Septic system & onsite wastewater treatment system example & model codes & regulations
Septic system & onsite wastewater treatment system inspection model codes & regulations
Septic system books, references & septic design manuals listing and recommendations
Questions & answers about where to find septic system design books and building code references
This document lists key septic system design guidelines, codes, manuals, standards, and journals - information about and specifications for conventional and alternative septic systems - onsite wastewater disposal systems. Most of these texts can be purchased online through our InspectAPedia Online Bookstore supported by Amazon.com. The bookstore includes detailed septic book reviews and recommends specific texts.
InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers nor with topics or services discussed at this website.
"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.
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. This document is now also available online at http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm
US Public Health Service's Manual of Septic Tank Practice, 1959.
United States: Pennsylvania: Three septic standards have been developed in "Standards Related to On-site Septic Systems," ISBN 0-8031-1836-8:
D 5879-95 Standard Practice for Surface Site Characterization for On-site Septic Systems
D 5921-96 Standard Practice for Sub-surface Site Characterization of Test Pits for On-site Septic Systems
D 5925-96 Standard Practice for Preliminary Sizing and Delineation of Soil Absorption Field Areas for On-site Septic Systems.
Inquiries to Staff Mgr Comm. D18 Soil and Rock, ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, voice: 610-832-9500, fax: 610-832-9555, email: service@astm.org
International Private Sewage Disposal Code, 1995, sponsored by BOCA - 708-799-2300, ICBO - 310-699-0541, SBCCI - 205-591-1853, available from those code associations.
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.This is one of the best books we've reviewed on the subject, with an excellent balance of clear simple explanation and solid engineering. Topics: Soil & Site Selection, Hydraulics, System Selection & Design, Wastewater Biology, History & Mythology of Onsite Wastewater Treatment. $49.95, Hogarth House, Ltd., 800-993-2665 x327 to order 800 -993-2665 x327 (Univ. Wisc. Bookstore).
Septic expert Mary Margaret (Peggy) Minnis has an informative website and information about this book found at http://webpage.pace.edu/mminnis/book/
The NSFC Products List has an excellent list of design manuals/modules available from their website or by telephone 800-624-8301
United States: Pennsylvania: Three septic standards have been developed in "Standards Related to On-site Septic Systems," ISBN 0-8031-1836-8:
D 5879-95 Standard Practice for Surface Site Characterization for On-site Septic Systems
D 5921-96 Standard Practice for Sub-surface Site Characterization of Test Pits for On-site Septic Systems
D 5925-96 Standard Practice for Preliminary Sizing and Delineation of Soil Absorption Field Areas for On-site Septic Systems.
Inquiries to Staff Mgr Comm. D18 Soil and Rock, ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, voice: 610-832-9500, fax: 610-832-9555, email: service@astm.org
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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.
To buy books and references discussed at this website, see the Amazon.com supported InspectAPedia Bookstore
SEPTIC BOOKS - Septic System Design, Repair, Service Guide Books
In addition to the septic system design, installation, repair, and alterative design books listed here, you can save time and money
ordering these books on septic systems - click on the book-title link - or for detailed septic book reviews and recommendations check out
the more detailed book descriptions at
the Amazon.com supported InspectAPedia Bookstore
Septic System Inspections, Diagnosis, Repair, & Maintenance: our online book, offered at no charge (comments, critique, feedback welcome) including Septic Testing, Loading & Dye Tests, Septic Tank Pumping, Clearances, Septic System details of inspection and testing procedures.
Septic System Maintenance, Repair, Design Books
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.
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, Bennette D. Burks, Mary Margaret Minnis, Hogarth House 1994 - one of the best septic system books around for serious professionals
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.
Builder's Guide to Wells and Septic Systems, Woodson, R. Dodge: $ 24.95; MCGRAW HILL B; TP; 01.97
Country Plumbing: Living with a Septic System, Hartigan, Gerry: $ 9.95; ALAN C HOOD & TP; 01.86
Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank, Bombeck, Erma: $ 5.99; FAWCETT; MM; 01.77
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, Bennette D. Burks, Mary Margaret Minnis, Hogarth House 1994 - one of the best books around, small font, weak index
Rural Water Supply, New York State Department of Health, 1966, Revised 1995, includes septic distances and some basics. Thin reference.
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.
you can also buy this book here
Wells and Septic Systems, Alth, Max and Charlet, Rev. by S. Blackwell Duncan, $ 18.95; Tab Books 1992
Book Listing Submissions Invited Contact Information for D Friedman send us a suggested document link or request an exchange of website links. We also write and publish book reviews for texts within our field of expertise.
Greywater Systems and Rainwater or Water Conservation Systems
Greywater and Rainwater System Design Manuals and Books - methods for water recycling, water conservation, rainwater collection, and septic field load reduction.
In addition to the septic system design, installation, repair, and alterative design books listed here, you can save time and money
ordering these books on septic systems - click on the book-title link - or for detailed septic book reviews and recommendations check out
the more detailed book descriptions at
the Amazon.com supported InspectAPedia Bookstore
The New Create an Oasis With Greywater,
Art Ludwig; Buy New: $14.25. Ludwig is one of the most thoughtful, prolific, and sometimes controversial writers on
gray water systems
Builder's Greywater Guide, Art Ludwig; Buy New: $10.17. Installation of Greywater Systems in New Construction & Remodeling;
A Supplement to the Book "Create an Oasis With Greywater"
Composting Toilets and Low Water or No-Water Toilets
Design Manuals and Books - for water conservation, composting toilets, waterless toilet systems, and septic field load reduction.
In addition to the septic system design, installation, repair, and alterative design books listed here, you can save time and money
ordering these books on septic systems - click on the book-title link - or for detailed septic book reviews and recommendations check out
the more detailed book descriptions at
the Amazon.com supported InspectAPedia Bookstore
Composting Toilet System Book: A Practical Guide to Choosing, Planning and Maintaining Composting Toilet Systems ,
David Del Porto, Carol Steinfeld
The Humanure Handbook: A Guide to Composting Human Manure, 3rd Ed., Joseph C. Jenkins
Thermal composting of faecal matter as treatment and possible disinfection method--laboratory-scale and pilot-scale studies,
B. Vinneras, A. Bjorklund, H. Jonsson
Small Flows Journal ideas and methodologies for solving wastewater issues for small communities
...
SEPTIC BOOKS - Septic System Design, Repair, Service Guide Books
In addition to the septic system design, installation, repair, and alterative design books listed here, you can save time and money
ordering these books on septic systems - click on the book-title link - or for detailed septic book reviews and recommendations check out
the more detailed book descriptions at
the Amazon.com supported InspectAPedia Bookstore
Septic System Inspections, Diagnosis, Repair, & Maintenance: our online book, offered at no charge (comments, critique, feedback welcome)
including Septic Testing, Loading & Dye Tests, Septic Tank Pumping, Clearances, Septic System details of inspection and testing procedures.
Septic System Maintenance, Repair, Design Books
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.
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, Bennette D. Burks, Mary Margaret Minnis, Hogarth House 1994 - one of the best septic system books around for serious professionals
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.
Builder's Guide to Wells and Septic Systems, Woodson, R. Dodge: $ 24.95; MCGRAW HILL B; TP; 01.97
Country Plumbing: Living with a Septic System, Hartigan, Gerry: $ 9.95; ALAN C HOOD & TP; 01.86
Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank, Bombeck, Erma: $ 5.99; FAWCETT; MM; 01.77
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, Bennette D. Burks, Mary Margaret Minnis, Hogarth House 1994 - one of the best books around, small font, weak index
Rural Water Supply, New York State Department of Health, 1966, Revised 1995, includes septic distances and some basics. Thin reference.
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.
you can also buy this book here
Wells and Septic Systems, Alth, Max and Charlet, Rev. by S. Blackwell Duncan, $ 18.95; Tab Books 1992
Book Listing Submissions Invited Contact Information for D Friedman send us a suggested document link or request an exchange of website links. We also write and publish book reviews for texts within our field of expertise.
Greywater Systems and Rainwater or Water Conservation Systems
Greywater and Rainwater System Design Manuals and Books - methods for water recycling, water conservation, rainwater collection, and septic field load reduction.
In addition to the septic system design, installation, repair, and alterative design books listed here, you can save time and money
ordering these books on septic systems - click on the book-title link - or for detailed septic book reviews and recommendations check out
the more detailed book descriptions at
the Amazon.com supported InspectAPedia Bookstore
The New Create an Oasis With Greywater,
Art Ludwig; Buy New: $14.25. Ludwig is one of the most thoughtful, prolific, and sometimes controversial writers on
gray water systems
Builder's Greywater Guide, Art Ludwig; Buy New: $10.17. Installation of Greywater Systems in New Construction & Remodeling;
A Supplement to the Book "Create an Oasis With Greywater"
Composting Toilets and Low Water or No-Water Toilets
Design Manuals and Books - for water conservation, composting toilets, waterless toilet systems, and septic field load reduction.
In addition to the septic system design, installation, repair, and alterative design books listed here, you can save time and money
ordering these books on septic systems - click on the book-title link - or for detailed septic book reviews and recommendations check out
the more detailed book descriptions at
the Amazon.com supported InspectAPedia Bookstore
Composting Toilet System Book: A Practical Guide to Choosing, Planning and Maintaining Composting Toilet Systems ,
David Del Porto, Carol Steinfeld
The Humanure Handbook: A Guide to Composting Human Manure, 3rd Ed., Joseph C. Jenkins
Thermal composting of faecal matter as treatment and possible disinfection method--laboratory-scale and pilot-scale studies,
B. Vinneras, A. Bjorklund, H. Jonsson
Septic Tank Capacity vs Usage in Daily Gallons of Wastewater Flow, calculating required septic tank size, calculating septic tank volume from size measurements
Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf.
Pennsylvania State Fact Sheets relating to domestic wastewater treatment systems include
Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-161, Septic System Failure: Diagnosis and Treatment
Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-162, The Soil Media and the Percolation Test
Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-l64, Mound Systems for Wastewater Treatment
Pennsylvania State Wastewater Treatment Fact Sheet SW-165, Septic Tank-Soil Absorption Systems
Document Sources used for this web page include but are not limited to: Agricultural Fact Sheet #SW-161 "Septic Tank Pumping," by Paul D. Robillard and
Kelli S. Martin. Penn State College of Agriculture - Cooperative Extension, edited and annotated by
Dan Friedman (Thanks: to Bob Mackey for proofreading the original source material.)
...
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
Advanced Onsite Wastewater Systems Technologies, Anish R. Jantrania, Mark A. Gross. Anish Jantrania, Ph.D., P.E., M.B.A., is a Consulting Engineer, in Mechanicsville VA, 804-550-0389 (2006). 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)
"International Private Sewage Disposal Code," 1995, BOCA-708-799-2300, ICBO-310-699-0541, SBCCI 205-591-1853, available from those code associations.
"Manual of Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines for Onsite Sewage Systems," Ontario Reg. 374/81, Part VII of the Environmental
Protection Act (Canada), ISBN 0-7743-7303-2, Ministry of the Environment,135 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto Ontario M4V 1P5 Canada $24. CDN.
Manual of Septic Tank Practice, US Public Health Service's 1959.
Onsite Wastewater Disposal Books
Onsite Wastewater Disposal, R. J. Perkins;
Quoting from Amazon: This practical book, co-published with the National Environmental Health Association,
describes the step-by-step procedures needed to avoid common pitfalls in septic system technology.
Valuable in matching the septic system to the site-specific conditions, this useful book will help you install a reliable system in
both suitable and difficult environments. Septic tank installers, planners, state and local regulators, civil and sanitary engineers,
consulting engineers, architects, homeowners, academics, and land developers will find this publication valuable.
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, Bennette D. Burks, Mary Margaret Minnis, Hogarth House 1994 - one of the best septic system books around, suffering a bit from small fonts and a weak index. While it contains some material more technical than needed by homeowners, Burks/Minnis book on onsite wastewater treatment systems a very useful reference for both property owners and septic system designers.
Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf
Planting Over Septic System Component", Daniel Friedman (author/editor, InspectAPedia.com), The Innovator, Winter/Spring 2008, BCOSSA, British Columbia OnSite Sewage Association, 201-3542 Blansard St., Victoria BC V8X 1W3 Canada
Septic System Owner's Manual, Lloyd Kahn, Blair Allen, Julie Jones, Shelter Publications, 2000 $14.95 U.S. - easy to understand, well illustrated, one of the best practical references around on septic design basics including some advanced systems; a little short on safety and maintenance. Both new and used (low priced copies are available, and we think the authors are working on an updated edition--DF.
Quoting from one of several Amazon reviews: The basics of septic systems, from underground systems and failures to what the owner can do to promote and maintain a healthy system, is revealed in an excellent guide essential for any who reside on a septic system. Rural residents receive a primer on not only the basics; but how to conduct period inspections and what to do when things go wrong. History also figures into the fine coverage.
Test Pit Preparation for Onsite Sewage Evaluations, State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Portland OR, 800 452-4011. PDF document. We recommend this excellent document that offers detail about soil perc tests, deep hole tests, safety, and septic design. Readers should also see Soil Percolation Tests and for testing an existing septic system, also see Dye Tests
Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank, Bombeck, Erma: $ 5.99; FAWCETT; MM;
This septic system classic whose title helps avoid intimidating readers new to septic systems, is available new or used at very low prices.
It's more entertainment than a serious "how to" book on septic systems design, maintenance, or repair. Not recommended -- DF.
US EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual Top Reference: US EPA's Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, available from the US EPA, the US GPO Superintendent of Documents (Pueblo CO), and from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Original source http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm
Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook, R. Dodge Woodson. This book is in the upper price range, but is worth the cost for serious septic installers and designers.
Quoting Amazon: Each year, thousands upon thousands of Americans install water wells and septic systems on their properties. But with a maze of codes governing their use along with a host of design requirements that ensure their functionality where can someone turn for comprehensive, one-stop guidance? Enter the Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook from McGraw-Hill. Written in language any property owner can understand yet detailed enough for professionals and technical students this easy-to-use volume delivers the latest techniques and code requirements for designing, building, rehabilitating, and maintaining private water wells and septic systems. Bolstered by a wealth of informative charts, tables, and illustrations, this book delivers: * Current construction, maintenance, and repair methods
* New International Private Sewage Disposal Code
* Up-to-date standards from the American Water Works Association
Wells and Septic Systems, Alth, Max and Charlet, Rev. by S. Blackwell Duncan, $ 18.95; Tab Books 1992. We have found this text very useful for conventional well and septic systems design and maintenance --DF.
Quoting an Amazon description:Here's all the information you need to build a well or septic system yourself - and save a lot of time, money, and frustration. S. Blackwell Duncan has thoroughly revised and updated this second edition of Wells and Septic Systems to conform to current codes and requirements. He also has expanded this national bestseller to include new material on well and septic installation, water storage and distribution, water treatment, ecological considerations, and septic systems for problem building sites.
The NSFC Products List has an excellent list of design manuals/modules available from their website or by telephone 800-624-8301
Submissions welcome. send us a suggested document link or request an exchange of website links
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