How To Read Septic Tank Plans? (Solution)

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• Look for the septic tank map, if you have one. This is the easiest way to find where the septic tank is constructed in your property. This is usually a diagram that shows the precise location of the tank.

How do you read a septic system?

Understand that a septic system is a cafeteria for bacteria

1. All waste flows to the septic tank.
2. Watery waste, called “effluent,” fills most of the tank.
3. A layer of sludge falls to the bottom.
4. A layer of scum floats to the top.
5. A filter prevents most solids from entering the outlet pipe.

How do I find the layout of my septic system?

Go to your basement or crawl space, and then look for the main sewer line that leads to your septic tank. Look for a pipe that’s roughly four inches in diameter that leads away from your house. Remember the location of the sewer pipe and where the pipe leaves your home so you can find it outside.

How do you determine septic tank size?

Consider Your Water Usage The most reliable and effective way of determining the septic tank size suitable for your property is by calculating the amount of water you use. The septic tank size needed is dependent on the volume of water it can hold, which will be drained into the soil absorption field.

How many covers does a 1000 gallon septic tank have?

Single Compartment 500 – 1,000 Gallon Septic Tanks: Installed up to approximately 1976, this tank style will have one main lid and two smaller baffle lids on both ends of the tank as shown in the diagram below.

What are the signs that your septic tank is full?

Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:

• Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
• Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
• Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
• You Hear Gurgling Water.
• You Have A Sewage Backup.
• How often should you empty your septic tank?

How do you tell if your septic tank is full?

How to tell your septic tank is full and needs emptying

1. Pooling water.
2. Slow drains.
3. Odours.
4. An overly healthy lawn.
5. Sewer backup.
6. Gurgling Pipes.
7. Trouble Flushing.

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.

How far down is a leach field?

A typical drainfield trench is 18 to 30 inches in depth, with a maximum soil cover over the disposal field of 36 inches.

Can you walk on a leach field?

Your family can walk on a well-maintained drain field without fear of encountering puddles of affluent and dangerous bacteria. Bicycles and tricycles are also acceptable because they are not heavy enough to compress or disturb the soil.

How do I calculate the size of my septic drain field?

Drainfield Size

1. The size of the drainfield is based on the number of bedrooms and soil characteristics, and is given as square feet.
2. For example, the minimum required for a three bedroom house with a mid range percolation rate of 25 minutes per inch is 750 square feet.

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.

What size are septic tank lids?

Available in 12″, 16″, 20″ and 24″ diameters. Green only. 12″ Tall Riser – For septic tanks.

How far down is septic tank lid?

Often, septic tank lids are at ground level. In most cases, they have buried anywhere from four inches to four feet underground.

Septic System Design Drawings and Sketches

• POSTING a QUESTION or COMMENT regarding samples of septic system sketches, layouts, and design drawings is encouraged.

InspectAPedia does not allow any form of conflict of interest. The sponsors, goods, and services described on this website are not affiliated with us in any way. Drawings of septic systems: Here are some diagrams that describe the various components and installations of a septic system. In this section, readers will learn about onsite wastewater disposal and septic tank equipment, and they will be able to identify and, in some cases, find underground equipment on their sites. Some of the pictures also demonstrate the reasons why septic systems, particularly drainfields, may be failing to function.

Please click on the thumbnail drawings below to see the full-sized versions of each picture.

For this topic, we also have anARTICLE INDEX available, or you may check the top or bottom of the page.

Septic System Illustrations, Sketches, Design Layout DrawingsExamples

Drawings in color courtesy of Purdue University’s Environmental Education Software Series are shown below. Purdue University’s Farm Building Plan Service can provide educational software on diskettes for a fee. The address is 1146 AGEN Building, West Lafayette, IN 47901. Carson Dunlop Associates provided the black and white drawings used in this article. Illustrations are provided for educational reasons only; they are all copyright protected and may not be duplicated or reproduced in any form, whether printed or electronic, without prior written consent.

BASIC LAND FORMS

Landforms at their most fundamental. Schematic diagram of leaching bed effluent distribution The water table is quite low below the leaching beds. Because of the high clay content, there are likely to be difficulties with restricted capacity. The rising water table causes the leaching bed to shift.

RESIDENTIAL SEPTIC TANKS

The cross section of a standard septic tank. Two different forms of pre-cast concrete septic tanks that are routinely used, shown in cross-section. Carson Dunlop Associates in Toronto, Ontario, provided the illustration.

DISTRIBUTION BOXES AND LINES

The absorption field in its most common form (aka leach field, leaching bed). The position of the distribution box is usual. The cross section of a typical leaching bed trench is shown in the plan view. The isometric diagram of the tank and distribution lines provides an understanding of why a distribution box is required.

ABSORPTION SYSTEMS – Leach Fields, Seepage Pits, etc

Please click on the thumbnail drawings below to see the full-sized versions of each picture. View from the “far end” of a conventional tank and leaching-bed arrangement that is a little out of the ordinary An elevational image of a tank and drywell system, often known as a leaching pit system or a “seepage pit” system, which is commonly seen in older homes. Seepage pits are used to collect and dispose of septic effluent from septic tanks, such as the one seen in this figure. An elevational image of a drywell, leaching pit, or “seepage pit” system that is used for gray water collection.

The usage of drywells to separate graywater from blackwater (sewage) is common to minimize the water load on septic systems, which have a limited ability to manage the waste water. In the event that the

• 3 February 2010
• New York State Department of Health, ” Appendix 75-A Wastewater Treatment Standards – Individual Household Systems “, New York State Department of Health, accessed on 3 February 2010, original source: Carson Dunlop Associates provided the black and white drawings for this article. Carson Dunlop Associates in Toronto, Ontario, provided the sketches for this septic system. 2010.97 Carson Dunlop – all rights reserved – Copyright protected –
• Purdue University’s Environmental Education Software Series provided the color septic design sketches that are seen here. Educative software on diskettes is available from the Farm Building Plan Service, which is located at 1146 AGEN Building, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
• Or via the Farm Building Plan Service website. The following topics are covered in our online septic book: Septic Testing, LoadingDye Tests, Septic Tank Pumping, Clearances, and specifics on onsite waste disposal system inspection, testing, and repair procedures
• Onsite waste disposal system inspection, testing, and repair procedures
• Onsite waste disposal system repair procedures
• On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems that are State of the Art

Design Manuals for Septic Systems

• Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency Top Reference: The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, which is accessible through the US EPA, the United States General Services Administration (Pueblo CO), and the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Obtaining the original source On-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems, by Richard J. Otis, published by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Despite the fact that it has been in print for more than two decades, this book is still a valuable resource for septic system builders. “International Private Sewage Disposal Code,” 1995, BOCA-708-799-2300, ICBO-310-699-0505, SBCCI-205-591-1853, available from those code associations
• “Manual of Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines for OWA’s Water Program Operations,” 1980
• “Manual of Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines for OWA’s Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory,” 1980
• “Manual of Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines for OWA’s Water Program Operations

Onsite Wastewater Disposal Books

• The treatment and disposal of waste water on-site The following is an excerpt from Amazon: R. J. Perkins It covers the step-by-step methods that must be followed in order to avoid typical errors in the field of septic system technology. This practical book was co-published with the National Environmental Health Association. This valuable book will assist you in installing a dependable septic system in both appropriate and problematic situations. It is particularly beneficial in matching the septic system to the site-specific requirements. This document will be useful to septic tank installers, planners, state and municipal regulators, civil and sanitary engineers, consulting engineers, architects, homeowners, academics, and property developers, among other people
• It is available in English and Spanish. On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems are available. Bennette D. Burks, Mary Margaret Minnis, Hogarth House, 1994 – Bennette D. Burks, Mary Margaret Minnis, Hogarth House, 1994 – one of the better septic system books available, despite the fact that the fonts are small and the index is lacking. (DF offers to act as indexer if Burks/Minnis decide to re-publish this really helpful volume.)

. Continue reading at THE BASICS OF SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN Alternatively, choose a topic from the closely related articles listed below, or browse the entireARTICLE INDEX. Alternatively, view the FAQs on SEPTIC DRAWINGS- questions and answers concerning septic design standards and drawings that were originally posted on this page. Alternatively, visit the SEPTIC BOOKSTORE SEPTIC CODESREFERENCES. SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN MANUAL – Available on the internet Alternate Designs for Seismic Systems – the house EXAMPLES OF SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS-

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INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES:ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

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Citations can be shown or hidden by selecting Show or Hide Citations. InspectApedia.com is a publisher that provides references. Daniel Friedman is an American journalist and author.

How to Measure & Sketch the Location of a Septic Tank

• Send in your question or comment regarding how to draw out the layout of a septic tank and the location of a septic tank cleanout cover.

InspectAPedia does not allow any form of conflict of interest. The sponsors, goods, and services described on this website are not affiliated with us in any way. Making a septic layout drawing is a good way to capture the position of your septic tank. For this topic, we also have anARTICLE INDEX available, or you may check the top or bottom of the page. Use the SEARCH BOX to discover the information you’re looking for quickly.

How to DOCUMENT the SEPTIC TANK LOCATION – How to Measure and Document the Septic Tank Location

It will be less expensive for the septic tank to be pumped when it has to be pumped, which is a routine maintenance activity, if the property owner has discovered the septic tank’s location and, if possible, has discovered the septic tank pumping access cover. Other reasons to create a drawing of the septic tank and drainfield location include allowing for the inspection and testing of septic systems before purchasing a home, as well as for safety considerations, such as ensuring that the septic tank lid is in good working order.

Reviewers and content recommendations are encouraged, and they will be acknowledged in the “References” section.

to keep track of the tank’s location

• Make a rough drawing. To determine the precise placement of the septic tank cleanout opening in relation to the structure, use “triangulation,” which requires only two measurements.

1. The distance between the tank cleanout and a permanent site feature such as the left corner of the building should be measured from there. Measure the distance between a second permanent site feature, such as the right corner of the structure, and the starting point. It is possible to set these two distances in the future, even if the tank is not visible
2. The tank lid will be located at the intersection of the two sites.

Taking Down the Location of the Septic Tank It is demonstrated in our “Septic Tank Pumping Guide” how to take accurate measurements of a septic system component in order to document its exact placement on the system.

If you discover your septic tank and additional hints assisted you in doing so, please send them to me through email so that we may share them with others. In addition, photographs are encouraged.

• Table showing suggested distances between the septic tank or drainfield and other site features, such as buildings, lakes, or other bodies of water
• And

Septic Tank Location Articles

• DISTANCES OF SEPTIC CLEARANCE
• LOCATION OF SEPTIC DRAINFIELD
• SIZE OF SEPTIC DRAINFIELD
• LEVELS OF SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION
• WHERE TO FIND SEPTIC TANK COVERS
• HOW TO FIND A SEPTIC TANK

• THE DISTANCE TO THE SEPTIC TANK
• FIND THE MAIN WASTE LINE EXIT
• POSSIBLE SEPTIC TANK LOCATIONS
• SEPTIC TANK COVERS
• SEPTIC TANK DEPTH
• SEPTIC TANK DESIGN DEPTH
• SEPTIC TANK LOCATING EQUIPMENT
• SEPTIC TANK LOCATION SKETCH
• SEPTIC TANK RISERS
• SEPTIC TAN

• Mistakes made during septic tank pumping
• SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE
• SEPTIC TANK RAISERS
• And more.

. Continue reading at SEPTIC TANK RISERS.com. Alternatively, choose a topic from the closely related articles listed below, or browse the entireARTICLE INDEX. Alternatively, check SEPTIC TANK, HOW TO FIND-HOME.

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EXAMPLE OF SEPTIC TANK LOCATION SKETCHatInspect A pedia.com is an online encyclopedia of building and environmental inspection and testing, as well as diagnostic, repair, and issue preventive information. Alternatively, have a look at this.

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES:ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

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We encourage you to use the search box just below, or if you prefer, you may make a question or remark in theCommentsbox below and we will get back to you as soon as possible. InspectApedia is a website that allows you to search for things. Please keep in mind that the publication of your remark below may be delayed if it contains an image, a web link, or text that seems to the program to be a web link. Your submission will appear when it has been reviewed by a moderator. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.

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Help reading drawing for septic tank location

Just a few months ago, I purchased a house in North Carolina, which is the first property I’ve ever lived in that has a septic system. I’ve read a lot about the correct care that must be taken, as well as the need of being cautious while planting anything near the tank and drain field. Because we don’t have any trees in our front or back yards, I’m thinking of planting a Crab Apple or Dogwood tree in either the front or back yards, but I want to be sure I know where the septic tank and drainfield are before I do anything.

It states that it is a 10,000-gallon tank, and that it was advised that it be pumped and that a few roots be removed from it.

A Beginner’s Guide to Septic Systems

• Septic systems are used to dispose of waste from homes and buildings. Identifying the location of the septic tank and drainfield
• What a Septic System Is and How It Works Keeping a Septic System in Good Condition
• Signs that a septic system is failing include:

Septic systems, also known as on-site wastewater management systems, are installed in a large number of buildings and houses. It is easy to lose sight of septic systems, which operate quietly, gracefully, and efficiently to protect human and environmental health due to their burying location. Septic systems are the norm in rural regions, but they may also be found in a lot of metropolitan places, especially in older buildings. It is critical to understand whether or not your building is on a septic system.

Is Your Home or Building on a Septic System?

It is possible that the solution to this question will not be evident. If a structure looks to be connected to a sewage system, it may instead be connected to a septic system. It is fairly unusual for tenants to be unaware of the final destination of the wastewater generated by their residence. Some of the hints or signs listed below will assist in determining whether the facility is served by a septic system or whether it is supplied by a sewer system:

• Sewer service will be provided at a cost by the city or municipality. Pay close attention to the water bill to see whether there is a cost labeled “sewer” or “sewer charge” on it. If there is a fee for this service, it is most likely because the facility is connected to a sewage system. Look up and down the street for sewage access ports or manholes, which can be found in any location. If a sewage system runs in front of a property, it is probable that the house is connected to it in some way. Inquire with your neighbors to see if they are connected to a sewer or septic system. The likelihood that your home is on a sewer system is increased if the properties on each side of you are on one as well. Keep in mind, however, that even if a sewage line is damaged,

All property owners should be aware of whether or not their property is equipped with an on-site wastewater treatment system.

Georgia law mandates that the property owner is responsible for the correct operation of a septic system, as well as any necessary maintenance and repairs.

Locating the Septic Tank and Drainfield

Finding a septic system may be a difficult process. They can be buried anywhere in the yard, including the front, back, and side yards. After a few years, the soil may begin to resemble the surrounding soil, making it impossible to distinguish the system from the surrounding soil. It is possible that in dry weather, the grass will be dryer in the shallow soil over the tank and greener over the drainfield, where the cleansed water will be released, but this is not always the case, especially in hot weather.

The contractor who built the house should have presented the initial owner with a map showing the tank and drainfield locations, according to the building code.

Installations such as these would have been examined by your local health agency.

How a Septic System Works

Typical sewage treatment system (figure 1). It is composed of three components (Figure 1): the tank, the drain lines or discharge lines, and the soil treatment area (also known as the soil treatment area) (sometimes called a drainfield or leach field). The size of the tank varies according to the size of the structure. The normal home (three bedrooms, two bathrooms) will often include a 1,000-gallon water storage tank on the premises. Older tanks may only have one chamber, however newer tanks must have two chambers.

The tank functions by settling waste and allowing it to be digested by microbes.

These layers include the bottom sludge layer, the top scum layer, and a “clear” zone in the center.

Maintaining a Septic System

The most typical reason for a septic system to fail is a lack of proper maintenance. Septic systems that are failing are expensive to repair or replace, and the expense of repairs rests on the shoulders of the property owner (Figure 4). Fortunately, keeping your septic system in good working order and avoiding costly repairs is rather simple. Figure 4. Septic system failure is frequently caused by a lack of proper maintenance. It is in your best interests to be aware of the location of the system, how it operates, and how to maintain it.

You should pump the tank if you aren’t sure when the last time it was pumped.

It is not permissible to drive or park over the tank or drainage field.

Signs a Septic System is Failing

A failed system manifests itself in the following ways:

• Sinks and toilets drain at a snail’s pace
• Plumbing that is backed up
• The sound of gurgling emanating from the plumbing system House or yard aromas that smell like sewage
• In the yard, there is wet or squishy dirt
• Water that is gray in hue that has accumulated
• An region of the yard where the grass is growing more quickly and is becoming greener
• Water contaminated by bacteria from a well

If you notice any of these indicators, you should notify your local health department immediately. An environmentalist from the health department can assist in identifying possible hazards. There are also listings of state-certified contractors available from the local health department, who may do repairs. Repairs or alterations to the system must be approved by the health department and examined by an inspector. Keep an eye out for any meetings that may take place between a health department inspector and a contractor to discuss repairs to your system.

Household garbage that has not been properly handled is released into the environment when systems fail.

It has the potential to pollute surrounding wells, groundwater, streams, and other sources of potable water, among other things. It has the potential to damage rivers, lakes, and coastlines. The foul odor emanating from a malfunctioning system might cause damage to property.

Figures 2 and 3 reprinted with permission from: CIDWT. 2009. Installation of Wastewater Treatment Systems. Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment. Iowa State University, Midwest Plan Service. Ames, IA.

History of the current status and revisions Published on the 15th of August, 2013. Published on March 28th, 2017 with a full review.

Septic System Owner’s Guide

What kind of computer system do you have? In North Carolina, there are many distinct types of septic systems in use, but the vast majority of the over 2 million systems in use throughout the state are minor variations of the typical septic system. This system includes a septic tank as well as a drainfield that is filled with gravel (usually two to six trenches). Since the mid- to late-1990s, classic gravel aggregate trenches have been phased out in favor of innovative gravel-less trench designs, which have become increasingly popular.

Some of the most often used gravel-free trenches nowadays are either long and narrow, tunnel-shaped chambers in the trenche, or gravel replacements such as expanded polystyrene aggregate.

• In what form of septic system do you have
• Where is it situated
• And where is the repair area situated? Is the septic system up and running? In the past, has it been kept up to date? What can you do on a day-to-day basis to ensure that your system continues to function properly? What kind of maintenance will be required in the future

On the grid labeledSeptic System Layout, draw a rough sketch of your home, septic system (including both the tank and drainfield), repair area, and any other essential features (such as your driveway). The distance between the home and the access port on the septic tank should be measured and recorded when having your septic tank drained. This will assist you in locating it again. You may also want to indicate the position of your tank as well as the limits of your drainfield in your yard. If you do not have a riser installed over the access port for your septic tank, you may want to consider having one put in.

The hazardous substances found in even fully running septic tanks

• On the grid labeledSeptic System Layout, draw a rough sketch of your house, septic system (including the tank and drainfield), repair area, and any other essential features (such as your driveway). The distance between the home and the access port on the tank should be measured and recorded when your septic tank is pumped. In order to locate it again, provide the following information: Also, you may want to designate the position of your tank and the borders of the drainfield in your yard. A riser above the access port for your septic tank may need to be erected if one has not already been done. Make certain, however, that the riser is secured with a lock or a heavy lid to prevent minors from opening it and putting themselves or others in risk. The toxic substances found in even well functioning septic tanks

If the house has only recently been constructed, request that the septic system contractor give you with a “as built” schematic, which may include elements that were not included in the permit. If the house is equipped with a pump, request that the contractor and the local health agency supply specifics on how the pump was initially installed. In order to properly care for your septic system, you must manage it on a day-to-day basis as well as perform periodic maintenance and repairs. Layout of a septic system.

• However, the drainfield does not have an indefinite capacity. The average daily water use per person is 50 gallons. Even for brief periods of time, the soil drainfield has a maximum daily design capacity of 120 gallons per bedroom, which is routinely exceeded. Overloads can occur at any time of year, on a daily basis, or on weekends. Fix any leaky faucets or toilets you may have. Water conservation will help you get more use out of your system.

Keep waste disposal to sewage alone.

• It is not acceptable to utilize your septic tank as a garbage can for items such as cigarette butts, tissues, feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, cat litter, coffee grinds, or disposable diapers. Reduce the amount of time you use your garbage disposal. These contribute a significant amount of additional solids. It is not recommended to throw fat or cooking oil down the drain. You should avoid putting toxic chemicals into your system, such as solvents and oils. You should avoid using paint thinners and paint thinners that have been dumped. You should avoid disinfectants and pesticides. Conserve your funds. Most of the time, commercial septic tank additives are not required.

Ensure that the system is protected against physical harm (site maintenance).

• Maintain a layer of plants on the soil over the drainfield to prevent soil erosion from occurring. Don’t drive your car above the system’s limits. Try to avoid building over the system or in the repair area. The natural shape of the terrain immediately downslope of the system should be preserved, and this region should be protected against excavation (cutting and filling). Neither asphalt nor concrete should be used to cover the tank or drainfield.

All wastewater should be disposed of in a system that has been authorized.

• You shouldn’t install a separate pipe to transport washwater to a side ditch or into the woods. This is against the law

The house and the yard (site maintenance)

• Conserve and preserve the area where your septic tank and drainfield are located
• Trees that thrive in moist environments should be cut down and removed. Willows, elms, sweetgums, and certain maples are examples of such trees. Surface water should be diverted away from the tank and drainfield by landscaping the yard. Inspect the system to make sure that water from the roof, gutter, and foundation drains does not overflow
• It is recommended that if your system is located at the base of a slope, you build a french drain to channel subterranean water. Ensure that drainage ditches, subsurface tiles, and drainage outlets are kept in good condition so that water may readily flow from them.

Sewage treatment system (Septic tank)

• Tanks should be elevated if they are 6 inches or deeper below the surface. They offer quick and convenient access for solids measurement and pumping, as well as for cleaning the effluent filter. The rate at which sludge and scum build in the tank is measured. Make a note of this information and provide it to your expert pumper. Solids should be pushed out of the tank as necessary. Most septic tanks have two sections
• It is necessary to have them drained out. More information about pumping frequency can be found in the Cooperative Extension Service document AG-439-13, Septic Systems and Their Maintenance, which is available online. It is not necessary to wait till your drainfield collapses before having your tank pumped. By that time, the drainfield may have been completely destroyed. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to septic systems.

Preventive Maintenance Record
Date	Work Done	Firm	Cost

Your Septic System Installer

Name:

Address:

Phone:

Date System Installed:

• If sewage is backing up into your toilets, tubs, or sinks, call a plumber. Slowly draining fittings, especially after it has rained
• Slow-draining fixtures A foul odor associated with damp soil or sewage dumped onto the ground or into neighboring ditches or wooded areas
• Please keep in mind that sewage from pump systems may rise to the surface of the ground when the pump is switched on and then disappear when the pump is turned off. This is still a failure of the system, and it must be fixed. a red light blinking or beeping in the home or in the yard, signaling that a pump is not functioning correctly or that the water level in a pump tank is excessive and on the verge of failing
• An rise in the number of diseases or illnesses related with swimming in lakes or rivers close to the dam.

Regulations and safeguards are necessary.

• Any system that includes a pump should be operated by a state-certified subsurface system operator. In the case of low pressure pipe (LPP) systems erected or repaired after July 1, 1992, as well as underground drip irrigation systems, aerobic treatment units (ATUs), peat biofilters, sand biofilters, textile biofilters, and other sophisticated systems, a permit will be required by law. Those interested in obtaining a list of state-certified subsurface system operators should contact the North Carolina Water Pollution Control System Certification Commission at 919-707-9089. Between planned maintenance visits, check to see that the pump and electrical components are still in proper operating order. Germs found in sewage have the potential to cause disease. Never go into a septic tank unless absolutely necessary. Toxic and explosive gases are present in the tank, posing a threat. Tanks that are more than a decade old may collapse. Electrical controls provide a risk of electric shock and sparking. Ensure that the septic tank cover is securely fastened.

For further information about septic systems, speak with an Extension agent in your county or the local public health agency. This paper is an updated version of a previous publication. It is with gratitude that we acknowledge Tom Konsler (Orange County Health Department), Deanna Osmond, Mitch Woodward, and Grace Lawrence (North Carolina Cooperative Extension) for their contributions to the document’s peer review, as well as Debra Ireland for her work on the document’s graphic design, layout, and editing.

Discrimination and harassment are prohibited at North Carolina Cooperative Extension, regardless of age, color, handicap, family and marital status, gender identity, national origin, political opinions, racism, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or veteran status.

How to Determine Relative Elevation in a Septic System Inspection

You should be aware that while checking an irrigation system for the purpose of a real estate transfer or diagnosing a problem, the system was designed so that wastewater can flow from one component of the system to another. In other words, the system is configured to function in the manner for which it was intended. The relative altitudes should be analyzed and compared to the system design and the requisite drop to allow gravity to flow through the system, if applicable. This necessitates the use of a tripod instrument, which can be either a transit or a level (since these are more accurate than using a hand level).