How Much Dye & How Much Water for a Septic Dye Test: Septic Testing Procedure InspectAPedia® -
How many gallons of water or how long do we run the water to perform a valid septic loading and dye test?
How much septic dye powder or how many septic dye tablets should we use to perform a valid septic dye test?
How to perform a septic loading & dye test, step by step
Where to buy septic test dye powder, wax dye cakes, septic dye liquid or septic dye tablets
Questions & answers about de terming the correct volume of water to use for a septic loading & dye test
This article provides a table of septic loading and dye test water volumes and septic dye powder or tablets required to perform a valid septic loading and dye test. This table includes 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.
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TABLE OF SEPTIC TEST VOLUMES & SEPTIC DYE AMOUNTS - Table of Septic Dye Test Volumes and Septic Dye Requirements
CAUTION: appropriate test volumes may vary depending on the type of equipment
installed. Some designs, such as dosing systems, may be approved by local
officials but may be capable of only very limited fluid handling capacity per
hour. Information provided by seller, realtor, visual inspection, or
neighborhood history may indicate if special limited-capacity systems are
installed. The following guidelines pertain to conventional tank and
absorptions systems such as tank and trench-line drainfields.
The following table is a general guide to selecting the volume of test
water and the amount of septic tracer dye needed to perform a septic loading and dye test. If you're
asking "how much septic dye" or "how many septic dye tablets" should I use, look here and also look at
the instructions from the manufacturer of your septic dye.
Table of Septic Loading Test Volumes & Septic Dye Amount
Minimum septic dye test volume in gallons:
50 + 50 x (number of bedrooms), or 150 gallons (minimum),
whichever is more. More or less, if information about system design indicates. Some inspectors
use 75 gallons per bedroom for this calculation.
Desired septic dye test volume:
200 gallons. More or less, if information about system design indicates
Maximum septic dye test volume:
300 to 500 gallons. More or less, if information about system design indicates.
Number of Septic Dye Tablets to Use:
15 to 20 dye tablets for a 1200-gallon septic tank.
This may vary by manufacturer.
One tablet per test 50 gallons of test volume of water run will be insufficient.
The test liquid is being diluted by the volume already present
in the septic tank. Therefore a proper test needs to employ enough tablets to stain the expected volume of the
tank. 10 tablets would be the bare minimum to dye a 500 gallon septic tank.
Amount of Septic Dye Powder to Use:
Minimum of one heaping tablespoon - about 1/100th of a pound or about 2/10 of an ounce by weight.
Choose red or green based on area surface conditions.
Green septic dye is fine for
snowy conditions; red septic dye shows up better in grass.
Yellow Green septic dye is better for detection of effluent if there is
already murky brown surface water present. For fluorescent dyes, both dye color groups may be visible by using
ultraviolet lighting, but home inspectors do not normally apply that method. The two colors will sometimes
permit determination of which drain is connected to which septic tank or drywell.)
Volume of Liquid Septic Dye to Use:
1.6 oz (liquid) per 1,000 gallons of septic tank volume.
Notes to the Table of Septic Dye Test Volumes and Dye Amount
Before selecting a test volume the inspector needs to know something about the design of the
onsite wastewater disposal system that is installed. The table above assumes a conventional septic
tank and drainfield are installed. If a dosing system, pumping system, or other special designs
are present, flooding the system beyond the design-specifications for a given time period could
damage the system or produce inappropriate test conclusions.
The validity of a septic loading and dye test is not based on the length of time
that water is run into building fixtures - though readers will see many inspectors who use
this criterion. Rather the validity of the test depends on the total volume of water
that was placed into the system along with other obvious procedural steps such as making
sure that the fixtures used to introduce water into the system indeed drain into the
septic system being tested and not to somewhere else.
Tramfloc Inc., (Tempe AZ) a producer of dye tablets and liquids, indicates the following dye
amounts and capabilities:
One Bright Dyes Tramfloc Dye Tablet will color 60 gallons of water. So to color 600 gallons you'd need to use 10 tablets.
One pound of Tramfloc "Bright Dyes Standard Blue and FLT Yellow/Green will treat 120,000 gallons of water.
One pound of FWT Red Dye (more expensive to use) will treat 60,400 gallons.
One pint of liquid Standard Blue and FLT Yellow/Green will treat 12,500 gallons
One pint of liquid Red 25 will treat 6,250 gallons
"Treat" in this instance means that a strong, easily visible color is produced.
Where existing surface water is murky brown colored, Tramfloc recommends the FLT Yellow/Green tracer dye.
Tramfloc Inc. informs us that their septic dye products are non-toxic and are rated for use in potable water. However
inspectors who put any dye product into a toilet which overflows or into a drain which is leaking will stain the building.
DETERMINING TEST VOLUMES - Recommended Septic Loading: How to Determine Dye Test Water Volume, and Amount of Septic Dye
FIXTURE FLOW RATE - Estimate the test fixture flow rate during a septic test
Based on field experience, actual test measurements at 25 residences served by private well systems and
observations of typical flow and pressure at residences served by municipal
water supply systems, we find that 3 gpm is a reasonable estimate of flow from
a single tub or un-screened sink fixture. Most private systems can deliver this
volume.
Actual quantitative flow rate measurements taken at a single fixture at
a single time are dangerously misleading since variations in pump pressure,
pipe obstructions, valve settings, can affect flow.
If accurate quantitative measurement of
flow rate is needed, and remembering that you're measuring the flow provided by the pump, pipes,
valves, and fixtures, not the well flow capacity, a simple procedure is the use of a 5-gallon
bucket under the test fixture, and a stopwatch. However multiple measurements may be needed to
evaluate the variation in flow rate during the pump on-off cycle.
HOW TO SET THE SEPTIC TEST WATER VOLUME - determine the septic loading test water volume
Some authorities commonly test by loading the system with 50 gallons/bedroom
over an hour - the likely maximum load for a typical residential system. A
typical trench-type absorption field would contain this volume of water even if
there were no percolation during the test period. Therefore breakout or failure
at these volumes is a reasonable sign of system failure or inadequacy.
Typical septic system design handles 150 gallons/bedroom/day. [Ref. 30, Oberg,
citing "Private Water Systems Handbook," produced by the US Dept. of
Agriculture Cooperative Extension.]
Keith Oberg (ASHI, Binghamton NY) computes that a standard leach line for soils
in central NY range from 90 lineal feet with a 3 foot wide trench and a
percolation rate of 1" in 5 minutes, to 375 lineal feet of 3 foot trench with a
perc rate of 60 minutes.
The gravel in a standard trench leaves approximately
38% of total volume available to contain effluent. Therefore, assuming no
percolation during the test period, the water level will rise 2.35" in a 90'
trench and .56" in a 375' trench. (Double these depths for more narrow gravel
trenches.) These are not excessive increases in a leaching field which is
typically set at least 12" below the surface with 18" depth of gravel as
standard practice. It is therefore apparent that an adequate septic system
should not break out when subject to this test.
Oberg applies this same test to all septic systems of all types, including sand
mounds, sand filters, aeration ponds, jet aerators, drywells, cesspools, etc.
If there are multiple systems the water load is split on each system and a 33%
extra water load is added to account for errors in estimation of the percentage
of total use.
Where to buy septic dye for septic drainfield breakout effluent indication
The first links below allow you to purchase septic dye directly from the producer. Also see Septic Dye MSDS.
Bright
Dyes, Bright Dyes - A Division of Kingscote Chemicals, 3334 South Tech Blvd. Miamisburg, OH 45342, Tel: 937-886-9100, Toll Free - 800-394-0678, Fax - 937-886-9300
Email: sales@brightdyes.com. Bright Dyes sells Fluorescent Dyes in Yellow/Green, Red, Blue, and Orange colors and in various forms including liquids, powders, tablets, and wax cakes. The company also sells ultraviolet lights that can detect Fluorescent Dye at low concentration. The company describes their products as dye tracers, toilet leak detection, and UV lights.
Pollard Water source of septic system testing tracer dyes
Pylam Pyla-Tel Fluorescent green septic dye test dye powder, Pylam Products Company, Inc. 2175 East Cedar Street Tempe, Arizona 85281-7431. Phone: 480-929-0070 800-645-6096. Fax: 480-929-0078. Emails: sales@pylamdyes.com www.pylamdyes.com/contact.html
Pylam Pyla-Tel Fluorescent red septic dye test dye powder
Septic dye test powder may be packaged and re-sold by local plumbing or chemical suppliers in in your area.
For example, we bought repackaged septic dye powder from Duso Chemical in Poughkeepsie NY
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.
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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