LARGER SKETCH of a typical septic effluent gravity dosing system -

Fixed Film Septic System Designs

Fixed Film Process septic systems
Designs for various types of septic effluent dosing systems
Septic system designs using gravity dosing, effluent tipping buckets, drip systems
Questions & Answers about fixed film septic systems for effluent treatment
References

Click to Show or Hide Related Topics

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

Fixed film septic systems: this document discusses fixed film process septic systems, a variation for septic system effluent final treatment and disposal.

US EPA information has been expanded with supplemental documentation, references, and comments.

Fixed-Film Septic Treatment Processes for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems

Technology Fact Sheet 2 - EPA 625/R-00/008 - Fixed-Film Septic Treatment Process Description

Fixed-film systems (FFS) are biological treatment processes that employ a medium such as rock, plastic, wood, or other natural or synthetic solid material that will support biomass on its surface and within its porous structure. At least two types of fixed-film systems may be considered--those in which the medium is held in place and is stationary relative to fluid flow (trickling filter) and those in which the medium is in motion relative to the wastewater (e.g., rotating biological disk). A third classification includes dual-process systems that encompass both fixed and suspended biomass together or in series.

This approach is covered in Fact Sheet No. 1 on continuous-flow suspended-growth aerobic systems (CFSGAS).

Trickling filter systems are typically constructed as beds of media through which wastewater flows. Oxygen is normally provided by natural or forced ventilation.

Flow distributors or sprayers distribute the wastewater evenly onto the surface of the medium. As the wastewater moves by gravity through the medium, soluble and colloidal organic matter is metabolized by the biofilm that forms on the medium. Excess biomass sloughs from the medium and is carried with the treated wastewater to the clarifier, where the solids settle and separate from the treated effluent. At this point the treated wastewater may be discharged or recycled back to the filter medium for further treatment (figure 1).

Figure 1. Trickling filter treatment system for Fixed-Film Septic Treatment Processes

A fixed-film biological treatment process that employs rotating disks that move within the wastewater is referred to as a rotating biological contactor (RBC).

Developed in the late 1960s, the RBC employs a plastic medium configured as disks and mounted on a horizontal shaft. The shafts are rotated slowly (1 to 2 rpm) by mechanical or compressed air drive.

For a typical aerobic RBC, approximately 40 percent of the medium is immersed in the wastewater. Anoxic or anaerobic RBCs (far less common) are fully immersed in the wastewater.

Wastewater flows through the medium by simple displacement and gravity. Biomass continuously sloughs from the disks, and some suspended biomass develops within the wastewater channels through which the disks rotate, making the addition of a secondary clarifier necessary.

The rotation of the disks exposes the attached biomass to atmospheric air and wastewater. Oxygen is supplied by natural surface transfer to the biomass. Some oxygenation of the wastewater is also created by turbulence at the disk-water interface. The use of exposed and submerged stages in multiple tanks to create aerobic and anoxic conditions may be employed where nitrogen removal is required.

Commercially available modifications primarily address the media employed, the configuration of the tankage, and the mechanical supporting systems (e.g., supplemental aeration, programmable cycling, etc.). Some FFS sludges are wasted directly by pumping of the clarifier, whereas others convey all excess solids back to the pretreatment stage (septic tank) for subsequent removal. Lightweight synthetic media have greater surface area and are easier to install. Numerous variations ranging from extruded foam to high-specific-surface PVC and other plastic shapes are available commercially.

Typical applications for Fixed-Film Septic Treatment Process

Fixed-film systems (FFS) are an alternative to CFSGAS for reducing biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS) from septic tank effluent to meet a higher effluent standard (figure 2). Like CFSGAS, they can meet secondary effluent standards (30 mg/L of BOD and TSS), but they would need a minimum of effluent disinfection to be acceptable for surface water discharges. They might meet onsite water reuse requirements as long as the effluent is distributed below the ground surface. Some data support the potential for soil absorption field infiltrative surface reduction following FFS, but caution is urged regarding ground water quality protection from use of such reductions. FFS can also be used as part of a nutrient reduction treatment train (see Facts Sheet No. 8 and No. 9 on nutrient removal). FFS provide an aerobic oxidation step in those sequences. Figure 2. Fixed film system using peat moss as a treatment medium Source: Bord Na Mona, 1999.

Design assumptions for Fixed-Film Septic Treatment Processes

Design guidelines for fixed-film systems are given in table 1. FFS package units should be constructed of noncorrosive materials. Some are installed aboveground on a concrete slab with proper housing to anticipate local climatic conditions. The units may also be buried underground as long as access is provided to all mechanical parts, control systems, underdrains, distribution system, and water surfaces.

All electric components must meet NEC code and should be waterproofed and housed from the elements. If natural ventilation is required for aeration, proper design and construction must be considered to ensure adequate oxygen transfer. Pumps, drives (for rotating units), and other mechanical devices should be designed for continuous heavy-duty use and climatic conditions. Access and drainage capability should be provided to underdrains and distribution systems because they may become clogged over time. Alarms that alert homeowners or management entities should be provided to warn of system malfunctions.

Table 1. Design parameters for Fixed-Film Septic Treatment Processes

Parameter	Trickling filter	RBC
Pretreatment	Septic tank (primary clarifier)	Septic tank (primary clarifier)
Surface hydraulic loading	10 - 25 gal/d-ft²	N/A
Organic loading^a	5 - 20 lb BOD/d-ft² (3 - 10 lb BOD/d-ft² to nitrify)	2.5 lb SBOD/d-1000 ft²(6.4 lb BOD/d-1000 ft²)
Clarifier overflow rate Average flow Peak flow	600 - 800 gal/d-ft² 1,000 - 1,200 gal/d-ft²	600 - 800 gal/d-ft²1,000 - 1,200 gal/d-ft²
Clarifier TSS loading rate Average flow Peak flow	0.8 - 1.2 lb TSS/d-ft² 2.0 lb TSS/d-ft²	0.8 - 1.2 lb TSS/d-ft² 2.0 lb TSS/d-ft²
Recirculation	Optional	Optional
Sludge generated^b	0.6 - 1.1 lb TSS/lb BOD removed	0.6 - 1.1 lb TSS/lb BOD removed
^aLoading rates for RBC are expressed per 1,000 ft² of total disk surface. ^bSludge generated is in addition to solids removed in septic tank.

Onsite RBC package units should also be constructed of noncorrosive materials. Disk shafts and bearings and drives should be designed for heavy-duty use since they will be abused by the corrosive atmosphere generated by treatment processes and climatic conditions. Access should be provided to bearings, drives, and disks for maintenance. RBC units should be covered and insulated against cold weather and sunlight. Proper ventilation of the unit is necessary to ensure adequate oxygen transfer.

Performance of Fixed-Film Septic Treatment Processes

Typical trickling filters and rotating medium systems currently available should be capable of producing effluent BOD and TSS concentrations of 5 to 40 mg/L. System reliability is somewhat better than suspended growth package plants because of the more effective capture and control of suspended solids. Nitrification is achievable at low loading rates in warm climates. Factors affecting performance include influent wastewater characteristics, hydraulic and organic loading, medium type, maintenance of optimal dissolved oxygen levels, and recirculation rates.

The process is characteristically vulnerable to climatic conditions because of the cooling effect of the wastewater as it passes through the medium. Proper insulation, reduced effluent recirculation, and improved distribution techniques can lessen the impact of cold temperatures. Limited denitrification has been noted in nitrifying filters when oxygenation is poor and within dead zones (anaerobic portions) of the filter. Fecal coliform reductions are 1 to 2 logs. Nitrogen removal varies from 0 to 35 percent, while phosphorus removal of 10 to 15 percent might be expected. Combined fixed-growth/suspended-growth package units are commercially available and are generally valuable in treating high-strength wastewaters. These "high-biomass" units can be organically loaded at much higher rates than either fixed-film or flow-through suspended growth systems. They are covered in the fact sheet on CFSGAS.

Management needs for Fixed-Film Septic Treatment Process

With proper management, RBC package plants are reliable and should pose no unacceptable risks to the homeowner or the environment. If not properly managed, however, the process can result in either premature failure of subsurface systems or environmental damage through the production of poor-quality effluent that may pose public health risks. Odors and filter flies may also create an environmental nuisance.

Although there are benefits to RBCs, they do not come without some cost. The mechanical complexity of some proprietary systems causes them to require more management attention. Additional management is needed when disinfection and surface discharge are used.The manufacturer normally fixes the pumping and recirculation rates for fixed-film systems, and the rates require minimal adjustments once performance objectives are attained. Sludge wasting from the clarifier to the septic tank is normally fixed by timer setting and requires occasional adjustment to avoid biomass buildup. Where mechanical or diffused aeration is employed, complexity and required frequency of inspection increase. The most frequent need is to remove solids from the distribution system. Other maintenance requirements are listed in table 2. Table 2. Suggested maintenance for onsite fixed-film package plants

System component	Suggested maintenance
Medium tank	Check medium for debris accumulation, ponding, and excessive biomass accumulation; check distribution system and clean as required; check underdrain system and clean as required.
RBC unit	Lubricate motors and bearings; replace seals as required; check integrity of disk/shaft connections; observe biomass accumulations in each stage and adjust shaft speed and direction as needed; maintain air-drive units if provided.
Aeration system	Natural ventilation--Check to ensure adequate ventilation through underdrains and medium. Mechanical/diffused air--See Extended Aeration fact sheet.
Clarifier	See CFSGAS fact sheet.
Controls	Check out functions of all controls and alarms; check electrical control box.
Analytical	Collect effluent samples for analyses of BOD, TSS, pH (N and P if required).
Septic tank/sludge wasting	Check for accumulated solids, and pump as required.

Fixed-film units are also operation and maintenance intensive. Startup of the unit does not require seeding with bacterial cultures and may require 6 to 12 weeks for effective performance depending on the season. This makes them unsuitable for seasonal application.

Most operating parameters in package systems cannot be controlled by the operator. The process is less labor-intensive than extended aeration (CFSGAS) systems, but it also requires semiskilled management personnel. Based on limited data on these systems, it is estimated that 4 to 12 person-hours per year plus analytical services should be sufficient. If disinfection is required, see Technology Fact Sheet 4. Power requirements depend on the package system selected but may range from 1 to 8 kW-h/day. Sludge production is 0.6 to 1.0 lb TSS/lb BOD removed over and above normal septic tank sludge (septage) production. Long power outages can be particularly damaging to RBC units, and any FFS will become odiferous under these conditions.

Inspections are recommended three to four times per year, with septage pumping (solid wasting) as needed based on inspection results. Routine maintenance requirements for onsite fixed-film systems are provided in table 2; certain tasks may not be required based on system design. For example, servicing of the final clarifier may be less critical if solids separated in the clarifier are returned to the primary settling chamber (septic tank). Field experience on operation and maintenance for these units has not been as well documented as for CFSGAS.

Risk management for Fixed-Film Septic Treatment Process

Fixed-film systems also require a minimum of effluent disinfection to meet surface water discharge requirements. They are more susceptible to extreme cold than CFSGAS but less sensitive to shock loading and influent variability. A prolonged interruption of electric supply will result in odors. Filter flies may also be a nuisance with these systems if vents are not properly screened.

Costs of typical Fixed-Film Septic Treatment Process

Observed costs are highly variable depending on climate, location, onsite aesthetic requirements, and many other factors. The cost of power should be in the range of $100 per year for RBC units and $35 per year for trickling filters. Capital (installed) costs of $9,000 to $14,000 are typical. A management contract (estimated at about $100 to $200 per year) is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

...

Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Questions & answers or comments about fixed film septic systems for effluent treatment.

Ask a Question or Enter Search Terms in the InspectApedia search box just below.

Technical Reviewers & References

Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.

US EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual - original citation epa.gov/nrmrl/pubs/625r00008/html/625R00008.htm and for Fixed Film septics, see EPA http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/pubs/625r00008/html/tfs2.htm
Septic Tank Soil Absorption Systems - Decentralized Sysetms Technology Fact Sheet, US EPA, EPA 932-F-99-075, September 1999 - original citation www.epa.gov
Mark Cramer Inspection Services Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, Mr. Cramer is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors and is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator. (727) 595-4211 mark@BestTampaInspector.com
Victor Faggella, is a senior home inspector in New York and can be reached at Centurion Home Inspections, Inc. Mahopac, NY 10541. 845-628-0941 vjf@centurion-inspections.com The company has offices in Mahopac, NY, Woodbury CT., and Mansfield Center, CT.
Hankey and Brown home inspectors, Eden Prairie, MN, technical review by Roger Hankey, prior chairman, Standards Committee, American Society of Home Inspectors - ASHI. 952 829-0044 - hankeyandbrown.com
Rissy Plastics, 350 Cedar Lane, Torrington, CT 06790 USA, Tel: 877-221-4426, Email: tanxrus@aol.com, for information about the the Flout™ floating outlet valve dosing system control for septic systems and onsite wastewater disposal.
InspectAPedia.com^® - Daniel Friedman - Publisher & Editor.
Construction Guidelines for Gravity and Flood-Dose Trench Onsite (Septic) Systems, Indiana state health department
Maintenance of Low Pressure Distribution Septic Systems, Vermont Cooperative Extension
Dosing Gravity Drainfield Systems, Recommended Standards and Guidance for Performance, Application, Design, and Operation & Maintenance, Washington State Department of Health, July 1, 2007

Fixed-Film Septic Treatment Process References & Products

Hutzler, N.L., L. Waldorf, and J. Fancy. 1978. Performance of Aerobic Treatment Units. In Proceedings of the Second National Home Sewage Treatment Symposium. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, Chicago, IL.
Otis, R.J., and W. C. Boyle. 1976. Performance of single household treatment units. Journal of Environmental Engineering Division, American Society of Civil Engineers, 102, EE1, 175.
Otis, R.J., et al. 1975. The Performance of Household Wastewater Treatment Units under Field Conditions. In Proceedings of the Third National Home Sewage Disposal Symposium, American Society of Agricultural Engineers, Chicago, IL, p.191.
Tchobanoglous, G., and F. Burton. 1991. Wastewater Engineering. 3rd ed. McGraw-Hill, Inc., New York.
Water Environment Federation. 1998. Design of Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants. Manual of Practice no. 8. 4th ed. Water Environment Federation, Alexandria, VA.
Water Pollution Control Federation (WCPF). 1988. O & M of Trickling Filters, RBCs, and Related Processes. Manual of Practice OM-10. Water Pollution Control Federation, Alexandria, VA.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1984. Design Information on Rotating Biological Contactors. EPA-600/2-84-106. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1984. Review of Current RBC Performance and Design Procedures. EPA-600/2-85-033. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, OH.

Septic Effluent Dosing System Products and Suppliers

Rissy Plastics FLOUT floating outlet for septic effluent dispersal. Contact Rissy at 518-834-7940 or Flout@engineer.com - Keeseville NY.
Please also see ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC PRODUCTS and also review the suppliers listed at ATU Suppliers
Some basic information about handling septic effluent follows.

How and When Septic Effluent is Moved Through a Septic System

Septic effluent is distributed to a system final treatment and disposal using either gravity methods (which depend on terrain slope) or pressure methods (which use a pump to move effluent to its destination treatment and disposal area).

Methods For Septic Effluent Distribution Using Gravity Systems

Single Effluent Line: A 4" perforated PVC pipe receives effluent by gravity from the septic tank. The pipe is buried in a gravel trench and may be run in a straight line or a loop.
Distibution Box/Network of Lines: A distribution box receives effluent by gravity from the septic tank and routes it to a network of perforated pipes. The network is made of multiple independent trenches which maybe on a flat or sloped site.
Serial relief line: multiple, serially connected trenches are built on a sloping site and used serially.
Drop box: multiple independent trenches are built on a sloping site, connected from drop boxes.
Gravity Dosing, Bell Siphon Dosing, Float Dosing (discussed in this document): 4" perforated pipe, with or without a distribution box, are installed all at a single elevation. A hinged "bucket" chamber receives effluent and periodically, as it fills, the bucket tips to spill effluent into the piping system (A "dipping" or "tipping" system).

Bell siphon dosing systems (a bell and siphon method of moving effluent to the drainfield) or float-controlled (a floating valve opens or closes) septic effluent dosing system designs are also available and are discussed in this document. Gravity dosing systems distribute effluent periodically rather than continuously to the absorption field, letting the field rest between doses and extending its life and capacity. However because the effluent dose is "poured" suddenly into the drainfield, local spot or point overloading may still occur.

Also see these Septic System Inspection & Testing articles

Abandoned or New Septic System inspection & testing suggestions
Baffles, Septic Tank septic tank baffles defects and inspection suggestions
Buyer's Guide Home Buyer's Guide to Septic Systems Inspection & Testing - What to Do, Step by Step.
Cesspools Home Buyer's or Owner's Advice
Cesspool Age Estimates help evaluate cesspool condition and need for repair or replacement
Cesspool Safety Warnings include dangers of cave-in and fatality
Clearances & Distances from septic system components to other site features, property boundaries, waterways, etc.
Don't Pump Before Testing Septic Systems: warnings for home buyers about septic tank pumping
Drainfield Inspection Procedure Septic Leach Fields - how to inspect and diagnose septic drainfield failures
DRYWELL DESIGN & USES Home Buyer's or Owner's Advice
Dye Amounts, Water Volume: how much septic dye and how much water to use to perform a septic dye test
Dye Tests: how to perform a Septic Loading and Dye Test - the complete procedure for septic loading & dye testing, a septic function test
Failure Causes - Septic Systems Basic Septic Inspection Procedures: for septic tanks, septic drainfields, cesspools, drywells, distribution piping
Failure Causes - Septic Tanks - How to Inspect Septic Tanks and evaluate the septic tank condition, baffles, sludge levels, damage, evidence of septic failure, etc.
Failure Causes - Septic Drainfields: how to inspect septic leach fields & what causes septic field failure
SEPTIC FAILURE SPOTS - Where septic system trouble is likely to show up regardless of septic dye testing
Life Expectancy of Septic Systems and septic system components
Media Filter Septic Systems types of alternative septic systems using sand, peat, textile, foam cube or other filter media, single pass vs. recirculating media filters, how to identify them.
Pumps Septic pumps, sewage ejector pumps, grinder pumps, effluent pumps, sump pumps, & septic pumping stations compared; pump alarms. Advice.
Septic & Cesspool Safety - septic system, septic tank, & cesspool safety warnings for septic inspectors, septic pumpers, and homeowners.
Septic D-BOX Inspection provides for help in finding and inspecting the septic system drainfield distribution box
SEPTIC or SEWER CONNECTION? - how to determine if a building is connected to a septic tank or to a public sewer line
Septic Site Inspection Procedure - Simple Outside Visual Site Inspection Gives Key Information About Septic System Condition
Septic Sludge & Scum Levels in Septic Tanks - Measuring the Level of Accumulated Solids, Sludge and Floating Scum in Treatment Tanks
Septic Tank Inspection Procedure - How to Inspect Septic Tanks and evaluate the septic tank condition, baffles, sludge levels, damage, evidence of septic failure, etc.
Septic Tank Location - How to Find the Septic Tank, how deep will the cover be, how to document its location
Soil Percolation Tests Perc Tests or Deep Hole Test for Soil Absorption Rate Testing
SPOTTING SEPTIC BREAKOUTS - Spotting Dyed Septic Effluent Breakout Outside - Where Septic Dye is Likely to Show Up During a Septic Dye

Septic System References & Books

"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
The Home Buyer's Guide to Septic Systems
Home & Outdoor Living Water Requirements
Septic Tank Capacity vs Usage in Daily Gallons of Wastewater Flow, calculating required septic tank size, calculating septic tank volume from size measurements
Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf.
How Big Should the Leach Field Be? - table of soil percolation rate vs. field size
Septic System Drainfield Absorption System Biomat Formation - what leads to drain field clogging and expensive drainfield repairs
Septic Tank Pumping Guide: When, Why, How to pump the septic tank
Table of Required Septic & Well Clearances: Distances Between Septic System & Wells, Streams, Trees, etc.
Ten Steps to Keeping a Septic System Working, suggestions from the U.S. EPA, edits and additions by DJF
What is a Septic System An Engineer's View & Septic System FAQ's
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.

The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.

Or choose the The Home Reference eBook for PCs, Macs, Kindle, iPad, iPhone, or Android Smart Phones. Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAEHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.

Building inspection education & report writing systems from Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd

Inspecting Septic Systems: Online Book, Inspection, Test, Diagnosis, Repair, & Maintenance: our Online Septic Book: Septic Testing, Loading & Dye Tests, Septic Tank Pumping, Clearances, details of onsite waste disposal system inspection, testing, repair procedures.

Advanced Onsite Wastewater Systems Technologies, Anish R. Jantrania, Mark A. Gross. Anish Jantrania, Ph.D., P.E., M.B.A., is a Consulting Engineer, in Mechanicsville VA, 804-550-0389 (2006). 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.

Design Manuals for Septic Systems

US EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual [online copy, free] Top Reference: US EPA's Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, available from the US EPA, the US GPO Superintendent of Documents (Pueblo CO), and from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Original source http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm Onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems, Richard J Otis, published by the US EPA. Although it's more than 20 years old, this book remains a useful reference for septic system designers. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water Program Operations; Office of Research and Development, Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory; (1980)
Eco John® Innovative Toilet Solutions, Global Inventive Industries, Fountain Valley CA, PDF, product brochure
"International Private Sewage Disposal Code," 1995, BOCA-708-799-2300, ICBO-310-699-0541, SBCCI 205-591-1853, available from those code associations.
"Manual of Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines for Onsite Sewage Systems," Ontario Reg. 374/81, Part VII of the Environmental Protection Act (Canada), ISBN 0-7743-7303-2, Ministry of the Environment,135 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto Ontario M4V 1P5 Canada $24. CDN.
Manual of Septic Tank Practice, US Public Health Service's 1959.

Onsite Wastewater Disposal Books

Onsite Wastewater Disposal, R. J. Perkins; Quoting from Amazon: This practical book, co-published with the National Environmental Health Association, describes the step-by-step procedures needed to avoid common pitfalls in septic system technology. Valuable in matching the septic system to the site-specific conditions, this useful book will help you install a reliable system in both suitable and difficult environments. Septic tank installers, planners, state and local regulators, civil and sanitary engineers, consulting engineers, architects, homeowners, academics, and land developers will find this publication valuable.
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, Bennette D. Burks, Mary Margaret Minnis, Hogarth House 1994 - one of the best septic system books around, suffering a bit from small fonts and a weak index. (DF volunteers to serve as indexer if Burks/Minnis re-publish this very useful volume.)
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. We refer to it often. While Minnis says the best place to buy this book is at Amazon (our link at left), you can also see this book at Minnis' website at http://web page .pace.edu/MMinnisbook
Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf
Soil Percolation Tests soil perc testing guide and instructions
Percolation Testing Manual, CNMI Division of Environmental Quality, PO Box 501304, Saipan, MP 96950
Planting Over Septic System Component", Daniel Friedman (author/editor, InspectAPedia.com), The Innovator, Winter/Spring 2008, BCOSSA, British Columbia OnSite Sewage Association, 201-3542 Blansard St., Victoria BC V8X 1W3 Canada
Save the Septic System - Do Not Flush These Items Down the Toilet, Daniel Friedman, InspectAPedia.com - PDF document, printable
SEPTIC STANDARDS
SEPTIC MAGAZINES
Septic System Owner's Manual, Lloyd Kahn, Blair Allen, Julie Jones, Shelter Publications, 2000 $14.95 U.S. - easy to understand, well illustrated, one of the best practical references around on septic design basics including some advanced systems; a little short on safety and maintenance. Both new and used (low priced copies are available, and we think the authors are working on an updated edition--DF. Quoting from one of several Amazon reviews: The basics of septic systems, from underground systems and failures to what the owner can do to promote and maintain a healthy system, is revealed in an excellent guide essential for any who reside on a septic system. Rural residents receive a primer on not only the basics; but how to conduct period inspections and what to do when things go wrong. History also figures into the fine coverage.
Test Pit Preparation for Onsite Sewage Evaluations, State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Portland OR, 800 452-4011. PDF document. We recommend this excellent document that offers detail about soil perc tests, deep hole tests, safety, and septic design. Readers should also see Soil Percolation Tests and for testing an existing septic system, also see Dye Tests
Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank, Bombeck, Erma: $ 5.99; FAWCETT; MM; This septic system classic whose title helps avoid intimidating readers new to septic systems, is available new or used at very low prices. It's more entertainment than a serious "how to" book on septic systems design, maintenance, or repair. Not recommended -- DF.
US EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual Top Reference: US EPA's Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, available from the US EPA, the US GPO Superintendent of Documents (Pueblo CO), and from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Original source http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm
Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook, R. Dodge Woodson. This book is in the upper price range, but is worth the cost for serious septic installers and designers. Quoting Amazon: Each year, thousands upon thousands of Americans install water wells and septic systems on their properties. But with a maze of codes governing their use along with a host of design requirements that ensure their functionality where can someone turn for comprehensive, one-stop guidance? Enter the Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook from McGraw-Hill.
Written in language any property owner can understand yet detailed enough for professionals and technical students this easy-to-use volume delivers the latest techniques and code requirements for designing, building, rehabilitating, and maintaining private water wells and septic systems. Bolstered by a wealth of informative charts, tables, and illustrations, this book delivers:
* Current construction, maintenance, and repair methods
* New International Private Sewage Disposal Code
* Up-to-date standards from the American Water Works Association
Wells and Septic Systems, Alth, Max and Charlet, Rev. by S. Blackwell Duncan, $ 18.95; Tab Books 1992. We have found this text very useful for conventional well and septic systems design and maintenance --DF. Quoting an Amazon description:Here's all the information you need to build a well or septic system yourself - and save a lot of time, money, and frustration. S. Blackwell Duncan has thoroughly revised and updated this second edition of Wells and Septic Systems to conform to current codes and requirements. He also has expanded this national bestseller to include new material on well and septic installation, water storage and distribution, water treatment, ecological considerations, and septic systems for problem building sites.
The NSFC Products List has an excellent list of design manuals/modules available from their website or by telephone 800-624-8301
Submissions welcome. send us a suggested document link or request an exchange of website links
...


	InspectAPedia^®	InspectAPedia
	Free Encyclopedia of Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair	Ask a Question or Search InspectAPedia

Free Encyclopedia of Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair

Ask a Question or Search InspectAPedia

Fixed Film Septic System Designs (function() { var po = document.createElement('script'); po.type = 'text/javascript'; po.async = true; po.src = 'https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })();