Can I use a chemical drain opener on my septic system?
- Your septic system contains a collection of living organisms that digest and treat household waste. Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system. Whether you are at the kitchen sink, bathtub, or utility sink: Avoid chemical drain openers for a clogged drain. Instead, use boiling water or a drain snake.
How do you mark a septic tank location?
In most cases, septic tank components including the lid, are buried between 4 inches and 4 feet underground. You can use a metal probe to locate its edges and mark the perimeter. If you do not find the lid by probing, shallow excavation with a shovel along the tank’s perimeter should reveal the lid.
How do I determine the size of my septic tank?
The formula is length (feet) x width (feet) x 1 foot x 7.5 gallons, which is the volume for 1-foot depth. To find the volume for 1 inch I divide the volume by 12 to give me gallons per inch. For our example this is 5.16 feet x 7.5 feet x 1.0 foot x 7.5 gallons per cubic foot = 290.2 gallons.
How do you find a septic tank in the snow?
Outside the home, in the same side of the house where the lines are located, look for a melted area of snow, about 36″ (3 feet) or more wide. Snow may melt the fastest over the septic tank due to using warmer water than the frozen ground around it!
Can a metal detector find a septic tank?
If it’s Concrete or Steel, Use a Metal Detector. Based on your conclusions in Step 3, if your septic tank is likely made from concrete or steel, a metal detector can make the task of locating it much easier. But not just any metal detector will do.
How often does a 1000 gallon septic tank need to be pumped?
For example, a 1,000 gallon septic tank, which is used by two people, should be pumped every 5.9 years. If there are eight people using a 1,000-gallon septic tank, it should be pumped every year.
Can you have a septic tank without a leach field?
The waste from most septic tanks flows to a soakaway system or a drainage field. If your septic tank doesn’t have a drainage field or soakaway system, the waste water will instead flow through a sealed pipe and empty straight into a ditch or a local water course.
Can a septic tank be too big?
A septic tank that is too big will not run well without the proper volume of wastewater running through it. If your septic tank is too big for your house, there wouldn’t be sufficient collected liquid required to produce the bacteria, which helps break down the solid waste in the septic tank.
Will a flooded septic tank fix itself?
Most septic tanks are not damaged by flooding since they are below ground and completely covered. However, septic tanks and pump chambers can fill with silt and debris, and must be professionally cleaned. If the soil absorption field is clogged with silt, a new system may have to be installed.
Why does my septic keep clogging?
A clogged septic tank or drain is caused by a number of things: An obstruction in the line caused by a buildup of pressure between the object and the inner circumference of the pipe. An example is a diaper stuck in the sewer drain line. There is simply too much diaper to fit through the line at once!
How do I know if my septic line is clogged?
Signs of Septic System Clogging: Water and sewage from toilets, drains and sinks backing up into your home. Bathtubs, showers, and sinks draining slowly. Gurgling sounds present in the plumbing system. Bad odors coming from the septic tank or drain field.
Is it OK to cover septic tank lids?
If you have a traditional septic system, the tank should be pumped every 3-5 years. That means that the septic lids should be accessible every 3-5 years. You can use almost any temporary, movable objects to cover your lids, like: Mulch (but not landscaping)
How many lids are on a septic tank?
A septic tank installed before 1975 will have a single 24-inch concrete lid in the center of the rectangle. A two-compartment tank installed after 1975 will have two lids of either fiberglass or polyethylene, centered at opposite ends of the rectangle.
What to do after septic is pumped?
After you have had your septic tank pumped by a trusted septic company, there are some things you can and should do as the septic system owner.
- 1) Get on a Schedule.
- 2) Take Care of the System.
- 3) Know the Parts of Your System.
- 4) Check Other Possible Issues.
Title 12. Health
A. The capacity of the tank. Based on the daily design flow, a minimum hydraulic detention duration of 48 hours should be implemented. It is not permitted to have a septic tank capacity of less than 750 gallons. Table 5.2 lists the septic tank capacity that are necessary for residential units at the bare minimum.
| Table 5.2.Septic Tank Capacities for Dwelling Units. | |
| No. of Bedrooms | Approximate Tank Volume in Gallons |
| 1 | 750 |
| 2 | 750 |
| 3 | 900 |
| 4 | 1200 |
| 5 | 1500 |
B. The tank’s physical dimensions. Septic tanks must be rectangular in shape in all three views: plan, cross-section, and longitudinal. The length to liquid depth to breadth ratio should be approximately equal to or more than 2 to 1 to 1 (2:1:1) and less than or equal to 3 to 1 to 1 (3:1:1), unless otherwise specified (3:1:1). The liquid depth must never be less than four feet or higher than eight feet in any circumstance. A minimum of one foot of free board must be given on each side. The tank’s inlet and outflow structures must be positioned parallel to the tank’s longitudinal axis.
| Table 5.3.Typical Septic Tank Dimensions in Feet. | ||||
| Approximate Gallons | Length | Width | Liquid Depth | Freeboard |
| 750 | 7 | 3.5 | 4 | 1 |
| 900 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| 1200 | 9 | 4.5 | 4 | 1 |
| 1500 | 9.5 | 5 | 4.7 | 1 |
C. The structure of the inlet and outflow. 1. A general statement. The inlet and outlet structures are intended to perform the function of a baffle. In order to accommodate the tank, the invert of the inlet structure must be larger than one inch but less than two inches higher than the invert of the outflow structure while both structures are in use together. Six to eight inches below, and eight to ten inches above, the typical liquid level, respectively, must be the length of the intake structure.
- The inlet and outlet structures must have an open area that is not less than four inches by four inches in cross-section or four inches in diameter, whichever is greater.
- All materials used in the construction of inlet and outlet structures must be resistant to chemical and electrolytic corrosion over an extended period of time.
- D.
- All septic tanks must be waterproof and equipped with a watertight top in order to function properly.
- When the septic tank has more than 30 inches of soil cover, an access manhole must be brought to within 18 inches of the ground surface and be equipped with a tight-fitting cover to prevent the septic tank from overflowing.
- E.
- Septic tanks must be designed and constructed by the contractor or manufacturer to resist the estimated lateral and bearing loads to which they will be subjected over the course of their operation.
- F.
- The tank must be positioned on a flat surface.
Whenever excavation is necessary, the hole must be large enough to accommodate the tank’s installation. Septic tank excavations must be backfilled in stages with appropriate tamping to prevent the soil from settling. There must be no huge stones or debris present in the backfill material.
Searchable platform for building codes
In other building occupancies, the liquid capacity of septic tanks must comply with Table H 201.1 (1) and Table H 201.1 (4), which are determined by the number of bedrooms or apartment units in dwelling occupancies and the estimated waste / sewagedesign flow rate or the number of plumbing fixture units as determined from Table 702.1of this code, whichever is greater. It is required that the capacity of any one’s septic tank and its drainage systems be restricted to the soil structure classification in Table H 201.1(2), as well as to the specifications in Table H 201.1.
AREA OF CAPACITY OF SEPTIC TANKS1, 2, 3, 4 IN TABLE H 201.1(1)
| SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLINGS- NUMBER OF BEDROOMS | MULTIPLE DWELLING UNITS OR APARTMENTS – ONE BEDROOM EACH | OTHER USES: MAXIMUMFIXTURE UNITSSERVED PERTABLE 702.1 | MINIMUMSEPTIC TANKCAPACITY (gallons) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 or 2 | — | 15 | 750 |
| 3 | — | 20 | 1000 |
| 4 | 2 units | 25 | 1200 |
| 5 or 6 | 3 | 33 | 1500 |
| — | 4 | 45 | 2000 |
| — | 5 | 55 | 2250 |
| — | 6 | 60 | 2500 |
| — | 7 | 70 | 2750 |
| — | 8 | 80 | 3000 |
| — | 9 | 90 | 3250 |
| — | 10 | 100 | 3500 |
In metric measurements, one gallon equals 3.785 liters. Notes:1Extra bedroom, each with a capacity of 150 gallons (568 L). 2Each additional residential unit over ten requires 250 gallons (946 L) of water. 3Extrafixture units in excess of 100: 25 gallons (94.6 L) perfixture unit in excess of 100 This table includes the capacity for sludge storage as well as the ability to connect home food waste disposers without the need for further tank volume expansion. DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA FOR FIVE TYPICAL SOILS ARE LISTED IN TABLE H 201.1(2)
| TYPE OF SOIL | REQUIRED SQUARE FEET OF LEACHING AREA PER 100 GALLONS | MAXIMUM ABSORPTION CAPACITY IN GALLONS PER SQUARE FEET OF LEACHING AREA FOR A 24 HOUR PERIOD |
|---|---|---|
| Coarse sand or gravel | 20 | 5.0 |
| Fine sand | 25 | 4.0 |
| Sandy loam or sandy clay | 40 | 2.5 |
| Clay with considerable sand or gravel | 90 | 1.1 |
| Clay with small amount of sand or gravel | 120 | 0.8 |
For SI measures, 1 square foot equals 0.0929 m 2, 1 gallon equals 3.785 L, and 1 gallon per square foot equals 40.7 L/m 2TABLE H 201.1(3)LEACHING AREA SIZE BASED ONSEPTIC TANKCAPACITYTABLE H 201.1(3)LEACHING AREA SIZE BASED ONSEPTIC TANKCAPACITY
| REQUIRED SQUARE FEET OF LEACHING AREA PER 100 GALLONSSEPTIC TANKCAPACITY (square feet per 100 gallons) | MAXIMUMSEPTIC TANKSIZE ALLOWABLE (gallons) |
|---|---|
| 20—25 | 7500 |
| 40 | 5000 |
| 90 | 3500 |
| 120 | 3000 |
In the case of SI units, the following is correct: In liters, 1 square foot per 100 gallons is 0.000245 m 2/L, and 1 gallon equals 3.785 LTABLE H 201.1(4)ESTIMATEDWASTE/SEWAGEFLOWRATES 1, 2, and 3
| TYPE OF OCCUPANCY | GALLONS PER DAY |
|---|---|
| Airports (per employee) | 15 |
| Airports (per passenger) | 5 |
| Auto washers — check with equipment manufacturer | – |
| Bowling alleys — with snack bar only (per lane) | 75 |
| Campground — with central comfort station (per person) | 35 |
| Campground — with flush toilets — no showers (per person) | 25 |
| Camps (day) — no meals served (per person) | 15 |
| Camps (summer and seasonal camps) — (per person) | 50 |
| Churches — sanctuary (per seat) | 5 |
| Churches — with kitchenwaste(per seat) | 7 |
| Dance halls — (per person) | 5 |
| Factories — no showers (per employee) | 25 |
| Factories — with showers (per employee) | 35 |
| Factories — with cafeteria (per employee) | 5 |
| Hospitals — (per bed) | 250 |
| Hospitals — kitchenwasteonly (per bed) | 25 |
| Hospitals — laundrywasteonly (per bed) | 40 |
| Hotels — no kitchenwaste(per bed) | 60 |
| Institutions — resident (per person) | 75 |
| Nursing home — (per person) | 125 |
| Rest home — (per person) | 125 |
| Laundries — self-service with minimum 10 hours per day (per wash cycle) | 50 |
| Laundries — commercial check with manufacturer’s specification | – |
| Motel (per bed space) | 50 |
| Motel — with kitchen (per bed space) | 60 |
| Offices — (per employee) | 20 |
| Parks — mobile homes (per space) | 250 |
| Parks (picnic) — with toilets only (per parking space) | 20 |
| Parks (recreational vehicles) — without water hook-up (per space) | 75 |
| Parks (recreational vehicles) — with water and sewer hook-up (per space) | 100 |
| Restaurants — cafeteria (per employee) | 20 |
| Restaurants — with toiletwaste(per customer) | 7 |
| Restaurants — with kitchenwaste(per meal) | 6 |
| Restaurants — with kitchenwastedisposable service (per meal) | 2 |
| Restaurants — with garbage disposal (per meal) | 1 |
| Restaurants — with cocktail lounge (per customer) | 2 |
| Schools staff and office (per person) | 20 |
| Schools — elementary (per student) | 15 |
| Schools — intermediate and high (per student) | 20 |
| Schools — with gym and showers (per student) | 5 |
| Schools — with cafeteria (per student) | 3 |
| Schools (boarding) — totalwaste(per person) | 100 |
| Service station — with toilets for 1 stbay | 1000 |
| Service station — with toilets for each additional bay | 500 |
| Stores — (per employee) | 20 |
| Stores — with public restrooms (per 10 square feet of floor space) | 1 |
| Swimming pools — public (per person) | 10 |
| Theaters — auditoriums (per seat) | 5 |
| Theaters — with drive-in (per space) | 10 |
In the case of SI units, the following is correct: 1 square foot equals 0.0929 m2, 1 gallon per day equals 3.785 liters per day Notes:1 Sizing sewage disposal systems in accordance with predicted waste and sewage flow rates must be performed as follows: a. waste/sewage flow rates of up to 1500 gallons per day (5678 L/day) are possible. Waste / sewage flow exceeding 1500 gallons per day (5678 L/day) Equals septic tank size (b) Flow 1.5 = septic tank size Flow 0.75 times 1125 equals the size of a septic tank (c) The secondary system must be designed to handle the entire flow rate per 24 hours.
Because of the large number of variables that must be taken into consideration, it is not possible to define absolute figures for waste / sewage flow rates for all circumstances.
Basic Septic System Rules for Oklahoma – Oklahoma State University
Submitted by Sergio M. Abit Jr. and Emily Hollarn Several of us are interested in building or purchasing homes in the country for a number of reasons. It is possible to be closer to nature by living outside of city limits. It is also possible to cultivate vegetables and raise farm animals, and it is possible to live a simple and calm life in a rural environment by living outside of city limits. One thing to keep in mind is that, while living in the country has many advantages, access to the comforts that towns offer is not always available, especially in rural areas.
The latter requires the installation of an on-site wastewater treatment system, which is more frequently known as a septic system.
This information sheet outlines the requirements that must be followed while obtaining an installation permit, complying with site and soil limits, and installing and maintaining septic systems.
PSS-2914, Keep Your Septic System in Good Working Order, and PSS-2913, On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems Permitted in Oklahoma are two of the state’s most important standards.
Much of this information sheet is prepared in a simplified question and answer style, however there are certain sections that have been taken practically literally from the Code of Federal Regulations.
Site Requirements and Restrictions
Is there a minimum lot size requirement for building a home? With the usage of public water (such as that provided by the city or the rural water district), a minimum lot size of 12 acres is required for the majority of septic systems for a residence that will require one. The use of an individual drinking water well necessitates the usage of a minimum lot size of 344 acres for the majority of systems. What is the definition of a “repair area” requirement? Aside from the space set up for septic system installation, an adequate amount of space should be set aside for repair work.
- When purchasing a home, inquire as to the location of the authorized repair area.
- Where is the best location for the septic system to be installed?
- Keep in mind that there are minimum separation distances between items such as water wells, property boundaries, and buildings, as well as other restrictions to follow when driving.
- Water Body Protection Places (WBPAs) are those areas that are located within 1,320 feet of water bodies (such as rivers and lakes) that have been identified by the state as being specifically protected against pollution and are classified as such.
- This indicates that the cost of the septic system in that location will be higher.
- However, it is important to remember that the requirement for a nitrate-reduction component applies only to new homes or modifications to an existing home’s septic system.
- It is recommended that at least 10,000 square feet be set aside for the septic system in the region where it will be constructed, but this is not a requirement as a general rule.
The exact amount of the area required for the septic system will initially be determined by the soil and site characteristics of the surrounding region.
The number of bedrooms in the house is taken into consideration once the proper septic system has been selected in order to estimate the real size of the space that must be given for the septic system.
Generally speaking, the more bedrooms in a house and the finer the soil texture in the surrounding region (i.e., the more clay in the soil), the more space is required for a septic system to be installed.
As previously said, the soil and site qualities influence the type of septic system that may be installed as well as the amount of the land space that is required for the installation.
What type of soil testing will be required?
When the results of a percolation test are obtained, they may be used to determine the rate of subsurface water flow at depths where residential wastewater is typically applied.
Either test might be used as a starting point for making judgments about a septic system.
It should also be noted that if the test done is a soil profile description, the amount of land required for the septic system is typically less.
When the choice has already been taken to establish a lagoon system or an aerobic treatment system with spray irrigation, a soil test is no longer necessary, since the system is already in place.
Soil profile descriptions may only be performed by soil profilers who have received state certification.
Testing for percolation can be carried out by professional engineers, certified sanitarians, environmental specialists, or soil scientists.
A note on soil testing: Some communities in Oklahoma require a soil test result before approving a construction permit application.
Permits
What is it that requires a permit? Septic system installations, including the addition of an extra system, on a property must be approved by the local building department prior to proceeding. Permits are also required for modifications to an existing system. It is possible that septic system improvements will be required as a result of the following: a) Septic systems that are not working properly, b) home renovations that result in an increase in the number of beds, c) an increase in water consumption as a result of a change in the usage of a house or building, and d) the movement of any component of a septic system.
Where can I acquire an installation or modification permit, and how do I get one?
To submit an application for a permit, go to DEQ Applications or contact your local DEQ office for help.
Often, the installer will take care of the paperwork for you, including the installation or modification permission application.
Inspections
Inspections are carried out by whom, and when are they necessary? There are two situations in which an inspection by DEQ officials is required. They are as follows: The following are examples of non-certified installations: 1) repairs and system changes made by a non-certified installer; and 2) installation of new systems performed by a non-certified installer Prior to backfilling and/or placing the system into operation, the inspection must be completed to ensure that the installation, modification, or repairs are of satisfactory quality.
The fact that a state-certified installer performs the installation, alteration, or repair eliminates the requirement for DEQ employees to conduct an inspection because qualified installers are permitted to do self-inspection is worth mentioning.
The installer is responsible for notifying the DEQ of any needed inspections relating to an installation, alteration, or repair that may be required.
Installation
Who is qualified to build a septic system? It is essential that you use the services of a septic system installer that is licensed and certified by the state. A list of state-certified installers can be obtained from the local Department of Environmental Quality office. Non-certified installers are only permitted to install a restricted number of systems in the state of Oklahoma. These installations, on the other hand, must be examined and authorized by DEQ staff before they may be backfilled and/or turned on.
Installers are able to charge a fee for their own version of a warranty and maintenance plan that they provide to their clients.
This law requires the installer of an ATU to provide free maintenance for the system for two years from the date of installation, at no additional cost to the homeowner.
Purchasing a home when the ATU in the home is still within the warranty term enables you to continue to get warranty coverage until the two-year period has expired.
Responsibilities of the Owner
Septic systems that are properly maintained will remove dangerous contaminants from home water. Owners, their neighbors, and the environment are all at risk if their systems are not properly maintained and operated. In plain language, the rule mandates that the owner of a system be responsible for ensuring that the system is properly maintained and operated so that: 1) sewage or effluent from the system is properly treated and does not surface, pool, flow across the ground, or worse, discharge to surface waters, 2) all components of the system (including lagoons) are maintained and do not leak or overflow, and 3) the necessary security measures are in place (e.g.
- required fences are intact, septic tank lids are intact and properly secured).
- Civil and criminal fines may be imposed for violations and carelessness.
- Abit Jr., Ph.D., is a researcher at the University of California, Berkeley.
- Ms.
Was this information helpful?
15.42.070 Requirements for a septic tank. First and foremost, the general New and replacement OWTS septic tanks must be authorized by the IAPMO or built by a California qualified civil engineer to fulfill structural design criteria acceptable to the administrative authority, and they must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. B. Capacity is the amount of space available. All septic tanks must have a liquid capacity that meets the requirements of Table15.42.070a, which is calculated by the following factors: (1) the number of beds or housing units; and (2) the number of plumbing fixture units, whichever is larger.
(Order No.
| Single-Family Dwellings/Second Dwelling Unitsof Bedrooms |
Multiple Dwelling Units (1 bedroom each) |
Maximum Drainage Fixture Units |
Minimum Septic Tank Capacity 4(gallons) |
| 1 to 61 |
2 to 3 units |
33 |
1,500 |
| – |
4 |
45 |
2,000 |
| – |
5 |
55 |
2,250 |
| – |
6 |
60 |
2,500 |
| – |
7 |
70 |
2,750 |
| – |
8 |
80 |
3,000 |
| – |
9 |
90 |
3,250 |
| – |
102 |
1003 |
3,500 |
Notes: There are 1 more bedrooms with 150 gallons of water each. 2 more living units, each with a capacity of 250 gallons. 3 more fixture units over 100, each fixture unit containing 25 gallons of water. 4 The septic tank sizes shown in this table include sludge storage capacity as well as the ability to connect to residential food waste disposal systems without requiring additional tank volume. Plans are the third item on the list. Plans for septic tanks must be submitted to the appropriate administrative authorities for approval before construction can begin.
Design is the fourth element.
The compartments are the next section.
There should be neither less than two-thirds of the total storage capacity of the tank in the intake compartment, nor less than one thousand (1,000) gallons liquid capacity in the outlet compartment of any septic tank There should be a secondary compartment in a septic tank with a capacity of not less than five hundred (500) gallons and a capacity that does not exceed one-third of the overall storage capacity of the tank.
- F.
- There should be at least two manholes, each with a minimum diameter of twenty-four (24) inches (610 mm) and providing access to the septic tank in question.
- Septic tanks must be equipped with the necessary manholes, which must be accessible by extending the manhole openings to grade in a way that is acceptable to the administrative authorities.
- Dimensions of pipe openings Apertures for inlet and outlet pipe openings must be no bigger in size than the connected sewage pipe.
- If the inlet and outlet pipe inverts are the same size, the baffle-type fitting must have the same cross-sectional area as the connected sewage pipe and not less than four inches (102 mm) horizontal dimension when measured at the inlet and outlet pipe inverts.
- Expansion of the pipeline.
- At a height of not less than two inches (51 mm) above the invert of the outlet pipe, the invert of the inlet pipe must be higher than that of the outlet pipe.
Ample open space for ventilation.
Sidewalls are the walls on each side of the door.
The septic tank cover must be at least two inches (51 mm) above the back vent ports in order for them to function properly.
Dividers and baffles Partitions or baffles between compartments must be made of a solid, long-lasting material and must reach not less than four inches (102 mm) above the level of the liquid inside.
It shall be a minimum size equivalent to the tank inlet, but in no case less than four inches (102 mm).
L.
Both new and replacement options are available.
In order to be considered in compliance with this criterion, septic tanks must utilize an NSF/ANSI Standard 46 certified septic tank effluent filter at the ultimate point of effluent discharge from the OWTS and before the dispersion system, as described above.
Structural Analysis and Design.
It is necessary that the structural design of septic tanks adhere to the following requirements: Every tank constructed in this manner must be structurally sound and capable of withstanding all predicted earth or other loads.
Tanks must be anchored to the ground in flood hazard zones and in places where the groundwater level is higher than the tank bottom in order to prevent buoyant forces.
Tanks with a high level of traffic flow.
A minimum H-20 traffic rating, as set by the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials, must be met by septic tanks placed in high-traffic locations, such as driveways and parking lots.
Substances and materials.
The materials utilized in the construction of a concrete septic tank should be in line with applicable requirements set out in the California Plumbing Code, Section 1401.
1.
The use of wood septic tanks is strictly forbidden.
Septic tanks that have been prefabricated.
When requested by the administrative authorities, independent laboratory tests and technical calculations confirming tank capacity and structural stability must be submitted.
New septic tank installations and upgrades to existing septic tanks must pass water-tightness testing in accordance with the following guidelines: 1.
When testing a new tank installation, the access risers must be in place and the inlet and outlet pipes must be blocked before the tank may be used.
2.
Existing tanks must be filled with water to a level that is equal to or higher than the invert of the output pipe, and the tank must be monitored for one hour to ensure that there is no discernible reduction in the water level.
(Order No.
19.28.170 Septic tank requirements.
19.28.170 Requirements for septic tanks. A. All traditional OWTS necessitate the installation of a septic tank in order to allow for the removal of solids from the wastewater prior to its discharge to the dispersion field. Alternative OWTS also need the installation of a septic tank, unless a settling chamber is included as part of the treatment unit. B. The criteria for a septic tank: One requirement is that septic tanks be approved by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) (IAPMO).
- The tank must be waterproof and have at least two chambers to function properly.
- Septic tanks must be approved by the manufacturer to allow for burial without the requirement for water filling in order to allow for routine maintenance or to be utilized as a holding tank as necessary.
- Septic tanks must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
- The bottom of the tank excavation should be extended into native or compacted soils in order to avoid any potential settling concerns.
- The site of a septic tank must take into consideration maintenance and pumping needs, such as vehicle access, as well as the distance and elevation raise to the pumper truck.
- The inlet tees must be at least 14 inches below the liquid level in order to function properly.
- Outlet tees must be uncapped and must reach at least 12 inches below the liquid level in order to function properly.
The exit height must be between two and six inches lower than the inlet elevation in order to provide adequate fall without a considerable loss of volume.
10.
11.
Septic tanks having a lid larger than six inches in height must be equipped with risers that extend to within six inches of the completed grade.
12.
Concrete risers and lids must be made of Type V concrete or be protected against corrosion by sewage gases if they are not protected.
The IAPMO must approve any effluent filters that are installed as part of the output tee in order for them to be used in this application.
Septic tanks constructed in regions with high vehicular traffic must either be certified to resist the planned loads or have an engineered traffic surface erected to support the intended loads, whichever is greater.
The minimum tank size for residential constructions is 1,000 gallons, while the minimum tank size for nonresidential structures is 750 gallons.
Septic tanks must be sized in accordance with the amount of wastewater that is expected to be generated by the construction (s).
The following standard sizes shall apply: I one-to-three-bedroom single-family dwelling (0 to 450 GPD), 1,000 gallons; (ii) four-bedroom single-family dwelling (450 to 600 GPD), 1,200 gallons; and (iv) five-to-six-bedroom single-family dwelling (601 to 900 G (flow in GPD).
17. The allowed plan set should include a remark stating that the septic tank must be completely filled with water, with no leaks, prior to the first inspection. (912, 2017; 936, 2018) (Ord. Nos. 911, 2017 and 936, 2018)
Municipality of Anchorage
A COSA must be completed prior to the transfer of ownership of a residence with a septic system or well, according to municipal code. Obtaining this certificate, which verifies that a qualified engineer has examined the on-site systems and determined that they are adequate for the residence they serve and fulfill code standards, is the seller’s responsibility. The results of the tests and other information gathered are submitted to the On-Site Section for assessment and issue of the Certificate of Compliance.
Alternatively, if the statutory separation lengths for the well or septic system cannot be fulfilled, the residence may be eligible for a separation distance waiver for the well or septic system, which is evaluated on an individual basis.
SubdivisionUsing Water and Wastewater systems
New subdivisions within the Municipality of Anchorage that will be served by wells and/or septic systems are required to submit an application to the Planning Commission for consideration. The subdivision review will involve an evaluation of the site conditions as well as the capabilities of the site to sustain the systems under consideration. The costs of subdivision evaluations are included in the fees that must be paid to the Department of Planning.
Business/Installers Certification
Excavators, engineers, well drillers, and well pump installers are all required to be qualified by the On-Site Water and Wastewater Section before working on the site. In order to do this, the On-Site Section organizes certification courses for engineers, excavators, well drillers, and well pump installers, among others. Read on to find out more
Codes, Policies, and Guidelines
Throughout the Municipality of Anchorage, the following Codes, Policies, and Guidelines apply to private well and septic systems that serve up to two residential units.
Glossary
The following are definitions for words that are widely used in connection with wells and septic systems. Contact us at (343-7904) if you require further information.
