How Do I Find My Septic Tank Document Permanent? (Solved)

Most septic tanks are around 10-25 feet away from your home, and cannot be closer than five feet. Once you feel the probe striking flat concrete, fiberglass or polyethylene, you will have located your tank. Another way to find the septic tank using the sewer pipe is to go through the pipe itself.

One of the best ways to pinpoint exactly where the septic tank is on your property is to perform a records search. If you still have a copy of your original home inspection, there may be an attached document called the “as-built.” This diagram will show exactly how far from the house the septic tank was installed.

Are septic tank locations public record?

Contact your local health department for public records. These permits should come with a diagram of the location where the septic system is buried. Depending on the age of your septic system, you may be able to find information regarding the location of your septic system by making a public records request.

How do I find out if my septic tank is registered?

Check if your septic tank is already registered You can check if your tank has already been registered by contacting your environmental regulator. If you are unsure then it is best to check and avoid making an unnecessary payment. The NIEA and SEPA have records of all registered septic tanks.

How long is a septic design good for?

A: The average lifespan of a conventional septic system is 20 to 30 years. The 20- to 30-year life span, commonly cited in the industry, is for systems that were properly designed and built, well-maintained, and not overloaded.

Do old septic tanks need to be registered?

Many homes are not connected to mains drainage, instead having sewage treatment systems or septic tanks or occasionally cesspools. If your sewage treatment system or septic tank discharges to a river or stream it must be registered immediately.

How do you find a metal detector with a septic tank?

6 Steps to Locate a Septic Tank

Find Your Main Sewer Drain Line. Sewage from your toilets, sinks, and showers collects into a main drain line.

Check Permits and Public Records.
Determine Septic Tank Material.
Time to Dig.

Mark the Location for Future Maintenance.

Are septic tanks still legal?

Septic Tanks Explained… Septic tanks cannot discharge to surface water drains, rivers, canals, ditches, streams or any other type of waterway. you are required to upgrade or replace your septic tank treatment system to a full sewage treatment plant by 2020, or when you sell a property, if it’s prior to this date.

When did septic tank regulations come in?

The General Binding Rules Regulations for small sewage discharges from Septic Tanks and Sewage Treatment Plants. New septic tank rules for small sewage discharges came into force on 1 January 2015. If your septic tank system was installed and in use before 31 December 2014, it is classed as an ‘existing discharge’.

What are the new rules on septic tanks?

According to new regulations passed in 2015, if your septic tank discharges to surface water such as a ditch, stream, canal or river, you will have to upgrade your system to a sewage treatment plant or install a soakaway system by 1 January 2020.

How long can a septic tank go without being pumped?

You can wait up to 10 years to drain your tank provided that you live alone and do not use the septic system often. You may feel like you can pump your septic tank waste less frequently to save money, but it’ll be difficult for you to know if the tank is working properly.

How often should you pump your septic tank?

Inspect and Pump Frequently The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.

Can I sell my house with an old septic tank?

If you’re selling a property with a septic tank, then you must be transparent with buyers about the fact the property uses a one and provide a detailed specification of the system. In fact, You are required by law to inform a buyer in writing about the presence of a septic tank. The age of the system.

Does heavy rain affect septic tank?

It is common to have a septic back up after or even during a heavy rain. Significant rainfall can quickly flood the ground around the soil absorption area (drainfield) leaving it saturated, making it impossible for water to flow out of your septic system.

Do septic tanks require planning permission?

The short answer is yes. You will need planning permission from a local authority in order to have a septic tank installed, no matter if it’s at your own home or on a business site.

How To Find My Septic Tank

What is a septic tank
How do I know if I have a septic tank
And how do I know if I have a septic tank Identifying the location of your septic tank is critical for several reasons. The Best Way to Find a Septic Tank

What to Do Once You’ve Discovered Your Septic Tank

You may have fallen in love with your new house because of its appealing good looks and characteristics, but there is almost certainly more to your new home than meets the eye. In many cases, the characteristics that make your house run more effectively and allow you to live a pleasant, contemporary life are not readily apparent. Septic tanks, for example, are an important part of your home’s infrastructure. A septic system is responsible for regulating and managing the wastewater generated by your home.

“How can I locate my septic tank?” is one of the most often requested inquiries we receive.

When your tank’s lid is difficult to locate – especially if you are not the original homeowner – you may be at a loss for what to do or where to look for the lid when you need it.

The majority of the time, all of the components of the septic tank are buried between four inches and four feet below ground level.

In order to do so, it is necessary to first comprehend the functions of septic tanks and septic systems and why it is important to know where yours is located.

How to Locate Your Septic Tank

Your septic tank’s location is not a closely guarded secret. There will be a method for you to locate it and make a note of its position for future reference, and below are a few examples of such methods.

What Is a Septic Tank?

Having a functioning septic tank is an important aspect of having an effective septic system. In the United States, around 20% of households utilize a septic system to handle their wastewater. Houses in rural parts of New England are the most likely to have a septic system, with residences in the Eastern United States being the most prevalent location for septic systems. When there are few and far between residences, it is typically more efficient and cost-effective to employ a septic system to manage wastewater rather than relying on a public sewage system to handle waste water.

Typically, a septic tank is a container that is waterproof and composed of a material such as concrete, polyethylene, fiberglass, or a combination of these.

An important function of a septic tank is to hold on to wastewater until any particulates in the water separate themselves from the water.

Any liquid that remains in the tank eventually drains into a leach field or a drainfield, where it is known as “effluent.” The dirt in the leach field aids in the filtering of the water and the removal of bacteria, viruses, and other pollutants that may be present in it.

Septic tanks erected in Onondaga County must contain input and outlet baffles, as well as an effluent filter or sanitary tees, in order to effectively separate particles from liquids during the treatment process.

How Do I Know If I Have a Septic Tank?

What is the best way to tell if your home has a septic tank? There are generally a few of different methods to tell. Examining your water bill might help you identify whether or not your house is served by a septic system or is part of the public sewage system in your neighborhood. If you have a septic system for wastewater management, you are likely to receive a charge from the utility provider for wastewater or sewer services of zero dollars. In the case of those who are fortunate enough to have a septic system, it is likely that they may not receive any water bills at all.

A lack of a meter on the water line that enters your property is typically indicative of the fact that you are utilizing well water rather than public utility water, according to the National Association of Realtors.
A septic system is likely to be installed in your home if you reside in a rather rural location.
Septic systems are likely to be installed in all of these buildings, which means your home is likely to be as well.

When a septic tank is present, it is common to find a mound or tiny hill on the property that is not a natural structure.
Checking your property records is a foolproof method of determining whether or not your home is equipped with a septic system.

Why It’s Important to Know the Location of Your Septic Tank

You might wonder why you should bother trying to discover out where your septic tank is. There are several important reasons for this:

1. To Be Able to Care for It Properly

The first reason you should try to locate your septic tank is that knowing where it is will help you to properly repair and care for it in the future. The standard guideline is to avoid erecting structures or placing heavy objects on top of the septic tank. It’s possible that you don’t want to park your car or truck on top of it, and you don’t want visitors to your house to park their cars on top of it, either. Due to the weight of the automobiles, there is a possibility that the tank would collapse due to excessive pressure.

2. If You Want to Landscape or Remodel Your Property

If you want to build an addition to your home or perform some landscaping around your property, you will need to know where your septic tank is located. Nothing with deep or lengthy roots should be planted on top of or in the area of your tank, since this can cause problems. If roots are allowed to grow into the pipes of your septic system, it is conceivable that your system will get clogged. When you know where the tank is going to be, you may arrange your landscaping such that only shallow-rooted plants, such as grass, are in close proximity to the tank.

For starters, the tank’s weight might lead it to collapse due to the weight of the construction. A second issue is that getting access to the tank becomes more difficult if a permanent building has been constructed on top of it.

3. If a Problem With Your Tank Occurs

Knowing where your tank is buried might also assist you in identifying problems as soon as they arise. Consider the following scenario: you wake up one morning and see that there is flooding or ponding water in the region surrounding your septic tank – a sign that your system is overwhelmed and that an excessive amount of water is being utilized all at once.

4. Ease of Getting It Fixed

Once you have determined the location of your sewer system, you can quickly send a plumber to it in the event that something goes wrong with the system, saving everyone both time and money. Get in Touch With A Plumber Right Away

1. Use a Septic Tank Map

First and foremost, make use of a road map. Using a map is frequently the quickest and most convenient alternative. Most counties keep records of the installation of septic tanks at all of their residents’ residences. These maps should include schematics that illustrate the specific placement of the tank on the land, as well as measurements that allow you to measure and locate the tank’s exact location on the property. Never mind that landmarks may shift over time depending on when the tank was built, so if there are a few more shrubs or a tree nearby, don’t rule out that location as a possibility.

If you are unable to locate a map or other paperwork that identifies the location of your septic tank, there are a few locations to try to see if you can obtain a map of the area.
The county health department is responsible for keeping track of septic systems.
A septic tank’s position could be depicted on a survey map, for example.

The creation of your own map and documentation may be worthwhile if you cannot locate a map or blueprint of your property and nothing appears to be on file regarding it at the county health department or another municipal agency.

2. Follow the Pipes to Find Your Septic Tank

Whether or not there is an existing map of your septic tank on file, or whether or not you choose to develop one for future reference or for future homeowners, you will still need to track down and find the tank. One method of accomplishing this is to follow the sewer lines that lead away from your residence. The septic tank is situated along the sewage line that goes from your home and into the yard, as we’re sure you’re aware. Find a four-inch sewer pipe in your basement or crawl space. This is the line that will lead to your septic system and should be accessible from the ground level.

In general, though, you’re searching for a pipe with a diameter of four inches or more that leaves your home via a basement wall or ceiling.

By inserting a thin metal probe (also known as a soil probe) into the earth near the sewage line, you can track the pipe’s location.
The majority of septic tanks are located between 10 and 25 feet away from your home, and they cannot be any closer than five feet.
Going via the sewage line itself is another method of locating the septic tank utilizing it.

Drain snakes are typically used to unclog clogs in toilets and drains, and they may be used to do the same thing.
When the snake comes to a complete halt, it has almost certainly reached the tank.
While drawing the snake back, make a note of how far it has been extended and whether it has made any bends or turns.

When looking for your septic tank, you may use a transmitter that you flush down the toilet and it will direct you straight to the tank.

If you only want to keep an eye on the condition of your tank and don’t need to dig it up and inspect it, you may thread a pipe camera into the sewer pipe to see what’s happening.

3. Inspect Your Yard

Septic tanks are designed to be as unobtrusive as possible when they are erected. With the passage of time, and the growth of the grass, it might be difficult to discern the visual indications that indicated the exact location of your septic tank’s installation. However, this does not rule out the possibility of finding evidence that will take you to the location of your septic tank in the future. First and foremost, you want to rule out any potential locations for your septic tank, such as:

Under a road or similar paved surface, for example. Right up against the house (the tank must be at least five feet away)

Directly in front of the home Immediately adjacent to your well (if you have one)
In close proximity to trees or densely planted regions
In the shadow of a patio, deck, or other building

Once you’ve ruled out any potential locations for your tank, it’s time to start hunting for indications as to where it may be hiding in plain sight. Keep your eyes peeled as you go about your property, looking for any inexplicable high or low points that might suggest the presence of an underground tank. When looking at your property, you could see a hill or mound on the ground, which is frequently an indication that there is a septic tank nearby. One further item to consider while searching for the right septic tank for your home is the amount of grass or other foliage in your yard.

Alternatively, if the tank was not adequately buried, you may observe a “bald patch,” which is an area where the grass is struggling to grow in the vicinity.

4. Talk to Your Neighbors

If your neighbors have septic systems as well, they may be able to assist you in locating your tank. Inquire of your neighbors about the location of their septic tanks in relation to their residences. Having a polite conversation with your neighbors regarding septic systems not only provides you with a means to figure out where yours is, but it may also serve as a friendly introduction to the other residents of your community.

5. Look for Your Septic Tank Lid

It is only the first step in the process to discover where your septic tank is located. After you’ve located your tank, the following step is to locate the lid. You can locate it with the help of your soil probe. The majority of septic tanks are rectangular in shape and measure around five feet by eight feet. The perimeter of the tank should be marked with a probe once it has been probed around. A shallow excavation with a shovel within the tank’s perimeter and near the center (or broken into halves for a two compartment tank) should show the position of the lid or lids if you are unable to feel them by probing.

The tank itself is likely to be filled with foul-smelling vapors, if not potentially hazardous ones.

What to Do After You Find Your Septic Tank

Once you’ve determined where your tank is, it’s time to bring in the specialists. Trust us when we say that opening a septic tank is not something that just anybody wants to undertake. Concrete septic tank lids are extremely heavy and must be lifted using special lifting gear in order to be removed. Since the vapors are potentially dangerous due to the contents of the tank, please respect our advice and refrain from attempting to open the tank yourself. An exposed septic tank can be hazardous to anybody wandering around your property’s perimeter, and if someone were to fall into it, it might be lethal owing to the toxicity of the sewage in the tank.

However, before you send in a team of experienced plumbers, there are a few things you can do to ensure that others do not experience the same difficulty locating the tank and to make locating the tank in the future easier.

1. Mark Its Location

The likelihood is that you will not want to post a large sign in your yard that reads “Septic Tank Here!” but you will want to leave some sort of marking so that you can quickly locate the tank and lid when you need them. In an ideal situation, the marker will be substantial enough that it will not blow away in the wind and will not be readily moved by children who are playing in the yard. A patio paver, a potted plant, or a decorative gnome or rock are just a few of the possibilities. In addition to putting a physical sign beside the septic tank, you may draw a map or layout of the area around it to illustrate its position.

2. Take Care of Your Septic Tank

Taking proper care of your tank may save you hundreds of dollars over the course of its lifetime. The expense of maintaining your system could be a few hundred dollars every few years, but that’s a lot less than the thousands of dollars it might cost to repair or replace a damaged tank or a malfunctioning septic system. Two strategies to take better care of your septic tank and system are to avoid utilizing your drain pipes or toilets as garbage cans and to use less water overall. Things like paper towels, face wipes, and cat litter should not be flushed down the toilet since they are not designed to be flushed.

In addition, installing low-flow faucets and high-efficiency toilets can help you reduce the amount of water used in your home.

For example, you don’t want to be washing load after load of laundry or running your clothes washer at the same time as your dishwasher all at the same time.

Call a Professional Plumber

Maintenance of a septic system is not normally considered a do-it-yourself activity. In the Greater Syracuse region, whether your septic tank requires pumping out or cleaning, or if you want to replace your tank, you should use the services of a reputable plumbing firm to do the job right. If you’ve attempted to locate your septic tank on your own and are still unsure of its position, it may be necessary to enlist the assistance of a professional local plumber. Our team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Greater Syracuse can assist you with locating, maintaining, or replacing your home’s sewage tank.

Request an Estimate for the Job

How to Locate your Septic System — Magneson Tractor Service Inc.

Having a clear understanding of where your septic tank is located on your property might make it easier to do routine maintenance on the tank. There will come a time when your tank will need to be examined, pumped, and otherwise serviced and maintained. Disregarding routine inspections and maintenance and waiting until there is a visible problem may dramatically lower the lifespan of the entire system, in addition to generating an increased risk of health-related complications. There are three methods for locating your septic tank.

1 Locate the tank by visual inspection.
Begin by taking a cautious stroll around the yard, feeling for any odd low or high locations that might indicate the presence of a drain field or tank.
Because the majority of tanks will be no more than 5 feet away, you may begin your visual search from there.

2 Conduct a search for records A check of public records is one of the most effective methods of determining the precise location of your septic tank on your property.
The location of the septic tank in relation to the home will be shown on this figure in great detail.
If you do not have these documents, the permanent records will be kept at the Paradise Town Hall or the Butte County Environmental Health Department.

Due to the fact that these risers are built at ground level, you will have simpler access to your tank lid and will spend less time excavating.
Once the tank has been discovered, it is recommended to contact a septic tank provider for assistance.
Tank maintenance necessitates the use of specialized equipment, and it is usually better to leave this task to the professionals.

We hope that this will also assist in finding tanks for those who still require mark outs for debris clean up to be completed. If you require assistance with delineating your property or if it is just time for an inspection, please contact ushere or phone us at 530-961-3171 for assistance.

Keeping Well and Septic System Records

It’s critical to keep track of your own well and septic data. Photograph courtesy of George Hurd of Penn State Extension Being prepared with a “Well File” and a “Septic File,” or other written documents including information on your water system, is a crucial step in safeguarding the health of your family and your water resources. In addition to making it simpler to arrange well, water treatment system, or septic system maintenance, good records may also aid in identifying the root causes of water quality variations.

You should keep track of the following: well and septic system installation, permits, maintenance, inspections, pumping, repairs, and water testing.
Keep records of service visits if you have water treatment equipment and follow a maintenance plan.

Also, keep the manufacturer’s information for any water treatment equipment you use with your well file on hand for reference.
Copies of all water quality test results should be maintained on hand in order to track any changes that may occur over time.
Your records must also contain a map indicating the position of your well as well as the location of your septic system, which should include the septic tank and drainfield.

Locate the location of your well head on your property and mark it.
If you do not have access to blueprints, locate the point at which your sewer line exits your home.
Your septic tank pumper may also be able to assist you in locating all of the components of your system.

Create several plot plan diagrams with measurements that include a rough sketch of your house, a rough sketch of your septic tank cover, a rough sketch of your drainfield area, a rough sketch of your well, and any other permanent reference points such as trees or large rocks and keep them with your well and septic system records.

It is important to note that a well log is an important source of information for documenting the building of a water supply well, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

In-depth well logs contain information such as the types and thickness of each geological sequence encountered, the types of materials used in the well’s construction, the construction techniques employed during the well’s installation, and the water levels of the aquifer(s) while at rest and when pumping.

The well log is a valuable tool for the well owner, since it may be used to troubleshoot any difficulties that may arise with the well in the future.
Individual water well and spring reports, as well as data package downloads, are available online through the PaGWIS.
Beginning in 1966, drillers have been obliged to report water well completion information, which includes the location of water wells drilled in Pennsylvania as well as the criteria used in their construction.

Go to the PaGWIS website and look for the link that says “Groundwater Records Online” to see if your well records are available on the internet.
Records of your well and septic system are essential for maintaining and safeguarding both the health of your home’s water system as well as the health of your family.

If the quality of your water deteriorates, you can take steps to improve it. Your well’s historical water quality data can be used to illustrate the water quality of your well in the past. Having this information will be useful if you ever decide to sell or transfer your property.

Obtaining a Septic System Permit

Once you have received approval for your soil evaluation, you can proceed to apply for your septic permit. Remember to carefully study the soil evaluation provided by our office in order to establish the unique needs for your location. In addition, for any new building development, you will need to secure the following permits:

Land use permits from your local township
Soil erosion permits from the Drain Commissioner
And driveway permits from the Road Commission are all examples of permits that you may need.

Once you have secured these permissions, you will be able to submit an application for a building permit. Further information can be obtained by contacting theLivingston County Building Department (LCBD). The Livingston County Building Department has permitting jurisdiction over the entire county, with the exception of Green Oak Township. If your construction project is located in Green Oak Township, please contact the township’s building department for further information.

How do I apply for my septic system permit?

Fill out and submit a permit application to the Livingston County Health Department – Environmental Health Division at 2300 E. Grand River, Suite 102, Howell, MI 48843, or call (517) 546-9858 for more information. The following information must be included in the application:

Application form that has been completed

For new development, documentation of permanent street address (tax bill, township address form, and so on) is required
Package identification number with ten digits (Only for new construction) A verified survey and legal description (only for new construction)
A copy of a detailed story outline

And Fees that are reasonable

As soon as these papers are received, a Sanitarian will analyze them and either grant the permit or call you to seek more information within 3-5 business days. Permits will be mailed or picked up at your discretion after they have been issued. Permits that have been issued will be automatically forwarded to the municipality and the Building Official.

How long are my permits valid?

You have one year from the day that your sewage/well permit is obtained to finish the building of your structure. Following that, the permit must be rewritten, and a price must be charged. If any modifications are made that necessitate a site visit, an extra cost may be charged for the visit. What kind of inspections will be performed by Livingston County Environmental Health throughout the building of my septic system and how often? Your permit will include a schedule of inspections that you must adhere to.

All inspections will be completed as soon as possible (usually within 24 hours, excluding weekends and holidays).
The following are examples of typical inspections: Inspection of the Excavation: All drainfields must undergo an excavation examination before they may be used.
In this examination, it is determined whether the drainfield’s size and placement are adequate, as well as whether proper soil conditions are present.

For the homeowner’s records, the Sanitarian will create an as-built design of the drainfield site, which will be forwarded to them by the Sanitarian.
Grading Inspection: Following the completion of the final inspection, it may be essential to conduct a final grading inspection to see if the septic tanks and drainfield are properly covered, as well as whether surface water is being channeled away from the system.
Once all of these requirements are satisfied, the completed permit will be delivered to the relevant building department for review and approval.

In order to obtain further information, please contact: Area Sanitarian (based on your Township) Environmental Health Division of the County of Livingston The following are the rules, regulations, and procedures: Livingston County Sanitary Code, Minimum Requirements for Alternative Systems, and Minimum Requirements for Pressure Mounds are all examples of codes that apply in the county.

Florida Department of Health in Martin

The FDOH-Martin County grants permits and conducts inspections for the following activities:

The installation of all new and repaired septic systems

Renovated structures
Structures that are slated for renovation Units for aerobic therapy
Businesses that are engaged in industrial, manufacturing, or commercial activity are classified as Pump trucks for septic tanks

More information about septic systems may be found at the following websites: On-Site Sewage Treatment by the FDOH Martin County Code: information on codes and their application. “septic” is a search term. Access to a septic system and a well Detailed information on your property: Locate your septic system or well and mark its position. Use Ebridge Solutions to complete the following steps: Ebridge Public is the name of the user account. public is the password (password is lowercase) Martin County has a filing cabinet.

Select the appropriate permit type from the drop-down menu at the top of the page by clicking Retrieve at the top of the page. There are two (2) categories to choose from: Septic System and Well
You must provide the property address (house number), street name (without north, east, west, or south), and any additional information such as the lot, block, and subdivision in the appropriate fields. Ordinarily, putting only a house number is a good idea since it will bring up two or three houses for you to pick from

However, including a street address is also a good option.

Once you have gained access to information on your property, you will be able to rotate the site plans by clicking on the buttons at the top of the page. Moreover, you have the option to print off your data or send it to your contractor by e-mail. We have thousands of permits that have been submitted. Updates will be made on a regular basis. We encourage you to call us at 772-221-4000, option 5, if you are having trouble locating your permission.

Guidance Document for Septic System Final Inspection & Certification of Compliance — Documents & Information — Town of Norfolk

Prepared by William R. Domey, P.E., a licensed professional engineer The final inspection for a septic system is of the final grading, assuming that all earlier construction field inspections have been satisfactory up to this point. This inspection is required prior to the issue of a Certificate of Compliance. To prepare for that inspection, the Board of Health requires the following documents, which must be filed and delivered to the Environmental Agent for evaluation before the inspection may take place.

A verified, designer-drawn illustration A plan of the system as it was constructed, including its ultimate grade. An installer is depicted. Sketch of the structure as it was built, including cross-tie measurements from the house corners or other permanently recognizable items to the manhole openings of the septic tank and distribution box, any cleanouts, and pump chamber, if there is one, as well as other extraneous structures. The results of the sieve grain-size analysis of the granular sand fill used in the leaching system, if appropriate
And The designer’s certification of the system’s placement and construction on a form issued by the Board of Health

And A certification by the installer certifying the system’s placement and construction, on a form issued by the Board of Health
Copies of any appropriate deed restrictions, notices, and variances, as well as evidence of registration at the Registry of Deeds, if applicable
In the case of pump system testing, the results are provided.

When these documents arrive at the office, they should be documented and submitted to the Agent. An inspection is planned once all of the documentation has been received and has been considered to be satisfactory by the agent, as well as upon the request of the installer. It is expected that the following will be present at the time of the inspection: the intake septic tank lid will be exposed to verify that it is not more than six inches below final grade; This has been accomplished by placing topsoil over the leaching region, and the leaching area has been successfully stabilized by the planting of grass or the application of mulch.

Data from the well drilling log and the Flow Test (Yield)
Laboratory analysis for all relevant parameters using water from a tap in the building (ideally from the kitchen)

Inspection of the pressure tank for the well

The Certificate of Compliance is signed by the Environmental Agent and can be issued to the APPLICANT once the final inspection has been completed satisfactorily by the Environmental Agent. It is necessary to provide copies to the Building Department, the Installer, and the Designer.

Septic System Operation and Maintenance

It is possible to download Septic System Operation and Maintenance in Portable Document Format (PDF, 935KB).

If a septic system is properly installed, designed, constructed, and maintained, it will provide a long period of service to a home.

Even the best-designed and-installed septic system will ultimately fail if it is not maintained on a regular basis. A basic description of septic system components and how they should be maintained is provided in this guide.

Septic System Components

In addition to the home sewer drain, the septic tank, the distribution box, and the soil absorption (leach) field are all components of a septic system, which is also known as an onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS).

The house sewer drain gathers all of the waste from household fixtures such as toilets, sinks, showers, and laundry, and links them to the septic tank for disposal. The septic tank gathers all of the waste generated by domestic plumbing and gives the necessary time for wastes to settle or float in the tank. Heavy solids settle to the bottom of the tank, where they are broken down by bacteria to generate sludge. Heavy solids settle to the bottom of the tank. Eventually, the lighter materials, such as fats and grease, breakdown and rise to the surface, where they produce a layer of scum. This procedure allows for the discharge of partly treated wastewater into the absorption field. The distribution box is responsible for distributing wastewater from the septic tank to pipes in the trenches of the absorption field in an even and consistent manner. It is critical that each trench receives an equal volume of flow in order to avoid overloading of one portion of the absorption field over another. Trenches receive sewage that has been partially treated. Wastewater is biologically treated by the soil around the absorption (leach) field, which is a system of trenches and distribution pipelines. The gravel, stone, or gravelless product used to partially fill the system is cleaned and screened. To ensure optimal functioning and long life, the absorption field must be correctly sized, built, and maintained. Theventallows gases that have accumulated in the pipework to be released from the system.

Septic Tank Maintenance

Once every two to three years, you should have your septic tank emptied out. Septic tank pumpers who are licensed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation may examine, measure tank layers, and pump out the tank when it is required.

Maintain Your System

When necessary, pump out your septic tank on a regular basis. Document all pumps, inspections, and maintenance/repairs that take place. Plan the location of the septic tank and other system components. Either use a map or use permanent pegs to mark the locations of the various components. This is useful for gaining access to the system and will protect system components from being damaged when performing home maintenance or yard chores. Parking or driving big trucks or equipment on the septic system or any of its components is not permitted. It is not permissible to construct constructions such as decks, patios, or swimming pools that would cover the absorption field or restrict access to the septic tank or distribution box
Flush or use powerful chemicals and bacteria-destroying items such as drain cleaners, solvents, paint, paint thinners, floor cleaners, sink cleaners, motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides, and photo chemicals, which can damage or destroy the environment. These have the potential to interfere with the operation of a septic tank or absorption system. When used in regular domestic applications, household bleach, disinfectants, cleansers, and antibacterial soaps should have no adverse effect on system operation. Paper towels, cotton swabs, personal hygiene items, condoms, pharmaceuticals, disposable diapers, coffee grounds, cat litter, cooking fats/oils, face tissues, dental floss, cigarette butts, plastics, grease, and bones should not be flushed. Septic tank additives should be avoided. A properly designed and maintained septic tank will effectively handle residential wastewater without the need for chemical additions. Keep garbage disposals and grinders out of the septic tank and absorption field since they significantly increase the buildup of solids in the tank and absorption field. If they are employed, the capacity of the septic tank should be raised, and the tank should be drained out more frequently. If at all feasible, direct water treatment system outputs to a separate soil absorption system in order to reduce the amount of water that enters the septic system. Many water treatment system outputs can, however, be sent to the septic tank if the system is in good working order and can handle the increased flow

Again, this is only true in certain circumstances. Roof, cellar/footing (sump pump), and surface water run-off should be diverted away from the septic system. Plant grass and other shallow-rooted plants over the absorption field to help absorb excess moisture. Keep trees, long-rooted plants, and shrubs away from the absorption area and away from the surrounding area of the absorption area. Roots can grow into the pipes and cause them to get clogged. Water should be conserved. Repair leaky fixtures and appliances, and install appliances and fixtures that use less water and eliminate water-wasting behaviors. If you have a septic system, make sure to regularly examine and repair any effluent pumps and alarms that may be installed.

Find Out More

If you have any questions, please contact your local health agency or the New York State Department of Health, Residential Sanitation and Recreational Engineering Section at (518) 402-7650 or [email protected].

What You Should Know When BUYING A HOUSE WITH AN ONSITE SYSTEM

There are no requirements for actions associated with the purchase or sale of property with septic systems, according to the Virginia Department of Health. However, when it comes to real estate transactions involving homes with septic systems, inquiries from buyers, sellers, and lenders are frequently raised by all parties involved. To begin, it is important for everyone involved to understand how septic systems function as well as what the property owner’s duties are when it comes to septic systems.

More information on the obligations of the property owner may be found HERE.

On request, you may obtain septic system records from your local health department by contacting them.

The design capacity is expressed in gallons per day, and it is an important consideration to consider when purchasing a home or building.

Residences are developed using a peak design flow of 150 gallons per day per bedroom as the basis for their design.) The use of the system at a rate greater than the peak design flow may result in the system failing prematurely.) It is possible to find out if the system has been fixed or updated in the past by receiving copies of the permits on file.

When acquiring commercial property, the waste strength is an extremely significant issue to consider since the waste strength for the anticipated use may be more or lower than the waste strength that the system was built to manage, depending on the situation.
EXAMPLES: Construction Permit for On-Site Construction Onsite Construction Permit (2) Older Construction Permit (Example) Permits from the past should be examined.
The inspector will make a note of any modifications made to the original design, as well as the types of particular building materials utilized (for example, Sch 40 PVC for the conveyance line), as well as any faults discovered and the steps taken to repair such shortcomings.
Among the information contained on the operating permit is the system’s permissible capacity (for example, 450 gallons per day for a three-bedroom home), as well as any ongoing operational needs (e.g.
As an illustration, consider the following: AS-BUILT DRAWINGS “Drawings of the structure as it will be built It depicts the placement of critical system components as they were originally put on the as-built design.
The as-built will help you to locate the component in a short period of time.

Example Manuals of operation and maintenanceReports on the operation and maintenance of equipment “Consider the purchase of a vehicle: > OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE MANUALREPORTSThink about it: When you acquire the vehicle, you should obtain the operator’s handbook so that you will be aware of when the manufacturer suggests that maintenance be conducted on important components.

When you purchase a system, you should get and examine a copy of the system’s manual so that you can determine when and what sort of maintenance the manufacturer suggests.
The same may be said for septic systems as well.
Traditional onsite sewage systems located inside the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area are actually required to have pump outs performed on a regular basis.
You may find out more about those criteria by visiting this page.
ACTION RECORDS FROM THE ENFORCEMENT “> ACTION RECORDS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT Also ensure sure there aren’t any outstanding enforcement actions against the property related to the septic system, such as a Notice of Violation asking the property owner to replace a failing system, on the books.
Among the most important documents are those for alternative onsite sewage systems, which include conditional permits, waivers, easements, and notices of recordingation.

The issuance of conditional construction permits authorizes the installation of systems that do not fully comply with certain parts of the Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations, provided that conditions are placed on the permit to ensure the system will function without putting the public’s health in jeopardy.

It is essential to understand these criteria and limits before to acquiring a property in order to verify that they are compatible with the usage of the property for which you want to use it.
Waivers given under Virginia Code Section 32.1-164.1:1 to repair a failing system are not transferable (with a few exceptions) and become null and invalid upon the transfer or sale of the property in which they were granted.
A bill passed by the Virginia General Assembly in 2011 that altered Va.
Code Section 32.1-164.1:3 to allow for the voluntary upgrade of onsite sewage systems and alternate discharge sewage systems passed by the state legislature.

Code Section 32.1-164.1:1 has been amended to allow system owners who voluntarily upgrade their system to request a waiver from requirements for treatment levels greater than those provided by the existing system, or requirements for pressure dosing, in a manner similar to the waivers granted to system owners who repair failing systems.

The waiver listed on the deed of the property you are interested in purchasing must be for a repair or a voluntary upgrade.
Easements An easement in perpetuity is required to be recorded under Section 700.E.2 of the Sewage Handling and Disposal Regulations when all or part of an on-site sewage system is scheduled to be constructed on land other than the owners’ property, as defined in the regulations.
It is possible that the system predates the necessity for recording, or that the property owner possessed both properties at the same time, in which case an easement is not necessary.
Preliminary Notice of Recordation Owners of alternative onsite sewage systems are obliged to record a letter with the deed of their property advising future owners that their property is served by a backup system prior to receiving an operation permit for the system.
INSPECTIONS OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY “> INSPECTIONS OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY Inspection PurposeVDH does not mandate that onsite sewage systems be examined prior to the transfer of ownership of a property.
While it is not mandatory to have the system examined, VDH suggests that you do so in order to ascertain if the system is in good operating condition and to prevent future problems.

If the inspection reveals significant flaws in the system, the owner may be required to do the following: hire a private sector consultant to design a system repair; obtain a construction permit from VDH to repair the system; have a licensed service provider install the repairs; have the system inspected by the designer; and submit all necessary paperwork to VDH in order to receive a new operations permit from the agency.

This process can take several weeks to complete, which might cause a delay in the closing process if the inspection is undertaken late in the process of transferring ownership.
The sort of inspection that is done is determined by a variety of parameters, including the age of the system, the type of system, and so on.
It is also possible that your service provider will perform a loading test by injecting a predetermined volume of water into the system to check for signs of a blockage or malfunction.
In the case of alternative systems, the owner is required to have the system inspected at least once a year by a licensed operator.
What should you do if your system does not pass inspection?

However, for more important repairs, the owner will be required to have the repair planned by a qualified designer and acquire a construction permit from your local health authority before the repair may be completed.

Septic/ Health, Human & Veterans Services

On-site sewage disposal is a general word that refers to a system that processes biological or chemical effluent in the same location where it was generated or collected. For the uninitiated, it is your septic system, which includes a tank that sorts, stores, and processes solids, as well as a leach field that disperses the fluid across a sand and gravel bed. Your septic system is an extremely important component of your property. It should be handled with care in order to guarantee that it is successful in treating the wastewater that we generate in our households.

When it comes to onsite sewage disposal, Wayne County reviews the circumstances for acceptability, as well as complaints of poor operation and maintenance of onsite sewage disposal facilities, as well as the building of Fee systems.

All finished sewage systems must be examined and authorized by the Wayne County Department of Health, Human, and Veterans Services before they can be put into service.

Wayne County Onsite Sewage System Program Process (single/duplex site)

In the case of new house construction, site and soil studies are performed. Site and soil evaluations with the purpose of repairing or replacing existing septic systems
Installation of septic systems requires the issuance of new or repair permits. Examines and reports on the installation of onsite sewage systems, including both new and repaired systems

Application for Perc TestingRepair/Replacement Application2020 Fee Schedule onsite sewage systems (also known as septic systems) on their property in order to treat wastewater that is generated by their residence in places where public sewer is not readily available. sewage systems are required to be linked to all facilities that create sewage, such as toilet bowls, sinks, bathtubs, showers, washing machines, dishwashers, and anything else that generates sewage. Water softening waste, roof drains, and footing drains should not be linked to sewage systems since they might cause clogging of the system.

Additionally, effluent from water softeners should not be discharged near wells or surface water.
A licensed environmentalist must assess and approve on-site sewage systems that are developed in accordance with Wayne County requirements (health inspector).
Pipe coming from the house: All of your household wastewater is expelled from your home through a pipe that leads to a septic tank or septic tank system.
Solid things begin to degrade, and anaerobic microorganisms begin to break down in the presence of oxygen.
Every 3-5 years, the septic tank should be drained to eliminate the scum and sludge that has built up.
If the drainfield becomes overburdened with a large amount of liquid, it will overflow.
It is possible to have a reserve drainfield installed on your property in the event that your present drainage system fails or becomes inadequate.
Prior to the wastewater reaching the groundwater, natural processes eliminate the majority of the pollutants in the wastewater.

Bacterial degradation happens both aerobically and anaerobically. Successful wastewater treatment requires soil that enables for percolation, or drainage, to occur. When a sewage system fails, there are visible evidence that it has failed:

Toilets are backing up, and drains are not draining. When there is an excessive amount of moisture or waste water on the surface of the drainfield
The drainfield or septic tank is responsible for the foul odors.

Your family’s health and the health of your neighbors are at risk if your sewage system fails. Call the Environmental Health Section of the Wayne County Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services at (734) 727-7400 as soon as you see indicators of failure, and we will support you in your attempts to correct the condition as soon as possible. This evaluation assesses if a site is suitable for the installation of a new onsite sewage system. For further information about municipal sewage treatment, check with your local municipality or government agency.

If the drainfield is to work successfully, it is vital to have adequate soil.
Within Wayne County, however, there is a tremendous deal of variance in the types of soils.
Due to the fact that the sewage system drainfield must be constructed in well-drained soil in order to work correctly, the presence of saturated soil, or ground water, is a significant consideration.
For a Site/Soil Evaluation to be completed, you must first submit the Application for Site Evaluation for Sewage Disposal System (available online).

The owner’s name, address, and phone number should be included as well. 10-digit parcel identification number (tax identification number)
Land survey shows the intended placement of the house and septic system (active and reserve)
A legal description or an investigation Any intended alterations to the property, such as a potential land split, should be disclosed. You should have a draft map of the potential land divide on hand.

Make contact with an excavation contractor and set a few approximate dates for the examination to take place. Test holes will be dug by the excavation contractor in order to conduct the evaluation. Construction companies that specialize in excavation may be located in the yellow pages under the headings “Excavating Contractors” and “Septic TankSystems – ContractorsDealers.” Make an appointment with the Sanitarian to have the soil evaluated. A Very Important Note: It is your or the excavators’ obligation to establish the location of any subsurface utilities and utility easements on your property before beginning any excavation.

Be aware that it may take several days for MISS DIG to designate your utility lines.
You should phone the Environmentalist a couple of days later to make an appointment if you are unable to do so at the time of the application.
In many circumstances, you may even request that the soil evaluation appointment be scheduled by the digging contractor on your behalf.
In some cases, particularly during high building seasons, it may take up to ten business days to schedule a soil evaluation.

The Environmentalist examines the excavation site in search of the following items:

Evidence of a high water table at certain seasons
Distances between wells, surface water, structures, easements, and property lines in the surrounding region
Topography, vegetation, and drainage patterns are all important considerations. Other site factors may be taken into consideration at the discretion of the Sanitarian

Ideally, you should have a general notion of where you want the sewage system to be installed before the soil study is conducted. However, if the environmentalist or excavation contractor believes that the initial site selection is undesirable, they may advise an other location. Keep in mind that the Environmentalist’s function on the job site is to give knowledge and direction to the homeowner or builder in order to assist them with these selections. IMPORTANT: The onsite system must be installed at the permitted test locations (active and reserved areas).

It will be necessary to make important decisions, and it is recommended that the property owner be present.
You can file an appeal by completing and submitting the following form.
It is necessary to have a valid permission, which is issued by this Department.
Submit a completed permit application to this Department, together with the appropriate application and processing fee.

Completed application form
Documentation of permanent street address, if new construction (tax bill, township address form, etc.)
And payment of application fee. 10-digit parcel identification number (tax identification number)
The following items are required: a certified survey and legal description (for new construction only)
Appropriate costs
And

An Environmentalist will assess and issue the permit after receiving these papers, and you will be contacted within 3-5 business days if more information is required. Permits will be mailed or picked up at your discretion after they have been issued. You have one year from the day that your sewage/well permit is obtained to finish the building of your structure. Following that, the permit must be rewritten, and a price must be charged. If any modifications are made that necessitate a site visit, an extra cost may be charged for the visit.

The sewage contractor will get in touch with us to schedule the necessary inspections.
Please keep in mind that any changes to your original designs must be authorized by the project manager before excavation or construction can begin.
It is necessary for the Environmentalist to check the excavation before any sand fill or stone is placed in the drainfield.
Inspection of the Sand Backfill: This inspection verifies whether or not the sand used in the field installation was of good quality and whether or not the appropriate quantity, depth, or amount of sand fill was provided.
Setting up a septic tank should be done in accordance with permit criteria.
It may be essential to undertake a final grading inspection following the final inspection to evaluate whether there is adequate cover over the septic tanks and drainfield, as well as whether surface water is being diverted away from the system after it has passed the final inspection.
All finished sewage systems must be examined and authorized by the Wayne County Department of Health, Veterans, and Community Wellness before they may be used.
state of Michigan.
Homes with onsite septic systems in Wayne County (which is outside of the city of Detroit) are obliged to have them examined for proper operation under the terms of a local regulation in place.
List of TOS Evaluators for the Year 2021 List of Registered Evaluators and the Time of Sale SepticSmart Week will take place in 2021.
Homeowners should be educated and informed about appropriate septic system care and maintenance during SepticSmart Week.

SepticSmart Week will take place from September 20th through September 24th, 2021. The Wayne County On-Site Sewage Disposal System Evaluation and Maintenance Ordinance is a piece of legislation that was passed in 2011. (No. 99-527) Get in Touch With Us

Name Geographic Area	Phone Number
Dave Wilson, Environmentalist Wayne County South and Southwest	(734) 727- 7417
Andrzej Borek, EnvironmentalistWayne County North and Northwest	(734) 727- 7465
Michelle Lenhart Varran, R.S., Department Manager	(734) 727-7448

*Please keep in mind that field personnel are typically in the office from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. If you have any questions, you can send an email to [email protected].