SKETCH of a typical aerobic treatment unit tank, aerator, chamber

Guide to Aerobic Septic Systems - A Design Alternative for Difficult Sites
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AEROBIC Septic systems guide - ATUs aerobic treatment units
Design, installation, and maintenance of aerobic septic systems
Aerobic treatment unit ATU tank size, 2, 3, and 4-chamber aerobic septic tank designs
Aerobic treatment unit ATU final treatment of septic effluent
Aerobic treatment unit ATU certifications, Aerobic treatment unit ATU problems and solutions
Aerobic treatment unit ATU maintenance procedures, Aerobic treatment unit ATU disinfectant choices and use
Aerobic treatment unit ATU continuous flow suspended growth design
Aerobic treatment unit ATU effluent spray head maintenance and replacement
Aerobic Septic Systems References, Manufacturers list & contact information for owners manuals, parts, repairs
Questions & answers about aerobic treatment units (ATUs) and aerobic septic systems: design, installation, inspection, maintenance, & repair

ATUs - Aerobic Septic Systems: this article series explains the designs and products, installation, maintenance, and repair of aerobic septic treatment units (ATUs) for onsite waste disposal, also called fine bubble aeration systems. We describe how aerobic treatment units work, what are the components of aerobic septic systems, now they are maintained or repaired, and where to find replacement parts, owners manuals, and operating instructions. We address aerobic septic system design, features, inspection, repair, and maintenance. Product sources are also listed.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers nor with topics or services discussed at this website.

Aerobic Treatment Septic Systems: types, designs, maintenance instructions

Also see AEROBIC Effluent Spray Head Maintenance and see AEROBIC Septic Disinfectants- Calcium Hypochlorite

AEROBIC Septic systems add oxygen using any of several types aeration or "fine air bubble" systems to increase the level of effluent treatment in the septic tank by encouraging aerobic bacteria. Aerobic systems produce a better-quality wastewater effluent for discharge into the absorption system for final treatment and disposal.

Citation of this article by reference to this website and brief quotation for the sole purpose of review are permitted. Use of this information at other websites, in books or pamphlets for sale, or in any other form is reserved to the author. Reviewers welcomed and are listed at References.

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What is an Aerobic Treatment Unit for Septic Effluent?

In residential use, aerobic treatment units (ATUs, also called "home aeration systems" or "septic tank aeration systems") are pre-packaged septic treatment systems which are in essence a mini-wastewater treatment plant for home use. "Aerobic" refers to the use of an air pump to add oxygen to the treatment tank to increase the level of treatment by the system.

AEROBIC Septic systems thus require electrical power and cost more to install and operate (more frequent tank pumping) than a traditional gravity septic tank and drainfield. Aerobic treatment, which can produce very high quality treated effluent, is used at sites where a conventional septic drainfield simply wont' work, perhaps because of wet soils or very rocky conditions.

ATUs are also used to restore a working septic system where a traditional septic system has failed and is difficult to repair. Other common reasons for installing aerobic septic treatment units include lots close to lakes and streams or lots which are too small to fit a conventional septic system.

Aerobic treatment may not entirely eliminate the requirement for a drainfield, but it can substantially reduce the drainfield area and capacity required. This is not a "new" idea. Aeration of wastewater as a means of septic effluent treatment has been in use for more than 100 years (using media filters according to Jantrania).

How do Aerobic Septic Treatment Units Work?

An aerobic treatment unit is basically an "oxidizer" which uses extra oxygen dissolved in the wastewater to support aerobic microorganisms which in turn decompose dissolved organic and nitrogen compounds into simple CO2 or into inorganic compounds.

As microorganisms die off they accumulate as a sludge of biological material, some of which supports the development of new cells or microorganisms to keep the system working. ATU's separate solid waste first in the "trash tank" and later, additional solids are separated in the clarifier or settlement tank from which they may be returned to the primary tank for more treatment. (See the sketch at the top of this page.)

"Typical organic materials that are found in residential strength wastewater include carbohydrates, fats, proteins, urea, soaps and detergents. All of these compounds contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Domestic wastewater also includes organically bound nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus.

During biochemical degradation, these three elements are biologically transformed from organic forms to mineralized forms (i.e., NH3, NH4, NO3, SO4, and PO4)." -- Reference #3 at page bottom. In contrast, an example of an anaerobic process involved in the breakdown of wastewater would be fermentation, the exothermic, enzymatic breakdown of soluble organic compounds which does not depend on the presence of dissolved oxygen. Methane and CO2 are both products of wastewater fermentation.

Simplest Two-Chamber Aerobic Treatment Unit Design

Waste from the occupied building is fed into a septic tank primary treatment chamber where it is kept agitated and aerated (oxygenated) by an air pump and rotor or mixer. By increasing the oxygen level in the effluent, we increase activity by the tank's aerobic bacteria and other naturally occurring microorganisms such as fungi, protozoa, rotifers, and other microbes.

Effluent passes out of the primary treatment tank into a settlement chamber where sludge settles out for recycling into the primary treatment tank. Clarified effluent passes to an absorption or further treatment system. An alarm system is usually installed to tell the building owner if the equipment has stopped working.

Three-Chamber Aerobic Septic System ATU Design

AEROBIC Septic Trash Tank: Waste from the occupied building is fed into a "trash tank" (similar to a septic tank); septic solid waste and scum are retained in the "trash tank" and as with a conventional septic tank, must be periodically removed by a septic pumping company. (ATU's require more frequent septic tank pumping than a conventional septic system.)

The ATU tank works like a septic tank but can be smaller because the system does not depend on a long "settlement time" to remove solids and grease as occurs in a conventional septic tank.
AEROBIC Septic System Aeration Chamber & Aeration Pump: An aerator or air pump, normally installed in a chamber atop or close to the septic tank, pumps air into the septic tank's aeration compartment using any of several methods to aerate the wastewater.

A mixing device or rotor may be used to further agitate the wastewater in the aerobic treatment tank to increase the oxygen level in the effluent and to support treatment by aerobic bacteria in the tank. Speaking slightly more technically, the aerobic process in the treatment tank provides for biochemical oxidation of the soluble organic compounds found in domestic wastewater.

AEROBIC Septic Aeration Chamber: Septic effluent moves out of the "trash tank" to a separate aeration chamber. In the aeration chamber air (oxygen) is pumped through the system to provide oxidation and waste treatment using a variety of designs. The added level of oxygen permits a variety of microbial life forms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and others) to oxidize or otherwise process pathogens and nitrogen compounds in the discharged septic effluent. The aerated, or oxygenated wastewater is called the "mixed liquor".
AEROBIC Septic System Clarification Chamber: After having been aerated and mixed in the aeration chamber, the effluent flows to a clarification chamber. Solids settle out of the effluent and stay inside the ATU. In some designs the sludge is recycled to the aeration chamber.

The settled sludge and solids support the formation of additional microbial growth which in turn is used to process pathogens as we just described. The ATU may, depending on its design, also remove nutrients, solids which were not retained in the trash tank, and pathogens.

Suspended Growth vs. Attached Growth Septic Systems: Oxygen-supported (aerobic) bacteria in the mixed liquor perform the primary treatment in the system. As the bacteria themselves die off they remain suspended in the mixed liquor - a "suspended growth aerobic treatment system". Alternatively, a media, such as synthetic fabrics, may be suspended in the treatment tank, permitting the bacteria to attach to the media surfaces - an "attached growth aerobic treatment system".

Saturated vs. Non-Saturated Wastewater Treatment Systems: An aerobic treatment unit (ATU), because it involves a tank filled with wastewater and forced oxygenation of that wastewater, is a type of saturated wastewater treatment system. Other non-saturated wastewater treatment systems such as trickling filter beds use passively-infused air to support their oxygen-supported microorganisms. Unlike ATUs, non-saturated systems allow passive air contact with effluent as it moves through the media. Air is not being pumped. Both types of systems make use of aerobic microorganisms.

Four-Chamber Aerobic Systems - 4-chamber ATU Design

Four-chamber Aerobic Treatment Units are also designed for and used in some areas, though how we count chambers may be confusing - some designers may not design or count a separate aeration chamber. A four-chamber aerobic tank uses

AEROBIC Septic Tank Sewage receiver: a compartment to receive sewage and collect sludge;
Aerobic Treatment Unit Aeration Chamber: an aerobic chamber to pump air and thus oxygen through wastewater to assist in the aerobic treatment process;
AEROBIC Septic Effluent Settling Chamber: a clarifying or settling chamber which permits remaining solids to settle out of the wastewater; disinfection may take place in this chamber;
AEROBIC Septic Effluent Pumping Chamber: a pumping chamber to receive treated effluent for discharge to an absorption system or other destination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about aerobic septic systems

Question: I have been told I need an expensive aerobic septic system. Can I build my own for less cost?

I have a question about aerobic system. I've purchased land and now I have learned that I need aerobic system. I found out this system is very expensive. I am handy and can do some work on my own... I wander if there is anyway I can have alternative system like that for less?
Rob 7/15/11

Reply:

The cost of installing an aerobic system may be at least as much in the excavation as in the equipment itself; While I agree that there are septic system "add-ons" that add an aeration feature to an existing septic tank to increase the treatment level, but unless it's a multicompartment tank that can handle the increased agitation of sewage in the main tank (caused by the aerator) I think your results may not be nearly as good as you'd hope, and without some extra steps (filtration, settling chambers) you risk ruining the drainfield.

Furthermore, if you are being told that you already need a new system, chances are your drainfield is already shot; I'm not clear where you would save by a system that went only part-way to what you are being told is needed.

Question: Someone stole parts off of our aerobic system, I don't know what I need to replace

i recently purchased a home and before we could move in someone stole parts from my airiation system i dont know what they took i need some sort of a parts list or basic diagram to figure out what they took and what i need to replace - Jeremy 8/2/11

Reply:

Jeremy the very specific parts you are missing may be more detailed than I can guess.

I'd take a look at the basic aerobic components described here so that you have an idea how systems work, including the aeration components, then I'd call a local septic system repair company or installer and ask them to get the system working. Typically the contractor has all the small parts on the truck that you may need to hook up a missing aeration pump, tubing, connectors, etc. that otherwise will send you running back and forth to plumbing suppliers guessing at how to hook things back up.

If you can send along photos (see the CONTACT link at page left) of your system I might be able to help with research or comment further.

Question: my site septic plan was denied due to wet conditions. Do aerobic systems require perc tests?

My site was denied due to wet conditions, do you have to pass a perk test to have a aerobic system installed? - Marylin 10/4/11

Reply:

Marylin, the specifics of what a local building or health department official wants to see as the perc test procedure as well as perc test results are usually determined locally, as local soil conditions vary. An aerobic system can produce effluent treated to a higher level, making its disposal easier, but you'll still need to demonstrate (with help from your septic engineer) that the effluent will be disposed-of acceptably for your site and soil conditions.

Question: we have a blockage in our aerobic lines and never pumped the tank for 12 years. Is the blockage due tothe pump?

We have semi-blocked lines and we have a two-chamber ATU and has never had it pumped. We've lived on this site for 12 years. What can be the problem? Is it a bad pump, or is it overflowing? - Cody 12/1/11

Reply:

Short answer: Cody depending on the number of occupants you may have fallen behind in septic tank pumping frequency. See SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE.

If a septic tank is not pumped often enough the risk is that the level of treatment falls and solids are pushed into the effluent disposal system causing clogging and sometimes the need for costly repairs. But without opening your system for inspection, one can't accurately guess further.

Details: A competent onsite inspection by an expert usually finds additional clues that help accurately diagnose a problem with the septic system. The inspector will need to open the tank, check the operation of the aerator, disinfection system if any, and possibly inspect the effluent disposal system as well.

That said, if you never pump the septic tank the treatment level drops, solids get pushed into the effluent disposal system, and the system will first, contaminate the environment with under-treated effluent and second, will become clogged - that's in general. Of course the specifics for your system will vary.

You'll want your septic contractor to show you the working parts of the system, the maintenance that it requires, the maintenance schedule, etc.

Question: does an aerobic septic system need to be winterized?

I have recently purchased a new home with an aerobic system that has 2 sprinklers. Do I need to winterize the system or turn off the sprinklers in the winter? If so, what happens to the water? - Stevi 12/5/11

Reply:

Stevi an aerobic septic system would be expected to be functional year round. But I agree completely that if your system is installed in a freezing climate, and if it uses above-ground effluent spraying, that system cannot work properly in freezing weather. Something sounds wrong with the whole design.

Question: Nyadic aerobic septic system

I just moved to 4 acre horse farm with horses and well. I have a nayadic system. The effluent pipe runs about 100 ft to a depression 30x30 ft. into the pasture. Is there a recommdation for an alternate "drainfield" or pit? There is room outside the pasture. I also have a shallow well(35ft deep with 15 ft of water). It is about 50 ft from effluent line. no codes out here Bill I. 12/11/11

Reply: contact information for Nyadic Aerobic Septic Systems

Bill.

Nayadic aerobic septic systems are produced by Nayadic, a division of Consolidated Treatment Systems, Inc. These systems are NSF tested and certified using a single tank for both the aeration of sewage wastewater and for solids separation.

While I could envision disposing of effluent in a more conventional drainfield than an above-ground depression (and I wonder who approved that), I would contact the company to ask for details about the intended means of disposal or dispersal of treated effluent from their system. Give Consolidated a call at 800-503-0163. The company's contact information is in the references at the end of this article.[8]

While you're at it, ask them for an owner's manual for your system.

Nayadic also produces and sells rotary vane air pumps for aerobic septic systems that support Nayadic 500, 600, 800, and 1000 gallon per day aerobic septic designs.

Question: my sewe smells really bad, it was pumped, I put in new yeast and chlorine, and my air pump is running

My sewer smell really bad i have had it pump out about 1 1/2 years ago new yeast chorine and my air pump is working what can i do - Mark 1/23/12

Reply:

Mark, yeast is not a normal septic system. I would contact the manufacturer of your system and ask for their advice and for a copy of the instruction manual. I agree that an odor problem is unacceptable, not normal, and can be corrected.

Question: the chlorine tablets in our aerobic septic system haven't dissolved - is that OK?

The last 2 tablets we put in haven't dissolved. Is that a problem? Thanks! - Spike 2/14/12

Reply:

Spike, if you have an aerobic system that requires disinfectant tablets, and they are not dissolving, that might be normal - they don't dissolve entirely immediately. Check back each day for a few days and let me know what you see. Also see AEROBIC Septic Disinfectants- Calcium Hypochlorite - make sure you are using the right kind of disinfectant tablets. Do not use swimming pool chlorine.

Question: how do I turn on my aerobic septic system?

How do I turn on my aerobic system. It has 3 switches, pump, comp, and alarm. Do I turn all 3 switches on to operate it? - Linda 4/23/12

Reply:

Linda it sounds as if you have a

pump switch (that needs to be on for an aerobic system to be working)
compressor switch (that needs to be on for an aerobic system to be working - presuming this is an air compressor as part of an aerator system)
alarm switch - that tells you when the level in a tank is high enough that a pump is not working - or some other failure condition.

I would contact the manufacturer of your system and ask for their advice and for a copy of the instruction manual.

Also see AEROBIC Effluent Spray Head Maintenance and see AEROBIC Septic Disinfectants- Calcium Hypochlorite

Question: My home's septic system is 47 years old. Is it working right?

My home is 47 years old, so it would make my 's&p' septic system equally as old. I'm not sure if that is the correct term for my septic design because it is so old. I cannot find a diagram on your website that is comparable to what I think I have.

I have 1 -1000g tank with 1 lid, the solid are pumped from this tank. It is connected to a 2nd (1000g) tank, 50 feet away which is a 2 story tank. You can stand in upper portion of the 2nd tank as it is made of concrete and has a crock hole to the lower part. The bottom portion of the 2 story tank accumulates liquids coming from the 1st tank.

Once the liquids in the 2nd lower tankl reach a certain level, a sump pump (hanging in the crock) assists in the discharge through an underground pipe that is laying on the ground in the woods another 50ft away. Because of its age ("grandfathered"), its my septic doing what it is supposed to be doing? - Kim 4/23/12

Reply:

Kim very few septic systems that are basically untouched for 47 years would lead me, even knowing nothing about them, to opine that the system is performing as it should.

The design sounds thoughtful however, as if you have a dosing system = that is, the second effluent tank accumulates effluent in some volume before sending it to an absorption field.

But a pipe laying on the ground? That does not sound right at all. You didn't describe an aerobic septic system (maybe I missed that) and you didn't say in what state you are located, but no where in the U.S. or Canada are we permitted to discharge effuent from a septic tank right onto the ground surface from a distribution pipe such as you describe.

In some U.S. states it is permitted to use an air spray to distribute effluent that is discharged from an aerobic septic design (tank, aerator, separation baffles, holding tank or pumping chamber) that is certified to treat effluent to perhaps 95% or better.

But you are not describing such a system. A conventional septic tank treats effluent to a maximum of about 45% of what's needed. So you may be discharging sewage onto the ground surface.

Question: the sprinklers on my aerobic system are leaking. I pumped the tank. Didn't help.

My aerobic septic system is not working right. The sprinklers basically just leak all the time instead of spraying. The sprinklers are downhill from the tanks. I had the tanks pumped out (1st time in 6 years) and the sprinklers are still not spraying. Any clues? - Kenneth Skoczlas 5/1/12

Reply:

Kenneth, if an aerobic sprinkler is leaking, it's not going to be fixed one iota by pumping the septic tank. More likely fittings or gaskets or sprinkler heads need replacement. Also see AEROBIC Effluent Spray Head Maintenance

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Questions & answers about aerobic treatment units (ATUs) and aerobic septic systems: design, installation, inspection, maintenance, & repair.

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  AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEMS
    ATU Tank Sizes
    ATU Final Treatment
    ATU Certifications
    ATU Problems
    ATU Failure Rates, Costs
    ATU Maintenance Procedures
    AEROBIC Septic Disinfectants- Calcium Hypochlorite
    AEROBIC Septic Disinfectants-Pool Chlorine
    AEROBIC Septic System ATU SUPPLIERS
    AEROBIC Continuous Flow, Suspended Growth
    AEROBIC Effluent Spray Head Maintenance

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 info@carsondunlop.com. Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission to use illustrations from their publication, The Illustrated Home which illustrates construction details and building components. Carson Dunlop provides home inspection education including the ASHI-adopted Home Inspection Training Program (home study course), publications such as the Home Reference Book, report writing materials including the Horizon report writer, and home inspection services. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.

Continuous-Flow, Suspended-Growth & Aerobic Septic Systems References, Manufacturers, Contact Information

[1] Ayres Associates. 1998. Florida Keys Onsite Wastewater Nutrient Reduction Systems Demonstration Project. Contract no. LP 988. Florida Department of Health Onsite Sewage Program, Tallahassee, FL.
[2] Brewer, W.S., J. Lucas, and G. Prascak. 1978. An evaluation of the performance of household aerobic sewage treatment units. Journal of Environmental Health 41(2):82-84.
[3] Converse, J.C., and M.M. Converse. 1998. Pump Chamber Effluent Quality Following Aerobic Units and Sand Filters Serving Residences. In Proceedings of the Eighth National Symposium on Individual and Small Community Sewage Systems. American Society of Agricultural Engineers, Orlando, FL.
Englehardt, J.D., and R.C. Ward. 1986. Operation and maintenance requirements for small flow treatment systems. Journal of the Water Pollution Control Federation 58(10).
[4] 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.
[5] Kellam, J.G., et al. 1993. Evaluation of Performance of Five Aerated Package Treatment Systems. Bull. 178. Virginia Water Resources Research Center, Blacksburg, VA.
[6] Mason, D.G. 1977. A Unique Biological Treatment System for Small Plants. Paper presented at the 50th Water Pollution Control Federation Conference, Philadelphia, PA.
[7] Midwest Plan Service. 1982. On-site Domestic Sewage Disposal Handbook. Midwest Plan Service, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN.
[8] Nyadic Wastewater Treatment Systems, Consolidated Treatment Systems, 1501 Commerce Center Drive Franklin, Ohio 45005 Phone 937-746-2727 Fax 937-746-1446 1-800-503-0163, Website: www.consolidatedtreatment.com
[9] Otis, R.J., and W.C Boyle. 1976. Performance of single household treatment units. Journal of Environmental Engineering Division, ASCE, 102, EE1, 175.
[10] 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.
[11] Rogella, F., J. Sibony, G. Boisseau, and M. Benhomme. 1988. Fixed Biomass to Upgrade Activated Sludge. Paper presented at 61st Annual Water Pollution Control Federation Conference, Philadelphia, PA.
Rusten, B., M.J. Tetreault, and J.F. Kreissl. 1987. Assessment of Phased Isolation Ditch Technologies for Nitrogen Control. In Proceedings of the Seventh European Sewage and Refuse Symposium, pp. 279-291, Munich, Germany.
[12] Tafgard soil based wastewater evaporation / transpiration system by Taisei Kogyo Co., Ltd., Japan. Contact Shuichi Sato, Manager of Taisei Kogyo Co., Ltd., 15-36 Yonehara 6-chome, Yonago, Tottori, 683-0804 Japan Tel. +81-859-32-1135 Fax. +81-859-34-0933, info@taisei-wastewater.jp
[13] Tchobanoglous, G., and F. Burton. 1991. Wastewater Engineering. 3rd ed. McGraw-Hill, Inc., New York.
[14] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1978. Management of Small Waste Flows. Small Scale Waste Management Project. EPA/600/2-78-173. National Technical Information Service PB 286 474.
[15] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). 1980. Design Manual: Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems. EPA 625/1-80-012. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water Programs, Washington, DC

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. (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
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