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A Complete Guide to Septic System Maintenance & Repair

This website answers just about any question you might have about buying or owning a house with a septic system. Here we provide complete detail on how to maintain and repair septic tanks and all other components of septic systems. We discuss how to provide septic system care to avoid replacing the septic system unnecessarily. Septic cleaning and septic maintenance procedures, septic inspection methods, septic repair guides are provided here in articles for home owners, home buyers, and septic system designers, installers, and septic system maintenance contractors. We include tables for septic tank pumping frequency and other septic maintenance procedures.

This page organizes and links to our detailed septic system inspection, test, repair, and design articles, including our online septic systems book. Septic testing class presentations, photos, sketches, tables, links to products and consultants are provided. If you do not quickly find here information you need, ask by email. © Copyright 2008 Daniel Friedman, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use links at page left to navigate THIS DOCUMENT or our Website. Green links at left show where you are in our document & website.

• Abandoning a Septic Tank - Guide - how to safely find & abandoned unused septic tanks, cesspools, drywells
• Additives & Chemicals for septic system maintenance. Are septic products needed? Are septic treatments legal?
• Books on Septic Systems to Buy Online, our list of recommended books on septic system maintenance, design, and alternative designs available at Amazon.com - septic system education materials
• Clogged Drain and Septic Backup Diagnosis - is the problem the septic system failure or a building drain system clog?
• Contamination in Buildings how to test buildings for bacterial contamination from sewage and septic backup, remediation, & references
• Design Guide for Septic Systems complete list of detailed "how to" articles
• Don't Flush these things into a septic system: a list of what's ok and what's not ok to put into septic tanks and building drains offers important septic maintenance advice
• Drain Noises: may indicate defective or clogged plumbing: how to diagnose and cure drain sounds
• Flood Response what to do after a septic system has been exposed to flooding: key septic repair and maintenance steps and when to do them
• Garbage Grinders and garbage disposal units - effects on septic systems and on the need for septic tank cleaning
• Grazing, Animals Over Septic Fields, is it a problem?
• Inspection & Testing of Septic Systems complete list of detailed "how to" articles
• Leach Field Inspection Procedure septic leach fields - how to inspect and diagnose septic drainfield failures
• Life Expectancy of Septic Systems and septic system components and the relationship of field life to septic maintenance
• Maintenance: Ten Steps to Keeping a Septic System Working, septic maintenance suggestions from the U.S. EPA, edits and additions by DJF
• Maintenance & Repair of Septic Systems complete list of detailed "how to" article
• Planting Over Septic Systems: trees, shrubs, groundcover over the septic system: what can you plant over or near septic system components without causing a problem?
• Planting Gardens Near Septics, vegetables, fruits, other types of gardens
• Planting Grasses or Flowers Over Septic Systems what's OK
• Planting Ground Cover, Ivy Over Septic Systems what's OK
• Planting Trees or Shrubs Over or Near Septic Systems what's OK
• Pumps Septic pumps, sewage ejector pumps, grinder pumps, effluent pumps, sump pumps, & septic pumping stations compared; pump alarms. Advice.
• Root Killers Over Septic Fields, is there a concern?
• "Roto Rooters" and Power Drain Snakes to clear clogged septic fields
• Safety: Septic System, Septic Tank, & cesspool safety warnings for septic inspectors, septic pumpers, and homeowners
• Sewage & Septic Backups and what to do about sewage spillage in buildings
• Sewage Contaminants which may be released from sewage spills from residential septic systems and wastewater disposal systems
• Septic Tank Abandonment Guide - how to safely find & abandoned unused septic tanks, cesspools, drywells
• Septic Tank Depth - how deep will we find or install a septic tank
• Septic Tank Inspection Procedure - how to inspect septic tanks and evaluate the septic tank condition, baffles, sludge levels, damage, evidence of septic failure, etc.
• Septic Tank Pumping Frequency Guide for septic tanks: when, how, what to watch for when pumping or cleaning septic tanks - the key septic maintenance schedule
• Septic Tank Pumping Procedure step by step photo guideline of how to pump and clean a septic tank - septic tank care
• Septic Pumper Truck Operation Procedures. How the septic tank pumping truck is set up for septic tank cleaning operations.
• Septic Tank Sludge and Floating Scum: what makes up the contents of residential sewage
• Septic Sludge & Scum Levels in septic tanks - measuring the level of accumulated solids, sludge and floating scum in treatment tanks
• Sewer Gas Odors diagnosing, finding, and curing septic tank and sewer line smells
• Sewer Gas - Methane and other septic system gas explosion or asphyxiation hazards such as hydrogen sulfide
• Sewer Line Replacement diagnosing a clogged drain leads to drain line replacement - step by step photo-illustrated guide to drain replacement
• Swimming Pool Clearance distance to septic components
• Tank Location - how to find the septic tank, how deep will the cover be, how to document its location
• Toilet Emergencies: how to stop a toilet from overflowing
• Ten Steps to Keeping a Septic System Working, septic maintenance suggestions from the U.S. EPA, edits and additions by DJF
• Wet Weather or Cold Weather Septic Odors or Sewage Odor Diagnosis & Repair Guide diagnosing and eliminating cold weather sewer gas odors
• Water Softeners maintenance, adjustment, and water softener effect on drinking water; potential effects of salts on septic systems

Use links at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

SEPTIC SYSTEMS HOME
SEPTIC INFO ARTICLES
  Info for Home Buyers or Owners
  Septic System Design
  Septic Inspection Testing
  Septic Maintenance Repair
HOME BUYERS GUIDE to SEPTIC SYSTEMS
SEPTIC SYSTEMS ONLINE BOOK
SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE
TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE
TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE
SEPTIC FIELD INSPECTION
SEPTIC TREATMENTS
SEPTIC CONSULTANTS
SEPTIC AUTHORITIES
BOOKS REFS CODES
SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS
SEPTIC DESIGN ALTERNATIVES
List Your Service/Product

Septic System, On-site Waste Disposal Inspection, Maintenance, Testing, Repair, Design: References

1. "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.
2. "Septic Systems," T. & A. Ferrero, Tri State ASHI Seminar, November 6-7 1993, and attachments listed below.
3. "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.
4. "Preventing Septic System Failures," Paul D. Robillard, Kelli S. Martin, PennState College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Engineering Fact Sheet SW-162.
5. "Mound Systems for Wastewater Treatment," Paul D. Robillard, Kelli S. Martin, Penn State College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Engineering Fact Sheet SW-164
6. "Septic Tank Soil Absorption Systems," Paul D. Robillard, Kelli S. Martin, Penn State College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension, Agricultural Engineering Fact Sheet SW-165
7. "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
8. "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
9. "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.
10. "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
11. 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 homebuyer'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
12. One and Two Family Dwelling Code, Section P-2506, Septic Tank Design and Construction.
13. "The Septic Tank Home Wastewater Treatment and Disposal System," Southern Rockingham Regional Planning District Commission, 19 Main St., Salem NH 03079 603-893-5766
14. "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.
15. Pennsylvania Septic Management Association, RD 3 Box 3231, Moscow, PA 18444
16. HUD Handbook 4910.1 (Well Clearances)
17. "Private Sewage Disposal, Some Suggestions," RES-I-TEC, 145D Grassy Plains St., Bethel CT 06801 1989
18. "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
19. "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
20. "Water Conservation and Wastewater Disposal," R. Siegrist et al., 1978, ASAE Pub. 5-77:121-136
21. "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
22. "Aerobic on-site systems studied in New Mexico," Asbury R. and Hendrickson C., 1982, Journal of Environmental Health, 45:86-87
23. "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
24. "Residential Graywater Management in California," A. Ingham, 1980. California State Water Resources Control Board, PO Box 100, Sacramento CA 95081
25. "On-site disposal of small wastewater flows," R. Otis, 1977, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
26. 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)
27. "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
28. "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.)
29. "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.
30. "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.
31. "Aerobic on-site systems studied in New Mexico," R. Asbury and C. Hendrickson, Journal of Environmental Health 45: 86-87,
32. "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.
33. "Residential Greywater Management in California," California State Water Resources Control Board, PO Box 100, Sacramento CA 95801
34. "EPA Design Manual: Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems," R. Otis, et al., No. EPA-625/1-80-012 (or later edition if avail.)
35. "On-site disposal of small wastewater flows," R. Otis, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison WI

36. 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.
    

More Information on Septic Systems, Building Inspection or Testing

• Planning to call us "just to ask a question"? We're sorry but the traffic volume at this website prevents us from providing free telephone consulting. Please use email at the "contact us" link on any of our pages instead of calling. We will however provide pro-bono consulting by telephone or by email for elderly, disabled, and people with limited means. Before paying for consulting services, be sure to read the septic system inspection, care, inspection, and design articles we provide above and at the websites listed below. These will answer most basic questions about septic system maintenance, repair, and basic installation and design, and the articles offer more depth and better organization than an off-the-cuff email. We always invite email about content suggestions or corrections for this website.
• For general septic repair advice, contact your local health department, or experienced septic engineer or contractor in your area.
• Besides Septic Tanks, other types of tanks such as buried and aboveground oil storage tanks present similar environmental and hazard issues.

More Information About Septic Systems - Onsite Waste Disposal Design, Maintenance, Repair

• The Septic System Information Website home page for this topic
• Septic Systems Inspection, Testing, & Maintenance- online textbook. Detailed how to inspect, maintain, repair information
• Septic System Inspection Methods and Procedures, - online illustrated class for Building and septic inspectors
• Septic Tank Pumping Guide: When, Why, How to pump the septic tank

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