Septic system inspection field data checklist & worksheets - part 3:

Here is the third of three detailed septic system field inspection and test worksheets to assist in inspecting and documenting the condition of septic systems.

This article is part of our series: Septic Systems Online Book procedures, defects in onsite waste disposal systems, septic tank problems, septic drainfield problems, checklists of system components and things to ask. Septic system maintenance and pumping schedules.

Septic System Inspection and Testing Worksheets

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

Here we provide the third of series of field worksheets for septic systems: useful during the conduct of septic system inspections for investigations of the condition of a septic system using level 0, 1, and 2 septic inspections.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Septic Inspection & Test Worksheet for Level 1 - Intermediate Septic Inspection

 SEPTIC
 TANK INSPECTION: (Tank is located and main access is opened if accessible.)
 TANK LOCATION: (Provide site plan showing tank and other components.)
  Depth of Tank below grade: __________
 TANK CONSTRUCTION:
  Concrete/Steel/FRP/Site-Built:_________________(describe)
  Dimensions:______________________________________________
 TANK CAPACITY:__________________________  From records; from permit; computed;
 TANK TOP: Visible Y/N  Damaged Y/N  Suspect Y/N
 INLET BAFFLE:   Visible Y/N  Damaged Y/N  Suspect Y/N
 OUTLET BAFFLE:  Visible Y/N  Damaged Y/N  Suspect Y/N
 LIQUID LEVEL:   Satisfactory Unsatisfactory
 SCUM THICKNESS: ____ Satisfactory Unsatisfactory (risking exiting outlet baffle)
  ____ Distance from top of scum to top of outlet tee or baffle
 SCUM THICKNESS: ____ Satisfactory Unsatisfactory (risking exiting outlet baffle)
  ____ Distance from bottom of scum to base of outlet tee or baffle
 SLUDGE DEPTH:   ____ Satisfactory Unsatisfactory
  ____ Distance from top of sludge to bottom of tank outlet baffle
 For AEROBIC TANKS: operation of compressor, propeller, motor, timer,
  alarm, and electrical components:
   Operation:  Satisfactory Unsatisfactory
   Support and Wiring: Satisfactory Unsatisfactory
 LINE FROM TANK TO ABSORPTION SYSTEM
  Visible Y/N  Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory:_____________________________
 DISTRIBUTION BOX: (locate on site plan)
  ____ depth of liquid level above outlet invert
  Y/N  liquid flow uniform into each outlet opening
  Y/N  evidence of solids carryover in from tank
  Y/N  evidence of solids carryover out to absorption system

ABSORPTION SYSTEM: Located Y/N   Holding water Y/N  (do not pump)
  COMMENTS:____________________________________________________________
TANK PUMPING: If tank has not been pumped within past two years and/or
  if sludge and scum levels exceed 20% of total tank depth, the tank should
  be cleaned. When cleaned, observe if the absorption system runs back into
  the tank. [General rule. See details at Tank Maintenance Chapter ...]

WARNING: A Level-1 inspection is not a warranty or guarantee that the system
will properly function for any period of time in the future; It is not
associated, certified, endorsed, by any government agency; it is not an
assurance that the soil is adequately treating effluent or that it will
continue to do so in the future.

Question:

I was interested in a piece of property which I understand that cannot accommodate sumping. I am under the impression (because I have not gotten to the end of figuring out why just yet) that this is because it is a waterfront property and/or the water table is too close to the surface thus reducing the availability of sufficient drainfield without causing water contamination. So my question is; is there another approved alternative to the absorption field to effectively control liquid effluent retention? - D.M. 8/29/2013

Reply:

From your email I think you need an onsite septic design engineer - there sounds like a confusion of terms, codes, and requirements, and in my own case I'm not sure what you mean by "sumping" nor "liquid effluent retention" - those terms are not ones I use for onsite wastewater disposal.

If you are asking about a holding tank (sewage is retained and periodically pumped and removed by a waste hauler) some communities permit that design along a waterway but many do not.

If you are asking about how sewage and (separated) effluent are handled at wet sites, there are some designs that can handle that case, sometimes combining treatment above ground with disinfection; but again, not all communities will approve them.

That's why you need an onsite expert who also knows local codes & officials.

Some options you might want to discuss can be found in the article link I give just below. Also take a look at Anish Jantrania's book listed in the references section of that article. Dr. Jantrania has described wastewater treatment systems that can function effectively entirely above ground, producing sanitary wastewater discharge.

Question: explanation of septic drainfield soakbed layouts

(Mar 23, 2014) Rocky said:
i noticed that after my septic tank i come across a four way of orangeburg piping. it looks to me that the d box is layed out after this fourway. What would be the most logical explanation for this layout?

Reply:

Rocky,

Indeed in a typical septic tank and drainfield or soakaway bed installation, a single line exits the septic tank and connects to a distribution box or D-box that in turn feeds two or more outlets of piping that are routed into drainage trenches, galleys, or whatever.

But I cannot guess at how your piping is laid out. If that's what you're asking you'd start by guessing by taking a look at the size and shape of the available drainfield area.

In a companion article

inspectapedia.com/septic/Septic_Soakaway_Bed_Shape.php

we show several typical drainfield layouts.

Question: find information about the Clivus Multrum composting toilet

(May 29, 2014) Anonymous said:
Went to Hawk Mnt,Allentown,Pa. Used an outdoor facility called, I belive clumus moltrom. Can you tell me about this and the correct spelling

Reply:

Sure Anon, you're talking about a Clivus Multrum composting toilet discussed here at

inspectapedia.com/septic/Composting_Toilets.php

Question: soil perc test results

(Oct 1, 2014) perne construction said:
We had a test boring done in the only place we can put a new cesspool and the results were Perched Water: 6'1" comment possible stream. Estimated Actual Ground Water Level 18' O +/-

My question is how and what kind of cesspool can be put in under these conditions

Reply:

Perne

I would not install any kind of cesspool - as that approach to wastewater disposal does not effectively treat the effluent (not enough aerobic bacteria) and as cesspools are not permitted in new construction in most jurisdictions.

If your lot space is very small you may need an advanced wastewater treatment system, even an aboveground one such as Jantrania discusses. It's time to ask for help from a septic design engineer.

Question: design for septic systems over soil with high water table

20 January 2015 Susie said:
Im trying to get a septic permit for a property I gave an offer to. In 2002 it was denied due to "too shallow to water table". Is there any solution to this?

Reply:

Susie you need

1. to find out what septic designs your local health department will approve, perhaps a raised bed septic or a mound septic design or another alternative design - see the designs including the two I cite In the ARTICLE INDEX found among the Continue Reading links at the end of this article listed under SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN ALTERNATIVES

2. to find a local septic design engineer who understands local soil conditions as well as what the building department finds comfortable among various designs

Keep us posted

Question: Can a homeowner be trained to do the maintenance on the ATT systems

(Feb 8, 2015) Diane said:
Can a homeowner be trained to do the maintenance on the ATT systems so not to be spending thousands every 2 years on a required maintenance agreement to some septic company who gets warnings over the phone line?

Reply:

Diane:

Certainly there are septic system maintenance procedures that a homeowner can do such as changing filters and - WITH CAUTION as you could die - if there is an access port to inspect the septic tank level a homeowner can certainly look therein to see if levels are normal. And for systems that use pumps or areators an owner can and should learn to know if the equipment is running.

The hazards that can be fatal are leaning over a septic tank opening (overcome by fumes), working alone, or entering a septic tank (NEVER do that).

If you know the design, equipment brands, etc. of your system together we should be able to undertand what's installed and which tasks an owner can and should perform.

(Feb 12, 2015) Diane said:
Thank you Dan. Understand the cautions you mention and appreciate the list. No plan on entering the tank...ever. Planning for future needs and some requirements I was told in maintenance agreements cost a fortune and seemed easy for a home owner to do and assure a good working system....that is affordable.

Reply:

Don't hesitate to ask us if specific septic system maintenance or care questions arise. Indeed studies by Small Flows and other expert sources have repeatedly indicated that the number one factor in early failure of septic systems is that owners ignore the system maintenance requirements.

...

Continue reading  at SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION LEVELS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Septic System Inspection Worksheets

• SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION WORK SHEETS - 3 Septic inspection checklists & data recording sheets help define 3 levels of thoroughness of septic tank and field inspection & testing
• LEVEL 0 SEPTIC INSPECTION WORK SHEET Septic inspection checklist for Level-0 basic septic system inspections
• L-0 SEPTIC INSPECTION ADDITIONAL WORK SHEET  Supplemental septic inspection checklist for Level-0 testing
• LEVEL 1 SEPTIC INSPECTION WORK SHEET Septic inspection checklist for Level-1 septic system inspection
• SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION LEVELS

Suggested citation for this web page

LEVEL 1 SEPTIC INSPECTION WORK SHEET 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.

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