Indian standard code of practice for installation of septic tanks (IS: 2470) – Bureau of Indian Standards (1986) This IS Code provides various requirements that have to be met while constructing a septic tank, so that it meets minimum standards.
- IS : 2470 ( Part 1 ) – 1985 0.4 This code of practice represents a standard of good practice and therefore takes the form of recommendation. 0.3 Septic tank offers a preliminary treatment of sewage prior to final dis-
Do I have to replace my septic tank by 2020?
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.
How high should my septic tank be?
A septic tank should always be “filled” to its normal liquid level, or the bottom of the outlet pipe which carries effluent to the absorption area. This normal liquid level is usually between 8” to 12” from the top of the tank on average (see picture at right).
Should a septic tank be vented?
The bacteria active in a septic tank are anaerobic. Anaerobic means the bacteria operate without oxygen from the air. There is not a great deal of gas generated in a septic tank, but the gas must be released so pressure does not build up in the tank. If the septic tank has inlet and outlet baffles, they must be vented.
How much field line do I need for a septic tank?
A typical septic drainfield trench is 18 to 30 inches in depth, with a maximum soil cover over the disposal field of 36″; or per the USDA, 2 feet to 5 feet in depth.
Do I need a certificate for my septic tank?
The General Binding Rules were designed to simplify the regulation of small sewage discharges. Septic tanks and small sewage treatment plants no longer need to be registered and there is no legal requirement to keep records of maintenance (although this is advisable).
What are the new rules on septic tanks?
According to new regulations passed in 2015, if your septic tank discharges to surface water such as a ditch, stream, canal or river, you will have to upgrade your system to a sewage treatment plant or install a soakaway system by 1 January 2020.
How can I tell if 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?
Can heavy rain affect septic tank?
It is common to have a septic back up after or even during a heavy rain. Significant rainfall can quickly flood the ground around the soil absorption area (drainfield) leaving it saturated, making it impossible for water to flow out of your septic system.
Can a septic tank never be pumped?
What Are the Consequences of Not Pumping Your Tank? If the tank is not pumped, the solids will build up in the tank and the holding capacity of the tank will be diminished. Eventually, the solids will reach the pipe that feeds into the drain field, causing a clog. Waste water backing up into the house.
Can I cut my septic vent pipe in yard?
They shouldn’t be removed but they can be cut down, level with the ground. Other white pipes may be standing above your septic tank, pump tank or close to your foundation. Those are available for maintenance, if needed, and shouldn’t be removed. Again, they can all be cut down close to the ground surface and recapped.
How far away can vent be from toilet?
According to the UPC, the distance between your trap and the vent should be no more than 6 feet. In other words, for the vent to work properly, it needs to feed into the drain line within 6 feet of the trapways that connect to it.
Should a septic tank be airtight?
Septic tanks need to be watertight. The riser should be sealed to the top of the tank and the riser cover should be sealed to the riser with butyl rubber or some other flexible sealant. No liquid should enter or leave the tank.
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.
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.
How do I calculate the size of my septic drain field?
Drainfield Size
- The size of the drainfield is based on the number of bedrooms and soil characteristics, and is given as square feet.
- 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.
Searchable platform for building codes
In other building occupancies, the liquid capacity of septic tanks must comply with Table H 201.1 (1) and Table H 201.1 (4), which are determined by the number of bedrooms or apartment units in dwelling occupancies and the estimated waste / sewagedesign flow rate or the number of plumbing fixture units as determined from Table 702.1of this code, whichever is greater. It is required that the capacity of any one’s septic tank and its drainage systems be restricted to the soil structure classification in Table H 201.1(2), as well as to the specifications in Table H 201.1.
AREA OF CAPACITY OF SEPTIC TANKS1, 2, 3, 4 IN TABLE H 201.1(1)
| SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLINGS- NUMBER OF BEDROOMS | MULTIPLE DWELLING UNITS OR APARTMENTS – ONE BEDROOM EACH | OTHER USES: MAXIMUMFIXTURE UNITSSERVED PERTABLE 702.1 | MINIMUMSEPTIC TANKCAPACITY (gallons) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 or 2 | — | 15 | 750 |
| 3 | — | 20 | 1000 |
| 4 | 2 units | 25 | 1200 |
| 5 or 6 | 3 | 33 | 1500 |
| — | 4 | 45 | 2000 |
| — | 5 | 55 | 2250 |
| — | 6 | 60 | 2500 |
| — | 7 | 70 | 2750 |
| — | 8 | 80 | 3000 |
| — | 9 | 90 | 3250 |
| — | 10 | 100 | 3500 |
In metric measurements, one gallon equals 3.785 liters. Notes:1Extra bedroom, each with a capacity of 150 gallons (568 L). 2Each additional residential unit over ten requires 250 gallons (946 L) of water. 3Extrafixture units in excess of 100: 25 gallons (94.6 L) perfixture unit in excess of 100 This table includes the capacity for sludge storage as well as the ability to connect home food waste disposers without the need for further tank volume expansion. DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA FOR FIVE TYPICAL SOILS ARE LISTED IN TABLE H 201.1(2)
| TYPE OF SOIL | REQUIRED SQUARE FEET OF LEACHING AREA PER 100 GALLONS | MAXIMUM ABSORPTION CAPACITY IN GALLONS PER SQUARE FEET OF LEACHING AREA FOR A 24 HOUR PERIOD |
|---|---|---|
| Coarse sand or gravel | 20 | 5.0 |
| Fine sand | 25 | 4.0 |
| Sandy loam or sandy clay | 40 | 2.5 |
| Clay with considerable sand or gravel | 90 | 1.1 |
| Clay with small amount of sand or gravel | 120 | 0.8 |
For SI measures, 1 square foot equals 0.0929 m 2, 1 gallon equals 3.785 L, and 1 gallon per square foot equals 40.7 L/m 2TABLE H 201.1(3)LEACHING AREA SIZE BASED ONSEPTIC TANKCAPACITYTABLE H 201.1(3)LEACHING AREA SIZE BASED ONSEPTIC TANKCAPACITY
| REQUIRED SQUARE FEET OF LEACHING AREA PER 100 GALLONSSEPTIC TANKCAPACITY (square feet per 100 gallons) | MAXIMUMSEPTIC TANKSIZE ALLOWABLE (gallons) |
|---|---|
| 20—25 | 7500 |
| 40 | 5000 |
| 90 | 3500 |
| 120 | 3000 |
In the case of SI units, the following is correct: In liters, 1 square foot per 100 gallons is 0.000245 m 2/L, and 1 gallon equals 3.785 LTABLE H 201.1(4)ESTIMATEDWASTE/SEWAGEFLOWRATES 1, 2, and 3
| TYPE OF OCCUPANCY | GALLONS PER DAY |
|---|---|
| Airports (per employee) | 15 |
| Airports (per passenger) | 5 |
| Auto washers — check with equipment manufacturer | – |
| Bowling alleys — with snack bar only (per lane) | 75 |
| Campground — with central comfort station (per person) | 35 |
| Campground — with flush toilets — no showers (per person) | 25 |
| Camps (day) — no meals served (per person) | 15 |
| Camps (summer and seasonal camps) — (per person) | 50 |
| Churches — sanctuary (per seat) | 5 |
| Churches — with kitchenwaste(per seat) | 7 |
| Dance halls — (per person) | 5 |
| Factories — no showers (per employee) | 25 |
| Factories — with showers (per employee) | 35 |
| Factories — with cafeteria (per employee) | 5 |
| Hospitals — (per bed) | 250 |
| Hospitals — kitchenwasteonly (per bed) | 25 |
| Hospitals — laundrywasteonly (per bed) | 40 |
| Hotels — no kitchenwaste(per bed) | 60 |
| Institutions — resident (per person) | 75 |
| Nursing home — (per person) | 125 |
| Rest home — (per person) | 125 |
| Laundries — self-service with minimum 10 hours per day (per wash cycle) | 50 |
| Laundries — commercial check with manufacturer’s specification | – |
| Motel (per bed space) | 50 |
| Motel — with kitchen (per bed space) | 60 |
| Offices — (per employee) | 20 |
| Parks — mobile homes (per space) | 250 |
| Parks (picnic) — with toilets only (per parking space) | 20 |
| Parks (recreational vehicles) — without water hook-up (per space) | 75 |
| Parks (recreational vehicles) — with water and sewer hook-up (per space) | 100 |
| Restaurants — cafeteria (per employee) | 20 |
| Restaurants — with toiletwaste(per customer) | 7 |
| Restaurants — with kitchenwaste(per meal) | 6 |
| Restaurants — with kitchenwastedisposable service (per meal) | 2 |
| Restaurants — with garbage disposal (per meal) | 1 |
| Restaurants — with cocktail lounge (per customer) | 2 |
| Schools staff and office (per person) | 20 |
| Schools — elementary (per student) | 15 |
| Schools — intermediate and high (per student) | 20 |
| Schools — with gym and showers (per student) | 5 |
| Schools — with cafeteria (per student) | 3 |
| Schools (boarding) — totalwaste(per person) | 100 |
| Service station — with toilets for 1 stbay | 1000 |
| Service station — with toilets for each additional bay | 500 |
| Stores — (per employee) | 20 |
| Stores — with public restrooms (per 10 square feet of floor space) | 1 |
| Swimming pools — public (per person) | 10 |
| Theaters — auditoriums (per seat) | 5 |
| Theaters — with drive-in (per space) | 10 |
Using the International System of Units (SI), we may say Table H 201.1(4)EstimatedWaste/SEWAGEFLOWRATES 1, 2, and 3 LTABLE H 201.1(4)EstimatedWaste/SEWAGEFLOWRATES 1, 2, and 3 1 gallon = 3.785
15.42.070 Septic tank requirements.
15.42.070 Requirements for a septic tank. First and foremost, the general New and replacement OWTS septic tanks must be authorized by the IAPMO or built by a California qualified civil engineer to fulfill structural design criteria acceptable to the administrative authority, and they must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. B. Capacity is the amount of space available. All septic tanks must have a liquid capacity that meets the requirements of Table15.42.070a, which is calculated by the following factors: (1) the number of beds or housing units; and (2) the number of plumbing fixture units, whichever is larger.
(Order No.
| Single-Family Dwellings/Second Dwelling Unitsof Bedrooms |
Multiple Dwelling Units (1 bedroom each) |
Maximum Drainage Fixture Units |
Minimum Septic Tank Capacity 4(gallons) |
| 1 to 61 |
2 to 3 units |
33 |
1,500 |
| – |
4 |
45 |
2,000 |
| – |
5 |
55 |
2,250 |
| – |
6 |
60 |
2,500 |
| – |
7 |
70 |
2,750 |
| – |
8 |
80 |
3,000 |
| – |
9 |
90 |
3,250 |
| – |
102 |
1003 |
3,500 |
Notes: There are 1 more bedrooms with 150 gallons of water each. 2 more living units, each with a capacity of 250 gallons. 3 more fixture units over 100, each fixture unit containing 25 gallons of water. 4 The septic tank sizes shown in this table include sludge storage capacity as well as the ability to connect to residential food waste disposal systems without requiring additional tank volume. Plans are the third item on the list. Plans for septic tanks must be submitted to the appropriate administrative authorities for approval before construction can begin.
Design is the fourth element.
The compartments are the next section.
There should be neither less than two-thirds of the total storage capacity of the tank in the intake compartment, nor less than one thousand (1,000) gallons liquid capacity in the outlet compartment of any septic tank There should be a secondary compartment in a septic tank with a capacity of not less than five hundred (500) gallons and a capacity that does not exceed one-third of the overall storage capacity of the tank.
- F.
- There should be at least two manholes, each with a minimum diameter of twenty-four (24) inches (610 mm) and providing access to the septic tank in question.
- Septic tanks must be equipped with the necessary manholes, which must be accessible by extending the manhole openings to grade in a way that is acceptable to the administrative authorities.
- Dimensions of pipe openings Apertures for inlet and outlet pipe openings must be no bigger in size than the connected sewage pipe.
- If the inlet and outlet pipe inverts are the same size, the baffle-type fitting must have the same cross-sectional area as the connected sewage pipe and not less than four inches (102 mm) horizontal dimension when measured at the inlet and outlet pipe inverts.
- Expansion of the pipeline.
- At a height of not less than two inches (51 mm) above the invert of the outlet pipe, the invert of the inlet pipe must be higher than that of the outlet pipe.
Ample open space for ventilation.
Sidewalls are the walls on each side of the door.
The septic tank cover must be at least two inches (51 mm) above the back vent ports in order for them to function properly.
Dividers and baffles Partitions or baffles between compartments must be made of a solid, long-lasting material and must reach not less than four inches (102 mm) above the level of the liquid inside.
It shall be a minimum size equivalent to the tank inlet, but in no case less than four inches (102 mm).
L.
Both new and replacement options are available.
In order to be considered in compliance with this criterion, septic tanks must utilize an NSF/ANSI Standard 46 certified septic tank effluent filter at the ultimate point of effluent discharge from the OWTS and before the dispersion system, as described above.
Structural Analysis and Design.
It is necessary that the structural design of septic tanks adhere to the following requirements: Every tank constructed in this manner must be structurally sound and capable of withstanding all predicted earth or other loads.
Tanks must be anchored to the ground in flood hazard zones and in places where the groundwater level is higher than the tank bottom in order to prevent buoyant forces.
Tanks with a high level of traffic flow.
A minimum H-20 traffic rating, as set by the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials, must be met by septic tanks placed in high-traffic locations, such as driveways and parking lots.
Substances and materials.
The materials utilized in the construction of a concrete septic tank should be in line with applicable requirements set out in the California Plumbing Code, Section 1401.
1.
The use of wood septic tanks is strictly forbidden.
Septic tanks that have been prefabricated.
When requested by the administrative authorities, independent laboratory tests and technical calculations confirming tank capacity and structural stability must be submitted.
New septic tank installations and upgrades to existing septic tanks must pass water-tightness testing in accordance with the following guidelines: 1.
When testing a new tank installation, the access risers must be in place and the inlet and outlet pipes must be blocked before the tank may be used.
2.
Existing tanks must be filled with water to a level that is equal to or higher than the invert of the output pipe, and the tank must be monitored for one hour to ensure that there is no discernible reduction in the water level.
(Order No.
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 placed on a level 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 large stones or debris present in the backfill material.
NAICS Code: 562991 Septic Tank and Related Services
Establishments principally involved in (1) pumping (i.e., cleaning) septic tanks and cesspools and/or (2) renting and/or servicing portable toilets are included in this sector of the United States economy. Cross-References. Establishments that are primarily involved in-
- Establishments principally involved in (1) pumping (i.e., cleaning) septic tanks and cesspools and/or (2) renting and/or servicing portable toilets are included in this sector of the United States industry. Cross-References. Businesses that are primarily involved in –
| 2007 NAICS | 2012 NAICS | 2017 NAICS | Index Entries for 562991 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 562991 | 562991 | 562991 | Cesspool cleaning services |
| 562991 | 562991 | 562991 | Portable toilet pumping (i.e., cleaning) services |
| 562991 | 562991 | 562991 | Portable toilet renting and/or servicing |
| 562991 | 562991 | 562991 | Pumping (i.e., cleaning) cesspools and septic tanks |
| 562991 | 562991 | 562991 | Pumping (i.e., cleaning) portable toilets |
| 562991 | 562991 | 562991 | Septic tank cleaning services |
| 562991 | 562991 | 562991 | Septic tank pumping (i.e., cleaning) services |
| 562991 | 562991 | 562991 | Tank cleaning services, septic |
| 562991 | 562991 | 562991 | Toilet renting and/or servicing, portable |
Top Businesses by Annual Sales for 562991 – Click for Complete Profiles:
| Heritage-Crystal Clean Inc | Elgin | IL |
| Roto-Rooter Development Co | Cincinnati | OH |
| United Site Services Inc | Westborough | MA |
| Wind River Environmental LLC | Marlborough | MA |
| Environmental Pdts Group Inc | Apopka | FL |
| United Site Services Cal Inc | El Monte | CA |
| Ace Pipe Cleaning Inc | Kansas City | MO |
| Hydro-Klean LLC | Des Moines | IA |
| Andy Gump Inc | Santa Clarita | CA |
| Southwest Pipeline and T | Torrance | CA |
Septic Systems Guidance, Policy, and Regulations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created a number of publications detailing its goal, priorities, and regulatory authority, as well as guidance and technical information to assist towns in establishing complete septic (onsite) management plans.
- Provision of guidance in the form of voluntary national guidelines and implementation tools in order to enhance the overall management of septic wastewater systems The following are examples of policy and regulations: Congressman’s reports, program strategies, and regulatory requirements for Class V wells
Guidance
- Factsheet on the Decentralized Management Guidelines
- Presentation on Understanding the Decentralized Management Guidelines
A “how-to” guide for adopting the Environmental Protection Agency’s Voluntary National Guidelines for the Management of Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems is available in the Handbook for Managing Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems. In this tutorial, you will learn how to construct a step-by-step strategy to establishing a community program for managing decentralized wastewater systems. You will also find community examples, aspects for good management, and links to other resources.
National Management Measures to Control Nonpoint Source Pollution from Urban Areas are currently being developed.
A guide for tribal nations on how to build, manage, and control onsite wastewater treatment facilities is available at Tribal Management of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems.
Guideline for specifying management measures for nonpoint sources of pollution in inland and coastal waters Governmental guidelines on which environmental management methods to incorporate into state and territorial Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Programs are available.
Policy and Regulations
Report to Congress on the Prevalence Throughout the United States of Low- and Moderate-Income Households Lacking Access to a Treatment Works and the Use by States of Assistance Under Section 603(c)(12) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (pdf) Section 4107(b) of the America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018 requires that this report be submitted. It contains a review of the national data sources available on decentralized wastewater treatment use; the prevalence of low- and moderate-income households without access to a treatment works; a summary of four state examples that have robust data on the use of decentralized wastewater treatment systems; and, a description of databases that record the use of state assistance programs.
Studies the viability of decentralized wastewater treatment, which might be a lower-cost alternative for local communities with wastewater treatment requirements.
Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems: A Program Strategy A Class V well is a well that is regulated while a septic system is in use.
Seepage Pits Have the Potential to Degrade Ground Water Quality Fact sheet about the dangers of utilizing cesspools for sewage disposal, as well as the law against using them.
