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Definition of Septic System Failure

Criteria for defining septic system failure: this septic system inspection and test article discusses the Definition of Septic System Failure - septic system failure criteria - the types of septic system failure in the drain field, leach field, seepage bed, or similar component. We list the causes of each type of septic component failure, and list the septic component failure criteria or in other words what conditions are defined as "failure"?

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Onsite Waste Disposal System Septic System Failure Criteria

How can you distinguish between a blocked pipe, a septic tank that needs pumping, and a clogged drainfield that needs replacement? This is an important question as it distinguishes between relatively low cost maintenance or repair task and a costly septic leach field replacement. We also discuss what can be planted over and near a septic drainfield and what should be avoided.

Massachusetts Title 5 lists specific failure criteria and serves as a good model for septic inspections anywhere.

Septic drainfield cross section sketch

[Click to enlarge any image]

Cesspool failure criteria

For details see CESSPOOL FAILURE CRITERIA.

Soil Absorption System Failures (leach fields, drain fields, seepage pits)

FAILURE CRITERIA - Soil Absorption System Failure Criteria - Drainfield Failure Standards

Since homeowners may receive vague advice about the condition of their septic system, here we present specific failure criteria for septic systems. For alternative septic system designs or advanced septic systems using more specialized equipment, a failure of that equipment is more often a needed repair than a total system failure.

The most basic definition of septic system failure would be a septic system that will no longer treat and dispose of septic effluent. A "blocked" septic system may or may not be a "failed" system - it depends on the cause of blockage. Is it a blocked pipe, a clogged septic filter, or is the drainfield saturated and no longer accepting effluent?

Here are some of the specific criteria that can reliably be taken to describe a failed or non-functional septic system:

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Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above

Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2023-06-21 by InspectApedia Publisher - neighbor's septic hazard must be fixed

@Stinky

You are describing a public health hazard and one that we'd expect your local health officials to act upon, requiring the property owner to clean up this mess and fix the sewage/septic problem.

You're concern about your home's value is understandable, but which is worse, you and your neighbors getting seriously ill from open sewage or a record that such a problem has been corrected? If you were selling your home right now, you'd have a very tough time doing so with open sewage next door.

Call your health department and ask for help. Make clear the situation, show them your photo posted here, and

add their response here. Sometimes the sunlight of public exposure is what's needed to disinfect or thaw a frozen official.

[Ed. note: This reader's comment and our reply were originally posted at

NEIGHBORING SEPTIC SYSTEM DISPUTE FAQS-2 )

On 2023-06-21 by Stinky LePew

My neighbors yard is a collective trash heap for the 40 years ive been hear. Other people pay him to haul trash they just put in their yard.

Resently, 6 months ago, a very strong odor took over our immediate area. When researching this, i found that my neighbor was siphoning his sewage onto his yard.

Ive contacted county, state, city, and anyone that would listen. His septic has been broken a long time and irreparable.

Im nauseated, headaches, cant sleep due to the stinch. Its been months now. Considering legal action but thought it was state, county, city's job to look out for general health in such cases. Also dont want a legal paper trail potentially hunting our home values either. HELP....

neighbor yard sewage and trash heap (C) InspectApedia.com Stinky LePew

 


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