Septic Tank Requirements When Replacing Trailer? (Perfect answer)

  • Most RV septic tank systems will at least have a: Gray Water Tank The water from the kitchen sink and shower goes to this tank. This water mainly contains soap as contaminants. It is devoid of solid and liquid waste in the trash disposal or toilet. It is not potable water but you can use it for cleaning the RV or the black water tank.

How big of a septic tank do you need for a mobile home?

The size of the tank is usually determined by the number of bedrooms in the house and the number of occupants. The more bedrooms and occupants, the bigger the tank. A common size for three bedrooms is a 1,000-gallon tank; this is a minimum, however. Your local county may have different criteria.

Can you connect a mobile home to a septic tank?

Many mobile homes are located in rural areas where there are no municipal sewer systems. Mobile residences must use an individual sewer system otherwise known as a septic system. These systems use a septic tank and drain lines to process and remove the waste materials from the home.

What are the new regulations regarding septic tanks?

Under the new rules, if you have a specific septic tank that discharges to surface water (river, stream, ditch, etc.) 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.

Can two trailers use the same septic tank?

Fortunately, yes, you can have two mobile homes share a septic tank, although you may have to adhere to several requirements beforehand. However, do note that these rules may vary from state to state, so it’s always best to check in with your council before you have two mobile homes share a septic tank.

Do mobile homes have sewer vents?

Yes, all mobile homes have ventilation systems. A ventilation system is part of the drain-waste system but it’s still considered to be a separate system. Vents do 2 things: maintain pressure in the drain lines and help wastewater to drain smoothly.

Has the law on septic tanks changed?

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.

Do you need planning permission to replace an existing septic tank?

Is planning permission needed for a new septic tank? 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.

Do I have to replace septic tank?

Under the new Environment Agency General Binding Rules, If you have a septic tank that discharges directly to a surface water (ditch, stream, river, etc.) you must replace or upgrade your septic tank treatment system to a full sewage treatment plant as soon as possible, or when you sell your property.

How big of a septic tank do I need?

The larger your home, the larger the septic tank you’re going to need. For instance, a house smaller than 1,500 square feet usually requires a 750 to 1,000-gallon tank. On the other hand, a bigger home of approximately 2,500 square feet will need a bigger tank, more than the 1,000-gallon range.

How do you prepare the land for a mobile home?

5 Tips for Preparing Your Land for a Manufactured Home

  1. Order a land survey. Before commencing any site preparation work, it’s important to have a site inspection done.
  2. Apply for the permits necessary.
  3. Choose the location for your home.
  4. Build the foundation well in advance.
  5. Bring in the utilities you need.

What is a shared septic tank?

Essentially a shared septic tank is one that is shared with other local residents, often your neighbours. They are usually situated within the boundary of one of the properties, or sometimes on third party land.

Mobile Home Septic Tank Requirements

A septic system can be used for either a mobile home or a site-built home. Both a mobile home and a site-built house have the same requirements when it comes to connecting their homes to a septic system. The most significant distinction is that when a mobile home is transported, it cannot be hauled across a tank because the tank will collapse beneath the weight of the mobile house. It is necessary to figure out the position of the tank before a mobile home can be erected as a result of this circumstance.

Permit and Perc Test

A permit is required for the installation of a septic system. This is often obtained from the county’s building or health department. The county geologist conducts a percolation test (often referred to as a “perc test”) to assess if the soil of the property is capable of absorbing water or not. Based on the findings of the test, the county may or may not provide a permit to the applicant. It is often possible to obtain recommendations for alternate methods of sewage disposal if a permit from the county cannot be obtained.

Size of Tank

Septic system installation is subject to the availability of permits. This is often obtained from the county’s building or health department. The county geologist conducts a percolation test (often referred to as a “perc test”) to evaluate if the soil of the site is capable of absorbing water. Permission to operate will be granted or denied depending on the findings of the test. It is often possible to obtain recommendations for alternate methods of sewage disposal if a permit cannot be obtained from the county.

Size of Leach Field

A leach field (also known as a drain field) is a massive network of perforated pipes that are buried below the surface of the earth in order to gently “leach” the waste water into the ground, as the name implies. The geologist assesses the results of the perc test and designs the field in accordance with their findings.

Installation

The design of a system is only half of the battle; the other half is the installation of the system in question. For the purpose of ensuring that the system is implemented appropriately, most counties require that the installers hold a valid septic system installation license. For example, an unethical installer would dig the leach field trenches just two feet deep to save time, even though the geologist had specified three-foot-deep trenches in order to save money. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a poorly built system has the potential to pollute well water, which is utilized for drinking purposes.

Location of Tank

The geologist or planning engineer will want to see a plat before issuing a permit to the building or health department since a mobile home cannot be hauled across the tank. A plat is a topographic map of the land that has been made to scale.

The location of the mobile home, as well as the path that the home will follow to go to the site, are indicated on the plat of the property. The engineer then locates the tank on the plat, which is on the other side of the road from the path travelled.

How to Care for Your Septic System

Septic system maintenance is neither difficult or expensive, and it does not have to be done frequently. The maintenance of a vehicle is comprised of four major components:

  • Inspect and pump your drainfield on a regular basis
  • Conserve water
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • And keep your drainfield in good condition.

Inspect and Pump Frequently

Inspection of the ordinary residential septic system should be performed by a septic service specialist at least once every three years. Household septic tanks are normally pumped every three to five years, depending on how often they are used. Alternative systems that use electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be examined more frequently, typically once a year, to ensure that they are in proper working order. Because alternative systems contain mechanical components, it is essential to have a service contract.

  • The size of the household
  • The total amount of wastewater produced
  • The amount of solids present in wastewater
  • The size of the septic tank

Service provider coming? Here is what you need to know.

When you contact a septic service provider, he or she will inspect your septic tank for leaks as well as the scum and sludge layers that have built up over time. Maintain detailed records of any maintenance work conducted on your septic system. Because of the T-shaped outlet on the side of your tank, sludge and scum will not be able to escape from the tank and travel to the drainfield region. A pumping is required when the bottom of the scum layer or the top of the sludge layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet.

In the service report for your system, the service provider should mention the completion of repairs as well as the condition of the tank.

An online septic finder from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) makes it simple to identify service specialists in your region.

Use Water Efficiently

When you contact a septic service provider, he or she will inspect your septic tank for leaks as well as the scum and sludge layers that have built up over the years. Document any maintenance work done on your septic system in written form for future reference. Your septic tank is equipped with a T-shaped outlet that prevents sludge and scum from exiting the tank and flowing to the drainfield. A pumping is required when the bottom of the scum layer or the top of the sludge layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet.

When you receive your system’s service report, the technician should record the repairs that have been made and the tank’s condition.

You should engage a repair person immediately if more work is recommended. An online septic finder from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) makes it simple to locate service specialists in your region.

  • Toilets with a high level of efficiency. The usage of toilets accounts for 25 to 30% of total home water use. Many older homes have toilets with reservoirs that hold 3.5 to 5 gallons of water, but contemporary, high-efficiency toilets consume 1.6 gallons or less of water for each flush. Changing out your old toilets for high-efficiency versions is a simple approach to lessen the amount of household water that gets into your septic system. Aerators for faucets and high-efficiency showerheads are also available. Reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system by using faucet aerators, high-efficiency showerheads, and shower flow restriction devices. Machines for washing clothes. Water and energy are wasted when little loads of laundry are washed on the large-load cycle of your washing machine. By selecting the appropriate load size, you may limit the amount of water wasted. If you are unable to specify a load size, only complete loads of washing should be performed. Washing machine use should be spread throughout the week if at all possible. Doing all of your household laundry in one day may appear to be a time-saving strategy
  • Nevertheless, it can cause damage to your septic system by denying your septic tank adequate time to handle waste and may even cause your drainfield to overflow. Machines that have earned theENERGY STARlabel consume 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than ordinary ones, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Other Energy Star appliances can save you a lot of money on your energy and water bills.
See also:  What Is The Basement Drain To Septic Tank In House Called? (TOP 5 Tips)

Properly Dispose of Waste

Everything that goes down your drains, whether it’s flushed down the toilet, ground up in the trash disposal, or poured down the sink, shower, or bath, ends up in your septic system, which is where it belongs. What you flush down the toilet has an impact on how effectively your septic system functions.

Toilets aren’t trash cans!

Your septic system is not a garbage disposal system. A simple rule of thumb is to never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush a toilet:

  • Cooking grease or oil
  • Wipes that are not flushable, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes
  • Photographic solutions
  • Feminine hygiene items Condoms
  • Medical supplies such as dental floss and disposable diapers, cigarette butts and coffee grounds, cat litter and paper towels, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals such as gasoline and oil, insecticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners

Toilet Paper Needs to Be Flushed! Check out this video, which demonstrates why the only item you should flush down your toilet are toilet paper rolls.

Think at the sink!

Your septic system is made up of a collection of living organisms that digest and treat the waste generated by your household. Pouring pollutants down your drain can kill these organisms and cause damage to your septic system as well as other things. Whether you’re at the kitchen sink, the bathtub, or the utility sink, remember the following:

  • If you have a clogged drain, avoid using chemical drain openers. To prevent this from happening, use hot water or a drain snake
  • Never dump cooking oil or grease down the sink or toilet. It is never a good idea to flush oil-based paints, solvents, or huge quantities of harmful cleansers down the toilet. Even latex paint waste should be kept to a bare minimum. Disposal of rubbish should be avoided or limited to a minimum. Fats, grease, and particles will be considerably reduced in your septic tank, reducing the likelihood of your drainfield being clogged.

Own a recreational vehicle (RV), boat or mobile home?

If you have ever spent any time in an RV or boat, you are undoubtedly familiar with the issue of aromas emanating from sewage holding tanks.

  • The National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline, which may be reached toll-free at 800-624-8301, has a factsheet on safe wastewater disposal for RV, boat, and mobile home owners and operators.

Maintain Your Drainfield

It is critical that you maintain the integrity of your drainfield, which is a component of your septic system that filters impurities from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank once it has been installed. Here are some things you should do to keep it in good condition:

  • Parking: Do not park or drive on your drainfield at any time. Plan your tree plantings so that their roots do not grow into your drainfield or septic system. An experienced septic service provider can recommend the appropriate distance for your septic tank and surrounding landscaping, based on your specific situation. Locating Your Drainfield: Keep any roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems away from the drainfield area. Excess water causes the wastewater treatment process to slow down or halt completely.

Basics for Septic Systems

On-site sewage facilities, also known as OSSFs, must be developed on the basis of a site evaluation that takes into consideration the specific requirements of the location. The system of choice for around 20% of new homes being built in Texas is the radon mitigation system. An On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF), sometimes known as a “septic system,” is a sewage treatment system that is located on a property. As a result of the unexpected surge in new housing construction in suburban and rural regions, more Texas families are reliant on an OSSF for the treatment and disposal of their domestic sewage.

Systems that accomplish their jobs well while also protecting the environment are made possible by new methods to design and oversight of OSSFs.

A number of soil tests are ruling out traditional systems, which separate liquids from solid waste in a holding tank and then distribute them throughout a drainfield using underground pipes or other proprietary items in many regions of the state.

However, because the majority of Texas soils are incapable of adequately absorbing contaminants, different treatment procedures are necessary.

Any work on an OSSF must be done by a licensed installer or, in the case of a single-family property, by the homeowner himself or herself. If someone is compensated for any portion of the procedure, that person must be licensed by the state in which the process is taking place.

Who checks to make sure the requirements are followed?

Local governments in most parts of the state have taken on the obligation of ensuring that OSSFs in their jurisdictions comply with all applicable state regulations and procedures. There are several local governments that serve as “authorized agents” (AA) of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which is in charge of managing the OSSF Program. A “designated representative” (DR) assists the AA in carrying out their tasks, which include examining plans for constructing, changing, extending, or repairing each OSSF; granting permits; and checking the system’s installation, among others.

The OSSF’s authorized agents and representatives also investigate and respond to complaints to verify that the OSSF is in compliance with minimal requirements.

After that, the agent can file a criminal complaint with the local judge of the peace, who will then investigate the matter.

Industrial or hazardous waste cannot be introduced into an OSSF; instead, this waste will be handled in the soil, destroying the OSSF by actually killing the microorganisms that break down the biosolids and causing it to fail.

Maintenance

All OSSFs will require maintenance at some point in their lives. Conventional anaerobic systems require the septic tank to be pumped out on a regular basis in order to remove sediments and prevent the system from backing up. It is advised that you pump your septic tank once every three to five years in order to avoid short circuiting the treatment process and causing damage. To acquire a list of registered sludge transporters in your region, go to theSludge Transporter Queryonline. Aerobic systems are more complicated and require more upkeep than anaerobic ones do.

  • A number of regulatory authorities have enacted more strict rules, which may include homeowner training or even prohibiting homeowners from performing upkeep on their properties.
  • In order to guarantee that the system runs appropriately, it is recommended that you contract with a licensed maintenance provider to verify, debug, and test the system as required by 30 TAC 285.91(4).
  • Once every six months if the system employs an electronic monitor, automated radio, or telephone to alert the maintenance provider of system or component failure as well as to monitor the quantity of disinfection remaining in the system, reporting might be lowered to once every six months.
  • If any needed repairs are not completed, the permitting authority will be notified of the failure.
  • The pills are extremely reactive, and within 10 minutes, they will have killed 99 percent of the germs present in the effluent.
  • AVOID USING TABLETS DESIGNED FOR SWIMMING POOL USE DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY THAT THEY MAY RELEASE A HIGHLY EXPLOSIVE GAS KNOWN AS NITROGEN CHLORIDE.

Please contact us at (800) 447-2827. For further information, please see the following website:

Where can I find more information and assistance?

The Small Business and Local Government Assistance Section of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) provides free, confidential assistance to small enterprises and local governments seeking to comply with state environmental requirements. Call us at (800) 447-2827 or visit our website at TexasEnviroHelp.org for more information.

Septic System (Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, OWTS) Permit Information

The Central Coast Water Board needs a permit for any new or replacement septic system, which may be obtained through your local municipality (City or County) or the Central Coast Water Board. Is there a Local Agency Management Plan in place in your county? Permits from the Central Coast Water Board are necessary for septic systems if any of the following conditions are met:

  • Septic systems that are either new or replacement systems that do not fulfill the standards of Tier 1 of the OWTS Policy
  • New or replacement septic systems in the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County or Monterey County that do not meet the conditions and requirements of an approved LocalAgency Management Program (currently, Santa Barbara County and Monterey County have approved programs) or Tier 1 of the OWTS Policy are prohibited. Have a predicted flow of more than 3,500 gallons per day and are located outside of the jurisdiction of Santa Barbara County or Monterey County, respectively. It should be noted that the maximum flow permitted under Tier 1 of the OWTS Policy is 3,500 gallons per day. Unless the waste stream comes from a commercial food service establishment, it receives high-strength wastewater. High-concentration wastewater from a commercial food service establishment is sent to the treatment plant. 1. has biochemical oxygen demand exceeding 900 mg/L
  • Or 2. does not have an appropriately sized and functional oil/grease interceptor. Septic systems that accept a substantial volume of waste from RV holding tanks are considered high-risk.

Does a repair need a permit?

A permit from the Central Coast Water Board is not required for the following repairs:

  • Minor repairs (for example, replacement of a distribution box, repair of a damaged pipe connection, or replacement of a septic tank cover)
  • Maintenance and replacement of major components for systems that conform with Tier 1 of the OWTS Policy or with the criteria and requirements of an approved Local Agency management Program (currently Santa Barbara County and Monterey County have approved programs). For example, baffle failure, tank structural integrity failure, or the dispersion system no longer effectively percolating the wastewater are all instances of extensive repairs.
See also:  California Requirements When Replacing A Septic Tank With A Sewer? (Correct answer)

A permit or license from the Central Coast Water Board is necessary for any repairs that do not match the requirements of either of the two bullet points above. Contact the Central Coast Water Board at [email protected] to see whether your repair is eligible for an authorization letter or whether it necessitates the obtaining of a permit. An authorisation letter is completely free of charge.

What is the process to apply for a permit?

Applicants for permits should present the following documents:

  • A completed Form 200, which can be found at the following addresses: A Report of Waste Discharge is one of the components of Form 200. For projects that do not comply with the requirements of OWTS Policy Tier 1, please follow the instructions below when completing the Report of Waste Discharge. The cost of an application is determined by the complexity of the system. This cost is updated on an annual basis and may be found on the Water Quality Fees webpage at the following link:. The price for simple systems is 50 percent of the cost of a 3C rated discharge. Choose the Water Quality Amount Schedule link for the most recent fiscal year, search up the fee for a 3C discharge, then divide the fee by two
  • If you have any questions or would like to submit your application, please email [email protected] or call (805) 542-4787. Our email system is capable of handling attachments up to 50 MB in size. We encourage you to contact us if you do not receive a confirmation that we have accepted your submission.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

To be added to our interested parties list and get notifications on septic system permits, fill out our email subscription form and pick “Septic Systems” from the drop-down menu.

Septic System Construction Permit

If an individual or a property owner want to have a subsurface sewage disposal (septic) system constructed on their land or if they need to repair an existing malfunctioning system, they must get a Septic System Construction Permit from the City of San Diego. Septic System Assistance Division County Map (Division Septic System Assistance County Map)

What Information Must I Provide?

Applicant’s information can be submitted using the web portal*, and it includes the following:

  • Identify the landowner’s name and address, as well as the location or site’s size and number of occupants (including number of bedrooms), water consumption amounts, whether there is an excavated basement, whether there are basement plumbing fixtures, whether the house and lot have been staked, and the name of the installer (if any). Drawing showing the property boundaries, home site position, well location, spring location, planned roadway and utilities, and driving instructions to the site are included in this document. For large conventional or alternative systems, soil maps are created by a soil scientist (if necessary), and system design is completed by a licensed engineer.

*Please keep in mind that the Division suggests that you apply online in order to expedite the application processing. Paper applications, on the other hand, will continue to be accepted at the relevant Environmental Field Office. (CN-0971, Form CN-0971)

Helpful Lists:

  • The Division of Water Resources is a division of the Department of Water Resources. CONSULTANTS APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
  • INACTIVE INSTALLERS- This list, grouped by county, covers those persons who have valid permits to construct, install, modify, or repair a septic system. It should be noted that installation permits are valid across the state, not only in the counties indicated. A separate permission may be required in contract counties such as Blount and Davidson counties as well as Hamilton and Jefferson counties as well as Knox and Madison counties as well as Shelby and Williamson counties. Individuals possessing valid licenses to remove (pump) household septage from septic tanks, holding tanks, portable toilets, or other similar sewage treatment or disposal facilities are listed on this page as “Active Pumpers.”

How Will My Application Be Processed?

Applicants should submit their completed application forms, along with the required application costs, to the Division of Water Resources at the relevant Environmental Field Office. The application is subjected to a thorough examination, and the applicant is notified when the examination is completed. The review procedure typically takes ten days, and it must be completed within 45 days of the day the application was submitted, unless an extension has been granted.

What Fees Are Required?

New Conventional or Large Diameter Gravelless Pipe SSDS Permit $400 up to 1000 gallons per day design flow$100 for each additional 1000 gpd flow
New Conventional or Large Diameter Gravelless Pipe SSDS Construction Inspection $100
New Alternative SSDS Permit $500 up to 1000 gallons per day design flow$150 for each additional 1000 gpd flow
Alternative SSDS Construction Inspection $200
Experimental SSDS Permit $500
Repair Permit No permit fee
Repair Construction Inspection $100

What Are My Rights and Responsibilities After the Permit is Approved?

The applicant has the authority to carry out the activities that were granted in the permission application. They are responsible for notifying the Department of any changes to the information in the application. The applicant is responsible for complying with any state legislation and regulations that may be applicable.

A system’s installation must be reported to the Division by the applicant or installer of the SSDS so that it may be examined and certified as compliant. Applicants who have had their permits rejected, suspended, or cancelled have the opportunity to file an appeal with the appropriate authority.

What Are the Division’s Rights and Responsibilities After the Permit is Approved?

During each SSDS installation, the Division inspects the system to confirm that it was installed in line with the permit conditions and regulatory requirements. In the event that an applicant fails to comply with state legislation or departmental rules, the Division has the authority to revoke, suspend, or refuse the issue of a permit. Any individual who violates or fails to comply with state legislation, rules, or regulations may be susceptible to civil fines as a result of their actions.

Whom Do I Contact For Applications, Assistance and Other Information?

Applicants can acquire applications and information from the Environmental Field Office that is most convenient for them.

Applicants may refer to the following publications for further information:

  • TDEC Rule 0400-48-01: Regulations to Govern Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems
  • TCA Section 68-221-401.414: Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems
  • TDEC Rule 0400-48-01: Regulations to Govern Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems

Department of Environmental Quality : About Septic Systems : Residential Resources : State of Oregon

In areas where houses and businesses are not linked to a municipal sewage system, a septic system is the most popular type of sewage treatment for those areas. When simplified to its most basic form, a septic system is comprised of two parts: a septic tank in which solids settle and decay and a drainfield in which liquid drained from the tank is treated by bacteria in the soil. Septic systems that are more sophisticated are constructed in places with high groundwater levels and/or poor soils.

Septic systems that are properly operating treat sewage in order to reduce groundwater and surface water contamination.

Learn more about how septic systems function by reading this article.

Before you buy

If the land is undeveloped, inquire as to whether the property has been examined for appropriateness for septic systems by either the Department of Environmental Quality or a local government contract agent, and if so, request a copy of the site evaluation report. The following are the questions you should ask:Has the site changed since it was last evaluated?

  • Well construction, fill, roads, and other modifications can all have an impact on appropriateness. Is the land suitable for your development needs, taking into account the kind of system stated as acceptable on the report and the placement of the septic system that has been approved?

If the property has not yet been examined, you may choose to request that the present owner arrange for an evaluation to be done. Application for a site review can be made through either the Department of Environmental Quality or a local government contract agent. Before deciding to acquire the land, you must determine what sort of septic system will be necessary, as well as whether or not the permitted system site will fit your development requirements. Existing sewage treatment systems- If you are considering acquiring a home with an existing septic system, you should engage a trained inspector to assess the system before making the purchase.

  • Is it true that the system was implemented without a permit? If not, it is possible that the system is very old (permits have been necessary since 1972, and in certain counties even earlier), or that it was unlawfully built. Systems that have been illegally developed may pose a threat to public health or produce pollution. In the future, you may be forced to upgrade or replace the system, and you may be held accountable and penalized if the system malfunctions or poses a concern to public health and safety. If your family or business has a large number of members, is the system the correct size to meet their needs? Permit documents often include information on the system’s capacity in gallons per day. Typical household water use is 450 gallons per day for a four-bedroom home. How old is the system, and has it been adequately maintained over its lifetime? Is there documentation demonstrating that the septic tank was pumped on a regular basis? Have there been any difficulties or complaints that have been brought to your attention in the past? It is possible that your local permitting agency has records of complaints or infractions that have not been addressed yet. Before you moved here, how many people lived in the house? Perhaps the approach works well with a single person but not so well with four individuals. Is the septic tank connected to all of the plumbing fittings
  • And Is there evidence of a septic system failure, such as puddles over the septic tank or flooded drainfields? If the property is next to surface waterways, check to see that there are no direct discharges from the property. When it comes to septic system replacement, is there a suitable location if the existing system fails? In the event that there are any septic permit documents, they will show the replacement area that should still be “laid aside” for this purpose. What is the role of a qualified inspector? Some septic installers and pumpers have received training in the inspection of existing systems, while others specialize in the installation of new septic systems or pump tanks, as appropriate. Certified maintenance providers may also have the qualifications of a qualified inspector. The goal is to find out what their credentials are in septic system assessments (as opposed to only septic tank evaluations), as well as to obtain some recommendations. Verify the credentials of the references before hiring a contractor.
See also:  How Much Is A Cast Iron Septic Tank Cover? (Correct answer)

Signs of septic system failure

  • Pools of water or wet places, unpleasant aromas, and/or dark gray or black soils in the vicinity of your drainfield are all signs that something is wrong. Water from the sewer overflows into the lowest drains in the home. The sound of drains gurgling and poor draining (first check for obstructions)
  • Soapy flows onto the ground surface, into ditches, or into surface waterways It is impossible to mow over the drainfield because the earth is too soft.

Installing a new system

In order to have a new septic system installed, a two-step procedure must be followed. 1. Submit an application for a site review. The tests pits you give on your property will be evaluated by a DEQ or county agent, who will decide the size and kind of septic system that will be required, as well as the placement.

2. Submit an application for a building permit. For application forms, contact your local DEQ office or county agent, or you can obtain DEQ application forms from this website. There is a cost for both the site appraisal and the issuance of the building permit.

Maintaining septic systems

By having your septic tank tested for solids accumulation on a regular basis, you may prevent having to pay for expensive repairs. When the solids buildup in your septic tank exceeds 40%, you should have it pumped by a pumper who is licensed by the DEQ. For advice on how often to get your septic tank examined, contact the Department of Environmental Quality. Maintaining the condition of your septic tank on a regular basis (every 5 to 7 years) and checking for solids accumulation will save you money on costly repairs.

If you follow the basic septic system DO’s and DON’Ts, a properly designed and maintained system may survive for a very long period.

Septic & Land Development

When developing land, it is critical for the developer, engineer, or homeowner to schedule a meeting with SWDH in order to explain the project in detail. SWDH requires that you attend this pre-development meeting before proceeding with the formal application process. Download the Subdivision Application from our Document Repository, which may be found under the Land Development category. Contact208-455-5400. After the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) or a Qualified Licensed Professional Engineer (QLPE) has conducted the necessary reviews of the specifications, the SWDH works in collaboration with the IDEQ to release sanitary restrictions on platted subdivisions that are served by city water and city sewer.

  1. for subdivisions including municipal water and city sewage services.
  2. The SER can be downloaded from our Document Repositoryunder Land Development.
  3. Additionally, depending on the location of the subdivision, the size of the lots, and the density of residences, the SWDH may require a Nutrient Pathogen Study to be completed.
  4. When developing property, it is critical for the developer/engineer to organize a meeting with SWDH in order to explain the project in more detail.
  5. Download the Subdivision Application from our Document Repository, which may be found under the Land Development category.

Fees:

Service Description Charges
Subdivision Engineering Report Application Fee $250.00
Cost Per Developable Lot $300.00
Subdivision Application – City Services (Requires DEQ Approval) $150.00
Central/LSAS $1,000 + $100 per 250 gpd
Pre-development site evaluation for commercial or engineered lots (includes multiple test holes and evaluation results) $850.00
Pre Development Meeting (Fee to apply toward SER application if within 12-months of pre-development meeting) $100.00

In order to obtain further information, you may call the SWDH headquarters at 208-455-5400.

Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems

The Southwest District Health (SWDH) Environmental Health Services division, in collaboration with the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, controls underground sewage disposal systems (IDEQ). If the developer or homeowner has any questions about the application or permitting process for a subsurface sewage disposal system, they should contact SWDH at (208) 455-5400.

This is especially important because a subsurface sewage permit is usually required before a county building permit can be obtained.

Process/ How to Apply

SWDH must perform an on-site examination prior to issuing a permit for underground sewage disposal before the permit may be issued. The applicant must make arrangements for a backhoe to be brought in to dig a ten (10) foot test hole at the time of the examination. When submitting an application, SWDH requires a legal description, zoning certificate, tax assessment notice, or property profile, among other things. It is possible to obtain your legal description by contacting the county or by consulting a tax notice.

How to Apply

Download the Subsurface Sewage Disposal Application (PDF) from our Document Repository, which may be found under Septic Systems. Please also include an 8″ x 10″ copy of the home floor plans, verifying the amount of bedrooms, if the house is being built from scratch.

Accessory Use

Accessory Use permissions from the county may be necessary before a building permit may be issued for the construction of an addition, shop, or other structure on a piece of property in certain circumstances. The proposed plan will be evaluated by an Environmental Health Specialist at the time of the Accessory Use Application to see if it will necessitate a modification to the existing subsurface sewage disposal system. The Accessory Use Approval Application and Plot Plan (both in PDF format) may be found in our Document Repositoryunder Septic Systems and can be downloaded.

Septic Systems

A septic system, if properly planned, installed, and maintained, can offer long-term, effective wastewater treatment for households and businesses that do not have access to municipal sewage treatment. In the event that a septic system is not properly maintained, it may need to be replaced, which might cost thousands of dollars. Furthermore, a failing system has the potential to pollute groundwater, which might be used as a source of drinking water. Septic system inspections are provided by the Health Department in Boone, Campbell, Grant, and Kenton Counties, among other places.

George A.

If you prefer, you may mail your completed papers to the following address: NKY HealthATTN: George Moore8001 Veterans Memorial DriveFlorence, KY41042

Steps to receive approval for a new septic system

  1. In this step, the person selects a building site for their residence (house, mobile home, or commercial business)
  2. The person, or their agent, submits an application (WordorPDF) to the Health Department for an inspection of the site. The following items are required on the application:
  1. The address and/or location of the site in question
  2. Staked site boundary lines and site measurements should be recorded, and a survey plat copy should be supplied. Identify the locations of existing structures, wells, ponds and streams, as well as any easements, roads and driveways, if any
  3. A map indicating the planned or present position of the structure to be served by the system, as well as the proposed system location (area to be tested). Make a note of any potential alternate areas as well. In the case of private residences: The number of bedrooms, whether or not a garbage disposal will be installed, and whether or not the house will have a basement are all important considerations. For commercial usage, please include the following information: kind of company, number of employees and shifts, type of plumbing fittings planned, and any other pertinent information

When the application is filed, a $300 site evaluation charge must be paid in addition to the application cost. If the findings of the site inspection indicate that there is a usable space for a potential septic system installation, the inspector will mark the location of the usable area. Construction activities such as grading, heavy equipment traffic, the placement of building materials, and other associated activities are not permitted in this region. This is done in order to avoid compaction and soil structure damage, both of which might have a detrimental impact on the system’s capacity to function.

Unless specifically prohibited, normal mowing or bush hogging of the area would be permitted.

There will be a list of the inspector’s soil characteristic findings in the report, as well as information on the bare minimum system choice.

However, if the installer or applicant has any doubts about the information provided, they should contact the health inspector for more assistance.

At that time, all relevant papers, as well as the permission money, must be presented to the city.

Once the septic system has been installed, the installer must seek an inspection from the Health Department before any of the work may be covered under the warranty.

Please keep in mind that the actions outlined above should be completed prior to any development taking place on the site. This will allow the property owner to learn about the restrictions of the site, obtain quotes on various solutions, and ensure that the property owner complies with all applicable regulations imposed by the Health Department.

Steps to receive approval to repair or alter a septic system

  1. Make contact with a certified installer to discuss possible system modifications. Fill out a repair site evaluation questionnaire. (Word,PDF)
  2. Obtain a permit for repairs

Requesting an inspection of an existing septic system

Existing septic systems may need to be evaluated in connection with the selling of a property, the construction of an addition, or the reconstruction of a home following a natural disaster. In the event that you are selling or acquiring a house, you can request that the Health Department check the current septic system. Local building code offices mandate that an existing septic system be inspected by the Health Department prior to the issue of a building or modification permit. Please fill out the form (Word, PDF) and send it together with the appropriate cost in order to request an inspection.

More information

If you’re selling your home, adding a room on the back, or rebuilding your house after a tragedy, you may need to have your existing septic system checked. In the event that you are selling or buying a house, you can request that the Health Department check the current septic system. A septic system must be inspected by the Health Department before a building or remodeling permit may be issued by the local building code office or health department. Please fill out the form (Word or PDF) and send it together with the appropriate cost in order to request an inspection.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *