Guide to Levels of Septic System Inspections
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Guide to types of septic testing
Guide to levels of septic inspections: visual inspections, loading & dye test septic inspections, & Level 0, 1, & 2 Septic System Inspections
Questions & answers about levels of septic system inspection and testing - what are the different approaches to septic system inspection and testing and how far should you go in testing?

This article describes the parameters of different types and levels of septic system inspections, including pre purchase home inspections of a septic system that rely on visual inspection alone, septic loading and dye tests, and more thorough septic system level 0, 1, and 2 inspections. We give in-depth information about conventional septic tanks, drain fields, septic pipes, and septic waste handling. This septic system inspection article provides additional links to complete details about septic system inspection, test, repair, and design articles, including our online septic systems book.

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Levels of Septic System Inspection and Testing

This article series answers just about any question you might have about buying or owning a house with a septic system. Septic system inspectors should also see the septic inspection and testing details found at SEPTIC DYE TEST PROCEDURE. Septic testing class presentations, photos, sketches, tables, links to products and consultants are provided. If you do not quickly find here information you need, CONTACT US [Above photograph shows the start of a septic dye test.]

Watch out: Anyone inspecting septic systems MUST be familiar with the hazards and safety concerns discussed at SEPTIC SYSTEM SAFETY WARNINGS

LEVEL-0 Septic Inspections - Basic Visual, Loading & Dye Test - Home Inspection Procedures

This level of inspection is typically provided during a "home inspection" for real estate transactions.
A VISUAL ONLY Septic System Inspection Includes: Basic visual inspection and reporting of information (Performed by home inspector or other expert) (Some municipalities require this test be performed only by specifically licensed septic contractors or engineers.) Notice that the photo demonstrates that an astute septic system inspector can detect evidence of failure from site conditions alone in some instances.
A VISUAL PLUS LOADING DYE TEST Septic System Inspection Includes: - Visual + Dye test and system loading. Warning: using an inadequate amount of tracer dye or an insufficient volume of water for this test will make it meaningless.

Therefore ordering a "stand-alone" septic loading and dye test of a system should be expected to cost considerably more than such a test which can be performed overlapped in time with other Building inspection services. Beware of quick, minimal tests which place only a small volume of liquid into the system (perhaps 50 gallons over 10 or 15 minutes).

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 "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.

Level 1 Septic System Inspections - Visual, Open Covers, Inspect Equipment, Loading & Dye Test

A Level 1 Septic System Inspection is comprised of the following:
1. The steps in a Level 0 inspection which we described above
2. Additional visual inspection steps to open accessible covers & inspect equipment.
3. Septic Dye Test: This inspection usually include a septic loading and dye test. If a dye test is to be performed it must be done before the system is pumped or further inspected - otherwise the loading test cannot test the absorption system.
4. Septic Tank Pumping: In some states such as Pennsylvania, a Level-1 Septic Inspection may include requiring tank pump out and inspection.

A level 1 Septic Inspection can be performed by a home inspector or other expert. Some municipalities require this test be performed only by specifically licensed septic contractors or engineers. This is the Pennsylvania PSMA definition for level-1.

If septic tank pumping is required, such as in PA, the inspector should be present before, during, and after tank pumping in order to observe important indications of septic system condition such as damaged or missing baffles, baffle overrun, abnormal septic tank levels, or backflow into the septic tank during pumpout.

Also see our Inspecting, Testing, & Maintaining & Designing Residential Septic Systems - Septic Systems Online Book

Level 2 Septic System Inspection Includes - Visual, Open, D-Box, Pump & Inspect Septic Tank

A Level-2 Septic System Inspection is comprised of:
1. The steps in a Level 0 septic system inspection and
2. The steps in a Level 1 septic system inspection and also
3. Septic Tank and D-boxes: The following additional steps to:
A level-2 septic inspection is performed by septic pumping contractor since tank pumping is needed, or another septic expert may order the tank pumping and should be on-site to inspect the conditions described above
Some municipalities require this test be performed only by specifically licensed septic contractors or engineers.

Because a Level-2 septic inspection requires septic tank pumping, the inspector should be present before, during, and after tank pumping in order to observe important indications of septic system condition such as damaged or missing baffles, baffle overrun, abnormal septic tank levels, or backflow into the septic tank during pumpout.

Also see our Inspecting, Testing, & Maintaining & Designing Residential Septic Systems - Septic Systems Online Book

Level 3 Septic System Inspection Includes - visual, open, pump, soil percolation, site engineering

A Level-3 Septic System Inspection is comprised of:
1. The steps in a Level 0 septic system inspection and
2. The steps in a Level 1 septic system inspection and
3. The steps in a Level 2 septic system inspection and also
4. Drainfield or Leachfield Evaluation & Soil Conditions: Additional site excavation to make test openings in leaching area, other test holes to observe soil conditions, test the soil percolation rate, and if needed, perform other engineering work necessary to certify an existing system or to permit specification of system replacement.
Performed by septic pumping contractor, engineer, or other expert.
Some municipalities require this test be performed only by specifically licensed septic contractors or engineers.

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Technical Reviewers & References

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Additional technical contributors & reference sources for this article are listed below.

Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION LEVELS - see detailed links at page left & below

Also see our Inspecting, Testing, & Maintaining & Designing Residential Septic Systems - Septic Systems Online Book

Procedures for Inspecting Septic Systems

We discuss the requirements for different levels of inspections (level 0, 1, 2 septic inspections) at: Septic System Inspection Types & Inspection Levels
Field worksheets for various types of septic system inspections can be found at Checklists for Inspecting, Testing, & Maintaining Residential Septic Systems
See Septic Tank Inspection Procedure for details of inspecting septic tanks themselves and a septic tank inspection checklist.
See Septic Field Inspection Procedure for details of inspecting septic drainfields.
See Septic Loading and Dye Test Procedure for the details of that process
See Septic Inspection Testing for our full list of septic inspection methods and procedures.
See Signs of Septic System Failure: A First Step in Septic Diagnosis, for septic system failure criteria
See our online septic system inspection course at Inspecting Onsite Waste Disposal Systems - Septic System Testing Methods & Procedures - a Classroom Presentation
See Inspecting, Testing, & Maintaining & Designing Residential Septic Systems - for our Septic Systems Online Book on this topic

The Septic System Information Website home page for this topic
Septic Systems Inspection, Testing, & Maintenance- online textbook. Detailed how to inspect, maintain, repair information
The Home Buyer's Guide to Septic Systems
Septic Tank Pumping Guide: When, Why, How to pump the septic tank
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
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
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.
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. While it contains some material more technical than needed by homeowners, Burks/Minnis book on onsite wastewater treatment systems a very useful reference for both property owners and septic system designers.
Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf
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
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Levels of Septic System Inspection and Testing

LEVEL-0 Septic Inspections - Basic Visual, Loading & Dye Test - Home Inspection Procedures

Level 1 Septic System Inspections - Visual, Open Covers, Inspect Equipment, Loading & Dye Test

Level 2 Septic System Inspection Includes - Visual, Open, D-Box, Pump & Inspect Septic Tank

Level 3 Septic System Inspection Includes - visual, open, pump, soil percolation, site engineering

Questions & Answers regarding this article

Ask a Question or Search InspectAPedia

Technical Reviewers & References

Procedures for Inspecting Septic Systems

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

Design Manuals for Septic Systems

Onsite Wastewater Disposal Books