Warnings When Performing a Septic Loading & Dye Test InspectAPedia® -
Warnings to inspectors and others who perform septic tests
What can go wrong with a septic loading & dye test?
How to perform a septic loading & dye test, step by step
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This article provides warnings and pitfalls facing people performing a Septic Loading and Dye Test. 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.
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.
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.
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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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