What Is The Septic Tank Requirement When Remodleing A Basement? (Solved)

In most U.S. jurisdictions we surveyed, the minimum permitted tank size for new septic installations is 1000 gallons. Special site considerations may require design by a septic-engineer before local health departments can approve an installation. WATER USAGE TABLE provides companion data if you don’t already know your daily wastewater volume

Is septic tank necessary?

Getting rid of waste is a necessity, whether it’s done via sewer or septic tank. “A septic tank is a key component of a septic system, a small-scale sewage treatment system common in areas that lack connection to main sewage pipes provided by local governments or private corporations.

What is the alternative to a septic tank?

Mound systems work well as alternatives to septic tanks when the soil around your home or building is too dense or too shallow or when the water table is too high. Although they are more expensive and require more maintenance than conventional systems, mound systems are a common alternative.

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 from a building should a septic tank be?

Most importantly, a septic tank must be at least seven metres from a house, defined as a ‘habitable property’. Septic tanks are built underground and release wastewater slowly into the surrounding environment. For this reason, they must be a set distance away from a home.

Which one of the following is purpose of septic tank?

A septic tank is an underwater sedimentation tank used for wastewater treatment through the process of biological decomposition and drainage. Septic tanks allow a safe disposal of wastewater and hence are widely popular in areas that have a poor drainage system or are off the mains sewage network.

Are septic tanks still legal?

Septic Tanks Explained… Septic tanks cannot discharge to surface water drains, rivers, canals, ditches, streams or any other type of waterway. 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.

What is the cheapest septic system?

Conventional septic system These conventional septic systems are usually the most affordable, with an average cost of around $3,000.

What is the lifespan of a concrete septic tank?

Inspectapedia estimates that a steel tank baffles will rust out in 15 to 20 years and may collapse if driven over, but a concrete tank will last 40 years or more as long as the wastewater is not acidic. It’s important to consider the life expectancy of a drain-field, too.

What is the difference between a septic tank and a leach field?

The septic tank stores solid waste products that are not reduced to liquid effluent until you have them pumped out and disposed of properly. The leech field is a series of perforated pipes that provide an effective means for disposing of contaminates without endangering animals or contaminating the ground water.

How far apart are leach lines?

The minimum separation between the bottom of any leaching device and seasonally high groundwater shall be: 5 feet where the leaching device is between 50 and 100 feet from a stream, spring, or other waterbody.

How much does a new leach field cost?

Although costs vary according to the size of the leach field, soils and costs of local permits, expect to pay between $5,000 and $20,000 for leach field replacement. It is the most expensive component of the septic system.

Are Soakaways legal?

If you are asking this question then the answer is probably not. Most historic systems discharge to a soakaway, which is basically just a hole in the ground filled with rubble. This does not allow for the proper treatment of effluent which is why it is now illegal.

Can you build next to septic tank?

It is never recommended to build a structure over any portion of your septic system. The most common problem we see is when someone wants to pump out their septic tank but doesn’t know where their tank is located.

Do you need planning permission for a 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.

What are the general binding rules?

The General Binding Rules is a term given to legally binding requirements in regulations that set the minimum standards or conditions that apply. A septic tank is an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground.

3 Tips for Remodeling Your Home with a Septic System – Septic Maxx

You may be considering expanding your house by adding another bedroom or a full new floor. You must also take into account the consequences that upgrading your house may have on your septic system in addition to the flooring and wall colors you choose. There are certain specific aspects to which you must pay great attention, such as how to reroute your plumbing and how much the entire operation will cost you in the long run. Inadequate consideration for your septic system while upgrading your house might result in expensive repairs that may wind up costing more than the actual home renovation project itself.

Locate Septic Tank

The location of your septic tank should be the first step taken before any construction begins. It is normally plainly marked on the layout plan of your house, but if that is not accessible for your use, you may have to do a little digging to find out where it is located. The distance between your residence and your septic tank must be at least 5 feet in every state. Generally speaking, in older homes, the septic tank is located in the rear, near the main bathroom window. It’s also a good idea to look for low or high points in the grass.

One of the quickest and most straightforward methods of locating your septic tank is to just follow the sewage line and probe the ground throughout the yard until you feel a firm surface underneath you.

Consider How Alterations Will Affect Your Septic Tank

In certain areas, you are only obligated to expand the capacity of your septic tank if you build an additional bedroom onto your house. This is due to the fact that the addition of another bedroom almost often entails the building of another bathroom, which might result in a septic tank overflow if not properly planned for. It is adequate for a two to three-bedroom home with an area of no more than 2,250 square feet to have a 900-gallon septic tank installed. A tank of 1,050 gallons is suitable for a four-bedroom home with a living space of up to 3,300 square feet.

Check Local Permit Requirements

In addition, you should make certain that the alteration of your property is approved. For example, in the aforementioned scenario where you may wish to add another floor to your house, many states may demand that your septic tank have a specific size in order to accommodate the additional level. This will guarantee that it is capable of dealing with the additional volume of garbage that you will be creating. Failing to comply with these requirements can result in fines as well as the inability to utilize insurance to pay any resulting septic system repairs that may arise.

Don’t forget about your sewage; our quality septic cleaning products are an environmentally safe approach to assist in the removal of fats, grease, oils, and other contaminants. Contact us at (800) 397-2384 or fill out our online purchase form to place your order today!

Do I have to get a larger septic tank when I build a home addition?

It is dependent on whether or not the expansion has a bedroom. Florida’s Department of Health, which regulates septic systems, establishes the size of a new home’s septic tank and drainfield based on a combination of the number of bedrooms in a home and the square footage of living space. With the addition of a bedroom as part of a home addition, the number of occupants in the home increases, as does the amount of waste produced. This results in the need for a larger drainfield and possibly a larger septic tank, depending on the size of the tank that was in place prior to the addition.

If a bedroom is not added to a home, according to the State of Florida Department of Health’s Chapter 64E-6, Florida Administrative Code Standards for Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems, “a modification, replacement, or upgrade of an on-site wastewater treatment and disposal system is not required for a remodeling addition.” Please bear in mind, however, that the sewage system was intended to address sewage demands at the time the residence was first built.

Regardless of whether the number of tenants or the rate of sewage flow grows, you will want to upgrade your septic system to avoid a drainfield failure and a stinking backup of sewage from the septic tank into your home.
A 1050 gallon quantity is required for a four-bedroom home up to 3,300 square feet in size.
For additional information about house septic systems in Florida, we recommend that you download the report “Your Home Septic System,” which was produced by the University of Florida IFAS Extension, by clicking on the link provided below.

It is possible for a house to have more than one septic tank.
See the following blog pages for further information on septic tank systems: What can I put in my septic tank to make it run more efficiently?
What is the best way to determine if a residence is linked to a septic tank system or a sewer system?

Is it necessary to re-certify a septic tank after a residence has been empty for a period of time?
How frequently should I get my septic tank pumped?
What happened to the septic tank?

When it comes to the plumbing regulations, what is the difference between gray water and black water?

If the washing machine drain is diverted to a nearby piece of ground in the yard, is this permissible? If you’re interested in reading more about plumbing, check out ourPLUMBINGpage, or browse through ourINDEXfor a comprehensive listing of all our articles.

Septic Systems-What To Ask Before You Buy Land

Articles on Septic Systems Testing of the Soil and Perc What a Septic System Is and How It Works Septic System Upkeep and Repair NEW! Septic Systems that are not conventional See Also: Septic System Frequently Asked Questions See all of our LAND BUYING articles In order to buy land in the country if you’re from an urban or suburban region, you’ll need to become familiar with wells and septic systems. For city dwellers, water arrives out of nowhere at the faucet, and wastewater travels off to a distant location just as effortlessly.

Problems with either the well or septic systems can result in major health consequences as well as significant repair costs.

HOW A SEPTIC SYSTEM WORKS

In locations where there are no municipal sewage systems, each residence is responsible for treating its own sewage on its own property, which is known as a “on-site sewage disposal system,” sometimes known as a septic system. Septic systems are typically comprised of a waste pipe from the home, a big concrete, fiberglass, or plastic septic tank, and an aleach field, among other components. One of the most frequent types of leach fields is composed of a succession of perforated distribution pipes that are placed one after another in a gravel-filled absorption trenches.

SEPTIC SYSTEM CAREMAINTENANCE

Many individuals don’t pay attention to their septic system until they experience difficulties, such as slow drains or backups of sewage. If the drain field is entirely blocked by that time, it may be beyond repair and may require replacement. Fortunately, basic care and affordable maintenance may keep your system functioning for decades without requiring any major repairs. click here to find out more

SOIL AND PERC TESTING

Traditional septic systems can only function properly if the soil in the leach area is sufficiently porous to allow the liquid effluent flowing into it to be absorbed by the soil. There must also be at least a few feet of decent soil between the bottom of the leach pipes and the rock or impermeable hardpan below, or from the bottom of the leach pipes to the water table. Depending on the municipality, particular criteria may differ, however any of these qualities may exclude the installation of a basic gravity-fed septic system.

ALTERNATIVE SEPTIC SYSTEMS

If your lot does not pass the perc test, some towns may enable you to construct an engineered system as a backup plan if the perc test fails. Because a “mound” system functions similarly to a normal system, with the exception of the fact that the leach field is elevated, it is frequently used when the issue soil is too thick (or, in certain situations, too permeable), too shallow (over bedrock or hardpan), or the water table is too high. The mound is comprised of a network of tiny distribution pipes that are embedded in a layer of gravel on top of a layer of sand that is normally one to two feet deep.

Whether or not alternative septic systems are permitted.

Is It Possible for Septic Systems to Last a Lifetime? How Much Slope Do You Need for a Septic Line? Performing an Inspection on a Septic System When Is the Best Time to Take a Perc Test? Should I use a Sand Filter with my existing septic system? Testing for the presence of WellSeptic

Reader Interactions

Despite the fact that it may seem like a simple topic, the subtleties of what constitutes a bedroom are particularly significant when evaluating how house improvements may affect your septic system. In the midst of a renovation job, the septic system isn’t the first thing that comes to mind while you’re sifting through paint chips and carpet possibilities. Certain house modifications, on the other hand, may need the replacement of your septic system. Continue reading to learn more about what constitutes a bedroom and why this is important for your septic system.

Sizing Standards for Septic Tanks

Many people are under the impression that the size of a home’s septic system is dictated by the number of bathrooms it has. This is incorrect. Building codes, on the other hand, determine the size of the system based on the number of bedrooms (or potential bedrooms) a property possesses. Why? The number of bedrooms in a house determines the number of people it can accommodate. On a daily basis, the average human consumes between 80 and 100 gallons of water. Each additional person who lives in a home increases the everyday stress placed on the septic system’s ability to function properly.

Following these standards not only guarantees that your home is up to code, but it also ensures that your trash disposal system is capable of handling the garbage generated by your household.

The following criteria, which are applicable in the state of Ohio, define the proper size requirements for residential septic systems.

Number of Bedrooms	Size of Septic Tank
1-2	1,000 gallons in one or two compartments
3	1,500 gallons in two tanks/compartments
4-5	2,000 gallons in two tanks/compartments
6+	2,500 gallons plus 250 gallons for each additional bedroom in two tanks/compartments

What Counts as a BedroomWhy It Matters for Your Septic System

So what exactly is a bedroom? While this appears to be a straightforward question with a straightforward response, the reality is that most people are surprised by what constitutes a “bedroom.” In Ohio, a bedroom is defined as “a room that is planned or utilized as a sleeping room, or any space that may reasonably be used or completed as a sleeping room,” according to the state’s definition. The municipal health department, which collaborates with the construction department to ensure that structures are safe and hygienic, is ultimately responsible for determining whether a room truly qualifies as a bedroom.

Measurement in Square Feet: A room must contain at least 100 square feet in order to be classified as a bedroom. Most of the time, an area between 70 and 80 square feet qualifies as large enough to be designated a bedroom.

Width: In certain cases, a room may fulfill the minimal size standards, but it will not qualify as a bedroom because it is not wide enough to be utilized as a bedroom in a reasonable manner. A long corridor, for example, may be 70-80 square feet in size, but that area could not be used for sleeping purposes in any reasonable manner. Bedrooms are usually at least 7 feet wide in any direction in order to qualify as such
However, this might vary depending on the situation.

A room must also fulfill specific height standards in order to be called a bedroom, including the ability for an adult to stand erect in the space Most of the time, at least half of the room must be at least 7 feet tall. This factor is sometimes used to determine whether or not a finished attic or loft area qualifies as a bedroom
Nevertheless,

For a room to be classified a bedroom, it must also fulfill specific ceiling height standards that allow an adult to stand erect in the space. At least half of a room must be at least 7 feet tall in order to be considered functional. A completed attic or loft area that has been converted into a bedroom is frequently considered in this way.

Heating and cooling must be provided in the bedrooms in some form or another. Typically, this necessitates the ventilation of a room in order to connect to the home’s HVAC system.

Home Upgrades that May Require Septic System Upgrades

Perhaps the most essential consideration for assessing whether a room qualifies as a bedroom is whether it can properly be used as a bedroom, rather than whether or not you want to use it as a bedroom in the first place. Example: If you are completing a lofted area to use as a home office and the space fulfills all of the standards to qualify as a bedroom, the space will be treated as a bedroom under the rules. If the addition of this extra area causes your home to cross another threshold, such as going from three to four bedrooms, you may need to update your septic tank.

To decide whether or whether you will need to update your septic system as a result of the remodeling project, consult with your contractor, local health agency, and atrusted septic provider closely.

We take great satisfaction in providing quality septic services, both routine and emergency, to our customers. For more information on how your home renovations may affect your septic system, get in touch with us now.

What Not to Flush Down the Drain When Making Home Repairs and Maintaining Your Septic SystemPoint-of-Sale What to Expect During a Septic Inspection

What is a bedroom? Why does it affect your septic system?

This may appear to be a strange question demanding a straightforward response. However, it is one of the most commonly misunderstood and misrepresented aspects of a house. Much more important is to ask: “Why does it matter?” and “To whom does it matter?” The topic of what constitutes a bedroom has implications for persons who are:

Building a new house, remodeling or adding an extension to a current home, and purchasing an existing property from either a private seller or a real estate agent are all options for homeowners.

Allow me to begin by tying this to a situation that occurred a few weeks ago. I received a phone call from a prospective client who was searching for help. He had recently made the decision to finish the second story of his Cape Cod-style home, which was now under construction. Upon completion, he intended to utilize the finished areas as an office and a hobby room, respectively. This seems to be a straightforward process. When he went to the local building department to obtain a permit, he was informed by the sanitarian that the space he was completing was regarded a prospective bedroom, despite the fact that he had no intention of utilizing either space as a sleeping place.

In order to build these extra “bedrooms,” he would also need to expand his present septic system, which was explained to him at that point.

First, why did the sanitarian consider the spaces to be bedrooms?

The sanitarian decided that they had easy access to the restroom on the first level in this particular instance. As a result, based on his assessment, he concluded that the second-floor spaces may be utilized as bedrooms, or as private sleeping quarters for people. However, even if the present owner intends to use the rooms as an office and a hobby room, the spaces would be deemed a third or fourth bedroom and might be utilized as such by new owners if the house is sold in the future.

Second, what did that have to do with the size of the septic system?

Many people believe that the size of a septic system is proportional to the number of bathrooms in a house. This is not true. This is completely false! The number of bedrooms in a house determines the size of the septic system required. Consider the following scenario: if your home was initially built as a three-bedroom house, the septic system was most likely intended to accommodate the projected capacity of the house (6 people; 2 per bedroom). To satisfy the demands of an additional two people, you must expand your septic system to include a fourth room or whatever the building authority or health code considers a bedroom.

Septic Systems and Additions To Your Home

The lesson here is that if you have a septic system, you must take into account the system’s present capacity when planning a new addition or renovation that may be deemed a new bedroom. This is also a useful reminder for real estate professionals. There have been a few instances when Realtors have listed properties on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) when the number of bedrooms did not match the capacity of the septic system. For example, the listing said that the home had 4 bedrooms, but the buyer subsequently learns that the septic system is only rated for 3 bedrooms.

The buyer has the right to file a lawsuit against the seller and the Realtor.

The majority of health agencies should have information on file in the form of a septic design or “septic as-constructed.” You may look forward to a follow-up article in a few days in which we will discuss bedrooms in further detail and how they are defined by ambiguous health code criteria.

Inside the Home

Building permits are normally issued in two stages, with evaluations conducted by both Planning and Zoning and Building Safety departments. PlanningZoning examines your project to ensure that it complies with zoning restrictions, while Building Safety examines your project to ensure that it complies with applicable building codes. On this page you will find:

Renovations and remodels

Contractor licenses
Home-based businesses
And more.

Renovations and Remodels

Building Permits for the following sorts of renovation and remodeling projects are routinely reviewed by our staff:

Bathroom and kitchen remodels
Moving walls

Finishing basements
Egress windows
And more.

The use of a Building Permit is required for any interior repairs or remodels that entail the moving, altering, or removal of walls or windows. A permit may not be required for renovations that consist solely of cabinet, flooring, or counter replacements in the same general location. Renovating a home in a straightforward manner, such as shifting walls around or altering room arrangements without adding additional rooms, will most likely simply require a permit review by Building Safety and will not require a review by PlanningZoning.

We recommend that you speak with a Planner about your project so that you can identify exactly which papers will be necessary as part of the permitting process and which ones will not.

Basement Finishes

If you want to complete your basement, including adding more bedrooms to your home, you’ll need to go through a PlanningZoning review to confirm that the new area fulfills on-site wastewater permit requirements for homes served by a septic system and that it is not an Accessory Dwelling Unit (seeADUs).

Bedroom Additions

Any remodeling that includes the addition of a new bedroom will necessitate the submission of a Building Permit, which will be subject to inspection by both PlanningZoning and Building Safety. Properties with a septic system should make certain that any bedroom additions comply with the criteria of their On-Site Wastewater Treatment Permit, which is granted by the Jefferson County Department of Public Health. These licenses frequently place restrictions on the number of bedrooms that can be accommodated on a property.

Basement ADUs

It is a supplementary residence or auxiliary home on the property that is known as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). ADUs are also referred to as mother-in-law apartments or granny flats in some circles. Their typical locations are basements, over garages, or in independent structures on a property. Depending on whether or not there is a kitchen or a huge wet bar in the finished basement, it may qualify as an ADU. The County imposes restrictions on the amount of extra square footage that may be added to a property and the size of ADUs that can be built.

The ADUs and accessory square footage recommendations on our Applications and Guidespage are also available.

In order to get a Building Permit to construct a basement ADU, you must first check that your plans conform with the ADU standards, accessory square footage requirements, and the requirements of the zone district in which your property is located.

Applications and Documents

Building Permit Application (PDF)
Building Permit Checklist (PDF)

Accessory Square Footage Guide (PDF)

Return to the top of the page

Contractor Permits

Building Safety issues contractor licenses and handles permits for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and re-roofing and re-siding work, among other things. Return to the top of the page

Home Businesses

In accordance with PlanningZoning legislation, you may be permitted to conduct a commercial enterprise on a residential property, provided that you satisfy all of the requirements and get all of the relevant permissions. According to the Jefferson County Zoning Resolution, the Home Occupationssection has extensive restrictions about the sorts of home enterprises that are permitted.

Miscellaneous Permits

It’s common for these to be modest home office sorts of enterprises with few ramifications and just one customer or visitor at a time. Home-based companies that require Miscellaneous Permits include the following examples:

Offices in one’s home with customers, clients, or a coworker who does not reside in the same house

Small home daycares (with less than six children) (needed to get a state permit)
Tutoring, individual music instruction, and other services

Administrative Exception

These are home-based enterprises that have a little more of an influence on the world. The Director of Planning and Zoning will conduct a review of the application throughout this process. This method is described in further detail on our Exceptions and Relief page. The following are some instances of enterprises that have been approved through this process:

Massage and acupuncture in the comfort of one’s own home
Online sales and mail-order enterprises (such as Etsy or Ebay shops)
Home daycares with more than 12 children (requires a state permission)

Large home daycares with less than 12 children (need a state permit)

Board of Adjustment

A public hearing is required for home enterprises that do not meet all of the criteria specified in the Home Occupations section. This method is described in further detail on our Exceptions and Relief page. The following are some instances of enterprises that have been approved through this process:

Gunsmithing and weapon transfers

Woodworking
Dog training
And other services.

There are some Home Occupations that are not permitted through these procedures and may need the rezoning of the land. Please get in contact with a Planner about your company ideas so that we can evaluate which procedure is most appropriate for your needs. Return to the top of the page

Finished Basements

Depending on the intricacy of the project, the following sorts of permissions may be required: zoning variances, building permits, and zoning variance extensions.

Construction of architectural and structural features necessitates the submission of a building and zoning permit application, which must be signed by the property owner.

If your property is located in an incorporated town inside Loudoun County, you must submit a zoning permit from the municipality along with your application
Otherwise, you will be denied.

All electrical installations are subject to the requirement of an electrical permit. It is necessary to get a gas permit before installing any of the elements or appliances related with gas pipe systems. In order to install or expand new ducting, a mechanical permit is necessary. It is necessary to get a plumbing permit before installing any of the parts or appliances that are part of a plumbing system.

Additional Documentation

Basement designs must be included with the permission application, in addition to the permit application. More information may be found under Required Plans.

Some basements may be qualified for the use of the Loudoun County Typical Finished Basement Details (PDF) in place of drawings, depending on the specifics of the project. More information may be found under Required Plans.

Depending on the basement, it may be possible to dispense with the usage of drawings and instead rely on the Loudoun County Typical Finished Basement Details (PDF). See Required Plans for further information.

Submit an application

Fill out and submit the completed permit application, together with any relevant drawings, using one of the options listed below:

Online: Here is where you may upload and submit your completed application form as well as any relevant paperwork. Visit the Building and Development Loudoun County Government Center at 1 Harrison Street SE in Leesburg to submit a paper application. 20175 The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Septic Systems

Online: Here is where you can upload and submit your completed application form as well as any supporting paperwork. Visit the Building and Development Loudoun County Government Center at 1 Harrison Street SE in Leesburg to make a paper submission. 20175 Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Steps to receive approval for a new septic system

In this step, the person selects a building site for their residence (house, mobile home, or commercial business)
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:

The address and/or location of the site in question
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
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

Make contact with a certified installer to discuss possible system modifications. Fill out a repair site evaluation questionnaire. (Word,PDF)
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

The Environmental Protection Agency of the United States has published A Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems. Kentucky’s septic system requirements are shown here (902 KAR 10:085)