|
InspectAPedia ® |
|
| Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair |
| HOME | | | AIR CONDITION | | | ELECTRICAL ENERGY SAVE | | | ENVIRONMENT | | | EXTERIOR | | | HEAT | | | HOME INSPECT | | | INSULATE VENTILATE | | | INTERIOR | | | MOLD TEST | | | PLUMBING WATER SEPTIC | | | ROOF | | | SOLAR | | | STRUCTURE | | | CONTACT |
| DIRECTORY OF BUILDING INSPECTION & TESTING PROFESSIONALS |
|
BUILDING SAFETY HAZARDS GUIDE PLUMBING TOPICS SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR Septic Guide for Home Buyers or Owners Septic or Sewer Connection? Septic System Design Septic System Designs Master List Septic Inspection Testing Septic Maintenance Repair Septic Component & Product Suppliers Septic Videos AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEMS ALTERNATING BED SEPTIC SYSTEMS CESSPOOLS CESSPOOL SAFETY WARNINGS CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS FIRST SIGNS of DRAIN CLOGGING DRAIN vs SEPTIC BLOCKED DRAIN? DRAIN DRAINFIELD DIAGNOSTIC TABLE BLOCKED DRAIN REPAIR METHODS PLUMBING DRAIN NOISE DIAGNOSIS DEFINITIONS OF SEPTIC SYSTEM TERMS DIFFICULT SEPTIC SITES DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS DRIVING or PARKING OVER SEPTIC COMPONENTS? DRYWELL DESIGN & USES FILTERS SEPTIC & GREYWATER 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 ODORS & SMELLS DIAGNOSIS & CURE 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 AUTHORITIES SEPTIC BACKUP PREVENTION SEPTIC BACKUP REPAIR SEPTIC BOOK, ONLINE SEPTIC BOOKSTORE SEPTIC BIOMATS SEPTIC CLEARANCE DISTANCES SEPTIC CODES & REFERENCES SEPTIC CONSULTANTS SEPTIC D-BOX INSPECTION SEPTIC DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS 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 METHANE GAS SEPTIC PUMPS SEPTIC PUMPING REPAIR SEPTIC REFERENCES SEPTIC SAFETY WARNINGS SEPTIC SUPPLIES & PARTS SEPTIC SYSTEM DEFINITIONS SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN ALTERNATIVES Master List of Septic System Types ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC DESIGNERS ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC PRODUCTS AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEMS ALTERNATING BED SEPTIC SYSTEMS BIOGAS PRODUCTION & USE CESSPOOLS DISINFECTION SYSTEMS, SEPTIC EFFLUENT DRYWELL DESIGN & USES EVAPORATION-TRANSPIRATION SEPTIC SYSTEMS FILTERS SEPTIC & GREYWATER FIXED-FILM PROCESS SEPTIC SYSTEMS GRAVELLESS SEPTIC SYSTEMS GRAVITY/SIPHON DOSING SYSTEMS GREYWATER SYSTEMS LAGOON SEPTIC SYSTEMS MEDIA FILTER SEPTIC SYSTEMS MOUND SEPTIC SYSTEMS OUTHOUSES & LATRINES PRESSURE DOSING SEPTIC SYSTEMS RAISED BED SEPTIC SYSTEMS SAND BED SEPTIC SYSTEMS SEEPAGE PITS SEPTIC SYSTEM PUMPS SEQUENCING BATCH SEPTIC SYSTEMS SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS STEEP SLOPE SEPTIC DESIGNS TOILET ALTERNATIVES TOILET TYPES TRAPS on PLUMBING FIXTURES VEGETATED SUBMERGED SEPTIC BEDS Wastewater Treatment Levels Wastewater Dispersal Methods WETLAND SEPTIC SYSTEMS SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS DRYWELL DESIGN & USES FILTERS SEPTIC & GREYWATER SEEPAGE PITS SEPTIC CLEARANCES SEPTIC SOIL & PERC TESTS SEPTIC TANK SIZE SEPTIC TANK DEPTH SEPTIC TANK TEES SEPTIC DRAINFIELD SIZE SEPTIC DRAINFIELD SHAPE SEPTIC TANK PUMPING FREQUENCY SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE SEPTIC PUMPS SEPTIC TREATMENTS STEEP SLOPE SEPTIC DESIGNS SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN MANUAL - Online SEPTIC SYSTEMS, HOME BUYERS GUIDE to SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & TEST GUIDE SEPTIC SYSTEMS INSPECTION COURSE SEPTIC INSPECTION TYPES & LEVELS DISPOSAL vs TREATMENT DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS SEPTIC FAILURE CAUSES SEPTIC FAILURE CRITERIA SEPTIC FAILURE LAWSUIT SEPTIC D-BOX INSPECTION SEPTIC DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LIFE SEPTIC DRAINFIELD FAILURE DIAGNOSIS SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LIFE SEPTIC DRAINFIELD INSPECTION & TEST SEPTIC DRAINFIELD LOCATION SEPTIC DYE TEST PROCEDURE SEPTIC FAILURE CAUSES SEPTIC FAILURE CRITERIA SEPTIC FAILURE SIGNS SEPTIC FAILURE SPOTS SEPTIC FIELD FAILURE CAUSES SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION WORK SHEETS SEPTIC SYSTEMS, PLANTS OVER SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE SOIL CONDITIONS SEPTIC INSPECTION TYPES & LEVELS SEPTIC SYSTEM ODORS SEPTIC SYSTEMS ONLINE BOOK SEPTIC SYSTEM SAFETY WARNINGS SEPTIC SYSTEM TYPES, MASTER LIST SEPTIC TANK BAFFLES SEPTIC TANK COVERS SEPTIC TANK, HOW TO FIND SEPTIC SEARCH SAFETY WHO KNOWS SEPTIC LOCATION? FIND MAIN WASTE LINE EXIT DISTANCE TO SEPTIC TANK POSSIBLE SEPTIC TANK LOCATIONS VISUAL CLUES LOCATE the SEPTIC TANK WHERE TO LOOK for the SEPTIC TANK SEPTIC TANK DEPTH SEPTIC TANK LOCATING EQUIPMENT SEPTIC TANK LOCATION SKETCH SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION CHECLIST Safety Warnings CLEANING SEPTIC TANKS Find the Septic Tank - a Photo Guide How to Open Septic Tanks Inspect Before Pumping Septic Tank Leaks 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 MEASURE SCUM & SLUDGE STEEL SEPTIC TANKS CONCRETE SEPTIC TANKS FIBERGLASS / PLASTIC SEPTIC TANKS HOME MADE SITE BUILT TANKS SEPTIC TANK BAFFLES SEPTIC TANK SOLIDS & SCUM SEWAGE LEVELS in SEPTIC TANKS WHEN to CLEAN THE SEPTIC TANK SEPTIC TANK LEAKS SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE SEPTIC TANK SAFETY SEPTIC TANK SIZE SEPTIC TANK TEES SEPTIC TESTS: DYE & LOADING TESTS SEPTIC TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS SEPTIC PRODUCTS FOR SALE ARE ADDITIVES USEFUL? PUMPING PREVENTS FAILURES CANADA PROHIBITS ADDITIVES ONTARIO MINISTRY US EPA on ADDITIVES SEPTIC ADDITIVE TYPES SEPTIC DRAINFIELD RESTORERS? SEWAGE & SEPTIC CONTAMINANTS SEWAGE CONTAMINATION in BUILDINGS SEWAGE CONTAMINANTS in FRUIT / VEGETABLES SEWAGE NITROGEN CONTAMINANTS SEWAGE PATHOGENS in SEPTIC SLUDGE SEWER BACKUP PREVENTION SEWAGE BACKUP TEST & CLEANUP SEWER GAS ODORS SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT SINKHOLES, WARNING SIGNS SOAKAWAY BED FAILURE DIAGNOSIS TOILET ALTERNATIVES TOILET REPAIR GUIDE TOILET TISSUE? TOILET TYPES TRAPS on PLUMBING FIXTURES VIDEO GUIDES: Septic Videos WASHING MACHINES WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS WATER SUPPLY & DRAIN PIPING CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS WASTEWATER TREATMENT BASICS WATER, WELLS, WATER TANKS: TESTING GUIDE WATER QUALITY TESTS, CONTAMINANTS, TREATMENT WATER QUANTITY IMPROVEMENT WATER QUANTITY USAGE GUIDE WATER, WELLS, WATER TANKS: TESTING GUIDE WETLAND SEPTIC SYSTEMS WHAT CAN GO INTO TOILETS & DRAINS? NEVER FLUSH INTO SEPTICS BETTER NOT TO FLUSH HOUSEHOLD CHEMICALS OTHER CHEMICALS CHLORINE IN DRINKING WATER CHLORINE IN SEPTIC WASTEWATER DISHWASHERS vs SEPTICS DRUGS INTO the SEPTIC TANK? GARBAGE GRINDERS vs SEPTICS REDUCE IMPACT of SOFTENER on SEPTIC REVERSE OSMOSIS CONCENTRATE DISPOSAL TOILET TYPES TOILET TISSUE? TOILET TISSUE TEST WASHING MACHINES * NO FLUSH SUMMARY LIST List Your Service/Product More Information  InspectAPedia ® Home & Site MapInspectAPedia Blog - News Updates AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT PUMPS BOOKSTORE ELECTRICAL ENERGY SAVINGS ENVIRONMENT EXTERIORS HEATING HOME INSPECTION INSULATION INTERIORS MOLD INSPECT/TEST PLUMBING ROOFING SEPTIC SYSTEMS SOLAR ENERGY STRUCTURE VENTILATION WATER SUPPLY ACCURACY & PRIVACY POLICIES CONTACT |
We explain how to buy, inspect, install, test, diagnose maintain and repair septic tanks and all other components of all types of septic systems. We discuss how septic systems work, and how to provide septic system care to avoid replacing the septic system unnecessarily. We provide septic cleaning and septic maintenance procedures, septic inspection methods, septic repair guides, and septic system design information. We give in-depth information about conventional septic tanks, drain fields, septic pipes, and septic waste handling. We describe and explain the need for and how to install alternative septic system designs for problem sites where the need is to save water or where it is difficult to dispose of septic waste. We include tables for septic tanks: pumping frequency, septic tank size, septic tank design, and clearances between septic systems, wells, and other site features and boundaries. This page organizes and links to our detailed septic system inspection, test, repair, and design articles, including our online septic systems book. Septic testing class presentations, septic system photos, septic system design sketches, septic care tables, links to products and consultants are provided. © Copyright 2010 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. SEPTIC INFO ARTICLES - Our Online Articles on Septic Systems - ST/SAS Septic Tanks & Soil Absorption Systems"How-To" Articles at our Septic System Information Website are in these groups: (these links are also at page left)
We discuss just about every septic system topic and product at this website: septic tank design, septic tank size, septic tank pumping frequency, septic tank cleaning, and septic tank inspection. If you find that something is missing from this website just contact us and ask for it. "Septic tanks" are what home owners or home buyers think of when buying or maintaining a home with a private septic system. But we should be thinking about the whole septic system - since the drain field or leach field makes up half of a typical septic system cost. Septic tank care and septic tank cleaning need to be done on a regular frequency (we provide a septic tank pumping schedule table) in order to avoid ruining the drainfield. Septic tank maintenance is not enough. Proper septic system design for the level of usage and soil conditions is critical if the system is going to have a long useful life. We are also quite concerned with septic system health and safety since there are potential collapse hazards which can be fatal, and there are bacterial and pathogen hazards for both site occupants and for the environment if a septic system is not working properly. The articles listed at this website form an extensive guide to septic systems care, inspection, testing, and installation. We welcome questions and suggestions for content. Information for Home Buyers or Owners
|
|
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 SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR
SEPTIC INFO ARTICLES
Info for Home Buyers or Owners
Septic System Design
Septic Inspection Testing
Septic Maintenance Repair
Septic Component & Product Suppliers
Septic Videos
HOME BUYERS GUIDE to SEPTIC SYSTEMS
HOME SELLERS GUIDE TO SEPTIC INSPECT
SEPTIC AUTHORITIES
SEPTIC BOOKSTORE
SEPTIC CONSULTANTS
SEPTIC FIELD INSPECTION
SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS
SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN ALTERNATIVES
SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & TEST GUIDE
SEPTIC SYSTEMS ONLINE BOOK
SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE
SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE
SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE
SEPTIC TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS
SEPTIC BOOKS REFERENCES CODES
SEWAGE & SEPTIC CONTAMINANTS
SEWER BACKUP PREVENTION
SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT
SINKHOLES, WARNING SIGNS
TOILET ALTERNATIVES
TOILET REPAIR GUIDE
TOILET TYPES
TRAPS on PLUMBING FIXTURES
VIDEO GUIDES: Septic Videos
VIDEO GUIDES - InspectAPedia.com
WASTEWATER TREATMENT BASICS
WATER, WELLS, WATER TANKS: TESTING GUIDE
WHAT CAN GO INTO TOILETS & DRAINS?
List Your Service/Product
InspectAPedia ® Home & Site MapSee the complete article series on septic system design and construction at SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS and (for problem or difficult sites) see SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN ALTERNATIVES. Excerpts below.
InspectAPedia ® Home & Site MapSee the complete article series on septic system inspection, testing, diagnosis and troubleshooting article list at Septic Inspection Testing. Excerpts below.
InspectAPedia ® Home & Site MapSee the complete article series on septic system maintenance at Septic Maintenance Repair - excerpts 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.
InspectAPedia ® Home & Site MapSee the complete article series on septic system Design Basics at SEPTIC DESIGN BASICS. Excerpts below.
If you need basic septic system design parameters such as finding the recommended septic tank volume and conventional recommended leach field or drainfield size, along with some notes on how to calculate these from simple water usage and site conditions, here are links to that information. Also take a look at the septic publications, septic design manuals, and onsite waste disposal standards links and articles above and below this section. I am re-writing and reorganizing this design material into a separate guide for laymen (like myself). Septic engineers already know all this stuff. Meanwhile look at the articles listed below as they will allow you to answer basic septic system design questions.
Septic Tank Sizing: to determine the required septic tank size you would need to look at article #1 to see the required tank size based on daily water volume usage and perhaps article #2 to confirm that you're estimating the water volume reasonably.
Tank Retention Time if you just wanted to know our opinion about tank size as a function of effluent retention time, see item #3.
Septic field size planning: see article #4 which sizes the field based on its percolation rate and #9 which describes performing a perc test, with perhaps a look at #10 to understand biomats and why a leach field in a wet area won't treat the effluent.
Use links 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. If you just "scroll down" you'll miss some important articles. See links at page left.
SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECT DIAGNOSE REPAIR
SEPTIC SYSTEM ARTICLES
HOME BUYERS GUIDE to SEPTIC SYSTEMS
HOME SELLERS GUIDE TO SEPTIC INSPECT
SEPTIC AUTHORITIES
SEPTIC BOOKSTORE
SEPTIC CONSULTANTS
SEPTIC FIELD INSPECTION
SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS
SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN ALTERNATIVES
SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & TEST GUIDE
SEPTIC SYSTEMS ONLINE BOOK
SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE
SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE
SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE
SEPTIC TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS
SEPTIC BOOKS REFERENCES CODES
SEWAGE & SEPTIC CONTAMINANTS
SEWER BACKUP PREVENTION
SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT
SINKHOLES, WARNING SIGNS
TOILET ALTERNATIVES
TOILET REPAIR GUIDE
TOILET TISSUE?
TOILET TISSUE TEST
TOILET TYPES
TRAPS on PLUMBING FIXTURES
VIDEO GUIDES: Septic Videos
VIDEO GUIDES - InspectAPedia.com
WASTEWATER TREATMENT BASICS
WATER, WELLS, WATER TANKS: TESTING GUIDE
WHAT CAN GO INTO TOILETS & DRAINS?
NOTE: The master copy of the following article is maintained as a separate web document SEPTIC SYSTEMS ONLINE BOOK. Excerpts below.
NOTE: The master copy of the following article is maintained as a separate web documentInspectAPedia.com/septtext.htm
Septic system inspection procedures, defects in onsite waste disposal systems, septic tank problems, septic drainfield problems, checklists of system components and things to ask. Septic system maintenance and pumping schedules. © 2010-1978 Daniel Friedman, All Rights Reserved. Citation of this article by reference to this website and brief quotation for the sole purpose of review are permitted. No warranties are expressed or implied. Use of this information in books or pamphlets for sale is reserved to the author. Some technical review by industry experts has been completed-reviewers are listed at "References." New York State Home Inspection License # 16000005303A "septic system," also referred to as a private, on-site waste disposal system, receives waste water and solids from a Building's plumbing facilities (bathrooms, kitchens, shower, laundry), treats, and then disposes of the effluent from this waste, by permitting it to absorb into soils at the property. "Treatment" is accomplished by bacterial action in the "septic" or "treatment" tank and it is mostly accomplished by bacteria in the soil around and below the effluent absorption system, or "drain field." This bacterial action is needed to reduce the level of pathogens in the effluent discharges from the waste system into the soil. The principal components of a private on-site waste disposal system usually include the following:
Many variations on this general scheme are used, depending on local climate, soil conditions, available space, economy, and available materials. Special equipment and systems may be designed for problem or difficult sites such as rocky or wet ground, permafrost, or wet tropical marshlands. Readers who are unfamiliar with what a private septic system is and the types of systems installed should review articles and sketches of septic system components found at The Septic System Information Website
Types of treatment tanks, adsorption systems, pumps, and other special equipment are discussed in some further detail in this text, and are listed in the septic system inspection checklist data. For a more detailed introduction you may want to read our Lockwood article "What is a Septic System" and then return here to continue by using your browser's "BACK" button.
Providing inspection and diagnosis of on-site waste disposal systems is an extremely valuable public service which helps protect people from expensive unanticipated septic system repair costs and helps protect public health by assuring sanitary disposal of sewage and gray water waste from Buildings. More importantly though, such inspections may detect and warn about serious safety hazards at some properties. The strong warnings issued below intend to reduce septic system safety hazards for inspectors and property owners/occupants, but it is not the author's intention to dissuade inspectors from providing this valuable service.
Danger lurks at cesspools, open covers, tanks or tank covers in poor condition, and from high levels of methane gas. These risk collapse, falling, asphyxiation, and other potentially fatal hazards as well as risks of unsanitary conditions.
Septic and Cesspool Inspection Safety:
If you perform septic inspections you are obligated to do so with proper information, training, procedures, and in some communities a license is required. Some states (e.g. CA, CT, NJ, MA) have specific certification requirements for inspectors of septic systems, as well as specific regulations regarding the performance of the inspection itself. Be sure to obtain information pertinent to your own state, usually from the state health department or state department of environmental protection. For example, Massachusetts septic inspectors will want to look at the links and the Title 5 regulations at our page on the Massachusetts Septic Testing Law. Other links to septic system installation and inspection regulatory agencies are at our Local, State, U.S. Federal Government, & International Agencies & Resources for Septic Systems Wastewater Treatment page.
Septic system concerns for a Building owner start with safety. Here are some red flags:
The next chapter proceeds with inspection of the septic system components.
This chapter discusses detailed "how to" steps instructing the investigator in how to inspect specific septic components for signs of failure. The following section will discuss types and causes of septic failure and will provide criteria that define "failure."
Before digging up your septic tank or calling a septic pumper, if you think the septic system is failed because of drain blockage or drains backing up into the Building, you should to see Diagnosing Clogged Drains: Is it a blocked drain or the septic system? - A First Step for Homeowners". If you link to that text, please return here using your browser's "BACK" button.
Outside waste piping conducts sewage (black water and gray water) from the Building to the treatment tank or "septic tank," and from the treatment tank to the distribution box. These lines should be of solid, non-perforated material and need to be protected from mechanical damage (such as by vehicles). Piping extending from the distribution box into drain fields is normally perforated, though solid lines might be used if effluent is being processed by more specialized devices such as seepage pits, galleys, or a sand-bed system.
This line may become blocked by waste, damaged by collapse of a section, or invaded by roots. Detection of these conditions is fairly easy by routing a snake or power snake from the Building drain to the septic tank. An experienced power snake operator can often tell by "feel" that a drain line is collapsed, partially collapsed, or invaded by roots. While you may make a temporary "repair" of such a condition by drain-cleaning, if the line is broken or root-invaded, you should expect to have to excavate and replace it soon.
The same failures can occur on this line as from house to tank.
In a conventional "drain field" of perforated pipes buried in gravel-filled trenches, a drain line may be invaded by tree roots. This is why experts advise keeping tree and shrub plantings away from drain fields. Vehicle traffic can also collapse this or any outdoor waste piping, which is why experts advise against ever driving over a drainfield or over any other septic system components.
The purpose of the treatment tank or "septic tank" is to contain solid waste and to permit the beginning of bacterial action to process sewage into a combination of clarified effluent, settled sludge, or floating scum in the tank. An intact, un-damaged septic tank is normally always filled with these materials.
Only by pumping and visual inspection can actual tank capacity and condition be completely determined. Probing in the area of a tank, without excavation, is not recommended as the probe may damage a steel or fiberglass tank.
Concrete tanks at an existing septic installation are usually viable, but might have damaged baffles or cracks that permit seepage of groundwater in or septic effluent out around the tank. Occasionally we have seen tanks made of poor-quality concrete (insufficient portland cement) which eroded badly. If the tank outlet or absorption system have been blocked, examination of the tank interior may show that effluent is or has been above the top of the baffles (see baffles below) thus indicating a system failure discussed next.
Other types of tanks and home-made onsite systems are described below at Septic Tank Type, Capacity, Material Details
Baffles in a septic tank are provided to keep solids and floating scum and grease inside the tank. Baffles are provided at both the inlet to the tank (from the Building) and the outlet from the tank (to the absorption system).
Broken baffles or high sludge levels can cause solids to flow out of the tank and into the absorption system. The result is reduced absorption into surrounding soil and eventual failure of the system. Floating scum thickness and settled solids thickness can be measured through access ports into the tank or cesspool. Finding solids at or covering the outlets or damaged baffles should result in report of a very questionable adsorption system and possible major repair cost.
If baffles are lost or damaged (rusted off on a steel tank or broken off on a concrete tank), they can be repaired or replaced. For example at a steel tank the contractor may simply insert a plastic piping "Tee" into the tank inlet or outlet to create a new baffle system.
However, depending on how long the tank was used without good baffles, the volume of solids and grease that moved from the tank to the absorption system will have begun clogging soils there and will have reduced the future life expectancy of the absorption system.
Baffle damage and repair, or even a complete tank replacement when the absorption system has been left alone always lead the author to warn the Building owner that the future life of the absorption system may be in doubt and that additional expense will be involved.
Solids entering a septic tank are intended to remain there until pumped out during tank service. A large portion of solids settle to the bottom of the tank as sludge. Grease and floating scum remain at the top of the sewage in the tank. Baffles (discussed above) help keep solids, scum, and grease in the tank. Bacterial action in the tank make a modest reduction in the solids volume and begin the processing of sewage pathogens, a step later completed by soil bacteria in the absorption fields.
Net free area: If the sludge level becomes too high or the floating scum layer too thick, in addition to risking passage of solids out of the tank (damaging the absorption system), the remaining "net free area" of liquid in the tank is reduced. When the net free area becomes too small, there is insufficient time for waste entering the tank to settle out as bottom sludge or top floating scum. That is, for an in-use septic tank with a small net free area, the frequent entry of solid and liquid waste will keep the tank debris agitated, thus forcing floating debris into the absorption system where the life of that component will be reduced (due to soil clogging).
The importance of keeping an adequate net free area in a septic tank is the reason that tanks need to be pumped at regular intervals. Building owners who never pump a tank until it is clogged have already damaged the absorption system.
See the Massachusetts Title 5 Septic Inspection procedure discussed below for details about determining the level of floating and settled scum and sludge in the tank.
The distribution box (more than one may be in use) connects a single effluent line from the septic tank to a network of absorption system components such as drainfield leach lines or to a network of seepage pits or galleys.
In good system design the outlet openings from the distribution box to each drainfield line can be adjusted to regulate the flow among the various absorption lines. If a distribution box becomes tipped (or clogged) effluent may be routed to only a portion of the absorption system, thus overloading it and leading to a "breakout" of effluent at the surface or to clogging and system backup. An examination of the box interior may show flood lines in the box if the drain field has been clogged or saturated in the past even if at the time of inspection the box is not flooded. If the fields have been flooded you should be pessimistic about the remaining life of the absorption system. If the box is tipped and/or effluent has not been uniformly distributed among the drainfield lines (assuming they are of equal length and in equally good soils), only a simple adjustment of the outflow may be needed. Round plugs with eccentric openings may be present or can be inserted in the D-box outlet openings to regulate flow among the individual absorption lines.
The absorption system or "drain field" has two jobs. First, it disposes of liquid effluent by permitting it to seep into the soil below. Second, a "bio-mat" of bacteria which forms in the soil below the drainage field processes pathogens in the septic effluent to make the effluent sufficiently sanitary as to avoid contaminating nearby ground water. This distinction between successful "disposal" and successful "treatment" is important to avoid groundwater contamination but has not been addressed by regulation in every municipality. Municipalities which require a minimum distance between the bottom of the drain field trenches (or equivalent component) and the top of the seasonal high ground water table have recognized the importance of a working bio-mat and the need to provide adequate dry soil for it to function.
Even in a well-designed drainage field, eventually the soil surrounding the drainfield device (perforated pipe in gravel trench or other seepage system) becomes clogged with grease and debris. Examining an excavated cross-section of a failed drainfield will often display a black or gray band of sludge and grease of about 1" thickness at the inside perimeter of the gravel trench. When this layer of soil becomes sufficiently clogged the passage of effluent into the soil below is slowed and eventually blocked, leading to the need for replacement. Keeping a tank pumped so as to reduce the passage of debris and grease into a drain field will extend its life.
This is the most expensive problem to correct. Look for septic effluent seepage to ground surface in area of equipment or downhill from such equipment. Look for (illegal) drain field line extensions to nearby streams, storm drains, or adjoining properties where the temptation to "fix" a failing system by sending the effluent to an improper destination overwhelmed a previous owner or repair company. In some areas inspectors use septic loading and dye test. Seepage may be due to overloaded tank, failed absorption system, or blocked/broken piping (may be less costly).
An excavator or septic contractor will often explore one or more drain lines (or similar components) by excavating a portion of it to look for evidence of flooding or soil clogging. we have used a simple probe at the end and along a leach bed to check for flooding of that component. (Be careful not to break or collapse old piping.)
This chapter discusses types of septic system failure lists causes of each type of septic component failure, and lists the septic component failure criteria or in other words what conditions are defined as "failure"?. The detailed "how to" steps instructing how to inspect specific septic components for signs of failure are discussed in the text above.
In simplest terms, there are two visible disposal failures:
Septic odors may also indicate a system failure or an imminent failure. But such odors may also be produced by defects in the plumbing vent system or other site conditions. Beware, sewer gas contains methane and is explosive if it reaches a dangerous concentration inside a Building.
Typical causes range from things that are easy and cheap to repair, to a need for complete system replacement:
However there can also be treatment failures.
Effluent may not back up or appear on the surface, but if insufficiently
treated effluent reaches a private well or any stream or waterway, the
environment is being contaminated -- an unacceptable condition. Historically
many people have just worried about disposal. As the quality of drinking water
deteriorates in many areas and as population grows in many previously
thinly-populated areas, proper treatment has become the real concern for
everyone's health.
For example, if there is not sufficient soil between the bottom of the soil absorption system trenches and the local groundwater, the local environment is being contaminated.
Other causes of onsite wastewater disposal system failure:
Massachusetts Title 5 lists specific failure criteria and serves as a good model for septic inspections anywhere.
This level of inspection is typically provided during a "home inspection" for real estate transactions.
The minimum quantities of water and septic dye needed are discussed in a separate chapter at Septic Loading and Dye Test Procedure Details - a chapter of this text "Inspecting, Testing, & Maintaining Residential Septic Systems".
ADDITIONAL LEVELS OF INSPECTION for real estate transactions and for problem diagnosis and bidding prior to actual repair work.
In specifying the size and type of absorption field (leach field, seepage pits, galleys, other) a septic engineer or health department official will require that a soil percolation test or "perc" test be performed. You may hear it described as a "deep hole test." The first time I participated in this procedure I found myself smiling with surprise at how low-tech the procedure actually was (in New York State.)
After identifying the most-likely location on the lot for placement of a septic drainfield, the excavator used a backhoe to dig a rough hole about 5 ft. deep. Happily no groundwater immediately filled in the hole (which would have been bad news). Perhaps this is why builders try to have this test done in July which is the period of most-dry weather and lowest groundwater table levels.
After digging this rough hole, the septic engineer poured a 5-gallon (joint compound) bucket of water into the hole. In some cases a few buckets might be dumped therein. After that sophisticated move, the observers simply watched the rate at which the water disappeared. a one-inch drop in water level in this hole in three minutes was considered very good. If the water was found still in the hole at no drop in level the next morning, this was considered seriously bad and probably requiring some soil exchange or other special design measures.
I like the Massachusetts Title 5 Septic Inspection criteria for defining a (at least possibly) functional drainfield, as the text explains the role of the biomass below the absorption bed, sets soil depth requirements, and recognizes the importance of keeping the bottom of the working biomass area in well drained soil sufficiently above the seasonal high water table.
Here is an example of soil requirements for a functional drainfield. This version is particularly clearly written and is for residents of Ohio but the principles apply anywhere. "In Ohio, soil absorption systems can be used in areas where the percolation rate of the soil is between 3 and 60 minutes per inch (soil permeability between 1 and 20 inches per hour). At least 4 feet of suitable soil is required under the soil absorption system to provide adequate treatment of the septic tank effluent. To accommodate the construction of the system and provide adequate soil cover to grade, a minimum of 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 feet of suitable soil is needed above the limiting layer.
A limiting layer may be bedrock, an impervious soil layer (hardpan, fragipan) or a seasonally high water table (gray soil or mottles). The soil absorption system must be at least 8 feet from any drain line on the lot, 50 feet from a water supply, and 10 feet from the property line, right-of-ways and the house. Septic systems cannot be placed on the flood plain and are limited to areas with less than a 15 percent slope." http://ohioline.osu.edu/aex-fact/0743.html Ohio State University Fact Sheet "Septic Tank - Soil Absorption Systems"
The size of the absorption field needed (in square feet of area, presumably also unencumbered by trees, driveways, Buildings, etc.) can range considerably depending on the soil percolation rate. A lot with a good percolation rate or "perc" of perhaps one inch of percolation in three minutes might require about 4500 square feet for a typical three bedroom home. If the same home were built where there was a poor a soil percolation rate of an hour per inch, 9000 square feet or more might be required for the absorption area.
Drainfield size and location also have to take into account local zoning - setback requirements from property borders, setbacks from streams, wetlands, wells, water supply lines, and other encumbrances.
In the most common design of drainfield, perforated pipes are buried in gravel-filled trenches to form the drainfield. Pipes are placed across the slope line of sloped property (so that all of the effluent doesn't simply rush down to and leak out at the end of the drain line pipe). While some experts describe the bottom of these trenches as "level" in practice they are dug to slope slightly, perhaps 1/8" per foot or less. A typical trench is 18 to 30 inches in depth, and 8 to 12 inches wide. The trenches are dug about 6 feet apart which allows, in good design, space for a set of replacement trenches to be placed between the original ones when the first set fails. The maximum length of a trench is typically about 150 feet but I've found installations that were three times that length.
Where lot space does not permit drainfield trenches such as I've just described, a septic engineer may specify that seepage pits or galleys are to be installed. These fit in a smaller space since a single pit may be 6' to 8' in diameter. But the depth to which effluent is being delivered (4' or more) means that the sewage effluent is unlikely to be fully treated by a biomass. These systems may successfully "dispose" of effluent but they are probably not adequately "treating" it.
It's easy to ruin or shorten the life of a drainfield:
Private communication and "Private Sewage Disposal System," septic
checklist developed for ITA, Inspection Training Associates, Kevin
O'Malley, 1016 S. Tremont Street, Oceanside CA 92054, 800/323-9235
Private communication, K. Oberg to DJ Friedman, 12/15/93, 12/16/93, 7/22/94
Private communication, J. Appleby to DJ Friedman, 9/16/93, Venice FL
Private communication, D. Barnett to DJ Friedman, 9/15/93, Evansville IN
Private communication, N. Becker to DJ Friedman, 9/15/93
Private communication, E. Fitzgerald to DJ Friedman, 9/94, Adoption of New
Jersey environmental protection law addressing septic system operation and
maintenance, Subchapter 12, documented in New Jersey Register, 8/21/89, Cite 21
NJR 2635. Requires annual inspection beginning in 4th year after construction,
describes acceptability criteria, inspection steps, conditions of failure.
Private communication, T. Moore to DJ Friedman, 1/15/94, "Private Septic System
Evaluation," Goshen NY, 914-294-3398
Private communication, S. Vermilye to DJ Friedman, 1/15/94, and
sample checklist, 914-255-8888.
Private communication, D. Surette to DJ Friedman, 5/6/94
Private communication, R. Klewitz to DJ Friedman, 10/1/93
Private communication, L. Scherr to DJ Friedman, 10/1/93,
Cascade Home Inspection, Bend OR
Private communication, G. Reid to DJ Friedman, 12/6/93
Private communication, G. Carroll to DJ Friedman, 11/29/93,
Action Inspection Service, Cincinnati, OH
Private communication, R. Johnson to DJ Friedman, 11/5/93,
The Home Specialist, Inc., Roswell GA
Private communication, E. Rawlins to DJ Friedman, 10/7/93,
Boca Raton FL,
and "You and Your Septic Tank, a guide to the proper
operation and maintenance
of a septic tank system," Department of Natural Resource Protection, 500 E.
Broward Blvd, Suite 104, Fort Lauderdale FL 33394 305-765-5181, Broward County,
FL, January 1993
Private communication, R. and B. Williams to DJ Friedman,
11/20/93, Williams Home Inspection Co, Hollis NH
Private communication, A. Carson and R. Dunlop to DJ Friedman,
2/6/92, 11/10/93
Private communication, L. Cerro to DJ Friedman, 8/22/93
Private communication, R. Passaro to DJ Friedman, 9/15/93, 10/15/93,
Res-I-Tec Corp., Bethel CT; also see Passaro's "Private Sewage Disposal, Some
Suggestions," NY Metro ASHI Seminar, October 1993 (cc on hand)
Private communication, J. Falcone to DJ Friedman, 10/15/93
Private communication, C. Greenberg to DJ Friedman, 9/9/93
Private communication, V. Faggella to DJ Friedman, 9/14/93,
9/24/93, Yorktown Heights, NY
Private communication, R. Stead to DJ Friedman, 9/20/93, Charlton MA
Private communication, T. Lewis to DJ Friedman, 9/20/93,
Lewis Home Inspection, Lawrenceville NJ
Private communication, G. Guarino to T. Lewis, 12/12/91, Septic system
failure and inspection limitations, Township of Hopewell, Department of Health,
201 Washington Crossing, Pennington Rd., Titusville NJ 08560
Private communication, C. Eldredge to J. Falcone, 3/27/91, Septic
Certification and Testing Information from the Pennsylvania Septage Management
Association, Curt Eldredge, General Manager, Wastewater Management, Inc., West
Chester PA 19380 215-436-4045.| 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 I 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. |
| Composting Toilet System Book: A Practical Guide to Choosing, Planning and Maintaining Composting Toilet Systems, David Del Porto, Carol Steinfeld. Quoting an Amazon review: Del Porto's book is the definitive composting toilet book at this time. There is nothing even close. His book covers all aspects of composting toilet systems and touches on graywater issues as well. He treats the composting toilet as part of the home system. If a person is seriously interested in installing/having a composting toilet, this book can save him/her all of the mistakes people usually make. He even (carefully) explodes some of the advertising myths that the purveyors of composting toilets would have us believe. The book covers ready-made systems as well as home built sytems. As trite as this sounds, the book truly is a must for someone considering intstalling composting toilet. |
| The Humanure Handbook: A Guide to Composting Human Manure, 3rd Ed.,
Joseph C. Jenkins. Quoting part of an Amazon review: The Humanure Handbook provides a wealth of thoroughly researched, hands-on experience and scientific data that demonstrates that after a natural process called "thermophilic" bacterial digestion, which occurs in a compost bin and where all pathogens are killed, excreta is then converted to a valuable nutrient for agriculture and thereby completing a full-circle life cycle. Most importantly, effluent can then be kept out of our drinking water and not treated or referred to as an undesirable "waste product". The information is conveyed in a humorous, folksy, down-to-earth easy to understand style along with drawings, charts, tables, photos and a wealth of resource info for further research. Jenkins' website has a forum for sharing more info, experiences and to answer any and all questions in the process of humanuring and constructed wetland gray water treatment. |
| Thermal composting of faecal matter as treatment and possible disinfection method--laboratory-scale and pilot-scale studies, B. Vinneras, A. Bjorklund, H. Jonsson. Quoting Amazon review: When using toilets where the urine and faeces are collected separately for reuse as nutrients in agriculture, the collected matter should be disinfected. One way to do this is by thermal composting. Composting of different material mixes was investigated in a laboratory-scale experiment. This showed that the best mixture for dry thermal composting was a mix of faeces, food waste and amendment. The urine was collected separately by use of urine-diverting toilets. A new method was developed to mathematically evaluate and estimate the safety margins of pathogen inactivation during thermal composting. The method is based upon a mathematical calculation of the number of times total inactivation (at least 12log"1"0 reduction) of the organisms is achieved. In a pilot-scale experiment, the disinfection of a faeces/food waste mix was performed with a calculated safety margin of more than 37 times the total die-off of Enteroviruses and some 550 times that of Ascaris. Thus, well functioning composting seems to be effective for disinfection of faecal matter. To get a high temperature in all of the material, the reactor has to have sufficient insulation. A major disadvantage is the initial need for handling the raw un-disinfected material. The degradation of the organic matter in the compost was almost 75%, resulting in a small final volume that could safely be recycled. |
| Experiences with a composting toilet article from: Countryside & Small Stock Journal, available as HTML download.
Quoting Amazon review: This digital document is an article from Countryside & Small Stock Journal, published by Countryside Publications Ltd. on May 1, 1994. The length of the article is 1516 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser. From the supplier: A composting toilet is a good alternative to propane burning toilets, but it also has many problems. The worst part is emptying the waste and compost every 4-6 weeks. Other problems are the fan that must be kept running constantly and bug infestation. |
| 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) |
| 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. |
| The New Create an Oasis With Greywater, Art Ludwig; Buy New: $14.25. Ludwig is one of the most thoughtful, prolific, and sometimes controlversial writers on gray water systems and alternative designs. We recommend his book as clear, easy-to-understand writing aimed at property owners who want or need to consider a graywater installation to conserve water, recycle water, reduce water use, or to reduce the load on their septic system. This is the latest edition of this Art Ludwig's greywater design book classic. |
| Builder's Greywater Guide, Art Ludwig; Buy New: $10.17. Installation of Greywater Systems in New Construction & Remodeling; A Supplement to the Book "Create an Oasis With Greywater" (Paperback).
Quoting a review from Amazon: I recommend that you get the 3 companion books on greywater treatment "Create an Oasis", "Branched Drain Greywater Systems" and "Builder's Greywater Guide". The information in these volumes will keep most of us far more informed than most of the regulators, the system builders, and the experts-in-theory. These volumes are real-world gems. Art Ludwig has cut to the core of wastewater issues. He's obviously done all of his homework, mulled-over the variables, and come up with a common sense, economically reasonable, environmentally responsible approach to wastewater. I expect to save money that I would have spent on a post-septic tank, aerobic unit that would seemingly have been ecologically responsible; but because of the technological overkill, ultimately that system would have defeated my altruistic environmental concerns. ... These books talk the talk and walk the walk better than anything else that I've seen. Buy a set for yourself, a set for your neighbors, and a set for the regulators. |
| Branched Drain Greywater Systems [superseded by "The New Create an Oasis with Greywater"], Art Ludwig. If you already have this book but are in the process of installing new gray water systems you should take a look at the newer edition listed first above in this section of our grewater book recommendations. You may prefer the newest edition, but there is great information in this older version, perhaps all you need, and these copies are sold at very low prices - an aid to people of limited means. |
| Create an Oasis With Greywater: Your Complete Guide to Choosing, Building and Using Greywater Systems, Art Ludwig, [superseded by new edition] (Paperback) You may prefer the newest edition, but as I said above, there is great information in this older version, perhaps all you need, and these copies are sold at very low prices - an aid to people of limited means. |
| Rainwater Catchment Systems for Domestic Supply: Design, Construction and Implementation,
Erik Nissen-Petersen, John Gould. (Mr. Ludwig, while much appreciated, is not the only author providing really useful design guides for graywater systems.--DF)
Quoting from an Amazon review: This book reviews the art of roof and ground catchment systems for rainwater. The water collected can be used for household or other purposes. The designs are aimed for individuals with limited access to electricity and/or civic water utilities. The text includes drawings, photographs and step-by-step instructions. One might say the book is really written for the 'aid worker' since it also considers ethnic and gender issues that would be 'obvious' to the future owners of the the systems. |
| Guidelines on rainwater catchment systems for Hawaii, (CTAHR resource management publication) Patricia S. H Macomber. This more technical document may be especially helpful for rainwater collection and recycling systems for climates where there is heavy rainfall such as demonstrated for Hawaii. |
| Design for Water: Rainwater Harvesting, Stormwater Catchment, and Alternate Water Reuse, Heather Kinkade-Levario. Quoting from Amazon's review: Design for Water is an accessible and clearly written guide to alternate water collection, with a focus on rainwater harvesting in the urban environment. The book: Outlines the process of water collection from multiple sources-landscape, residential, commercial, industrial, school, park, and municipal systems Provides numerous case studies, Details the assembly and actual application of equipment, Includes specific details, schematics, and references. All aspects of rainwater harvesting are outlined, including passive and active system setup, storage, storm water reuse, distribution, purification, analysis, and filtration. There is even a section on rainwater harvesting for wildlife. In addition to rainwater, there are several affordable and accessible alternate sources, including cooling tower bleed-off water, air conditioning condensate, gray water, and fog collection. Design for Water is geared to providing those making development decisions and guidelines with the information they need to set up passive harvesting techniques. The book will especially appeal to engineers, landscape architects, municipal decision-makers, developers, and landowners. Heather Kinkade-Levario is a land-use planner in Arizona and the author of the award-winning Forgotten Rain. She is president of Forgotten Rain L.L.C., a rainwater harvesting and stormwater reuse company. |
| The Toilet Papers: Designs to Recycle Human Waste and Water : Dry Toilets, Greywater Systems and Urban Sewage (Paperback) Sim Van Der Ryn, Wendell Berry; Quoting from an Amazon review: With a title like "Toilet Papers" and from a distinguished eco-architect like Sim Van der Ryn, I needed no intro or review to buy a copy of this little, but well researched historical over-view of effluent mitigation and current eco-friendly toilet design. This book is filled with good line drawings and photographs to depict everything from the historical perspective to the current dry toilets and their construction.. |
| Rainwater Reservoirs Above Ground Structures for Roof Catchment: Most Common Rainwater Tanks in Comparison and Construction Manual, (Paperback) Rolf Hasse. [I have not reviewed this book --DF, but it may be helpful to people constructing rainwater collection and reservoir systems for use in arid climates such as Mexico and the U.S. Southwest. |
| Quality issues in harvested rainwater in arid and semi-arid Loess Plateau of northern China, K. Zhu, L. Zhang, W. Hart, M. Liu, H. Chen (out of print, find by search and deferred order). Amazon's description may be helpful: Loess soils cover vast areas in the arid and semi-arid regions of northern China. Due to the lack of reliable surface water and ground-water, rainwater harvesting has played a prominent role in farmers' domestic usage and agricultural irrigation. An economical and valid type of water storage cistern with optimum design of components has been introduced to rural areas in the Loess Plateau. Different collection alternatives showed apparent variations in rainwater quality. By using different catchments, such as mortar roofs and cement-paved courtyards, compacted land or road surfaces, rainwater can be effectively collected for storage in cisterns. This study focused mainly on the quality of rainwater harvested from the different catchment systems and stored for different periods of time. By analysis of the water samples stored in these cisterns, it was evident that rainwater quality could be improved significantly by self-purification during the storage. With emphasis on rainwater quality affected by the different catchment systems, it was found that the measured inorganic compounds in the rainwater harvested from roof-yard catchment systems generally matched the WHO standards for drinking water, while the concentrations of some inorganic compounds in the rainwater collected from land and road surfaces appeared to be higher than the guideline values for drinking water, but generally not beyond the maximum permissible concentrations. However, Fecal Coliform, which is an important bacteriological parameter for the three catchment systems, exceeded the limits of drinking water to a greater extend. Trace amounts of 55 organic pollutants were identified, including aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic compounds and phthalate esters, etc. The analytical results indicated that roof-yard catchments that included the ''first flush'' usually provided safe drinking water with low organic contents, even for rainwater collected immediately after rainfall. In contrast, rainwater harvested from road surfaces had poor quality with respect to the organic constituents, regardless of stored time. |
| City eying home water-recycling technology; uses bath and washer water for irrigation., (ReWater Systems' equipment for greywater irrigation): This is an article from: San Diego Business Journal [HTML] (Digital) available online in digital format. I have not (yet) reviewed it -- DF |
| 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 wastewatre treatment systems a very useful reference for both property owners and septic system designers. Minnis says the best place to buy this book is at Amazon.com. Minnis' website is at http://web page .pace.edu/MMinnisbook |
| 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 priceO 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. |
| 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. |
Submissions welcome send us a suggested document link or request an exchange of website links
| HOME | | | AIR CONDITION | | | ELECTRICAL ENERGY SAVE | | | ENVIRONMENT | | | EXTERIOR | | | HEAT | | | HOME INSPECT | | | INSULATE VENTILATE | | | INTERIOR | | | MOLD TEST | | | PLUMBING WATER SEPTIC | | | ROOF | | | SOLAR | | | STRUCTURE | | | CONTACT |
| © 2010 Copyright InspectAPedia.com All Rights Reserved | ABOUT US | ACCURACY POLICY | ADVERTISING POLICY | BOOKSTORE | LINK EXCHANGE | PRIVACY POLICY | SEARCH | WEBSITE CONTENT USE POLICY | WEBSITE DESCRIPTION |
