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Septic System Failure Types, Causes
Online Septic Inspection Course Chapter
- POST a QUESTION or COMMENT about how to inspect or test septic systems, septic inspection procedures, septic failure criteria, and septic inspection results reporting.
If the inspector understands the types of septic system failures and their causes she will be much better prepared to recognize a current or pending failure during a septic system inspection.
This septic system inspection and testing classroom series explains how septic systems are inspected & tested, from the basics of what a septic system is, what the components of a septic system are, how each component is found and inspected, and what constitutes a septic system failure at each component or step.
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- Daniel Friedman, Publisher/Editor/Author - See WHO ARE WE?
Types, Causes, and Failure Criteria for Septic Systems: Defining "Failed" Onsite Wastewater Treatment or Disposal
This section lists types of failure of septic system failure by individual system component, the common causes of each septic component failure, and provides defining "septic failure criteria".
More detailed "how to" steps instructing how to inspect specific septic components for signs of failure are discussed at my separate online book chapter in text that compliments material in this
separate article HOW DOES EACH SEPTIC SYSTEM COMPONENT FAIL?
If you link to that book-text, please return to the class-text here using your browser's "BACK" button. Otherwise the reader may be confused about where you are, as the text in this class section below appears later in the book text as well.
In simplest terms, there are two visible septic effluent disposal failures:
- Toilets or other fixtures back up into the house - but first
see DIAGNOSING CLOGGED DRAINS then return here using your browser's "BACK" button. - Effluent or sewage appears at the surface of the yard, or the neighbor's yard!
Septic odors
may also indicate a system failure or an imminent failure. But such odors
may also be produced by defects in the plumbing vent system or other site conditions. Beware, sewer gas contains
methane and is explosive if it reaches a dangerous concentration inside a building.
Typical causes range from things that are easy and cheap to repair, to a need for complete system replacement:
- Clogged pipes
- Broken pipes
- Damaged tank
- Tipped distribution box
- Clogged/broken soil absorption piping
- Clogged absorption soils (grease & solids)
- Saturated soil absorption area
However there can also be septic effluent treatment failures that may not be directly visible:
Effluent may not back up or appear on the surface, but if insufficiently treated effluent reaches a private well or any stream or waterway, the environment is being contaminated -- an unacceptable condition.
Historically many people have just worried about disposal. As the quality of drinking water deteriorates in many areas and as population grows in many previously thinly-populated areas, proper treatment has become the real concern for everyone's health.
For example, if there is not sufficient soil between the bottom of the soil absorption system trenches and the local groundwater, the local environment is being contaminated.
Other causes of onsite wastewater disposal system failure
- Driving over the absorption system, leach field, drainfield
- Paving over the absorption system
- Flooding
the absorption system with surface or roof runoff, or rocky, poorly-drained or under-sized sites may simply lack capacity - Improper original construction,
especially on rocky, poorly-drained sites (pipes settle, for example) - Tipped or flooded distribution boxes,
resulting in uneven loading of soil absorption system lines - Use of septic tank or drain field additives
which claim to extend system life can generate so much activity in the tank that solids are held in suspension and forced into the soil absorption system! Do not add any treatments, chemicals, yeast, or other treats to a septic system.
In general these treatments don't work, may ruin the system, and are illegal in many localities. There is no magic bullet to repair a bad SAS. - Watch Out: Rusting steel septic tank covers can cause death!
Rusted covers can collapse. I have reports of children and adults who have died from this hazard, as recently as December 1997. In 2000 I consulted in a fatality involving an adult falling into a cesspool.
At a building inspection I myself stepped through a hidden, rusted-through steel septic tank cover. Falling into a septic tank, drywell, or cesspool is quickly fatal, either from being buried by falling soils and debris, or by asphyxiation.
Septic gases are highly toxic and can kill in just minutes of exposure. Even leaning over an empty (just pumped) tank has led to collapse and fatality of a septic pumper. - Concrete tank lids:
can be damaged by vehicle traffic; heavy duty covers are available. - Steel tank baffles:
rust out and fall off, permitting solids to enter the soil absorption system - Steel tank bottoms
rust out permitting effluent to leak into soils around the tank, possibly giving a large void in tank at time of testing, thus subverting a loading or dye test; - Leaky septic tanks
a septic tank should be water tight. If ground or surface water leak into the tank the result is often a flooded and failed drainfield;
if sewage effluent leak out of the septic tank the result is the discharge of inadequately treated effluent into the soils and in the case of a very leaky septic tank, the result may also be a too-rapid loss of effluent in the septic tank resulting in too rapid build-up of solids and total system clogging and failure. - Concrete tanks
can crack or sections may separate causing leaks with the same effects as just stated - Concrete tank baffles
may erode from chemicals, detergents, poor concrete mix, water flowing over top of baffles, or may be broken by improper pumping procedures - Houses clustered around a lake
often will have a marginal system as properties were crowded together, built as part-time summer-camps, were built without code supervision, lacked adequate drainfield or soakaway bed space, and often were built using amateur, marginal home-made systems. - Age of the septic components
eventually even a well-maintained SAS will clog and have to be replaced.
List of Septic System (Onsite Waste Disposal System) Failure Criteria
Massachusetts Title 5 lists specific failure criteria and serves as a good model for septic inspections anywhere.
- Backup anywhere in the system
- Discharge of effluent to the surface, stream, etc. regardless of whether or not septic dye is observed
- Static effluent level above outlet in the D-box
- System has to be pumped more than 4x/year
- Metal septic tanks
(municipality dependent; note that in special site conditions small metal tanks may be the "only" solution and may be approved by local officials. An owner/buyer must be informed of the implications of such installations.) - Soil Absorption System (or cesspool, etc) is at a depth exposing it to the maximum groundwater level
List of Cesspool Failure Criteria (MA)
- Less than 6" of freeboard
- Less than 1/2 day's storage
- Within 100 ft. of a pond or dug well (surface water supply)
- Within 50 ft. of a private well (modern sanitary well)
- Between 50 and 100 ft from a private well if well fails bacteria test
- In MA, within Zone 1 of a public well
- BOH evaluation is required if within 50 feet of any surface water
List of Drainfield/Soil Absorption System Failures (leach fields, drain fields, seepage pits)
- Breakout of effluent observed (& I consider odors as well)
- BOH evaluation in MA if within 100 ft of surface water supply
- Within Zone 1 of a public well
- Within 50ft of a private well
- Between 50ft and 100ft of a private well if well fails bacteria test.
Signs of Failed Drainfield: How Does Each Septic System Component Fail? - What to Look For During a Septic Inspection
See details now found at
- SEPTIC DRAINFIELD FAILURE CAUSES - complete detailed list
- SEPTIC FAILURE SIGNS - what to look for
Before digging up your septic tank or calling a septic pumper, if you think the septic system is failed because of drain blockage or drains backing up into the building, you should
see DIAGNOSING CLOGGED DRAINS - Is it a blocked drain or the septic system? - A First Step for Homeowners
Please return here using your browser's "BACK" button.
...
Continue reading at MAINTENANCE NEEDS OF SEPTIC SYSTEMS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.
Or see these
Recommended Articles
- SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE COURSE
- WHAT IS A SEPTIC SYSTEM - What is Onsite Wastewater Disposal?
- SEPTIC FAILURE CAUSES - course chapter - also see SEPTIC FAILURE SIGNS - separate article
- MAINTENANCE NEEDS OF SEPTIC SYSTEMS
- SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION SAFETY & Health Concerns
- HOW TO INSPECT & EVALUATE the Condition of Septic Systems - On Site Waste Disposal
- RECENT & FUTURE TRENDS in Onsite Waste Disposal Systems
- SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTOR LICENSING OR QUALIFICATIONS
- SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION LEVELS: level 0, level 1, level 2 defined
- SAMPLE SEPTIC INSPECTION WORKSHEETS & TEST REPORTS
- SEPTIC or SEWER CONNECTION? - If you don't know if your building is connected to a public sewer or a private septic system
- SEPTIC LIFE EXPECTANCY
- SEPTIC LOADING & DYE TEST PROCEDURE
- SEPTIC SYSTEM CARE GUIDE
- SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION LEVELS - Level 0, Level 1, Level 2 & Level 3 Septic Inspections
- SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION & TEST GUIDE - if you already know the basics about septic systems, tanks, drainfields, and septic inspection procedures in general, then you can skip immediately our list of individual, detailed septic inspection procedures
- SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE - When, Why, How to pump the septic tank
- SEPTIC CLEARANCE DISTANCES - required distances Between Septic System & Wells, Streams, Trees, etc.
Suggested citation for this web page
SEPTIC FAILURE CAUSES-course chapter at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.
Or see this
INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS
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Citations & References
In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.
- New York State Department of Health, APPENDIX 75-A WASTEWATER TREATMENT STANDARDS - INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLD SYSTEMS , [PDF] New York State Department of Health, 3 February 2010, retrieved 3/1/2010, original source: https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/nycrr/title_10/part_75/appendix_75-a.htm
- The complete set of septic system inspection, testing, design, and repair references is maintained at SEPTIC REFERENCES.
- "EPA Design Manual: Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems," R. Otis et al, EPA 625/1-80-012. GPO Bookstore, 26 Federal Plaza, Room 110, New York NY 10278 212-264-3825.
- "Septic Systems," T. & A. Ferrero, Tri State ASHI Seminar, November 6-7 1993, and attachments listed below.
- "Septic Tank Pumping," Paul D. Robillard, Kelli S. Martin, Penn State College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Engineering Fact Sheet SW-161, Agricultural Engineering Department, 246 Agricultural Engineering Building, University Park PA 16802 814-865-7685 814-863-1031 FAX.
- "Preventing Septic System Failures," Paul D. Robillard, Kelli S. Martin, Penn State College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Engineering Fact Sheet SW-162.
- "Mound Systems for Wastewater Treatment," Paul D. Robillard, Kelli S. Martin, Penn State College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Engineering Fact Sheet SW-164
- "Septic Tank Soil Absorption Systems," Paul D. Robillard, Kelli S. Martin, Penn State College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Engineering Fact Sheet SW-165
- "The Soil Media and Percolation Test," Paul D. Robillard, Kelli S. Martin, Penn State College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Engineering Fact Sheet SW-163
- "Level 1 Septic System Inspections During Real Estate Transactions," Paul D. Robillard, Kelli S. Martin, Penn State College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Engineering Fact Sheet SW-166
- "Take Care of Your Septic Tank," Washington State Septic Tank Pumpers Association, (WSSTPA) (Les Eldredge, President, 206-334-8263); Courtesy of Bob Kelwitz, 10/93. Items 3-9 provided courtesy of Jules Falcone.
- "Cottage Country, Environmental Manual for Cottages," 6th Ed., 1989, ISBN 0-7729-5085-7, Environment Ontario, 135 Clari Ave. West, Suite 100, Toronto Ontario M4V 1P5
- Septic Tank Maintenance," Circular 1343/January 1990, and "Why Do Septic Systems Fail?," K. Manci & J.A. Moore, Extension Circular 1340/January 1990, Oregon State University Extension Service, and "Know your Septic System," a home buyer's guide to on-site septic systems, Washington Association of Realtors, Govt. Affairs Dept, PO Box 719, Olympia WA 98507 206-943-3100, provided by Len Sherr, Bend OR
- One and Two Family Dwelling Code, Section P-2506, Septic Tank Design and Construction.
- "The Septic Tank Home Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System," Southern Rockingham Regional Planning District Commission, 19 Main St., Salem NH 03079 603-893-5766
- "Septic Tank News & Views," Stanley Carraway, Florida ASHI Seminar, October 9-10, 1993 available from FLASHI Chapter, includes some USDA tables and charts on design, loading, and references the New (1992) Chapter 10D-6, Florida Administrative Code, Standards for Onsite Sewage Disposal Systems.
- Pennsylvania Septic Management Association, RD 3 Box 3231, Moscow, PA 18444
- HUD Handbook 4910.1 (Well Clearances)
- "Private Sewage Disposal, Some Suggestions," RES-I-TEC, 145D Grassy Plains St., Bethel CT 06801 1989
- "A Homeowner's Manual for Septic Systems," Robert Berg, Wastewater Facilities Management Element Bureau of Construction and Connection Permits, State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Water Resources, January 1990, 609-984-4429, courtesy of Lewis Home Inspections
- "What Remodelers Should Know About Septic Systems,", Russ Lanoie, Journal of Light Construction [New England Builder], July, 1988, p. 31-36, RR#2, PO Box 146, Richmond VT 05477
- "Water Conservation and Wastewater Disposal," R. Siegrist et al., 1978, ASAE Pub. 5-77:121-136
- "Soil Infiltration Capacities as affected by septic tank effluent application strategies. In: Proceedings of the 3rd national Symposium on Individual and Small Community Sewage Treatment." ASAE Pub. 1-82 pp. 72-74. ASAE PO Box 410, St.Joseph MI 49085
- "Aerobic on-site systems studied in New Mexico," Asbury R. and Hendrickson C., 1982, Journal of Environmental Health, 45:86-87
- "Soil Clogging: Mechanisms and Control," R. Otis, Proceedings of the 4th National Symposium on Individual and Small Community Sewage Treatment, ASAE Pub. 07-85 pp. 238-250, ASAE, 2590 Niles Rd., St. Joseph MI 49085-9659
- "Residential Graywater Management in California," A. Ingham, 1980. California State Water Resources Control Board, PO Box 100, Sacramento CA 95081
- "On-site disposal of small wastewater flows," R. Otis, 1977, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
- NAHB Library, several resources listed, contact NAHB, 15th and M Streets NW, Washington, DC 20003 202-822-0203. "Pumped septics - improved waste-water systems distribute effluent from septic tanks over a wide area, preventing contamination of drinking water," Noele Stuart, Popular Science, My 1989, p. 84; "Septic tank effluent pump systems: an alternative to conventional sewers and grinder pump systems," Small Flows, October 1991, p 4. Courtesy of Heather Groves, NAHB Library and Information Center. 800-368-5242 Ext 204 (CD ROM search service, fees involved, for GTHBA members and NHBA members)
- "Septic Tank/Water Softener, potential effects of water softener use on septic tank soil absorption on-site wastewater systems; the effect of home water softener waste regeneration brines on individual aerobic wastewater treatment plants," Water Quality Research Council, Water Quality Association, 477 E. Butterfield Road, Lombard IL 60148
- "Design Handbook, Grinder Pumps, Low Pressure Sewer Systems," Environment One Corporation, 2773 Balltown Road PO Box 773, Schenectady NY 12301 518-346-6161 (Richard C. Grace, Sales Mgr.)
- "What you should know before buying a home served by a septic system," State of Connecticut, Department of Health Services, 150 Washington St., Hartford CT 06106, via Allspect, Westhaven CT and Butterly's Building Inspection Service, CT.
- "Soil infiltration capacities as affected by septic tank effluent application strategies," D.L. Hagett, et al, 1982, In: Proceedings of the 3rd National Symposium on Individual and Small Community Sewage Treatment." ASAE Pub. 1-82, pp. 72-84. ASAE, PO Box 410, St Joseph MI 49085, current address: ASAE, 2950 Niles Rd., St Joseph MI 49805-9659, courtesy of Bob Stead, ASHI.
- "Aerobic on-site systems studied in New Mexico," R. Asbury and C. Hendrickson, Journal of Environmental Health 45: 86-87,
- "Soil clogging: mechanisms and control," R. Otis, 1985, in National Symposium on Individual and Small Community Sewage Treatment." ASAE Pub. 1-82, pp. 238-250.
- "Residential Greywater Management in California," California State Water Resources Control Board, PO Box 100, Sacramento CA 95801
- "EPA Design Manual: Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems," R. Otis, et al., No. EPA-625/1-80-012 (or later edition if avail.)
- "On-site disposal of small wastewater flows," R. Otis, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison WI
-
Private communication and "Private Sewage Disposal System," septic checklist developed for ITA, Inspection Training Associates, Kevin O'Malley, 1016 S. Tremont Street, Oceanside CA 92054, 800/323-9235 Private communication, K. Oberg to DJ Friedman, 12/15/93, 12/16/93, 7/22/94 Private communication, J. Appleby to DJ Friedman, 9/16/93, Venice FL Private communication, D. Barnett to DJ Friedman, 9/15/93, Evansville IN Private communication, N. Becker to DJ Friedman, 9/15/93 Private communication, E. Fitzgerald to DJ Friedman, 9/94, Adoption of New Jersey environmental protection law addressing septic system operation and maintenance, Subchapter 12, documented in New Jersey Register, 8/21/89, Cite 21 NJR 2635. Requires annual inspection beginning in 4th year after construction, describes acceptability criteria, inspection steps, conditions of failure. Private communication, T. Moore to DJ Friedman, 1/15/94, "Private Septic System Evaluation," Goshen NY, 914-294-3398 Private communication, S. Vermilye to DJ Friedman, 1/15/94, and sample checklist, 914-255-8888. Private communication, D. Surette to DJ Friedman, 5/6/94 Private communication, R. Klewitz to DJ Friedman, 10/1/93 Private communication, L. Scherr to DJ Friedman, 10/1/93, Cascade Home Inspection, Bend OR Private communication, G. Reid to DJ Friedman, 12/6/93 Private communication, G. Carroll to DJ Friedman, 11/29/93, Action Inspection Service, Cincinnati, OH Private communication, R. Johnson to DJ Friedman, 11/5/93, The Home Specialist, Inc., Roswell GA Private communication, E. Rawlins to DJ Friedman, 10/7/93, Boca Raton FL, and "You and Your Septic Tank, a guide to the proper operation and maintenance of a septic tank system," Department of Natural Resource Protection, 500 E. Broward Blvd, Suite 104, Fort Lauderdale FL 33394 305-765-5181, Broward County, FL, January 1993 Private communication, R. and B. Williams to DJ Friedman, 11/20/93, Williams Home Inspection Co, Hollis NH Private communication, A. Carson and R. Dunlop to DJ Friedman, 2/6/92, 11/10/93 Private communication, L. Cerro to DJ Friedman, 8/22/93 Private communication, R. Passaro to DJ Friedman, 9/15/93, 10/15/93, Res-I-Tec Corp., Bethel CT; also see Passaro's "Private Sewage Disposal, Some Suggestions," NY Metro ASHI Seminar, October 1993 (cc on hand) Private communication, J. Falcone to DJ Friedman, 10/15/93 Private communication, C. Greenberg to DJ Friedman, 9/9/93 Private communication, V. Faggella to DJ Friedman, 9/14/93, 9/24/93, Yorktown Heights, NY Private communication, R. Stead to DJ Friedman, 9/20/93, Charlton MA Private communication, T. Lewis to DJ Friedman, 9/20/93, Lewis Home Inspection, Lawrenceville NJ Private communication, G. Guarino to T. Lewis, 12/12/91, Septic system failure and inspection limitations, Township of Hopewell, Department of Health, 201 Washington Crossing, Pennington Rd., Titusville NJ 08560 Private communication, C. Eldredge to J. Falcone, 3/27/91, Septic Certification and Testing Information from the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association, Curt Eldredge, General Manager, Wastewater Management, Inc., West Chester PA 19380 215-436-4045.
- Wells and Septic Systems, 2nd Ed., Max and Charlotte Alth, Rev. by S. Blackwell Duncan, Tab Books, 1992 ISBN 0-8306-2137-7
- Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, Bennette D.Burks, Mary Margaret Minnis, Hogarth House Ltd., 1994, ISBN 0-9641049-0-3
- The Septic System Owner's Manual, Lloyd Kahn, Blair Allen, Julie Jones, Shelter Publications, 2000, ISBN 0-936070-20-X
- EPA, Washington, DC 20460, original source: http://www.epa.gov/owm/septic/pubs/homeowner_guide_long.pdf [Copy on file as EPA_Septic_System_homeowner_guide.pdf ]
- NSFC, Septic Tank Inspection and Troubleshooting,
- Lake, Andrew, Septic Tank Inspection, NSFC, 800-624-8301, web search 5/17/12, original source: http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/pdf/ww/septic/inspection_sfq_w04.pdf [Copy on file as NSFC_Septic_Tank_Inspection.pdf]
- Vogel, Michael P., "Septic Tank Inspection and Troubleshooting", Montana State University Extension Service, MT 199403 HR, rev 2005, web search 5/17/12, original source: http://msuextension.org/publications/HomeHealthandFamily/MT199403HR.pdf [Copy on file as MSU_Septic_Tank_Inspection.pdf]
- Septic System Inspections, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Mass DEP, One Winter St., Boston MA 02108, 617-292-5500, original source: http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/wastewater/inspects.htm,
- Supplement Existing Septic System Inspection Report, 1 May 2001, Connecticut State Department of Public Health, (860) 509-7296.original source: http://www.ct.gov/dph/lib/dph/environmental_health/environmental_engineering/pdf/supplement.pdf [Copy on file as Septic_Report_CT.pdf ]
- "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 HEW, MANUAL of SEPTIC TANK PRACTICE [PDF] 1975, U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Public Health Servicve, original source: https://nepis.epa.gov/
- Manual of Septic Tank Practice, US Public Health Service's 1957, reprinted in 1963, 1967, 1969 and in a 1975 edition given just above.
- 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)
- Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain, 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
- 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 [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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 System, 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.
- In addition to citations & references found in this article, see the research citations given at the end of the related articles found at our suggested
CONTINUE READING or RECOMMENDED ARTICLES.
- Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: info@carsondunlop.com. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The HOME REFERENCE BOOK - the Encyclopedia of Homes and to use illustrations from The ILLUSTRATED HOME .
Carson Dunlop Associates provides extensive home inspection education and report writing material. In gratitude we provide links to tsome Carson Dunlop Associates products and services.
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