In Va How Far From House Should Be Septic Tank? (Solution)

Common guidelines require at least 50′ clearance distance between a well and a septic system tank or 150′ between a well and a septic drainfield or leaching bed but you will see that different authorities may recommend different distances. Local soil and rock conditions can make these “rules of thumb” unreliable.Common guidelines require at least 50′ clearance distance between a well and a septic system tank or 150′ between a well and a septic drainfieldseptic drainfieldThe drain field typically consists of an arrangement of trenches containing perforated pipes and porous material (often gravel) covered by a layer of soil to prevent animals (and surface runoff) from reaching the wastewater distributed within those trenches.https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Septic_drain_field

Septic drain field – Wikipedia

or leaching bed but you will see that different authorities may recommend different distances. Local soil and rock conditions can make these “rules of thumb” unreliable.

  • Well, when it comes to having either a septic tank or field, you need to have it placed at least five feet away from your home. However, most tanks are placed even farther, commonly around 10 feet away in most cases and the leach fields are placed at around twenty feet away from the home.

How far does a septic tank have to be from a house in Virginia?

Sewage disposal system or other contaminant source (e.g., drainfield, underground storage tank, barnyard, hog lot, etc.) Private wells shall not be constructed within 50 feet of a house sewer line except as provided below.

How many feet should a septic tank be from the house?

Septic tanks are required to be at least 5 feet from the house, although most are between 10 and 25 feet away.

How close to septic tank can you build?

– A full foundation must be 10 feet from the septic tank and 20 feet from the leaching area. – A slab foundation such as a garage must be 10 feet from the septic tank and 10 feet from the leaching area.

How close can leach field be to house?

Common guidelines require at least 50′ clearance distance between a well and a septic system tank or 150′ between a well and a septic drainfield or leaching bed but you will see that different authorities may recommend different distances. Local soil and rock conditions can make these “rules of thumb” unreliable.

Does VA require septic inspection?

There is nothing in the law or regulations that requires a septic system to be inspected or pumped prior to the sale of a property; however, some localities may require evidence that the septic tank has been pumped within the past 5 years and some lenders may require a septic inspection prior to approving the loan.

Where should septic tank be?

Northwest is the best direction for installing a septic tank. It doesn’t matter if your house is east or west-facing, as the direction of your house does not take into account the position of the septic tank. Therefore, septic tank location as per Vastu must always be in the northwest part of your home.

How deep is the septic tank outlet pipe?

After the solids settle out, effluent leaves the septic tank through the outlet pipe and flows to the drain field. The outlet pipe should be approximately 3 inches below the inlet pipe.

How do I decide where to put my septic tank?

Ideally, a septic tank should be placed on level ground. If possible, the tank should be placed on high ground in order to avoid flooding and seeping. It will be important that you look around and avoid steep slopes or areas of dense tree roots that can damage your entire system.

Can I build a deck over a septic tank?

You should never build a deck over a septic field; doing so will prevent the natural draining and dissipation of the effluent. This can ruin the septic system, not to mention releasing foul smells into the air all around your deck. The dissipating effluent can also rot the deck from underneath.

Can you put a garden over a septic field?

Planting over a septic leach field (drain field) is possible if it is done with care. If you have limited space on your property where you can garden, the leach field may be the only spot for landscaping. Vegetable gardening over a leach field is not recommended.

How far should a pool be from a septic tank?

Installing an inground pool has greater restrictions and will probably need to be installed at least 15 to 25 feet away from the septic tank or leach lines, depending on your county’s code requirements.

How far do septic lines run from tank?

A typical septic tank has a 4-inch inlet located at the top. The pipe that connects to it must maintain a 1/4-inch-per-foot slope toward it from the house. This means that for every 10 feet of distance between the tank and the house, the inlet must be 2 1/2 inches below the point at which the pipe exits the house.

How far do field lines extend from septic tank?

Your septic system site plan is typically drawn right on top of your property survey showing the septic tank ‘setbacks’ with tank 5-10 feet from the house, the leach field at least 20 feet from the house, at least 100 feet away from wells and streams, 25 feet away from dry gulches, and 10 feet away from the property

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.

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.

Title 12. Health

A sanitary survey is carried out. The district or local health department should investigate any evident source of hazardous or harmful chemicals within 200 feet of the proposed private well as part of the sanitary survey conducted as part of the sanitary survey. Items mentioned in Table 3.1 may be sources of pollution, but they are not restricted to them. Other sources of contamination may include abandoned wells, pesticide-treated soils, underground storage tanks, and other sources of physical, chemical, or biological contamination.

Unless otherwise specified, the minimum separation distance between a private well and any structures, topographic features, or polluting sources must conform with the minimum distances indicated in Table 3.1.

TABLE 3.1 DISTANCES (IN FEET) BETWEEN A WELL AND A STRUCTUREOR TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURE
Structure or Topographic Feature Class IIIC or IV Class IIIA or B
Building foundation 10 10
Building foundation (termite treated) 50 1 50 1
House sewer line 50 2 50 2
Sewer main, including force mains 50 3 50 3
Sewerage system 50 50
Pretreatment system (e.g. septic tank, aerobic unit, etc.) 50 50
Sewage disposal system or other contaminant source (e.g.,drainfield, underground storage tank, barnyard, hog lot, etc.) 100 50
Cemetery 100 50
Sewage Dump Station 100 50 1
1 See12VAC5-630-380
2 Private wells shall not be constructed within 50feet of a house sewer line except as provided below. Where specialconstruction and pipe materials are used in a house sewer line to provideadequate protection, and the well is cased and grouted to the water bearingformation, all classes of private wells may be placed as close as 10 feet tothe house sewer line. Special construction for house sewer lines constitutescast iron pipe with water-tight caulked joints or mechanical joints usingneoprene gaskets, or solvent welded Schedule 40 or better polyvinyl chloride(PVC) pipe. It is the responsibility of the applicant to providedocumentation from the contractor that such construction and pipe materialshave been installed. In no case shall a private well be placed within 10 feetof a house sewer line.
3 Private wells shall not be constructed within 50feet of a sewer main except as provided below. Where special construction andpipe materials are used in a sewer main to provide adequate protection, andthe well is cased and grouted to the water bearing formation, Class III wellsmay be placed as close as 35 feet to a sewer main and Class IV wells as closeas 10 feet. Special construction for sewer mains constitutes ductile ironpipe with water-tight joints, solvent welded Schedule 40 or better polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipe (SDR-35 plastic PVC with neoprene gaskets). It is theresponsibility of the applicant to provide documentation from the localbuilding official or sanitary district that such construction and pipematerials have been installed. In no case shall a Class III well be placewithin 35 feet of a sewer main. Likewise, in no case shall a Class IV well beplaced within 10 feet of a sewer main.
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B. Locating wells on the sloping terrain away from possible sources of contamination. When a well is located within a 60-degree arc directly downslope from any part of an existing or intended onsite sewage disposal system or other known source of pollution, such as, but not limited to, buildings subject to termite or vermin treatment, buildings used to store polluting substances, storage tanks or storage areas for petroleum products or other deleterious substances, special precautions must be taken to ensure that the well is not contaminated.

  • The minimum separation distance shall be raised by 25 feet for every 5.0 percent increase in slope; or (ii) the minimum depth of grout and casing shall be increased by five feet for every 5.0 percent increase in slope, whichever is greater.
  • No private well covered by this chapter shall be situated in locations prone to the accumulation of pollutants, such as marshy regions, low areas, or places exposed to floods, or in any other area subject to pollution.
  • This includes the construction of well covers.
  • Other criteria may be imposed as assessed by the division on an individual case-by-case basis.
  • The boundaries of the property.
  • A separation distance from property lines must be established by the owner to ensure that the well’s construction and location are on the owner’s land and in compliance with any applicable municipal legislation.
  • Underground utility lines.
  • The minimum separation distance may, however, be determined by the individual utility company or by local regulation in certain circumstances.
  • Treatment with pesticides and termiticides.
  • If a building foundation has been chemically treated with a termiticide or other pesticide, no Class IV private well may be located closer than 50 feet to the foundation, with the exception of those described below.

As close as 10 feet can be put between a Class IV well and a chemically treated foundation, provided the following conditions are met: Aquifers that are constrained must be used to extract water from wells or springs (i.e., there must be an impermeable stratum overlying the water bearing formation).

  • At any depth greater than 20 feet below the ground level, the well must be cased and grouted to the first restricting layer that exists between the ground surface and a water bearing formation from which water is being taken; otherwise, the well must be abandoned.
  • The material that is used to cover the restricted aquifer must be collapsible.
  • Ground-source heat pump wells that are closed-loop are an exception.
  • This is dependent on the architecture of the well.
  • If the well is grouted for a total depth of 20 feet, the minimum separation lengths must meet with the requirements for Class IV wells.
  • As long as the well is grouted throughout its full depth, it is exempt from complying with the minimum separation distances specified in Table 3.1.Statutory Authority32.1-12 and32.1-176of the Code of Virginia.
  • Website addresses provided in the Virginia Administrative Code to documents incorporated by reference are offered solely for the reader’s convenience and are not guaranteed to be live or up to date.
  • The reader is recommended to consult the source material indicated in the regulation in order to confirm that the information included by reference is accurate.

As a result, we will not be able to reply to legal queries or provide legal advice, including the application of law to specific facts, on our website. An attorney should be consulted in order to fully understand and safeguard your legal rights.

Septic Systems: What is Required?

The Legal Hotline has received an increase in the number of questions about what sellers are expected to provide in terms of septic systems, so we wanted to take this opportunity to go into greater detail about what is required by law and by the Virginia REALTORS ®contract, as well as what you can do in order to keep your transactions moving forward smoothly. A septic system is not required to be tested or pump prior to the sale of real estate; however, some municipalities may require proof that the septic tank has been pumped within five years of the sale of the property, and some lenders may require a septic inspection prior to the approval of a mortgage loan.

  • The Virginia REALTORS ®sales contract (Form 600) addresses septic system issues in two places: the Home Inspection Contingency Addendum (Form 600D) and paragraph 17 of the Contract.
  • The addendum provides a non-exclusive list of the type of inspections that may be conducted and includes septic system.
  • Like all inspections, the septic inspection must be done by someone with the proper credentials.
  • One thing that is very important to note is that the Virginia REALTORS ®Home Inspection Contingency Addendum is very clear that it is the buyer’s responsibility to repair any damage caused as a result of an inspection.
  • In addition to the Home Inspection Contingency, paragraph 17 of the Contract talks about septic systems.
  • The Contract says this certificate should be from the appropriate governmental authority – the Virginia Department of Health or a local health department – or an acceptable private company.

This paragraph does not require any specific type of inspection, but we have been hearing more and more that there are few licensed or accredited professionalswho are willing to provide a certificate of any type without first conducting an inspection involving more than a “walkover” and that the cost of these more extensive inspections is significantly higher than buyers and sellers, or their agents, have anticipated.

The Virginia REALTORS ®Standard Forms Subcommittee is reviewing possible solutions to the issues we’ve been hearing about.

If you represent a buyer in a transaction where this paragraph is removed, and you are using the Home Inspection Contingency Addendum as part of your contract, then the buyer still has the option of obtaining a septic inspection, at their own cost, based on the inspection language included in the Home Inspection Addendum.

Be sure to discuss the importance of a septic inspection with your client to ensure that they are protected.

What do I do if My Septic Alarm is Going Off?

In the event that your septic alarm goes off, it may surely create some anxiety and uncertainty; and if you happen to be experiencing this right now, then you’ve arrived to the correct location! Don’t be concerned; it does not necessitate urgent action. Instead, take your time to go through this full essay so that you will be prepared to act now or in the future if the situation arises. What Septic Systems Are and How They Work The alarm works in conjunction with the septic system to alert you when the water level within the pump tank has increased to an unsafe level or has decreased to an unsafe level.

  1. The timer is in charge of regulating the time intervals during which the pump is permitted to pump wastewater into the drainage system.
  2. Thus, during periods of excessive water use, the drain field is kept from getting overflowing, which might cause damage to the drainage system.
  3. A large amount of water is injected into the system in between pumping cycles for whatever cause, and the water has nowhere else to go but back into the system’s pump tank.
  4. Depending on how much water was and continues to be put into the system and how the pump is set up to operate on a timer, it may take many pumping cycles until the water levels are returned to normal.
  1. There is an excessive amount of water being put into the septic system. This is the result of excessive water use, which might be caused by multiple loads of laundry, an excessive quantity of dishwashing, or a disproportionate number of long showers.
  1. Somehow, groundwater is making its way into the system. If there is an excessive amount of standing water surrounding the septic tanks, whether generated by rain or another source, the water may seep into the tanks and cause the internal water level to rise.
  1. It’s possible that one of the components of the septic system is malfunctioning. If anything goes wrong with your system — including the pump and floats — the alarm and timer will go off and the septic system will stop working correctly.

The Best Thing to Do If Your Alarm Goes Off Alternatively, if you hear an alert, you should press the red button or turn on the alarm box. The alarm will be turned off as a result of this action. There should be a red light and a green light on the alarm box, which should be situated someplace on the unit. The green light indicates that the alarm is operational and should be left on at all times. It is shown by a red light if the alarm is getting a signal from the pump tank indicating that the water level is increasing above or decreasing below what is expected.

  • If the breaker occurs to be tripped, look around the septic tanks to see if there is any standing water.
  • It is possible that the red light on the alarm box will go out on its own after allowing the septic system to operate for a couple of pump cycles (which should take approximately 10-15 hours).
  • If the red light turns off, it signifies that the system is operating properly and that it only needs to catch up with the extra water that has overflowed into the storage tank.
  • To be clear, an alarm signal from the septic system does not always imply that sewage is about to back up into the house right away.
  • Do you require septic system repair on a regular basis or emergency service?

To arrange an appointment, please call (804) 581-0001 or send us an email through our contact page. Want to learn more about septic systems? Explore our septic system web sites by clicking on the “Septic” navigation option in the top navigation bar.

Realtor’s® Guide to Well & Septic Part One

Part One of the Realtor’s® Guide to WellSeptic Systems written by Mike Lynn Due to recent changes in Virginia law and the ensuing restrictions for alternative septic systems, buyers and sellers are now forced to consider septic difficulties when purchasing or selling a home. The results of a well and septic system examination are likely to be just as relevant as the results of a house inspection in this situation. However, unlike roofs, appliances, HVAC systems, and other building components, the most significant components of a septic system are buried underground and may necessitate excavation in order to be inspected and maintained.

  1. Fairfax County saw development booms between 1970 and 1990, which resulted in the bulk of septic systems in Northern Virginia being installed.
  2. During these time periods, a traditional septic system may be anticipated to last 25 years or more.
  3. The majority of the time, public sewer is not available in these communities.
  4. A more comprehensive examination is in the seller’s best advantage, since agents who represent purchasers are well aware of this fact.
  5. A careful balance must be struck, one that most inspectors and agents recognize and respect.
  6. There is no rule or regulation in Virginia that mandates septic systems or wells to be examined at the time of purchase or sale of real estate.
  7. Under Virginia law, a seller is required to disclose whether or not the house is served by a septic system, as well as to warn prospective buyers that it is the seller’s obligation to ascertain the specifics of the system and its maintenance needs.
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If someone in Virginia purports to be a qualified inspector, that individual must be an NSF-certified or other nationally recognized certified inspector in order to be considered certified.

The state requires that alternative septic systems undergo inspections at least once a year, and that inspection results be submitted electronically into a state database.

Most counties require septic tanks to be pumped out once every five years, however this pump-out does not entail an inspection of the tank or any other septic components.

6.

7.

New wells must be capable of producing at least one gallon per minute, and certain areas need a quality examination of the produced water.

8.

9.

Each of these DPOR licenses is divided into two classes: the conventional class and the alternate class.

10.

Real estate contracts differ from one region to the next, and some individual sellers and attorneys create their own documents to sell their properties.

If the system is new or is regularly maintained, agents should explore the possibility of a walkover or a visual examination, which may be sufficient for a system that serves an inhabited residence.

This includes the seller, buyer, and inspector.

What is NSF International, and what does it do?

Mike Lynn is the president of The SES Companies, which is based in Warrenton, Virginia, and provides soil and environmental testing and consulting.

Note from the editor: This is the first installment in a two-part article on WellSeptic. Part two of this article may be found in the July/August edition by clicking here.

What size of septic tank do I need?

Probably one of the last things on your mind when you are constructing a new house is the location of your septic system. After all, shopping for tanks isn’t nearly as entertaining as shopping for cabinetry, appliances, and floor coverings. Although you would never brag about it, your guests will be aware if you do not have the proper septic tank placed in your home or business.

septic tanks for new home construction

The exact size of the septic tank is determined mostly by the square footage of the house and the number of people who will be living in it. The majority of home septic tanks have capacities ranging from 750 to 1,250 gallons. A 1000 gallon tank will most likely be required for a typical 3-bedroom home that is smaller than 2500 square feet in size. Of course, all of this is dependent on the number of people who live in the house as well as the amount of water and waste that will be disposed of through the plumbing system.

For the most accurate assessment of your septic tank needs, you should speak with an experienced and trustworthy sewer business representative.

planning your drainfield

Here are some helpful hints for deciding where to locate your drainfield when you’re designing it.

  • Vehicles should not be allowed on or around the drainfield. Planting trees or anything else with deep roots along the bed of the drain field is not recommended. The roots jam the pipes on a regular basis. Downspouts and sump pumps should not be discharged into the septic system. Do not tamper with or change natural drainage features without first researching and evaluating the consequences of your actions on the drainage field. Do not construct extensions on top of the drain field or cover it with concrete, asphalt, or other materials. Create easy access to your septic tank cover by placing it near the entrance. Easy maintenance and inspection are made possible as a result. To aid with evaporation and erosion prevention, plant grass in the area.

a home addition may mean a new septic tank

Do not make any big additions or renovations to your house or company until you have had the size of your septic system assessed. If you want to build a house addition that is more than 10% of your total floor space, increases the number of rooms, or necessitates the installation of new plumbing, you will almost certainly need to expand your septic tank.

  • For a home addition that will result in increased use of your septic system, your local health department will require a letter from you that has been signed and authorized by a representative of your local health department confirming that your new septic system is capable of accommodating the increase in wastewater. It is not recommended that you replace your septic system without the assistance of a certified and competent contractor.

how to maintain your new septic system

Septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services are provided by Norway Septic Inc., a service-oriented company devoted to delivering outstanding septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services to households and business owners throughout the Michiana area. “We take great delight in finishing the task that others have left unfinished.” “They pump, we clean!” says our company’s motto. Septic systems are something we are familiar with from our 40 years of expertise, and we propose the following:

  • Make use of the services of a qualified specialist to develop a maintenance strategy. Make an appointment for an annual examination of your septic system. Utilize the services of an effluent filter to limit the amount of particles that exit the tank, so extending the life of your septic system. Waste items should be disposed of properly, and energy-efficient appliances should be used. Make sure you get your septic system professionally cleaned every 2 to 3 years, or more frequently if necessary, by an experienced and qualified expert
  • If you have any reason to believe that there is an issue with your system, contact a professional. It is far preferable to catch anything early than than pay the price later. Maintain a record of all septic system repairs, inspections, and other activities

common septic questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by our septic customers.

How do I determine the size of my septic tank?

If you have a rectangular tank, multiply the inner height by the length to get the overall height of the tank. In order to find out how many gallons your septic tank contains, divide the number by.1337.1337

How many bedrooms does a 500-gallon septic tank support?

The exact size of the septic tank is determined mostly by the square footage of the house and the number of people who will be living in it. The majority of residential septic tanks are between 750 and 1,250 gallons in capacity. For example, a typical 3-bedroom home with less than 2500 square feet will likely require a 1000 gallon septic tank.

How deep in the ground is a septic tank?

Your septic system is normally buried between four inches and four feet underground, depending on the climate.

Virginia Passes Septic Tank Law; Could Impact Appraisals

The 27th of July, 2004

Virginia Passes Septic Tank Law; Could Impact Appraisals

The Virginia General Assembly enacted a bill on April 15 that will require renovations to malfunctioning septic tanks before a property can be sold. This would have a significant influence on the disclosure and pricing of properties that are in need of such modifications. Among the provisions of the act, which amends and reenacts sections of Virginia law relating to the validity of certain septic tank permits, is the provision that whenever an onsite sewage system fails and would necessitate improvements under existing law, the owner may request a waiver from the requirement to upgrade.

In addition, the act states that “the owner of the relevant property shall disclose, in writing, to any and all potential purchasers or mortgage holders that any operating permit for the onsite sewage system that has been granted a waiver will become void at the time of transfer or sale of the property, and that the Board’s regulatory requirements for additional treatment or pressure dosing will be required before an operating permit may be reinstated.

Stephen Salmon, SRA, of Richmond, Virginia, is disappointed that the statute does not include a grandfather clause.

Even though the home sold for $120,000, the cost of an engineered septic system might range from $15,000 to $20,000, despite the fact that the repairs were completed less than a year ago.” Because the law requires an owner to disclose a defect to a buyer and the mortgage lender, he said that having to pick between disclosure and a $20K repair and nondisclosure is a no-brainer.

  • Among the options considered by the county were: 1) not selling the property and fixing the septic, 2) leaving the property unoccupied, 3) filing a claim with homeowner’s insurance, 4) paying around $25K to connect to public water and sewer, or 5) installing the $20K designed system.
  • “I was unable to raise the price by $20,000.
  • “The homeowner is responsible for the expense,” he explained.
  • The fact that this represents 20% of the entire value of the property makes it doubtful that they will be able to return their investment.
  • A building permission has been acquired or building construction has begun, however, the permit may be extended for a further 18 months provided the necessary paperwork has been completed.

Michael Campbell, Environmental Health Manager, Henrico County Health Department, Commonwealth of Virginia, can be reached at 804-501-4530 for further information on this subject matter.

How Your Septic System Works

Underground wastewater treatment facilities, known as septic systems, are often employed in rural regions where there are no centralized sewage lines. They clean wastewater from residential plumbing, such as that produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry, by combining natural processes with well-established technology. A conventional septic system is comprised of two components: a septic tank and a drainfield, often known as a soil absorption field. It is the septic tank’s job to decompose organic matter and to remove floatable stuff (such as oils and grease) and solids from wastewater.

Alternate treatment systems rely on pumps or gravity to assist septic tank effluent in trickling through a variety of media such as sand, organic matter (e.g., peat and sawdust), constructed wetlands, or other media to remove or neutralize pollutants such as pathogens that cause disease, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other contaminants.

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Specifically, this is how a typical conventional septic system works:

  1. All of the water that leaves your home drains down a single main drainage pipe and into a septic tank. An underground, water-tight container, often composed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene, serves as a septic system’s holding tank. Its function is to retain wastewater for a long enough period of time to allow particles to sink to the bottom and form sludge, while oil and grease float to the surface and produce scum. Sludge and scum are prevented from exiting the tank and moving into the drainfield region by compartments and a T-shaped outlet. After that, the liquid wastewater (effluent) exits the tank and flows into the drainfield. The drainfield is a shallow, covered hole dug in unsaturated soil that serves as a drainage system. Porous surfaces are used to release pretreated wastewater because they allow the wastewater to pass through the soil and into the groundwater. In the process of percolating through the soil, wastewater is accepted, treated, and dispersed by the soil, finally discharging into groundwater. Finally, if the drainfield becomes overburdened with too much liquid, it can flood, causing sewage to flow to the ground surface or resulting in toilet backups and sink backups. Finally, wastewater percolates into the soil, where it is naturally removed of harmful coliform bacteria, viruses, and nutrients. Coliform bacteria are a kind of bacteria that may be found in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals, with humans being the most common host. As a result of human fecal contamination, it is a sign of this.

The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority has built an animated, interactive model of how a residential septic system works, which you can view here.

Do you have a septic system?

It’s possible that you’re already aware that you have a septic system. If you are not sure, here are some tell-tale symptoms that you most likely are:

  • You make use of well water. In your home, the water pipe that brings water into the house does not have a meter. In the case of a water bill or a property tax bill, you will see “$0.00 Sewer Amount Charged.” It is possible that your neighbors have a septic system

How to find your septic system

You can locate your septic system once you have confirmed that you have one by following these steps:

  • Taking a look at the “as constructed” drawing of your house
  • Making a visual inspection of your yard for lids and manhole covers
  • Getting in touch with a septic system service provider for assistance in locating it

Failure symptoms: Mind the signs!

Examining the “as constructed” drawing of your house; Checking for lids and manhole covers in your yard. A septic system service company who can assist you in locating it is to be sought.

  • Water backing up into the drains of homes and businesses
  • It is especially noticeable in dry weather that the drainfield grass is bright green and spongy. The presence of standing water or muddy soil near your septic system or in your basement
  • A strong stench emanating from the area surrounding the septic tank and drainfield

Mass drain fields aka community wastewater systems — Engineered Septic, Package Plants, and Effluent Sewer Solutions

First and foremost, the advantages of implementing a community-based on-site wastewater system are discussed. With an increasing number of subdivision developments taking place in non-sewered rural or semi-rural areas, selecting the most appropriate wastewater systems and structures to service those developments in order to maximize development value, long-term success, and environmental stewardship requires careful planning and consideration. The systems must be cost-effective, efficient, and simple to maintain in order to be of maximum long-term benefit.

  1. WHAT EXACTLY IS A COMMUNITY-BASED WASTEWATER SYSTEM (COWS)?
  2. However, by developing subdivisions in rural areas and implementing some innovative industrial practices, it is feasible to save time and money while providing a considerably better experience for inhabitants, developers, and the surrounding environment.
  3. It is necessary for each household to have a septic tank in order to collect wastewater and divide it into two parts: sludge (thicker particles) and effluent.
  4. A community onsite wastewater system collects effluent from several septic tanks and pumps it to a single, bigger drainfield that is shared by all of the residences in the community.
  5. The advantages of a COMMUNITY WASTEWATER SYSTEM are numerous.

Despite the fact that these on-lot septic systems can be extremely efficient and affordable, they severely restrict development opportunities in areas with poor soil or in areas where it would be preferable to have homes on smaller lots and clustered together with larger undisturbed tracts of natural area as a wildlife refuge.

  1. As technology and innovation continue to advance, these systems are increasingly becoming the preferred answer for public health agencies and other businesses.
  2. Community onsite wastewater systems provide for greater simplicity and flexibility in the way lots are created, providing additional alternatives for developers and residents alike to choose from.
  3. It is possible for developers to give homeowners with more alternatives in terms of lot size by designing and installing a central drainfield in a community’s onsite wastewater system.
  4. When distinct drain fields are not required for each lot, developers and builders have a greater number of design alternatives when it comes to the construction of a dwelling.
  5. Driveways or car parks cannot be constructed atop drain fields.
  6. Building on a shared or mass drainfield provides additional options for house builders and homeowners in terms of roadways, garage entrances, and the orientation of their homes on their lots.
  7. Developers are also better equipped to address the variety in soil and environmental conditions found on individual lots when using a communal drainfield design.

A community onsite wastewater system reduces the amount of land needed to accommodate a drainfield for each dwelling, which saves money for developers who build larger communities.

As a result, the houses become more appealing to prospective purchasers as well as to the surrounding community.

When developers prepare for the mass drainfield that the individual dwellings will connect to, it is typical for the land above ground to be designated as green space to provide for wildlife habitat.

These facilities contribute to the attraction of living in a planned community.

Typically, when an onsite wastewater system is employed, residents are required to contribute to the expense of maintenance by paying a monthly or yearly fee (which is frequently included in homeowners’ association dues).

However, even though some people prefer on-lot septic systems since they avoid the need to pay monthly fees for a shared system, there are still maintenance expenditures involved with on-lot systems, such as tank pump outs and the ultimate failure and replacement of a drain field.

Residents who flush personal goods down the toilet unintentionally, grow trees over drainfields, or park their cars on the land above a drainfield, producing soil compaction, increase the need for routine repair.

If a system is disregarded and continues to work poorly over an extended period of time, major repair may be necessary, which can cost several thousand dollars in some cases.

Residents who live on a community wastewater treatment system may utilize their house and yard in the same manner that any homeowner who lives on a municipal sewer system does, without having to worry about causing thousands of dollars in damage to their property.

These communal systems aid in the mitigation of environmental problems that are driving more strict septic system design and maintenance regulations in places like Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay.

Because of these treatment requirements, the cost per lot for new construction residences that are served by on-site septic systems rises significantly.

These central treatment and dispersion systems can be managed by wastewater treatment operations companies that have received proper training and licensing.

On the whole, the results obtained by community treatment and dispersal systems are superior to those obtained through on-lot systems in terms of higher effluent quality, less environmental effect, and cheaper cost per lot.

We have locations throughout North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina that we would be pleased to inform you about! AQWA may be reached at 252-243-7693 or [email protected].

Where’s my septic tank?

There are a few solutions available if the previous homeowner failed to supply this critical information or if you have misplaced your original copy:

  • Your local DHEC office may have a copy of your building permit on file if your house was built within the last five years or fewer, according to the DHEC. A copy of a septic tank permit can be obtained from the local office by any individual or group, regardless of whether or not they own the land in question. Because of this, it is highly recommended that you have as much of the following information as possible ready at the time of your request.
  • Number of the tax map
  • Lot number
  • Block number
  • Address in the physical world
  • When the system was installed or when the house was built (if this information is available)
  • Name of the original permit holder (if any information is available)
  • Name of the subdivision (if the property is located within a subdivision)
  • You may also submit a request for a copy of the permission through our Freedom of Information office, although this is not mandatory. To obtain a copy through the Freedom of Information Office, please complete and submit a copy of the DHEC FOI form. Instructions are given with the application. If feasible, please include the information about the property that is stated above. When looking around your yard, search for manhole covers or lids that have been buried by grass or leaves if your house was constructed before 1990.

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Septic Systems

You’ll find information on county and homeowner standards, as well as commonly asked questions and a list of qualified inspectors.

Alternative Onsite System Maintenance Report

You may view the most recent Alternative Onsite System Maintenance Annual Report for Loudoun County by clicking on the link below.

WellSeptic Applications/Permit Guidelines

Visit this page for well and septic installation, repair, or abandonment forms and instructions. You may also find information on subdivision and soil review forms and instructions.

Chapter 1066

Visit this page for well and septic installation, repair, or abandonment forms and instructions. You may also find subdivision and soil review forms and instructions, as well as permit rules.

Contractors / Licensed Lists

Examine the numerous listings of inspectors, pump and haul companies, well drillers and pump installers, and other service providers.

Fact Sheets

Visit our information sheets section to learn more about alternative systems, low pressure distribution, septic systems, as well as well operation and upkeep.

Onsite WaterSewage Information

On this page, you can find information regarding onsite water and sewer systems in Loudoun County.

Tank Replacement Study (PDF)

From 2000 to 2016, a study of onsite sewage tank replacements in Loudoun County was conducted.

Tank Requirements

Learn about the standards for structural soundness and water tightness in tanks that are used for on-site sewage treatment systems.

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