Step by Step: How to Perform a Septic Loading & Dye Test - Test Details InspectAPedia® -
How to perform a septic loading & dye test, step by step
What to do before, during, and after the test
How much septic dye to use
How to report septic test results
Septic Test warnings and pitfalls
Questions & answers about the steps to follow in septic system testing
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This article provides details of the Septic Loading and Dye Test procedure for testing the function of
septic systems, focused on condition of the effluent disposal section, also known as a leach field, seepage pits,
drainfield or drainage field.
Septic System Loading and Dye Tests often requested by certain lenders, involve flushing a special dye down a toilet or
other drain combined with a known quantity of water sufficient to put a working load on the absorption system.
If waste water leaks to the ground surface (an unsanitary condition indicating serious septic failure) one may find dye
in that water provided the septic system is flowing at common rates.
Dyed effluent usually appears in 20-30 minutes on a failed
system but can take up to five days to show up. If at a building inspection suspect wet areas are observed I recommend a dye test
even if one was not previously requested. When wet areas are not found (or created by running water into the septic system) on the property
being inspected, dye tests may still be performed to meet requirements of some lenders.
Although this test can often find a costly failure
it does not find all possible problems. So by itself a dye test is not indicative of complete condition of the system.
On the other hand, I've found so many failed systems with
this procedure that it's well worth performing.
Also see The Septic Information Website -
and see Septic Systems Inspection, Testing, & Maintenance online book on inspecting and maintaining septic systems,
of which the document is a chapter.
Technical review by industry experts has been performed and is ongoing - reviewers are listed at "References."
Comments and suggestions for content are welcome.
Use of this information at other websites is prohibited; reproduction in electronic or printed form is prohibited.
HOW TO PERFORM a SEPTIC DYE TEST - How to Properly Conduct a Septic Loading and Dye Test
Septic dye tests involve flushing a special florescent dye down a toilet or other
drain. The dye itself does not make anything happen. It is simply a colored indicator that can identify water found outside
as having come from the fixture where the dye was introduced.
It's the volume of water introduced into the
system that forms the actual "test". If waste water is coming to the surface (an unsanitary condition
indicating serious septic failure) one may see dye in that water, provided the
septic system is flowing at common rates.
When suspect wet areas are observed, if the system has no
maintenance history, if the area is known to have problem soils, or if other historic or site
conditions raise question about the condition of the system
we recommend that the inspector perform a dye test.
A septic loading and dye test will by no means
find every septic failure, but this methods finds many failures that otherwise are unnoticed by a home
buyer until shortly after moving-in. Septic loading and dye tests are complimentary to and should precede
any further inspection steps taken such as pumping the septic tank.
Questions & Answers regarding this article
Questions & answers about the steps to follow in septic system testing
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INSIDE STEPS - What to Do Inside the Building
Locate and inspect key inside septic system components:
Location of the main house waste line exit point and cleanout.
Location of any other drain lines leaving the building, possibly suggesting more than one septic tank or drywell
Location, type, number of plumbing fixtures. Are there fixtures that are unlikely to be draining into the septic system because
of their distance or elevation?
Location and types of septic system pumps and alarms
Report components that appear to be installed but which were not readily accessible for inspection.
Run bathtub or sink water (cold faucet only) or similar fixture closest to where dye
will be introduced (typically at a toilet in the next step).
Confirm water flow into septic: Inspect DWV lines, particularly in the basement or crawl space, to assure that
the water being run is entering the septic system (as opposed to sinks and tubs being
routed to a drywell while the toilet (and dye source) is routed to a septic system. Check that the drains are in fact
connected and not spilling into the building. (E.g. where traps were removed for winterizing.)
Confirm that water flow from fixtures being run is going into the septic system or document
that such confirmation was not possible. Often by running a test fixture the inspector can find and listen to
the main waste line, confirming that the fixture is flowing into that drain. An access port at a septic tank may also permit
this verification.
Flush the toilet with clean water where dye will (later) be introduced, assure it flushes normally so that you won't spill dye from an overflowing
toilet into the building. Do not put dye into a toilet or other fixture before you have confirmed that the fixture will
drain rather than backup and overflow into the building!
Introduce dye into the toilet.(MUST use enough dye to stain no less than the
volume of the septic tank. Typically this is 10 pellets or more and 2-3
tablespoons of dye. See the specs on the dye you buy and see DYE WARNINGS
below. Some tablets are so weak you'd need 200 to stain the tank!)
Record start time and estimated flow or measured GPM. Record all other pertinent
descriptive factors as listed below.
Run additional plumbing fixtures to obtain your total flow in GPM into the system and
document which fixtures were run and the total GPM estimated or measured flow rate. Note that if
the building is served by a private pump and well, the flow rate is not constant. The flow rate
will vary as the pump on-off pressure cycle varies.
Occupancy/Usage recording: note occupancy or time since last occupancy; note
number of occupants, number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms. Observe and
record separate handling of gray water and assure it's being discharged to an
approved location (not surface nor storm drains) if it's not flowing into the
septic system.
If the system has been recently pumped, or if a cesspool is installed, this
test may be invalid: it may not be possible to run enough water during the test
period to fill an empty or partly empty tank or cesspool.
SEPTIC TESTS: WHAT TO WATCH FOR INSIDE - What to Watch For Inside the Building
Check for in-building drain leaks: At the start of your septic dye test, inspect the fixture drain and (if a basement
or crawl space expose the drain piping) check for other leaks in the building. Once, with
permission of the owner, we began a dye test from the second floor of a building only
to hear screams of horror from the occupants of the floor below as red dye erupted
from their ceiling. Always be sure that there are no leaky traps or drains before
you leave water running in a building.
Watch for sewer line backup in the building - indicating system blockage. Check all
fixture drains before leaving water on. Check floors below running fixtures for
signs of current or previous leaks. Don't risk flooding or damaging the
building by leaking or overflowing fixtures. If leaks prevent testing, document
this information. Check fixtures periodically during the test period, to assure
no leaks or overflows.
Find the waste line: If you didn't do this before, locate the sewer pipe exit point in the building. Confirm that the tub/sink
drain for the fixture being used to load the system is in fact draining into
the sewer line. It is important to take this step early in the test cycle, and
to check all building areas to be sure that you are not inadvertently spilling
water (and dye) anywhere inside.
Confirm test water runs in septic drain line: Feel and listen to sewer pipes to assure that water is running through them to
the sewer system.
If this cannot be established or if only toilets drain into the septic system
it may be necessary to use a garden hose to provide water into the toilet to
test the system, or to warn the owner/client that the test is inconclusive for
this reason as well as other limitations. (Beware of unsanitary cross
connections; don't leave the hose in place when finished.)
Trace all sewer piping (note visible components, report areas where
there was no view or no access). Note locations of kitchen, laundry, bathrooms. If there
is more than one exiting sewer pipe, introduce a different colored dye, and
begin an additional test of measured flow at the appropriate fixtures. Record
bathrooms that may have been added since original construction (permit may have
been required.)
Check lowest plumbing fixtures for backup:
Check for bathroom fixtures at house level lower than exit point of main sewer
line. Confirm presence and operation of appropriate sewage ejector pump or
other permitted destination for such waste lines. Watch for septic backup and
overflow from fixtures low in the building - during your test if the main waste line
is blocked, or perhaps you will see evidence of prior backups and overflows.
OUTSIDE SEPTIC INSPECTION & TEST STEPS - What to Do Outside the Building
Trace the sewer pipe, if possible, from the point of apparent exit from
building to locations of apparent or plausible septic tank and absorption
system. Clues such as depressions, rectangular or circular tank outlines,
mature trees crowded together and larger open areas may indicate where
components could possibly have been installed. (Excavating equipment may not
fit among large old trees; very rocky areas may not hold septic components.)
Examine the absorption area for signs of trenches, such as sunken parallel
lines. Do this before starting the test, during the test, after the test,
and up to five days after the site inspection (an added service or an admonition to
the client) since it is possible in odd cases for effluent to appear on a property
days after the initial test. Fortunately, in cases of a failed or marginal system
this procedure often shows breakout in 20-30 minutes
Note the locations of and distance to well, trees, pools, additions to the building, driveways,
etc. that might infringe on the tank or absorption area.
Examine all site areas including property boundaries that could reasonably be reached
by drainfield extensions, nearby streams, ponds, storm drains, edges of mound systems, edges of banks,
rocky areas, steep slopes near the septic fields
Do not probe the soil over suspected septic tank locations by using methods that could damage the equipment. Heavy
wrecking bars, for example, can puncture a steel or fiberglass tank cover or break a plastic drainfield line.
HOW TO REPORT SEPTIC TEST RESULTS - & Test Conditions - What is the Minimum That A a Septic Test Report Include
A septic loading and dye test does not guarantee detection of all failing conditions. However it can
make a meaningful reduction in the risk of an imminent costly septic failure, if the test is performed
and documented properly. For a test to be meaningful, it is critical that reasonable test procedures
be followed, such as described above, and that the procedures are documented.
A professional inspector is expected to provide sufficient documentation
of the procedure followed and results obtained that an experienced third party could review that information and
agree that the test provided was acceptable, regardless of the outcome. Finally, proper documentation
at the site and during the test makes writing the septic report much easier.
The meaning and reliability of any test procedure is obscure unless the consultant records the
test parameters and conditions. For example, a "dye test" was performed by an inspector who placed
a single dye tablet into a washing machine drain line, followed by running 50 gallons of water at an
upstairs plumbing fixture.
The lack of aggressiveness of the test, inadequate dye amount, minimal volume of water
run, and failure to confirm that the fixture operated actually placed water into the septic tank all would
have been more obvious to both the inspector and the client had this date been reported. Instead, the
inspector wrote that he had "performed a septic dye test" and that there was "no evidence of a problem."
In an often-occurring anecdote, the morning after the new building owner moved into the home, sewage effluent
had flooded the yard behind the home. When the septic contractor opened the tank it was evident that the
tank was totally packed with solids. Litigation followed. This sounds like an extreme example, but it's all
too common.
Essential documentation of septic loading and dye test procedure and conditions includes at least the following:
Administrative details: Inspector's name and contact information, client name, property address, inspection date, time, and pertinent weather conditions
Safety: Observations of visually obviously unsafe conditions at the property such as the presence of cesspools, bad tank covers, open pits, subsidence or collapsing equipment.
Test Limitations: Observations of conditions which limited the test or which added risk of the septic test having been subverted: recent application of bleach, damaged tank (low liquid levels), or reported maintenance history of the system
Pre Test Conditions: Observations before attempting the test: odors, wet conditions, grass color, rocky site, etc.
Plumbing Fixtures Operated: Location and identity of plumbing fixtures operated during the test, for placement of dye and for placement of the test volume of water into the system.
Septic System Components: Observation of or reported type of septic system components: tank (concrete, steel, reported size), reported absorption
system type (drainfield, mound system, pump up system), presence of pumps (single vs. duplex), alarms.
Components not tested: such as drywells or other components which are known to be present or for which there is strong suggestion of their presence (such as graywater lines leaving building locations at points remote from or below the elevation of the main drain.)
Septic Test Parameters: Estimated total test volume of water used. Details may include fixture flow rates and flow duration. This information should include confirmation, or inability to confirm, that the test water entered the septic system.
Indications of septic system failure:
Presence of effluent or dye surfacing or breakout at the yard surface during and after the test.
Marked change in the wetness or softness of ground over the suspected leach area (as compared with that observed at the start of the test)
Septic odors
Discharge of septic effluent or graywater to the surface or to a nearby pond, lake, stream, drainage ditch, etc.
History: Information regarding the system history and maintenance if such were reported to the inspector by the seller or realtor or another party
If there was historical, visual, or test results that indicate or strongly suggest that the system is in-failure or that it is in
very questionable condition, the report should include an explanation of these site observations, system history, and test results
such that the client has an opportunity to understand the significance of the findings and reasonably probable need for
repair.
Conclusions: there was or was not visual or historical evidence of the need for septic system repair or replacement. Other recommendations
for maintenance or further investigation (such as tank pumping and inspection, D-box exploration, etc.)
An example field data recording sheet which includes a section on Dye Test Procedure Used
(fixtures operated, total volume run, confirmation of flow into septic) and pre and post-test Observations such as
and evidence of dye breakout is provided at
Level 0 - Basic Septic Inspection Worksheet
WHEN TO PUMP THE SEPTIC TANK - After, not Before Septic Tests are Performed
After a loading and dye test (which primarily tests the absorption system, leach field, or drain field), unless the septic tank has been
pumped very recently, we recommend that this additional step be taken.
Before completing the purchase of a property with a septic tank and absorption system, limited but important additional information
regarding the condition of the system tank and also the leach field may be obtained by having a septic contractor open,
clean, and inspect the septic tank itself.
Particularly in the case of older systems that have not been serviced,
if the property owner will permit this step we recommend it.
When the tank is pumped, ask the pumping contractor to describe the size, type, and condition of the tank and its
components, and also to tell you if s/he saw any indications that the system needs repair or that the tank or
leach system are at or near the end of their life.
Do not permit the septic tank to be pumped before the septic loading and dye test - that
will prevent a valid test of the system and in particular, prevents loading of the drainfield.
More details about the problem of septic tank pumpouts as a cover-up of a septic problem or failure
are at Don't Pump Before Testing Septic Systems:
warnings for home buyers about septic tank pumping.
DYE TEST WARNINGS - Septic Inspection & Loading/Dye Test Warnings
Weak Septic Dye or Inadequate Amount: Some septic dye tablets, such as "Trace-A-Leak Tablets" may have
limited capacity.
These tablets are used by some inspectors for septic loading & dye tests.
However it is unlikely that they are a reliable indicator of surface
breakout or seepage.
While individual tablets will dissolve in 1-3 minutes,
they produce a yellow-green dye which may be difficult to see in grassy
areas. Worse, individual tablets produce dye in concentrations of
1 ppm/50 gallons of water. In order to stain a 1000-gallon septic
tank to produce visible output in the fields, at least 200 such tablets
would be required. Tablets are packaged in bottles of 100. A few
tablets, therefore, would in my opinion produce an unreliable test.
Beware of Bleach: we've encountered a number of instances in which the seller or real estate agent
was attempting to assure a satisfactory water coliform test by shocking the well just before a home inspection - in some
cases just minutes before arrival of the inspector.
Not only is such an act likely to be a commission of actionable
fraud, but it may do more than "hide" a well sanitation issue. If a large amount of bleach has been placed into the
septic tank it is possible for dye entering the system to be bleached colorless. If there is ready access to the
septic tank entry port, observe the septic dye entering the tank and confirm that it's not becoming colorless
at the instant of entry there.
A simple HACH test can also check for the presence of bleach in the
water supply or in suspected bleached-effluent.
This problem is discussed in more detail at
Testing Water for Real Estate Transactions - Water Test Cheating Warnings for Home Buyers and Home Inspectors.
Four grams of 12% bleach will remove the coloration of one gram of septic dye in solution according to Tramfloc Inc.
Flush the toilet once BEFORE you put in the dye: this dye stains carpeting
and hands; if you put in the dye and the toilet overflows rather than draining
it's a terrible mess.
Certification:
WARNING: in some jurisdictions, there are existing septic system inspection
procedures and in some cases inspector training/certification are required.
In some jurisdictions the inspection procedure does *NOT* include the
introduction of dye nor system loading with extra water volume.
Cesspools can obscure or prevent effective septic loading and dye testing::
If a cesspool is in use at a property a septic dye test would not be a reliable indication of good system condition
since the test could simply be trying to fill a large near-empty hole in the ground;
yet such a system may fail soon after being returned to active or heavier regular use.
Cesspool SAFETY WARNING: watch out for cave-ins, keep away: cesspools, particularly older site-built
cesspools present a very high risk of collapse from an unsafe cover or following some types of service involving
pumping, aeration, or hydro-jetting. Adults or children should not walk over or even near cesspools because of
the risk of falling-in followed by collapse, a virtually certain cause of death. If the presence of a cesspool
is known or suspected at a property its location should be roped off to prevent access and it should be investigated by a professional.
Drywells can obscure or prevent effective septic loading and dye testing: If a drywell system is installed, running water at the fixtures draining into this system
(as may be done by some septic tests) are likely to fail to perform a loading test on the septic system even if such a test was attempted.
First, the fixtures where water was run in attempt to test the septic system (tank and leach field) may not even be delivering
water to those components if instead the fixtures drain to a separate drywell. It is critical to trace building drains as part of
a septic test or to otherwise try to determine if the test water is actually entering the septic system.
Failed Septic System - Additional Warnings:
The onsite waste disposal system at a property with a failing or failed system is unsanitary and risks contamination of local ground water or wells.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, failed septic systems are the most frequently reported cause of groundwater contamination.
Once a septic system stops treating the raw sewage it not only begins to contaminate the groundwater supplies, it also begins to contaminate
the surrounding soil as well.
High groundwater or deep septic effluent release:
Systems which release septage effluent at deeper levels in the soil (below 24"), such as cesspools and seepage pits,
may successfully "dispose" of the effluent (in that it is not visible to the property occupants) but are unlikely to
successfully "treat" the effluent to make it sanitary. While such systems may appear to be "working" and may remain unregulated by
local health officials, they are likely to be contaminating nearby ground water, streams, and possibly the drinking water supply.
Mound Systems and Dosing Systems WARNING: mound system using a pumping station are often designed to use
pressure dosing, pumping water to the mound at intervals, usually once per day.
Timed application allows the mound to rest and prevents unnecessary clogging
in the distribution system by maintaining aerobic conditions. Overloading of
these systems during testing could damage the septic system.
Maximum sewage loading rate to trench and bed in gallons per square foot per
day varies depending on soil percolation rate but ranges from .025 to 1.75
GPFD, with the lower numbers for beds than for trenches. (Ref. 14.)
Pumping tank working capacity is (typically) 25% of the daily sewage volume; actual tank
capacity should be much larger than this, at least one day's sewage volume.
Vehicle traffic:
Driving heavy vehicles over the mound can damage or destroy it. Typical mound
life is 20 years.
During testing watch closely for seepage at the perimeter or "toe" of the
mound.
We recommend limiting the test volume on mound systems to the pumping tank
working capacity. This might be as small as 125-150 gallons.
Trees and stumps may have been disposed-of below the area to be filled as a septic mound. This
"disposal" helps the builder by adding volume and saving on trucked-in fill to form the absorption system.
If you see tree trunks extending out from the base of a septic mound this condition is likely - and improper.
Pumping a Septic Tank Before Testing:
Do not permit the septic tank to be pumped before the septic loading and dye test - that
will prevent a valid test of the system and in particular, prevents loading of the drainfield.
More details about the problem of septic tank pumpouts as a cover-up of a septic problem or failure
are at Don't Pump Before Testing Septic Systems:
warnings for home buyers about septic tank pumping.
Replaced Septic Tanks: When a septic tank has been replaced but connected to an older existing leach field there is increased risk that
problems with the previous (failed) tank may have pushed solid waste into the leach field before the tank problem was discovered.
If this is the case, which would be common, one should expect that even if the leach field did not fail during a loading and dye test,
its future life will be more limited than otherwise.
Steel septic tank warnings: older septic systems often used steel tanks which eventually rust out and have to be replaced.
A damaged tank can also result in costly damage to the leach field or seepage pits.
Opinions of steel tank life range from 15-30 years. If a property is served by an old steel tank it could require replacement at any time.
SAFETY: Child or Adult Safety Hazard: If an older steel tank (or a home-made system) is found or suspected to be present the owner should immediately
protect the area over the tank from access: rotted or rusted covers can collapse and a child or adult can fall into the tank -
an event which can be fatal. Also, watch for and investigate any areas of soil subsidence quickly.
Other Septic Dye Test Limitations: Dye can identify certain kinds of septic failures, but not others.
By itself a dye test is not indicative of overall condition of the system. The
probable locations of tank and absorption system are inspected before, during,
and after a loading or dye test if these were ordered.
Ground conditions such
as snow, ice, leaf cover, can make it impossible for the inspector to see
dye-colored water even if it is leaking to the surface. Reasonable care was
used in determining the location of the components. However because these
components are buried, no guarantee can be made regarding the location nor
condition of private waste system components unless specific additional tests,
involving opening tank, pumping, and possibly excavation, are ordered. These
tests are not usually part of a home inspection unless preliminary examination
shows an apparent problem.
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.
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.
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.
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)
"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
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
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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