
SEPTIC FIELD INSPECTION
SEPTIC FILTERS
SEPTIC FLOOD RESPONSE

SEPTIC INSPECTION BOOK
SEPTIC INSPECTION & TEST GUIDE
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
SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS
SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN MANUAL - Online

SEPTIC SYSTEMS, HOME BUYERS GUIDE to

SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & TEST GUIDE
SEPTIC SYSTEMS INSPECTION COURSE
SEPTIC INSPECTION TYPES & LEVELS

SEPTIC SYSTEM ODORS
SEPTIC SYSTEMS ONLINE BOOK
SEPTIC SYSTEM SAFETY WARNINGS

SEPTIC TANKS
SEPTIC TANK BAFFLES
SEPTIC TANK COVERS
SEPTIC TANK, HOW TO FIND
SEPTIC TANK GRASS or SNOWMELT
SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE
SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE
    Safety Warnings
    WHEN to CLEAN THE SEPTIC TANK
    Find the Septic Tank - a Photo Guide
    How to Open Septic Tanks
    Open the Septic Tank
    Inspect Before Pumping
    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
  SEPTIC INSPECTION TYPES & LEVELS
  SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE
  TANK PUMPING FREQUENCY TABLE
  WHY DOES A TANK NEED PUMPING?
  SEPTIC TANK GRASS or SNOWMELT
  SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE
  SEPTIC TANK PUMPING REASONS
  EFFLUENT RETENTION TIME
  MEASURE SCUM & SLUDGE
  CLEANING SEPTIC TANKS
  WHEN NOT TO PUMP A SEPTIC TANK
  SEWAGE LEVELS in SEPTIC TANKS
  SEPTIC PUMPING CONCLUSIONS
SEPTIC TANK SAFETY
SEPTIC TANK SIZE
SEPTIC TANK TEES
SEPTIC TESTS: DYE & LOADING TESTS
SEPTIC TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS

SEWAGE & SEPTIC CONTAMINANTS
SEWAGE BACKUP, WHAT TO DO
SEWAGE BACKUP TEST & CLEANUP
SEWAGE BACKUP PREVENTION
SEWAGE CONTAMINATION in buildings
SEWAGE CONTAMINANTS in FRUIT / VEGETABLES
SEWAGE EJECTOR / GRINDER PUMPS
SEWAGE LEVELS in SEPTIC TANKS
SEWAGE NITROGEN CONTAMINANTS
SEWAGE PATHOGENS in SEPTIC SLUDGE

SEWAGE PUMPS
SEWAGE PUMP CLOG DAMAGE

SEWER BACKUP PREVENTION
SEWER GAS ODORS
SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT

SMELL PATCH TEST to Track Down Odors
SULPHUR & SEWER GAS SMELL SOURCES
SINKHOLES, WARNING SIGNS
SOAKAWAY BED FAILURE DIAGNOSIS

TOILETS, INSPECT, INSTALL, REPAIR
TOILET ALTERNATIVES
TOILET REPAIR GUIDE
TOILET TYPES
Toilet Types, Flush Methods
TOILETS, DON'T FLUSH LIST
TRAPS on PLUMBING FIXTURES
TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS, SEPTIC

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

WATER TESTS, CONTAMINANTS, TREATMENT
WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT CHOICES

WELLS CISTERNS & SPRINGS
WELL CLEARANCES

WETLAND SEPTIC SYSTEMS

More Information

Photo of septic tank sludge and
scum layer being broken up prior to septic tank cleanout.

Septic Tank Cleaning Advice for Homeowners
InspectAPedia®  -         

  • How to pump out / clean a septic tank, step by step photo-illustrated guide
  • Before starting, some safety warnings for septic pumpers and homeowners
  • When to pump, how to find the septic tank, inspect before opening the tank; removing the tank cover
  • How the pumper truck or vacuum truck is operated
  • Tank inspection before pumping; Actually pumping out the septic tank; inspections while pumping
  • Washing the septic tank after pumping, inspecting the tank after pumping
  • Closing the septic tank, recording the septic tank location, advising homeowners

Septic Care and Maintenance Advice for Homeowners: safety, condition of the system, use of chemicals, additives, septic filters.

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.

This septic tank pumpout article series provides a step by step, photo-illustrated guide to opening, pumping, and inspecting septic tanks, how a conventional septic tank is located, opened, pumped out, cleaned, and inspected. This guideline is intended for septic pumping tank truck operators and as general information for homeowners or septic service companies concerned with septic system care.

The steps in servicing a septic tank are listed below, accompanied by photographs that show each of the critical steps in pumping, cleaning, and inspecting a septic tank. Readers should see Septic Tank Pumping Frequency Guide for a table explaining when to schedule a septic cleanout.

Citation of this article by reference to this website and brief quotation for the sole purpose of review are permitted. Use of this information at other websites, in books or pamphlets for sale is reserved to the author. Technical reviewers are welcome and are listed at "References." This is a chapter of Inspecting, Testing, & Maintaining Residential Septic Systems an online book on septic systems.

© 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.

A Photographic Guide to Pumping a Septic Tank

Advising Owners About Septic Tank Conditions and Safety Hazards

PHOTO of septic service operator recording septic cleaning
results and noting any unsafe conditions in writing before speaking with the owner. Tank and Field Conditions: Inform the owner of the condition of the septic tank and of any indications of leach field failure such as back flow into the tank during pump-down or damaged baffles.

Inform the owner of the approximate level of sludge and scum found in the tank. This information assists in determining the actual tank pumping frequency needed for the property.

Inform the owner if obvious clearance violations were observed between the tank and other site features such as a nearby well - health hazards may be present.

The photo shows the septic service operator recording the results of the septic cleanout on the client's bill.

In addition to telling the client orally of any unsafe or other important conditions observed, the operator must provide exactly the same information in writing. Writing this data clearly on the invoice is often sufficient.

See SEPTIC CLEARANCE DISTANCES.

Watch out: Safety: If immediately dangerous conditions exist, such as a missing or unsafe septic tank cover or a collapsing or risk-of-collapsing septic tank, seepage pit, drywell, or cesspool are observed, the operator should:

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Technical Reviewers & References

  • InspectAPedia.com® - Daniel Friedman - Publisher & Editor.
  • InspectAPedia Bookstore lists recommended books, organized by topic & available for purchase. Most of our articles also include a list of recommended books for the specific article topic as well as other references, and information sources.
  • Critique, contributions wanted: Contact Us to suggest corrections or additions to articles at this website, and if you wish, to receive online listing and credit as a contributor. Particular thanks are due to the many experts and also consumers who read and critique technical articles at InspectAPedia.com.
  • Additional technical contributors & reference sources for this article are listed below.

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.

  • First Chapter: SEPTIC SYSTEMS ONLINE BOOK
  • This Chapter: SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE
SEPTIC SYSTEM SAFETY WARNINGS

SEPTIC TANKS
SEPTIC TANK BAFFLES
SEPTIC TANK COVERS
SEPTIC TANK, HOW TO FIND
SEPTIC TANK GRASS or SNOWMELT
SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE
SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE
    Safety Warnings
    WHEN to CLEAN THE SEPTIC TANK
    Find the Septic Tank - a Photo Guide
    How to Open Septic Tanks
    Open the Septic Tank
    Inspect Before Pumping
    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
  SEPTIC INSPECTION TYPES & LEVELS
  SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE
  TANK PUMPING FREQUENCY TABLE
  WHY DOES A TANK NEED PUMPING?
  SEPTIC TANK GRASS or SNOWMELT
  SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE
  SEPTIC TANK PUMPING REASONS
  EFFLUENT RETENTION TIME
  MEASURE SCUM & SLUDGE
  CLEANING SEPTIC TANKS
  WHEN NOT TO PUMP A SEPTIC TANK
  SEWAGE LEVELS in SEPTIC TANKS
  SEPTIC PUMPING CONCLUSIONS
SEPTIC TANK SAFETY
SEPTIC TANK SIZE
SEPTIC TANK TEES
SEPTIC TESTS: DYE & LOADING TESTS
SEPTIC TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS
  • Next Chapter: SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE
  • SEPTIC DRAINFIELD INSPECTION
  • SEPTIC TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS
  • SEPTIC CONSULTANTS
  • SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS
  • SEPTIC DESIGN ALTERNATIVE
  • Rope off and secure the area so that adults or children do not walk over or near the unsafe area.
  • Inform the property owners and any property tenants or occupants immediately, orally and in writing of a very dangerous condition involving a possibly fatal hazard, and explain that immediate actions are needed.
  • Inform the pumping company of unsafe conditions and confirm that the owner and any other appropriate people such as tenants in the building have been informed.
  • Close off or cover over unsafe openings even if simply by using expedient materials such as nearby construction materials.
  • Special thanks to M & O Sanitation, Dutchess County NY (845) 471-0308 for permitting us to photograph steps during septic system service at our demonstration property.

Advising Owners About Septic Tank Additives and Septic Care

Non-Biodegradable Debris: if during pump down a significant amount of non-biodegradable debris such as baby diapers, condoms, tampons, cigarettes were noted the pumper should recommend that the owner read the "Don't Flush" article linked-to below.

Septic Helper Chemicals: Septic tank additives such as yeast, enzymes, bacteria, or "septic helper" are unnecessary, in some cases can damage the system, and in some jurisdictions are illegal and are considered environmental contaminants. (See "Additives & Chemicals" link at "More Reading" below.)

Septic Filters: can extend drainfield life and may be a useful system improvement that can be added while the septic tank is exposed and before it is returned to active use. (See "Filters for Septic Tanks & Graywater" link at "More Reading" at "More Reading" and at the links just below.)

  • Additives & Chemicals for septic system maintenance. Are septic products needed? Are septic treatments legal?
  • 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
  • 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
  • Filters for Septic Tanks & Graywater to protect septic drainfields and reduce drainfield clogging
  • 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?
  • 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
  • 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
  • Root Killers Over Septic Fields, is there a concern?
  • 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
  • Ten Steps to Keeping a Septic System Working, septic maintenance suggestions from the U.S. EPA, edits and additions by DJF
  • WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS maintenance, adjustment, and water softener effect on drinking water; potential effects of salts on septic systems
  • 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.
  • 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 we 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.

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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