NCG551224_Septic System Inspection Report_20220706

Engineers and Soil Scientists
Agri -Waste Technology, Inc.
501 N. Salem Street, Suite 203
Apex, North Carolina 27502
919-859-0669
www.agriwaste.com
Septic System Inspection
Report
3027 Forrester Street
Durham, NC
Prepared for:
Prepared By:
Report Date:
Bruce Thomas, Owner
Jeff Vaughan, NCOWCICB Certified Inspector
Senior Agronomist/Soil Scientist
July 6, 2022

Engineers and Soil Scientists
Agri -Waste Technology, Inc.
501 N. Salem Street, Suite 203
Apex, North Carolina 27502
919-859-0669
www.agriwaste.com
PREPARED FOR:
PREPARED BY:
SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION REPORT
For
3027 Forrester Street
Durham, NC
Bruce Thomas, Owner
Jeff Vaughan, NCOWCICB Certified Inspector
Senior Agronomist/Soil Scientist
Afr //-
DATE: July 6, 2022
The septic system serving the home at 3027 Forrester Street, Durham, NC, was inspected by
McLean Davis of Agri -Waste Technology, Inc., on July 5, 2022. The septic system is a sand
filter discharge (7.5'x40' sand filter with a chlorination/dechlorination port and a 900 gallon
septic tank. The Durham County Health Department and North Carolina Division of Water
Resources documentation for the septic system is in Attachment 1. A copy of the septic system
inspection checklist completed during the July 5, 2022, inspection is in Attachment 2. A detailed
discussion of the inspection is below.
General septic system information can be found on the North Carolina State University Soil
Science Department website. The address is www.soil.ncsu.edu. Some routine septic system
maintenance information is in Attachment 3 following this report.
Sand Filter and Septic Drainfield
No septic effluent was found at the soil surface within the sand filter (Attachment 4). The sand
filter and drainfield are part of a grassed area. Surface water did not appear to collect anywhere
within the area.
The chlorination/dechlorination ports are in good condition. The discharge pipe is accessible and
in good condition. The distribution box was unable to be located.

Septic Tank
This system has a 900 gallon septic tank as indicated in the permit. The septic tank was
accessible at the soil surface on the inlet end via a PolyLok access riser. The outlet ends was
excavated at the time of the inspection (Attachment 4). The concrete tank, inlet pipe, outlet tee,
and outlet pipe were in good condition. The septic tank contains 4-6" of solids. Therefore, the
septic tank does not need to be pumped at this time. Attachment 3 contains a table entitled
Estimated Septic Tank Inspection and Pumping Frequency in Years that indicates the
recommended pumping frequency based on the number of occupants in the house and the septic
tank size.
Special Information Regarding this Septic System
This septic system is permitted through the North Carolina Division of Water Resources
(NCDWR). The permit needs to be transferred into the new owners name once the real estate
transaction is complete. The ownership transfer form is included as the last 2 pages of
Attachment 1 of this report. The NCDWR will invoice the owners of this system $60 each year
for the maintenance of this permit. The NCDWR will also inspect this septic system once every
5 years.
Chlorination and Dechlorination tablets are required in the chlorination/dichlorination ports. The
tablets will likely need to be inserted about every 1 to 3 weeks, depending on wastewater flow
patterns. The tablets can be purchased online from Norweco at www.norweco.com.
Conclusions
1) This septic system is permitted through the North Carolina Division of Water Resources
(NCDWR). The permit needs to be transferred into the new owners name once the real
estate transaction is complete. The ownership transfer form is included as the last 2
pages of Attachment 1 of this report. The NCDWR will invoice the owners of this
system $60 each year for the maintenance of this permit. The NCDWR will also inspect
this septic system once every 5 years.
2) Chlorination and Dechlorination tablets are required in the chlorination/dichlorination
ports. The tablets will likely need to be inserted about every 1 to 3 weeks, depending on
wastewater flow patterns. The tablets can be purchased online from Norweco at
www.norweco.com.
3) The Discharge Pipe was noted to be submerged at the time of the inspection.
4) The distribution box was unable to be located.
We appreciate the opportunity to assist you. Please contact us with any questions, concerns, or
comments.
2

As indicated in the AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES "Point of sale well/septic system
inspections constitute a snapshot evaluation in time of the system(s) and do not guarantee future performance of the system(s)
due to numerous factors including, but not necessarily limited to, the following: water use patterns of the inhabitants of the
dwelling, occupancy of the dwelling (no occupancy for an extended period of time or occupancy in excess of the system design
parameters), acts of God or natural disasters, lack of visibility of many of the system components, placement of inappropriate
items into the system (non -degradable items, water softener brine, etc.), physical disturbance of or damage to the system or
system components, etc. Furthermore, only the aboveground components of the well that are visible from the soil surface are
inspected."
3

ATTACHMENT 1: Durham County Health Department
Documentation

later Resources
IRONMENTAL QUALITY
March 22, 2016
Bruce L. Thomas
105 Chelsey Court
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
PAT MCCRORY
Governor
DONALD R. VAN DER VAART
Secretary
S. JAY ZIMMERMAN
Subject: Compliance Evaluation Inspection
Single Family Residence
3027 Forrester Street, Durham, NC 27704
Permit No. NCG551224
Durham County
Dear Mr. Thomas:
Director
MAR 8 8 2016
BY:
D
On March 3, 2016, Ted Cashion from the Raleigh Regional Office visited the subject location to
evaluate compliance with the above permit to discharge wastewater. No one was home at the time of
the inspection.
Our records indicate that the system consists of a septic tank, dual in series subsurface sand filters, and
tablet chlorinator, with the discharge of treated wastewater to an unnamed tributary to Ellerbe Creek, in
the Neuse River Basin. Enclosed is an information packet regarding your system.
Items reviewed during the inspection included the following:
® Chlorine tablets in the chlorinator. The cover to the chlorinator box could not be opened.
You are reminded that it is required that chlorine tablets be maintained in the chlorinator to
ensure proper disinfection of the discharged wastewater. Chlorine tablets provide effective
disinfection and prevent/limit harmful bacteria from discharging to the environment. The
product label for these tablets must indicate the tablets are approved for wastewater use, and
not for swimmini pools. Please ensure the correct types of tablets are used.
® Pumping the septic tank. It is recommended that the septic tank should be pumped out at
intervals of 3 to 5 years. Pumping the tank regularly will assist in maintaining the effective
operation of your system.
E Analyze the effluent from your system once each year. The effluent from your system is
required to be sampled and analyzed annually. Parameters to be sampled and analyzed include
flow, BOD, total suspended solids, fecal coliform, and total residual chlorine. If the system was
sampled in 2015, please submit these results. If sampling was not performed in 2015, please
collect the required samples from the end of the discharge pipe, have the sample analyzed for the
parameters noted above, and submit the results to this office by June 1, 2016.
® Discharge outlet could not be located. Please ensure the end of the discharge pipe is
maintained and cleared of vegetation/soil/leaves at all times.
One
Raleigh Regional Office NO thCarob
North Carolina Division of Water Resources 1628 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-1628 Phone [phone] QtlltuII,
Raleigh Regional Office Customer Service
Internet: www.ncwaterquality.org Location: 3800 Barrett Drive Raleigh, NC 27609 Fax [phone]
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer — 50% Recycled/10% Post Consumer Paper

® It appeared that the soil in the back yard, and the area where the effluent pipe may be
discharging, did not show signs of a failing system.
Please submit sampling results by June 1, 2016. Included is information on operating and maintaining
your system. You are reminded that licensed plumbers must be used to make plumbing changes within
your home. All wastewater from the residence (washers, sinks, etc.) must be connected to the treatment
system. If you have questions or comments about this inspection or the requirements to take corrective
action, please contact Ted Cashion at 919-791-4254.
S. Daniel Smith, Supervisor
Water Quality Regional Operations
cc: RRO/SWP Files
Charles Weaver
Durham Co. Health Dept.

United States Environmental Protection Agency
E PA Washington, D.C. 20460
Water Compliance Inspection Report
Form Approved.
OMB No. 2040-0057
Approval expires 8-31-98
Section A: National Data System Coding (i.e., PCS)
Transaction Code NPDES yr/mo/day Inspection
1 IN ] 2 LI 3 I NCG551224 111 121 16/03/03 117
Type
18'�.I
illliliiiii
Inspector Fac Type
19I S I 20I I
21lllill llllllilli_illlllll i II_llll
r6
Inspection Work Days Facility Self -Monitoring Evaluation Rating B1 QA
67 ( I 70 IJ 71 I I 72 LJ ti i
Reserved
73 11 174 7711 1 1 1 1 1 180
I t I
Section B: Facility Data
Name and Location of Facility Inspected (For Industrial Users discharging to POTW, also include
POTW name and NPDES permit Number)
3027 Forrester Street
3027 Forrester St
Durham NC 27703
Entry Time/Date
11:20AM 16/03/03
Permit Effective Date
13/08/01
Exit Time/Date
11:40AM 18/03/03
Permit Expiration Date
18/07/31
Name(s) of Onsite Representative(s)Mtles(s)/Phone and Fax Number(s)
u/ Mtht
Other Facility Data
Name, Address of Responsible Official/Title/Phone and Fax Number
Contacted
Bruce L Thomas,105 Chelsey Ct Chapel Hill NC 27514//919-942-8187/
No
Section C: Areas Evaluated During Inspection (Check only those areas evaluated)
Permit Operations & Maintenance Records/Reports • Self -Monitoring Program
Facility Site Review • Effluent/Receiving Waters
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
(See attachment summary)
Name(s) and Signature(s) of Inspector(s) Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers Date
Ted A Cashion RRO WQ//919-791-4200/
la,/ 3 —0? /,/ k
re of Manage t Q A Revi Agency/Office/Phone and Fax Numbers ��,yDate/
di?nL / . ,P'Fl19./ 6 rbt)W g-2—'
EPA Form 3 0-3 (Rev 9-94) Previous editions are obsolete.
Page# 1

3I
NPDES
NCG551224
111 121
yr/mo/day
16/03/03
117
Inspection Type
181j
1
Section D: Summary of Finding/Comments (Attach additional sheets of narrative and checklists as necessary)
Nobody was home at the time of inspection. System did not appear to be failing. Owner to respond
with sampling results.
Page# 2

Permit: NCG551224
Owner •Facility: 3027 Forrester Street
Inspection Date: 03/03/2016 Inspection Typo: Compliance Evaluation
Operations & Maintenance
Is the plant generally clean with acceptable housekeeping?
Does the facility analyze process control parameters, for ex: MLSS, MCRT, Settleable
Solids, pH, DO, Sludge Judge, and other that are applicable?
Comment:
Permit
(If the present permit expires in 6 months or less). Has the permittee submitted a new
application?
Is the facility as described in the permit?
# Are there any special conditions for the permit?
Is access to the plant site restricted to the general public?
Is the inspector granted access to all areas for inspection?
Comment:
Septic Tank
(If pumps are used) Is an audible and visual alarm operational?
Is septic tank pumped on a schedule?
Are pumps or syphons operating properly?
Are high and low water alarms operating properly?
Comment: unknown at this time when tank was Dumped.
Disinfection -Tablet
Are tablet chlorinators operational?
Are the tablets the proper size and type?
Number of tubes in use?
Is the level of chlorine residual acceptable?
Is the contact chamber free of growth, or sludge buildup?
Is there chlorine residual prior to de -chlorination?
Comment: Unable to open chlorinator box.
Effluent Sampling
Is composite sampling flow proportional?
Is sample collected below all treatment units?
Is proper volume collected?
Yes No NA NE
MOOD
❑ ❑ • ❑
Yes No NA NE
❑ ❑ • ❑
III ❑ ❑ ❑
❑ 0110
❑ ❑ ❑ ❑
▪ ❑ ❑ ❑
Yes No NA NE
❑ ❑ • ❑
❑ ❑ ❑ •
❑ ❑ ❑ MI
Yes No NA NE
❑ ❑❑■
❑ ❑ OM
❑ ❑ ❑ •
❑ ❑ ❑ •
❑ ❑ ❑ •
Yes No NA NE
❑ ❑ • ❑
❑ ❑ • ❑
❑ ❑ • ❑
Page# 3

Permit: NCG551224 Owner - Facility: 3027 Forrester Street
Inspection Date: 03/03/2016 Inspection Type: Compliance Evaluation
Effluent Sampling
Is the tubing clean?
# Is proper temperature set for sample storage (kept at less than or equal to 6.0 degrees
Celsius)?
Is the facility sampling performed as required by the permit (frequency, sampling type
representative)?
Comment: Unknown if semolina has occurred. Homeowner to respond.
Yes No NA NE
❑ ❑III❑
❑ ❑ • ❑
❑ ❑ ❑ 11
Page# 4

Durham County Health Department
SEPTIC TANK PERMIT
No 10600 Area Durham, N. C., March 3 19..66
Owner .. Bryce R9ggp$ Address
Location of Property 3027 Forrester_ St,�-• iq„,...d�t�s.S. �..,..Q..�axp�ne..snra.0lr...urd
PERMISSION is hereby granted to install a Septic Tank and Secondary Treatment system, to receive
wastes from fixtures enumerated on Plumbing Permit No 10600 in accordance with Chapter I, Art.
VI, Sections 1 & 5, Durham County Sanitary Code, at the above location, consistent with existing con-
ditions, as described below:
Septic Tank wide, long, deep (or .......944..gal, ...tactic ) Dist. Box 2 outlets.
Nitrification Field .lines Ftlong inches wide, laid to proper grade and depth, using
only approved absorbent material.
Sand Filter Trench 5' X 50' Other
NOTE: Installation to be made according to sketch on reverse side; DO NOT cover any part of installa-
tion until -after final inspection by Health Department.
Plumbing by • R r .i9.Y.qc1
Septic Tank by•,
�� J J 0. L. Aderx M.D.* M.P.H.
Inspected by 6 � ° ...a/! Date -' i i' LC!!!/ Director
Sand .filter renches are based on
sound sanitary engineering prey By W. G. Parr , h
tices and • re wieVly used; however, should Deputy »hector
unforeseen developments make It neceaeary
to alter or abandon the system, this Health
3iV3IZana
IJepartment assumes no responslbllity.
Air

1
i

-
Date
- DURHAM COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, DURHAM, N.C.,
Th ROVEMENTS PERMIT AND CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
(Ground Absorption Sewage Treatment and Disposal System G.S. 130-13E)
6/30/86
Owner Location (S . R. #)
Contractor Subdivision
Tax Map Ref.
3027 Forrester.
Surveyed Lot # Block
Lot Area
House Eg Mobile Home ❑ Number of Bedrooms Business 0 Type Bus. # Emp.
S.T.S. Repair S.T.S. x Garbage Disp. yes ❑ no Ca Water Supply: Individual E ' Public 0
Sandfilter
Site Suitable/P.S. yes Q no au
Site Unsuitable yes ® no ❑
Size of Tank Existing gal.
Pump Tank gal.
Nitrification Field sq. ft.
Alternative System
Depth of Stone in Lines
Permit by Carol CarpenteeDate 6/30/86
Installed by O'Brient Date 7/1/86
Operations Permit by Date
Certificate of Completion by Carol Carpenter
Date 7/1/86
Construction twist comply with all other appli-
cable State and local regulations.
Additional Requirements: Conventional septic
tank systems shall not be installed deeper
than 24" without prior approval of the Durham
County Health Department
r4.1
• s14;,
Preliminary Drawing
C3
i
Final Drawing
Actions of representatives of state or local health departments engaged in the evaluation and
determination of measures required to effect compliance with the provisions of this section shall
in no way be taken as a guarantee that sewage treatment and disposal systems approved and permitted
will function in a satisfactory manner for any given period of time, or that such employees assume
any liability for damages, consequential or direct, which are caused, or which nay be caused, by a
malfunction of such systems. G.S. 130-166.65

•
Date
• DURHAM COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, DURHAM, N.C.
IMPROVEMENTS PERMIT AND CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
(Ground Absorption Sewage Treatment and Disposal System G.S. 130-13E)
Owner Location (S . R. #) 3o a 7 I rrr S }•c.�
Contractor
Subdivision
Tax Map Ref. c
. /
Surveyed Lot # Block
Lot Area
House ]/Mobile Hare ❑ Nimnber of Bedrooms Business 0 Type Bus. # Emp.
S.T.S. Repair S.T.S. Garb e es no Water Supply: Individual Public
� Disp. Y ❑ C� uPP Y� ❑
1
Site Suitable/P.S.
Site Unsuitable
Size of Tank
Pump Tank
yes
yes
Nitrification Field
Alternative System
fi' no no ❑
gal.
gal.
sq. ft.
Depth of Stone in Lines
Permit by � to Co(z,.c7�
Installed y �' fate %�
Operations Permit by r Efate
Certificate of Completion y� Q
Date �.f i Ms,
Construction moist comply with all other appli-
cable State and local regulations.
Additional Requirements: Conventional septic
tank systems shall not be installed deeper
than 24" without prior approval of the Durham
County Health Department
ot�
slewr
Preliminary Drawing
I I
f-oerts Fe4
• tu
.�.
Final Drawing
yorres
Actions of representatives of state or local health departments engaged in the evaluation and
determination of measures required to effect compliance with the provisions of this section shall
in no way be taken as a guarantee that sewage treatment and disposal systems approved and permitted
will function in a satisfactory manner for any given period of time, or that such employees assume
any liability for damages, consequential or direct, which are caused, or which may be caused, by a
malfunction of such systems. G.S. 130-166.65
•

ATTACHMENT 2: Septic System Inspection Checklist

SUBSURFACE WASTEWATER SYSTEM INSPECTION REPORT
7/5/22
Date of Inspection
10600
Jeff Vaughan
Inspector's Name
06/30/86
Permit Number Date of Operation Permit
3027 Forrester Street Durham, NC Thomas
Buyer
12441
Certification Number
Advertised # of Bedrooms
Tax Map Parcel
Lot #
INSPECTION RESULTS:
COLLECTION/TANK SYSTEM: YES /
Evidence of leaks ? 0 /
Water level in tank: Full
Tank risers accessible, free of
infiltration and surface water diverted ?
Inlet riser? 0 / ❑ / ❑
Type: PolyLok
Outlet riser? ❑ / 0 / ❑
Type: Not Present
Estimated distance from soil surface to
Top of tank: 4 inches
Tank has baffle wall? 0 / ❑ /
Outlet T is present/intact? 0 / ❑ /
Roots present in tank? ❑ / 0 /
Inlet pipe clear/unobstructed? 0 / ❑ /
Outlet pipe clear/unobstructed? 0 / ❑ /
Septic tank needs pumping? ❑ / 0 /
Inches of solids: 4-6
Date of last tank pumping known? 0 /
If known, when: / /
Estimated Distance From:
House/Structure: 10+ ft
Well: - ft
Water Line: - ft
Property Line: 10+ ft
Septic tank filter cleaned? ❑ / 0 / ❑
PRETREATMENT SYSTEM:
(Sand Filter or Peat Biofilter)
Certified operator required?
Filter surface maintained ?
Evidence of ponding ?
Filter effluent free of excess solids ?
Peat modules free of damage, accessible,
properly ventilated & free of insects ?
Samples collected at this inspection ?
EFFLUENT DOSING SYSTEM:
Required pumps present & functional ?
High water alarm operating properly ?
Floats, valves, etc. in good condition ?
Control panel & components in good
condition ?
Evidence of leaks?
Water level in tank:
Tank riser accessible, free of
infiltration and surface water diverted ?
Type
Roots present in tank?
Estimated distance from soil surface to
Top of tank: inches
I
❑ /
❑ /
❑ /
❑ /
❑ ❑❑❑❑❑❑
Address of Property Current Owner
Well
PIN Water Source
NO / NA REMARKS
O / ❑
-House was occupied.
O / ❑ -Effluent was conveyed to the
❑ / ❑ discharge pipe.
• / ❑ -The Discharge Pipe was noted to be
O / ❑ / ❑ submerged at the time of the
inspection.
❑ / 0 / ❑
❑ / 0 / ❑
❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ ❑
❑ ❑ 0
❑ / ❑ ❑
❑ / ❑ / ❑
❑ / ❑ / ❑
1

Date of last tank pumping known?
If known, when: / /
Estimated Distance From:
House/Structure: ft
Well: ft
Water Line: ft
Property Line: ft
Septic Tank: ft
Effluent free of excess solids ?
Inches of solids(pump/dose tank):
Elapsed time readings ?
Counter readings ?
❑ / ❑ / ❑
❑ / ❑ / ❑
DISPOSAL FIELD:
Evidence of effluent surfacing ?
Evidence of effluent ponding in trenches?
Surface water effectively diverted ?
Diversions/swales properly maintained ?
Vegetative cover maintained ?
Protected from traffic/unauthorized uses ?
Distribution devices in good condition ?
Field free of settled or low areas ?
Estimated Distance From:
House/Structure: 30+ ft
Well: - ft
Water Line: - ft
Property Line: 10+ ft
Septic Tank: 2+ ft
0000❑o❑❑
PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM:
❑ / ❑ / ❑
Certified operator required?
Turnups/cleanouts/valves intact &
accessible ?
Laterals free of excess solids ?
Laterals flushed this inspection ?
Pressure heads properly adjusted ?
/ p / ❑
/ 9 / ❑
/ ❑ / ❑
/ ❑ /
/ ❑ / ❑
/ ❑ / ❑
/ ❑ / ❑
/ ❑ / ❑
-The distribution box was unable to be
located.
❑ / ❑ / ❑
❑ / ❑ / ❑
❑ / ❑ / ❑
❑ / ❑ / ❑
SYSTEM PERFORMANCE:
Design Pressure Head (ft): Adjusted Pressure Head (ft):
Design Delivery Rate (gpm): Measured Delivery Rate (gpm): % of Design:
Dosing Volume (gal.):
Note: Delivery Rate(gpm) = ( inches drawdown gallons/in) minutes of run time
Dose Volume(gal.) =
inches between float on & float off gallons/in.
"Client requesting this inspection has been advised that for a complete inspection to be performed, the tank
needs to be pumped. Client has declined to have the tank pumped at inspection and hereby acknowledges they
have so declined." See Electronic Form
Signature
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
2

I nfo
From: [e-mail] on behalf of Agriwaste <[e-mail]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2022 11:10 AM
To: Info
Subject: New submission from Inspection Request
Who Are You
Who Are You?
Other
Inspection Type
Inspection Type?
Septic Only
Your Information
Name
Bruce Thomas
Address
3027 Forrester Street
Durham„ North Carolina 27704
United States
Map It
Phone
[phone]
Email
[e-mail]
Property Information
Property Address
3027 Forrester Street
Durham, North Carolina 27704
United States
Map It
Subdivision Name & Lot Number
Prop -Bowden Rebekah
County
Durham
Year House Was Built?
1962
How Many Bedrooms Does The House Have?
3
Current Owner's Name?
Bruce Thomas
1

Will Anyone Meet AWT During The Inspection?
No
Is The Property Occupied?
Yes
Is Power/Water On?
Yes
Is Property Under HUD/VA/FHA/USDA Loan?
No
Do You Have a Copy Of The Septic Permit?
Yes
Please Attach Permit
Attach File(s)
• 06-27-2022-Effluent-testing-requirements-from-Alys-Hannum-NC-Division-of-Water-Resources.pdf
• 06-14-2022-March-22-2016-information-from-NC-Department-of-Natural-resources-re-3027-Forrester-Street-Septic-
Records.pdf
Any Additional Comments
Additional Comments
The testing required by the State is attached.
Please call me at 919-630-6082 or email me at [e-mail] to confirm receipt .
Thanks!
Contract Authorization
Contract Authorization
I decline to have the septic tank pumped as part of the inspection. Client requesting this inspection has been advised that for a
complete inspection to be performed, the tank needs to be pumped. Client has declined to have the tank pumped at inspection
and hereby acknowledges they have so declined." [per 21 NCAC 39 .1006 (b)(2)(S)]
Authorized Representative Signature
Bruce L. Thomas
Date
06/28/2022
Contract Authorization
I Agree To The Above Contract
• I agree to the above contract
Inspection Consent
I am the owner of the home and provide permission to complete the septic system inspection.
2

ATTACHMENT 3: Industry Standard Septic System
Maintenance Information — Authored by
North Carolina State University
Personnel, North Carolina Cooperative
Extension Service Personnel, and Wake
County Department of Environmental
Services Personnel.
No endorsement from the North Carolina Onsite Wastewater Contractors &
Inspectors Certification Board

HOMEOWNER GUIDE FOR UTILIZATION AND MAINTENANCE OF
ON -SITE WASTEWATER DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
What is an On -site Wastewater Disposal System?
There are a number of different types of on -site wastewater disposal systems each
designed for a specific set of site conditions. However, there are several system
components that are common to most systems. These include the following:
1. A septic tank - a concrete tank that is designed to receive wastewater from the house
and to provide a degree of pretreatment for the waste, chiefly through removal of
some of the solids in the waste. Note that these solids accumulate over time and
necessitate periodic pumping of the septic tank. Currently septic tanks are equipped
with two access risers (normally constructed of concrete) which are designed to be at
least 6 inches above the ground surface to prevent surface and shallow groundwater
from entering the septic tank and to provide access for maintenance. Care must be
taken not to damage or cover these risers so that water inflow / infiltration can
be prevented and the tank can be accessed for maintenance.
2. In some installations, a pump tank - a concrete tank, very similar to the septic tank,
which contains a pump along with the associated controls / componentry. The pump
tank and pump is designed to receive effluent from the septic tank, and pump the
effluent to a disposal field located at a higher elevation and/or to a pressurized
distribution network in the disposal field. The pump tank also has an access riser
which must be protected in a similar manner to that indicated for the septic
tank. Servicing of the pump tank components often necessitates the assistance of a
professional such as a septic tank installer or Certified Subsurface System Operator.
The latter is required for operation and maintenance of certain types of systems.
3. A disposal field - a series of subsurface trenches and lines that are designed to
distribute the effluent into the soil and provide for the ultimate treatment and disposal
of the effluent. There are numerous variations on the design of the disposal field,
related chiefly to the type of system chosen, site constraints, etc. Dependent on the
type of disposal system, you may have to maintain a contract with a Certified
Subsurface System Operator for operation and maintenance of your wastewater
disposal system.
Utilization of Your Wastewater Disposal System
In order to obtain the maximum efficiency and life expectancy from your system, the
following simple procedures must be adhered to:
1

1. Practice water conservation. This can include many practical considerations such as
not leaving the water running while you brush your teeth, not overfilling the tub,
limiting time in the shower, not replacing low flow fixtures with those of higher
flows, over rinsing dishes (allow the dishwasher to do its job), immediate repair of
any leaking fixtures, running washing machines and dishwashers only when full, etc.
NOTE: Washing machines generate significant volumes of wastewater. As a result,
laundry activities should be spread over the week as opposed to accumulating all of
laundry until the weekend.
2. Do not utilize your wastewater disposal system as a trash can by dumping
nondegradables down your drains or toilet. These include cigarette butts, sanitary
products, grease, plastics, disposable diapers, etc. Avoid use of garbage disposals.
Do not retrofit garbage disposals unless the system is specifically permitted for their
use. Also, do not dump harmful chemicals down the drain. These include petroleum
products, paint, paint thinner, pesticides, antifreeze, etc.
Maintenance of Your Wastewater Disposal System
Every wastewater disposal system requires maintenance in order to function properly.
The specific maintenance required is related to the type of system. The following are
general considerations that apply to all systems.
1. Protect your wastewater disposal system components including the tanks, access
risers, disposal field and associated components. Do not drive or park on any
portion of the system. The area over the disposal field should be left undisturbed with
the grass cover being maintained as you would your lawn. Location of trees and
shrubs on or in close proximity to the disposal field is not recommended since roots
may clog or damage your drain lines. Additionally, great care must be exercised when
considering the addition of any structure(s) to the site. The location of any
appurtenances cannot encroach on the installation or repair areas for your system. It is
not recommended that irrigation systems be located in proximity to the disposal
system since their construction can cause system damage and/or result in additional
hydraulic load on the disposal field.
2. Protect the system from excess surface and shallow groundwater. The land
surface on and around the wastewater disposal system should be landscaped to shed
rainfall and runoff and prevent ponding. Be sure that foundation drains, runoff from
roofs and drives, etc. are diverted away from the disposal system.
3. Regularly have the septic tank / pump tank pumped and cleaned by a permitted
septage hauler. Although the necessary frequency of pumping varies with the
household and system, most tanks need pumping at a frequency of 3-5 years and at
any time solids occupy one-fourth to one-third of the septic tank liquid depth.
2

Note that all septic tanks being currently installed incorporate an effluent filter within
the outlet compartment of the septic tank. This filter is to be cleaned anytime the
septic tank is pumped. If plumbing becomes sluggish, this filter should be checked. If
filter service is found to be necessary, the tank is to pumped, the filter cleaned and
the filter reinstalled.
4. Be alert to warning signs that your system may not be functioning properly.
These include sewage surfacing over the disposal system, sewage backups / slow
draining in the house, lush growth over the disposal system, sewage odors, etc.
5. Do not make or allow repairs to your system unless all necessary permits are
obtained from Wake County Department of Environmental Services.
6. Commercial additives for septic tank systems - It has generally not been
demonstrated that these additives enhance the function of septic systems or reduce the
need for tank pumping and other necessary maintenance.
7. Special maintenance considerations - As already alluded to, some of the more
complex wastewater disposal systems require that you retain / maintain the services
of a Certified Wastewater System Operator in order to comply with Laws and Rules
and maintain a valid operation permit for your system. In Wake County this
maintenance requirement should be recorded with Register of Deeds if applicable.
Where Do I Obtain Information and Assistance?
If you are purchasing a new home, you should request a copy of your wastewater system
permit from the builder / seller along with information regarding any special maintenance
requirements. You may also obtain information and assistance from the Wake County
Department of Environmental Services, 336 Fayetteville Street Mall, Raleigh, NC,
Telephone [phone]. The County also maintains an Internet web site at
http://www.wakegov.com/directory/wwds. This site contains much useful information
and a number of links.
WEL 3/15/04
3

Distributed in furtherance of the
Acts of Congress of May 8 and
June 30, 1914. North Carolina
State University and North
Carolina A&T State University
commit themselves to positive
action to secure equal
opportunity regardless of race,
color, creed, national origin,
religion, sex, age, or disability.
In addition, the two Universities
welcome all persons without
regard to sexual orientation.
North Carolina State University,
North CarolinaA&T State
University, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, and local
governments cooperating.
SoilFacts
Septic Systems and
Their Maintenance
The septic tank, soil -treatment system (also called a septic system) is an effective,
long-standing method for collecting, treating, and disposing of sewage from rural
and suburban homes and businesses. Septic systems are used in every county in
North Carolina. Nearly 50percent of the state's homes have them, and new systems
are being installed at a rate of more than 40,000 per year This fact sheet will
answer some typical questions about septic systems and their maintenance.
Why Use a Septic System?
Septic systems are used when centralized
sewage treatment plants are not accessible in
a community. They safely treat and dispose of
wastewaters produced in the bathroom,
kitchen, and laundry. These wastewaters may
contain disease -causing germs and pollutants
that must be treated to protect human health
and the environment. Septic systems are
usually a permanent solution to wastewater
treatment and disposal. Therefore, they must
be properly used, operated, and maintained
by the homeowner to assure the long-term
performance of these systems. Even when
used as a temporary wastewater treatment
solution until sewer lines are extended to a
community, special care and maintenance are
needed for septic systems so that they don't
pose a risk to public health or the environ-
ment.
What Is a Septic System?
Several different types of septic systems are
available, each with its own design. The
traditional, conventional system is the one
that has been most commonly used in North
Carolina up until the past decade (Figure 1).
It consists of three main parts: the septic
tank, the drainfield, and the soil beneath the
drainfield.
STATE UNIVErrY
N A&T STATE UNIVERSITY
COOPERATIVE
EXTENSION
The septic tank is a watertight container about
9 feet long and 5 feet tall. It is buried in the
ground just outside the home. The tank is usu-
ally precast from reinforced concrete, although
tanks made from plastic or fiberglass may be
seen on occasion. While a tank is typically
designed with a 1,000-gallon liquid capacity,
its size is legally determined by the number of
bedrooms in the home. The tank temporarily
holds household wastes and allows a small
amount of pretreatment to take place (Figure
2).
What Takes Place in the Septic Tank?
All of the wastewaters from the home should
flow into the septic tank. Even waters from the
shower, bathtub, and washing machine can
contain disease -causing germs or environmen-
Figure 1. A conventional septic system.
Helping People Put Knowledge to Work

SoilFacts
Risers
Access
Points
Wastewater
enters
First
compartment
Sewage
effluent
Effluent
filter/tee
Second
r, compartment
Figure 2. A two -compartment septic tank.
tal pollutants. As wastewater flows
into the tank, the heavier solid materi-
als settle to the bottom (forming a
sludge layer), and the lighter greases
and fats float to the top (forming a
scum layer). The tank's primary
purpose is to retain the solids. After a
retention time of about two days, the
liquid portion (the sewage effluent)
flows out of the tank through the
outlet pipe. The retention time is
necessary for separation of the solids
from the liquid and for anaerobic
digestion of the solids to begin in the
septic tank.
An outlet baffle (or a sanitary tee at
the outlet end) prevents solids from
flowing out with the liquids. Newer
septic systems installed since 1999,
however, include an effluent filter in
the septic tank. These are installed in
place of the sanitary tee at the outlet
end of the septic tank (in the second
compartment shown in Figure 2).
What Happens in the
Drainfield and the Soil?
The purpose of the drainfield is to
deliver the liquid sewage effluent to
the soil. The real treatment of the
wastewater occurs in the soil beneath
the drainfield. Sewage effluent flows
out of the tank as a cloudy liquid that
still contains many disease -causing
germs and environmental pollutants.
Effluent flows into the perforated pipe
in the trenches, passes through the
holes in the pipe, and then trickles
down through the gravel to the soil
(Figure 3). There are also "gravel -less"
trenches used where plastic louvered
chambers, polystyrene aggregate, tire
chip aggregate, large diameter pipes, or
multiple small pipes are used in place of
the gravel aggregate. These materials
provide a void space in the trench to
allow distribution of the effluent to the
trench bottom. As sewage effluent en-
ters and flows through the ground, soil
particles filter out many of the bacteria
that can cause diseases. The soil
adsorbs some of the smaller germs,
such as viruses, until they are de-
stroyed. The soil can also retain cer-
tain chemicals, including phosphorus
and some forms of nitrogen.
A special zone, called a biomat, forms
in the upper 1 to 6 inches of the soil at
the soil/trench interface just below the
trench bottom. This biomat zone is
useful. It helps remove many of the
germs and chemical pollutants. If the
solids accumulating in the septic tank
are never pumped out, however, they
can flow into the trenches and accu-
mulate into an intensive biomat that
becomes too thick. When that hap-
pens, the biomat completely clogs the
soil and does not allow the sewage
effluent to flow out of the trench. An
improperly maintained system will
fail and cause untreated sewage to
completely fill the trenches and come
out on top of the ground or back up
into the home in its plumbing system.
Where Can a Septic System Be
Used?
A centralized sewer system with a
large sewage treatment plant usually
s�
—ter--��=�
�'�.:_ii b�°;,:M1'tr�y
ie
ii� gi n�:e v:: -�- `�
'..�-.��.�..� •�/..�. 1►l�� 1�1��'
sin Ai l Septic tank ' t . irli' . I,1. Ill
Q?I111.I �� , nu .• go �w� illll ��I (11 K I r z.
?1 1�Distribution box I .I , �� ��■ i ul�I hi II II0 � qi� 1� I
1 /'Ij�(t. II �� I �'1 lip \I�,. �¢ iil �I i
I I ..lI 1l,, 1 I ft �I�ll��j Hlllii�ll��`1% �i�l�i�
i i Z i II perfo 1Ited pl ped I(o111 Py` !
Soil layers
To streams and lakes
Water supply line
Well
Bedrock
Figure 3. Wastewater treatment and disposal in the soil.
2

Septic Systems and Their Maintenance
discharges treated wastewater into a
body of water. On the other hand, a
septic system depends on the soil
around the home to treat and dispose
of sewage effluent (Figure 3). For this
reason, a septic system can be used
only on soils that will adequately
absorb and purify the effluent. If a
septic system is installed in soil that
cannot do so, the effluent will seep
out onto the soil surface overlying the
drainfield or back up into the home.
In addition to causing an unpleasant
smell, this untreated sewage can pose
health problems.
In some cases where the soils do not
adequately absorb the wastewater, the
toilets and sinks might not drain
freely. If the soil can absorb the efflu-
ent, but not treat it, or if the trenches
are installed directly into groundwater
or bedrock, the sewage may contami-
nate the groundwater. Because the
underlying groundwater serves as the
source of drinking water for your well
or possibly your neighbors' wells
(Figure 3), it is very important that the
system be installed in the proper soil
conditions and that the septic system
is correctly used, operated, and main-
tained.
What Kinds of Soil Conditions
Are Best Suited To a
Conventional Septic System?
Gently sloping, thick, permeable soils
with deep water tables make the best
sites for the traditional, conventional
septic system and simple modifica-
tions of it. The soil should be a uni-
form brown, yellow, or bright red
color. It should not have spots of gray
colors that often indicate the soil
becomes excessively wet or that
groundwater comes up close to the
ground surface during the wet times
of the year. The soil texture should be
neither too sandy nor too clayey, and
it should have good aggregation, or
structure (that is, a handful of the soil
should easily break apart into small
aggregates).
Areas that are unsuitable for conven-
tional septic systems have rock close
to the surface, very sticky clays, soil
layers that restrict the downward
flow of water, or areas with shallow
groundwater. These factors would
prevent a conventional septic system
from working properly.
What About Other Types of
On -Site Systems That Are
Alternatives to the
Conventional System?
Other types of on -site systems are
sometimes used on sites where the
soil is not suited to a conventional
system. Where soils are too wet or too
shallow for the conventional system,
the drainfield might be placed very
close to the ground surface in the
upper layers of the soil. In some wet
soils, artificial drainage around the
septic system lowers the level of the
shallow water table. On some clayey
soils that have a thick sandy surface,
the low-pressure pipe (LPP) system
provides an alternative.
On some soils that are not deep
enough to provide adequate treatment
of the sewage effluent, it may be
possible to use an advanced pretreat-
ment unit to supplement the soil's
treatment capacity. Examples are
fixed media biofilters such as a sand
filter, peat filter, textile filter, or po-
rous foam biofilter or mechanical
aerobic treatment units that bubble air
into the sewage itself. Most of these
pretreatment units are installed be-
tween the septic tank and drainfield.
They provide better purification of the
wastewater than is provided by the
traditional septic tank alone. Some
sites may need more sophisticated
methods of distributing the sewage
effluent within the drainfield itself
using a pressure manifold, LPP, or
drip irrigation system. These systems
use pumps, special controls, and
specially designed pipe networks that
can improve the wastewater treatment
in the soil. In other situations, it may
be cost effective to collect the waste-
water from several homes in an area
or subdivision by using a cluster
system. This type of system has a
drainfield located in a common area
within the best -suited soils in the tract
3
of land. These newer and more so-
phisticated types of on -site system
options can often provide a better
wastewater treatment solution for a
particular building lot, or a tract of
land, than either the traditional, con-
ventional septic tank system or large-
scale, centralized public sewers.
How Do I Know if My Site is
Suitable for a Septic System?
North Carolina has more than 400
different kinds of soil, and a 1-acre lot
can contain several different soil
types. Because many of these soils are
unsuitable for conventional septic
systems and even unsuitable for more
advanced or alternative on -site sys-
tems, you should always obtain an
improvement permit (I.P.) before
purchasing a lot that you intend to
build on. You will submit an applica-
tion and a site plan to the county
health department. The environmental
health specialist (sanitarian) will
conduct a comprehensive soil and site
evaluation and either issue or deny
the permit. If an I.P. can be issued,
you will also need to obtain a con-
struction authorization (C.A.) before a
building permit can be issued.
If you are interested in developing a
tract of land to subdivide, you should
hire a licensed soil scientist to con-
duct preliminary evaluations and
advise you on the location of suitable
soils and lot configuration. You can
obtain additional information from
the Cooperative Extension publica-
tion (AG-439-12), Investigate Before
You Invest, available online at
www.soil.ncsu.edu/publications/
Soilfacts/AG-439-12/.
How Large is a Typical
Drainfield?
Usually, the drainfield for a home can
fit within the front yard or the back-
yard of a typical 1-acre home site.
Sometimes smaller lots can be used.
The precise area requirements will
depend upon the kinds of soils at the
home site, the size of the house (the
number of bedrooms), the topography
of the lot, and the type of on -site

SoilFacts
system used there. A site with clayey,
slowly permeable soils needs a larger
drainfield to absorb the sewage efflu-
ent than does a site with sandy, perme-
able soils. A home with five bedrooms
will need a larger tank and drainfield
area than a home with three bedrooms.
A rental property at the beach may
require a larger drainfield than a simi-
lar -sized permanent residence with the
same number of bedrooms. A home
using one of the newer, more advanced
types of on -site technologies may be
able to use a smaller area for the
drainfield than if a conventional septic
system is installed. Adequate land area
must be available to achieve adequate
setback distances from any nearby
wells, springs, streams, lakes, or other
bodies of water located either on the
lot or off -site.
There also must be enough area to
install a second system, called a re-
placement system, in case it is ever
needed. This replacement area (some-
times called a repair area) also must
have acceptable soil and site condi-
tions and must be left undisturbed and
available for system replacement. Be
aware that the type of on -site system
required for use in the repair area
could be a completely different, more
sophisticated type of on -site system.
Hence, if that repair area is ever
needed, you might have to install a
more expensive system than the origi-
nal system installed when the lot was
first developed.
What Legal Requirements
Regulate Septic Systems?
State law requires that soils be evalu-
ated by the local health department and
that an I.P. and a C.A. be issued before
house construction begins or the septic
system is installed. The I.P. allows the
site to be used, while the C.A. deter-
mines what type of system must be
installed. Sometimes these are issued
at the same time by the health depart-
ment. An I.P. is good only for five
years unless it is renewed, or unless it
is issued under special conditions for a
lot that has been professionally sur-
veyed. If a permanent I.P. is issued,
then you have some limited guarantee
that the lot can be used (even if the
state rules change), assuming that the
conditions on the lot or the intended
use don't change. Nevertheless, the
type of system that will be required as
well as home size and location are not
assured until the C.A. is issued. Con-
tact your local health department to
be sure that you follow the correct
procedures and that you are fully
aware of the limitations that will
protect your investment. Also, the
installation must be approved by the
health department and an operation
permit (O.P.) must be issued by the
health department before electrical
service can be permanently connected
to the home and the septic system put
into use.
Once the home has been occupied
and the system put into use, you will
need to contact the county health
depaitiuent if you plan to add on to
the home, install a pool, build an
outbuilding, or engage in activity that
requires a building permit. First,
obtain an authorization from the
county health department to make
sure that the septic system and repair
area remain intact and are properly
sized for the proposal.
What Maintenance Is Needed?
Both the septic tank and the drainfield
must be properly maintained for the
standard conventional septic system.
With conscientious maintenance, the
system should work correctly for
many years. Such maintenance begins
with water use and waste disposal
habits. Your family will determine
which materials enter the system, so
you should establish family rules for
proper use and maintenance. The
suggestions outlined in the box will
save you anguish and money when
applied to most conventional systems.
If your system has an effluent filter, it
will need checking and servicing
approximately every 2 to 3 years.
While this could be done by a home-
owner, it is a messy, unpleasant task
and there are potential safety issues
because of the germs in the sewage
and toxic gases. For most people, it
would be appropriate to hire a com-
pany that specializes in septic system
maintenance and service to inspect
and clean the effluent filter.
Special types of pretreatment units
and drainfield distribution technolo-
gies also must be carefully maintained
for the more advanced, newer tech -
Tips for Maintaining Your Septic System
• Do not put too much water into the septic system; typical water use is
about 50 gallons per day for each person in the family.
• Do not add materials (chemicals, sanitary napkins, applicators, and so
on) other than domestic wastewater.
• Restrict the use of your garbage disposal.
• Do not pour grease or cooking oils down the sink drain.
• Make a diagram showing the location of your tank, drainfield, and repair
area.
• Install a watertight riser over the septic tank to simplify access.
• Have the effluent filter in the septic tank cleaned periodically by a
professional.
• Have the solids pumped out of the septic tank periodically.
• Maintain adequate vegetative cover over the drainfield.
• Keep surface waters away from the tank and drainfield.
• Keep automobiles and heavy equipment off the system.
• Do not plan any building additions, pools, driveways, or other
construction work near the septic system or the repair area.
4

Septic Systems and Their Maintenance
nologies described earlier. These
newer technologies will be more
expensive to operate and maintain
than the traditional, conventional
septic system. Most advanced on -site
and cluster wastewater treatment
systems require regular inspections
and professional maintenance. Re-
search conducted in North Carolina
has shown that about 40 to 50 percent
of the advanced systems will fail
within 6 years if this maintenance is
not provided. Therefore, in North
Carolina, a professionally trained,
state -certified "subsurface system
operator" hired by the homeowner is
required by the O.P. to provide the
needed inspections and maintenance
for advanced technologies. For more
information about these requirements,
contact your local health department
or the state Water Pollution Control
Systems Operator Certification Com-
mission.
Note, however, that individual
homeowners are allowed to take the
same training programs and state
licensing exam as the professional
operators. If they pass the exam, they
can operate their own system by
themselves. Because this generally is
not done, most homeowners will have
to pay for this service if they have one
of these more advanced technologies.
Regardless of whether a professional
operator is hired, it is the home-
owner's responsibility to assure
proper use, inspection, operation, and
maintenance of any type of on -site
wastewater system.
Will I Need to Pump the Tank?
Yes. After a few years, the solids that
accumulate in the septic tank should
be pumped out and disposed of at an
approved location. If not removed,
these solids will eventually overflow,
accumulate in the drainfield, and clog
the pores (openings) in the soil.
This blockage severely damages the
drainfield. Although some clogging of
soil pores slowly occurs even in a
properly functioning system (the
biomat described earlier), excess
solids from a poorly maintained tank
can completely close all soil pores so
that no wastewater can flow into the
soil. The sewage effluent will then
either back up into the house or flow
across the ground surface over the
drainfield. If this happens, you may
need to construct a new drainfield on
a different part of your lot. Pumping
the septic tank after the soil drainfield
has become completely clogged will
not rejuvenate the system. It will
provide only a few days of reprieve
until the tank fills up again. Once the
soil has become completely clogged,
it is usually necessary to install a new
drainfield or an advanced pretreat-
ment unit, or both. This can have a
significant negative effect on your
landscaping and yard, as well as being
expensive. An ounce of prevention is
worth a pound of cure with septic
systems.
How Will I Know When to
Pump the Tank?
The frequency with which you will
need to pump depends on three vari-
ables: the tank size, the amount of
water used by your family, and the
solids content of your wastewater. If
you are unsure about when to have the
tank pumped, have a professional
operator observe the rate of solids
accumulation in the tank each year.
He or she can clean and replace the
effluent filter cartridge in the tank at
the same time. The tank should be
pumped if the sludge layer at the
bottom of the septic tank has built up
to within 25 to 33 percent of the
tank's liquid capacity or if the scum
layer in the tank is more than 4 to 6
inches thick. Therefore, a typical
1,000-gallon tank with a 4-foot liquid
capacity should be pumped when the
solids reach 1-foot thick in the tank
bottom. If the tank is not easily acces-
sible and the rate of solids accumula-
tion cannot be checked yearly, then
you may wish to inspect and pump it
according to the frequency guidelines
in Table 1. Your local health depart-
ment should be able to tell you the
size of your tank. When inspecting
the tank, check the effluent filter (or
for older systems check the sanitary
tee or the outlet baffle to be sure that
it has not broken off and dropped into
the tank). Also, be sure to have both
compartments of the tank pumped
(note the two compartments shown
earlier in Figure 2).
If the septic system is not used very
often (as in an infrequently used
vacation home with a correctly sized
tank), it will probably not need to be
pumped as frequently as indicated in
Table 1. If you use a garbage disposal,
the tank may need to be pumped more
frequently. After a few inspections,
you should be able to adjust the
schedule according to the rate at
which solids accumulate.
What Should Not Be Put into
the Septic System?
Make sure you are aware of the types
and amounts of extra waste materials
that are poured down the drain. Limit-
ing the use of your garbage disposal
will minimize the flow of excess
Table 1. Estimated Septic Tank Inspection and Pumping Frequency
(in Years)
Tank Size
(gallons)
Number of People Using the System
1
2
4
6
8
900
11
5
2
1
<1
1,000
12
6
3
2
1
1,250
16
8
3
2
1
1,500
19
9
4
3
2
Source: Adapted from "Estimated Septic Tank Pumping Frequency," by Karen Mancl,
1984, Journal of Environmental Engineering. Vol. 110(1):283-285.
5

SoilFacts
solids to your tank. Garbage disposals
usually double the amount of solids
added to the tank.
Do not pour cooking greases, oils,
and fats down the drain. Grease hard-
ens in the septic tank and accumulates
until it clogs the inlet or outlet.
Grease poured down the drain with
hot water may flow through the septic
tank, but then it can clog soil pores
completely and ruin the drainfield.
Pesticides, paints, paint thinners,
solvents, disinfectants, poisons, and
other household chemicals should not
be dumped down the drain into a
septic system because they may kill
beneficial bacteria in the septic tank
and soil microorganisms that help
purify the sewage. Also, some organic
chemicals will flow untreated through
the septic tank and the soil, thus con-
taminating the underlying groundwa-
ter.
If your home has a water treatment
system, such as a water softener, the
discharge pipe from the backwash
should not be connected to the waste
plumbing system or septic tank.
Are Septic -Tank Additives
Necessary?
No. These products include biologi-
cally based materials (bacteria, en-
zymes, and yeast), inorganic
chemicals (acids and bases), or or-
ganic chemicals (including solvents).
Research conducted to date on three
of these types of bacterial additives
has not shown any reduction in the
rate of solids buildup nor increases in
bacterial activity in the septic tank.
Therefore, they do not seem to reduce
the need for regular pumping of the
septic tank. Some additive products
contain organic chemicals and may
even damage the drainfield or con-
taminate the groundwater and nearby
wells.
Is Special Care Needed for
the Drainfield?
Yes. The drainfield does not have an
unlimited capacity. The more water
your family uses, the greater the like-
lihood of problems with the septic
system.
Water conservation practices can help
reduce the amount of wastewater
generated in the home. Periodically
check your plumbing for leaky fau-
cets and toilets. Uncorrected leaks can
more than double the amount of water
you use. Many soils can absorb the
200 to 250 gallons of sewage usually
produced each day by a family of
four, but these soils would become
waterlogged if an extra 250 gallons
were added. For more information on
this subject, see North Carolina Coop-
erative Extension Service publications
WQWM-75/HE-250, Focus on Resi-
dential Water Conservation and
WQWM-76/HE-213, Water Manage-
ment Checklist for the Home. These
publications can be viewed and
printed online at www.bae.ncsu.edu/
programs/extension/publicat/wgwm/
usewtr.html.
Be sure that foundation drains, roof
waters, gutter waters, and surface
waters from driveways and other
paved areas do not flow over the
septic tank or the drainfield. Careful
landscaping can help direct excess
surface waters away from the system.
Summary
The septic system is an efficient,
inexpensive, and convenient method
for treating and disposing of house-
hold wastewater. Because not all soils
are suited for conventional systems,
comprehensive soil and site investiga-
tions must be performed before you
purchase any land.
Septic systems will adequately absorb
and purify wastewater if they are
properly maintained.
Contrary to popular belief, septic
systems are not maintenance free.
Money that is saved by not paying a
monthly sewer bill should be set aside
for regular inspections and mainte-
nance. A few precautions can save
you anguish and money. Reducing
water use, avoiding grease, cleaning
the effluent filter, pumping the tank
periodically, and properly landscaping
the yard to keep surface water away
from the tank and drainfield are inex-
pensive precautions that can help
assure your system a long life. The
North Carolina Cooperative Exten-
sion publication AG-439-22, Septic
System Owner Guide, summarizes
some important day-to-day manage-
ment and periodic maintenance activi-
ties to improve your system's
longevity. When properly located and
maintained, your system should pro-
vide years of trouble -free, low-cost
service.
Reference
Mancl, K.M. 1984. Journal of
Environmental Engineering, Vol.
110(1):283-285.
Prepared by
Michael T. Hoover, Extension Soil
Science Specialist, Department of Soil
Science, North Carolina State University
Tom Konsler, Environmental Health Super-
visor, Orange County Health Department
Appreciation is extended to Mitch Woodward,
Grace Lawrence, and Deanna Osmond for their
assistance in review of this publication and to
Janet Young for graphic design, layout, and
editing.
20,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $2,767 or $0.14 each.
© 2004 North Carolina State University
Published by
NORTH CAROLINA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
03/04-20M—BS
E04-43962
(Revised March 2004) AG-439-13

Distributed in furtherance of the
Acts of Congress of May 8 and
June 30, 1914. North Carolina
State University and North
CarolinaA&T State University
commit themselves to positive
action to secure equal
opportunity regardless of race,
color, creed, national origin,
religion, sex, age, or disability.
In addition, the two Universities
welcome all persons without
regard to sexual orientation.
North Carolina State University,
North Carolina A&T State
University, U.S. Department of
Agriculture, and local
governments cooperating.
SoilFacts
Septic System Owners Guide
If you use a septic system, or if you are buying a home with a septic system,
this owner's guide can help you be sure that your septic system is used and
maintained properly. This folder also provides a place to record and keep
important information, such as a copy of your permit, a sketch of your
system, maintenance records, and other fact sheets.
Know the Ins and Outs of Your
System
What type of system do you have?
Many different kinds of septic systems are
used in North Carolina, but most of the
nearly 2 million systems in use throughout
the state are slight modifications of the
conventional septic system. This system has
a septic tank and a drainfield with gravel -
filled trenches (usually two to six trenches).
Since the mid to late 1990s, however, the
traditional gravel aggregate trenches used in
the past have given way to newer gravel -less
trench designs.
These gravel -less trench designs rely on
alternative materials in place of the gravel.
The most common gravel -less trenches now
used include either long, narrow, tunnel -
shaped chambers in the trenches or gravel
substitutes such as expanded polystyrene
aggregate.
Other alternative trench materials that are
also being used extensively in some parts of
the state include large diameter pipes and
permeable concrete panel block trench
materials. In addition, since about 2003,
some gravel -less septic system trenches use
bundles of plastic pipes or other materials
such as recycled rubber tires (chopped into
NCSTATE UNIVERSITY
A&T STATE UNIVERSITY
COOPERATIVE
EXTENSION
chips or pieces to meet specific size require-
ments) to replace the gravel aggregate.
Cooperative Extension Service publication
AG-439-13, Septic Systems and Their
Maintenance, describes the conventional
system, simple modifications of it, and
important maintenance needs.
Other more sophisticated types of on -site
systems used for the last 20 to 25 years
include systems with pumps, mechanical
pretreatment units, or biofilters. These
technologies are now being used in numerous
new housing developments or to replace or
repair failing septic systems at homes and
businesses. Systems using these new tech-
nologies require a higher level of maintenance
than the more traditional conventional septic
systems.
For this reason, state rules have specific
maintenance requirements for a number of
these more sophisticated technologies. Often,
homeowners will be required by state sewage
rules to hire a state -certified operator to
regularly inspect and maintain the system. In
addition, state rules also require the health
department to inspect these systems on a
periodic basis.
Your local health department can tell you
what type of system you have and what the
Helping Aver Peet Knowledge m Work

SoilFacts
legal requirements are for long-term
maintenance.
Things You Need to Know
About Your Septic System
• What type of septic system do
you have?
• Where is it located?
• Where is the repair area
located?
• Is the septic system working?
• Has it been maintained in the
past?
• What can you do on a day-to-
day basis to keep your system
working properly?
• What maintenance is needed
Lin the future?
Do you know the location of your
septic system and repair area?
To properly maintain your septic
system, you should know the location
of both the septic tank (and any other
pretreatment units) and the drainfield.
Contact the local health department
for a copy of your septic system
permit and soil evaluation sheet.
These forms indicate the approximate
locations of each of the system's
components and the size of the septic
tank. Keep these items in this Septic
System Owner's Guide file folder.
The location of the septic tank and
drainfield can usually be determined
with a copy of the permit and with the
help of a septic contractor, consultant,
or the local health department.
Most housing sites permitted since the
early 1980s are legally required to
have a "repair area or replacement
area" in which a second drainfield
could be built if needed. This repair
area was identified by the health
depaitiuent when the site was permit-
ted and should be shown on your
septic system permit. The law also
requires you to protect this area from
excavation; building a house addition,
garage or outbuilding over it; swim-
ming pool construction; and any soil
disturbance activities.
Sketch your home, septic system
(both the tank and drainfield), repair
area, and other important features
(such as your driveway) on the grid
labeled Septic System Layout. When
you have your septic tank pumped,
measure and record the distance from
the house to the access port on the
tank. This will help you find it again.
You might also wish to mark your
tank location and the drainfield
boundaries in your yard. If a riser is
not installed over the access port for
your septic tank, you may want to
have one installed. Be sure, though,
that the riser is secured with a lock or
a heavy lid to prevent children from
opening it and endangering them-
selves or others. Even properly
operating septic tanks contain poison-
ous gases and pollutants as well as
bacteria and other germs that can
cause serious diseases. NO ONE
SHOULD EVER ENTER A SEPTIC
TANK.
Is your septic system working
properly?
Unfortunately, if house fixtures drain
well, few people investigate whether
their septic system works. Many
people don't realize that untreated
sewage on top of the ground can be a
health hazard. If your system shows
signs of problems, contact your local
health department immediately.
State law requires that you get a
permit from the health department
before repairing a failing septic
system. Be wary of any contractor
who wants to attempt a repair without
a permit.
What maintenance has been
done?
Before planning a maintenance
program, find out what maintenance
has already been done. If you are
buying an existing home, ask the
seller a few important questions:
• How old is the system?
7,111
MMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMM
MMMMMMMMMMMMMM
2

Septic System Owner's Guide
• Where are the tank and drainfield
located (they may not be at the
same location or even on the same
lot)?
• When was the tank last pumped?
• How frequently has it been
pumped?
• How often has the "effluent filter"
in the septic tank been cleaned
(these effluent filters are required
on systems installed since 1999).
• Have there been signs of possible
failure?
• Where is a copy of the permit and
records showing how well (or
poorly) the system has been
maintained?
• Have there been additions made to
the house that would necessitate
increasing the size of the system?
• Has the system ever been repaired,
and if so, when, and by whom?
If the house has just been built, ask
the septic system contractor to
provide you an "as built" diagram that
may show details not on the permit. If
the house has a system with a pump,
ask the contractor and health depart-
ment to provide details concerning the
initial pump setup.
Proper care of your septic system
requires day-to-day management as
well as periodic maintenance and
repairs.
Day -to -Day Management
Don't use too much water.
• The drainfield does not have
unlimited capacity.
• Typical daily water use is 50
gallons per person.
• The soil drainfield usually has a
maximum daily design capacity of
120 gallons per bedroom, even for
short periods of time.
• Overloads can occur seasonally,
daily, or on the weekend.
• Water conservation will extend the
life of your system.
• Repair dripping faucets and toilets.
Limit disposal to sewage.
• Don't use your septic tank as a
trash can for cigarette butts,
tissues, sanitary napkins, cotton
swabs, cat box litter, coffee
grounds, or disposable diapers.
• Restrict the use of your garbage
disposal. These add quite a lot of
extra solids.
• Don't pour grease or cooking oil
down the drain.
• Don't poison your system with
harmful chemicals such as
solvents, oils, paints, thinners,
discarded medications,
disinfectants, pesticides, poisons,
and other substances.
• Save money. Commercial septic
tank additives are usually not
necessary.
Protect the system from physical
damage (site maintenance).
• Keep the soil over the drainfield
covered with vegetation to prevent
soil erosion.
• Don't drive vehicles over the
system.
• Avoid construction over the
system and repair area.
• Maintain the natural shape of the
land immediately downslope of the
system, and protect this area from
excavation (cutting and filling).
• Don't cover the tank or drainfield
with asphalt or concrete.
Dispose of all wastewater in an
approved system.
• Don't put in a separate pipe to
carry wash waters to a side ditch
or the woods. This is illegal.
Periodic Maintenance and
Repair
Home and yard (site
maintenance):
• Protect and maintain the site of
your septic tank and drainfield.
• Cut down and remove trees that
like wet conditions. This includes
willows, elms, sweetgums, and
some maples.
• Landscape the yard to divert
surface waters away from the tank
and drainfield.
• Be sure that the water from the
roof, gutters, and foundation drains
does not flow over the system.
• If your system is at the base of a
slope, then consider installing a
french drain to divert underground
waters.
• Maintain drainage ditches,
subsurface tiles, and drainage
outlets so that water can flow freely
from them.
Septic tank:
• Install risers over the tank if it is
buried 6 inches or deeper. They
provide easy access for measuring
and pumping solids as well as
cleaning the effluent filter.
• Measure how quickly sludge and
scum accumulate in the tank. Have
your professional pumper record
this information.
• Have solids pumped out of the tank
as needed. Most septic tanks have
two compartments; get both
pumped.
• Cooperative Extension Service
publication AG-439-13, Septic
Systems and Their Maintenance,
contains more information on
pumping frequency.
• Don't wait until your drainfield
fails to have your tank pumped. By
then, the drainfield may be ruined.
With septic systems, an ounce of
prevention is worth a ton of cure!
Regulations and precautions:
• Hire a state -certified subsurface
system operator for any system
with a pump. One will be required
by law for low pressure pipe (LPP)
systems installed or repaired after
July 1, 1992, any subsurface drip
irrigation systems, aerobic
treatment units (ATUs), peat
biofolters, sand biofilters, textile
3

SoilFacts
Date
Work Done
Firm
Cost
Your Septic System Pumper
Name
Address
Phone
Your Septic System Installer
Name
Address
Phone
Date System Installed
w
Signs of Possible Septic System Problems
• Sewage backing up into your toilets, tubs, or sinks.
• Slowly draining fixtures, particularly after it has rained.
• The smell of raw sewage accompanied by soggy soil or sewage
discharged over the ground or in nearby ditches or woods.
• Note: pump systems sewage may come to the ground surface
when the pump is turned on and then disappear after the pump
turns off. This is still a system failure and must be repaired.
• An alarm flashing (red light) or beeping in the house or in the yard
indicating a pump is not working properly or that the water level in
a pump tank is too high and close to failure.
• An increase in infections or illnesses associated with swimming in
lakes or rivers next to the system.
1
i
■
biofilters, and other complex
systems.
• A list of state -certified subsurface
system operators can be obtained
from the N.C. Water Pollution
Control System Certification
Commission at [phone].
• Be sure the pump and electrical
components continue working
properly between scheduled
maintenance visits.
• Sewage contains germs that can
cause diseases. Never enter a
septic tank. Toxic and explosive
gases in the tank present a hazard.
Old tanks may collapse. Electrical
controls present a shock and spark
hazard. Secure the septic tank lid
so that children cannot open it.
• Don't attempt to repair a failing
system yourself. Get a repair
permit and hire an experienced
contractor.
For more information about septic
systems, contact your county Exten-
sion agent or local health department.
Prepared by
Michael T. Hoover, Extension Soil
Science Specialist, Department of Soil
Science, North Carolina State University
Appreciation is extended to Tom
Konsler (Orange County Health
Department), Deanna Osmond, Mitch
Woodward, and Grace Lawrence (North
Carolina Cooperative Extension) for
peer review of the document and to
Janet Young for graphic design, layout,
and editing.
20,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $ or $ each.
© 2004 North Carolina State University
Published by
NORTH CAROLINA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
03/04-20M—BS
E04-43963
(Revised March 2004) AG-439-22

FarmSvst
NORTH CARS LI N �]—
a
Employment and program
opportunities are offered to all people
regardless of race, color, national
origin, gender, age, or disability. North
Carolina State University, North
Carolina A&T State University, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, and local
governments cooperating.
Environmental Stewardship for Farmers — #4
Improving Septic Systems
Is your well protected from your septic system?
One of the easiest ways to protect well water from pollution is to check your septic system. Sep-
tic systems can pollute wells when they are placed too close to the well, are not properly main-
tained, or have not been properly installed. The major contaminants from septic systems that
enter wells are disease -causing germs. These invisible germs — such as bacteria and viruses —
can cause many human diseases. Another potential contaminant that can come from septic sys-
tems is nitrogen in the form of nitrate -nitrogen. If the nitrate level of your well water is too high,
the water can be hazardous to infants in their first six months of life.
How can we help?
We have prepared this publication to help you focus on potential problems with your drinking
water that may be caused by an improperly placed, constructed, or maintained septic system.
Read the publication before you begin answering the questions in this publication. Gather any
records you have about your septic system: the type of system you have, the location of the sep-
tic tank and the drainfield, and the location and type of well on your property. If you do not have
records, contact your local health department for a copy of your septic system permit and soil
evaluation sheet. Walk around the area near your septic system and look at it closely. Also look
at the area around your well.
Each of the following sections deals with different topics. Next to each topic is a question for
you to answer. Your answers will help you to see where you have potential problems.
• If you answer a question either a or b, you have few problems with your septic
system.
• If you answer a question either c or d, there may be potential problems with the
condition of your septic system.
• If you answer a question either c or d, you will want to consider making changes to your sep-
tic system in order to protect your drinking water.
If you would like further help in assessing the condition of your septic system, please visit your
nearest Cooperative Extension Service Center and talk with your Extension agent.
N STATE VE
A&T STATEATE UNIVEOOPERATRSITY
CM
EXTENSION
Helping People Put Knowledge to Work
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences • NC State University
School of Agriculture and Environmental and Allied Sciences •
NC A&T State University

How safe is your drinking water?
If you drink water from a well or spring, the water comes from the
ground. Most groundwater in North Carolina is safe to drink. If pollu-
tion gets into groundwater, your well or spring water may not be safe.
Many things we all do at our homes and farms can pollute the ground-
water.
If groundwater becomes polluted, it is nearly impossible to clean up.
Then, the only ways to get safe drinking water are to treat the existing
water, drill a new well, or get water from another source. All of these
options are expensive and inconvenient.
The North Carolina Farm*A*Syst program has a series of publica-
tions that can help you keep your drinking water safe. These publica-
tions will lead you through an evaluation of your farmstead to
determine if your water is in danger of becoming or is already pol-
luted with harmful substances from your farmstead area. If there is a
problem or a potential problem, the Farm*A*Syst publications have
information about how to solve the problems. The publications also
list the North Carolina state agencies that can help you solve your
drinking water problem.
The goal of the North Carolina Farm*A*Syst program is to
help you protect the groundwater that North Carolina residents
depend on for drinking water.
What is a septic system?
A septic system is an efficient, inexpensive, convenient, and safe
method for treating and disposing of household wastewater if the
system is properly installed and maintained. A septic system consists
of three main parts:
1. The septic tank collects and stores the solids that come from the
house.
2. The drainfield is made from pipe and gravel that are installed as
trenches in the soil. The drainfield delivers wastewater to the soil.
3. The soil beneath the drainfield purifies the wastewater before it
flows to the underlying groundwater.
Wastewater flows from the house into the septic tank. The solids sink
to the bottom of the tank, the grease floats to the top, and the liquid
portion of the wastewater flows out into the drainfield. The drainfield
distributes the wastewater and allows it to slowly move into the soil.
As it moves through the soil, the wastewater is purified by organisms
that live in the soil.
State law requires that soils be evaluated by the local health
department and that an improvement permit and an authorization to
construct an on -site wastewater system (construction authorization) be
issued before house construction begins or the septic system is in-
stalled. The purpose of this evaluation is to ensure that the soil can
both absorb and treat the wastewater from your home. Septic system
North Carolina Farm*A*Syst
Publications
• Protecting Water Supply, #1
• Improving Fuel Storage, #2
• Improving Storage and
Handling of Hazardous Waste,
#3
• Improving Septic Systems, #4
• Improving Storage and
Handling of Pesticides, #5
• Improving Storage and
Handling of Fertilizer, #6
• Improving Storage, Handling,
and Disposal of Livestock
Waste, #7
• Grazing Livestock and Water
Quality, #8
• Stream Management in the
Piedmont and Mountains, #9
• Agriculture and Natural
Resource Protection, #10
• Protecting Your Wetlands, #11
• Wildlife on Your Farm, #12
• Christmas Tree Production
Best Management Practices to
Protect Water Quality and the
Environment, #13
• Managing Pests, #14
2

Drainfield
Septic system
installation must be approved by the local health department before
electrical service can be permanently connected to the home, the
home occupied, and the septic system put into use.
Soil surface
Soil beneath
the drainfield
General Conditions Of Your Septic System
1. How old is your septic system?
North Carolina rules regarding the placement and design of septic
systems are being improved over time. Major changes to the state
rules occurred in 1977, 1982, and 1992. Current rules require a
comprehensive evaluation of the soil before a septic system can be
approved for that location. State rules also require homeowners to
employ a trained and certified subsurface system operator for cer-
tain types of septic systems installed or repaired after 1992. These
operators ensure that the system is operating well. The changes in
the rules have improved the chances that your septic system will
work better.
If you do not know the age and type of your septic system, this in-
formation may be available from your local health department.
2. What is the depth between your drainfield and
the groundwater table?
Wastewater moves from the septic tank into the drainfield and then
slowly into the soil. The drainfield trenches are normally installed 2-
3 feet deep. The wastewater is purified as it moves down through
the soil and into the groundwater.
North Carolina septic rules require that the groundwater table or soil
wetness conditions be at least 12 to 18 inches deeper than the
drainfield trenches. Soil above the groundwater table is considered
to be aerobic. Aerobic means that the soil has some air in it and is
not totally saturated (or filled with water). This aerobic soil is where
most of the germs from the sewage are removed.
Call your local health depaitiuent or United States Department of
Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service for information
about the soils on your lot.
1. Circle the answer that best
describes the age of your septic
system.
a. Your septic system was installed
after 1992.
b. Your septic system was installed
between 1982 and 1992.
c. Your septic system was installed
between 1977 and 1982.
d. Your septic system was installed
before 1977; OR do not know.
2. Circle the answer that best
describes the relationship be-
tween the location of your septic
system and the groundwater.
a. The groundwater always remains at
least 4 feet below the surface.
b. The groundwater normally remains
more than 4 feet below the surface
except for very short periods of time
(less than a week) during wet times
of the year.
c. The groundwater normally remains
more than 2 feet below the surface
except for very short periods of time
(less than a week) during wet times
of the year.
d. The groundwater periodically rises
to within 2 feet of the surface; OR do
not know.
3

Drainfield Trenches
For
sandy
soils
18 inches
minimum
For all
other
soils
12 inches
minimum
a
ti ti ti ti ti
1•k•
Lk~•~.y11• 1 11.E
Required distance between bottom of drainfield
and groundwater table
3. Where are your septic system and well located?
Once the purified wastewater drains through the soil, it becomes
part of the groundwater. The best way to protect your drinking wa-
ter from your septic system is to separate the two. North Carolina
law requires that septic systems be placed at least 100 feet away
from a well or other water source.
i
i
At least 100 feet
----------------
Safe separation distance between
septic system and well
4. What type of soil is your septic system installed
in?
The type of soil in which your septic system is located is important
for protecting the groundwater from pollution. Gently sloping, deep
soils that aren't too clayey or too sandy with a deep groundwater
table make the best sites. If the soil is too sandy, wastewater flows
through the soil into the groundwater too fast and is not purified.
On the other hand, if the soil is too clayey, wastewater flows too
slowly, causing untreated sewage to collect on top of the ground.
Avoid areas that have rock close to the surface, very sticky clays, or
3. Circle the answer that best
describes the relationship between
the location of your well and your
septic system.
a. Your septic system is downhill from
your well or other water source and is
more than 100 feet away from it.
b. Your septic system is uphill from your
well or other water source and is
more than 100 feet away from it.
c. Your septic system is 50 to 100 feet
away from your well or other water
source.
d. Your septic system is less than 50
feet away from the well or other water
source; OR do not know.
4. Circle the answer that best
describes the type of soil and
conditions in which your septic
system drainfield is buried.
a. Your septic system is installed in
deep, well -drained soil (not too
clayey, not too sandy) to allow full
absorption and treatment of waste-
water or you have a low-pressure
pipe system installed in sandy soil or
a pretreatment system installed in
any soil.
b. Your septic system drainfield is
installed in deep red, clayey soil that
drains reasonably well. If your soil is
clayey, a handful of it easily breaks
into small pieces when moist.
c. Your septic system drainfield is
installed in sandy soil with a shallow
groundwater and does not have a
low pressure or pretreatment sys-
tem.
d. Your septic system drainfield is
installed in thin soil with hard rock,
very sticky clay soils, or soil layers
that restrict downward flow of water
and the system does not include a
pretreatment system, such as a
sand filter; OR do not know.
4

soil layers that restrict the downward flow. Any of these conditions
can keep water from flowing through the soil and cause untreated
sewage to collect on the ground surface, where it can flow over to
your water source.
The soil should be uniform, yellow, yellowish -red, or bright red in
color, and it should not have spots of gray. Gray spots indicate that
the soil may be too wet to contain enough air (anaerobic conditions)
during the winter and spring.
5. Are trees and shrubs planted near your septic
system?
Trees or shrubs located closer than 100 feet to septic systems may
cause problems. Roots from plants sometimes enter the septic tank
drainfield, the tank, or the pipes, preventing the proper working of
the septic system. Failing septic systems increase the likelihood of
groundwater or surface water pollution.
6. Does runoff drain away from your septic
system?
To reduce water that flows through the soil where the drainfield is
buried, keep the water that runs off your foundation drains, gutters,
driveway, and other paved areas away from the drainfield of your
septic system. Careful landscaping can help direct excess surface
water away from your septic system.
1
Runoff draining away from the septic system
5. Circle the answer that best
describes the location between
your trees and your septic sys-
tem.
a. No trees are within 100 feet of your
septic drainfield. You've never had
a problem with roots in the drain -
field, pipes, or tank.
b. No trees are within 50 feet of your
drainfield.
c. The only trees within 50 feet of your
septic drainfield are trees that grow
poorly under wet conditions (most
oaks, dogwoods).
d. Trees or shrubs within 50 feet of
your drainfield that grow well under
wet conditions (willows, willow
oaks, some maples) or you've re-
moved roots from drainfield lines at
least once and make no effort to
prevent root regrowth; OR do not
know.
Trees should not be located
too close to septic system
6. Circle the answer that best
describes how surface water flows
in your yard.
a. You have landscaped the yard to
divert rain water and water from your
roof, gutters, and foundation drains
away from the septic
system.
b. You have landscaped the yard to
divert rain water away from your sep-
tic system. You're not sure where the
roof, gutters, and foundation waters
drain.
c. You have landscaped the yard to
divert rain water away from your sep-
tic system. Your roof, gutters, and
foundation drain across your septic
system.
d. Water from the roof, gutters, founda-
tion, driveway, and yard drains over
your septic system; OR do not know.
5

Maintenance of Your Septic System
7. How much water do you use?
As with city sewers, there are limits to the amount of water
septic systems can treat. However, if you have a city sewer and use
too much water, a problem occurs far away at the city
sewage treatment plant. If you have a septic system and use too
much water, your wastewater may backup into your yard or house,
since your septic system serves as your sewage treatment plant.
The soil drainfield can support no more than 120 gallons per bed-
room per day. Most people use about 50 gallons per day of water.
When the amount of water entering the septic system nears design
capacity, your septic system may fail.
Problems caused by using too much water can occur throughout the
year, seasonally, or from time to time. For example, the soil beneath
your drainfield cannot absorb as much water in the spring, when the
soil is naturally more moist, as it can absorb in the summer when the
soil is drier. If you wash all your laundry in one day, you may have a
temporary problem caused by overloading the soil.
Reduce your water use by doing the following:
• Use 1.6 gallon (or less) per flush toilets.
• Periodically check the toilets and faucets to make sure that they
are not leaking; fix immediately if they are leaking.
• Use faucet aerators at sinks and flow reducer nozzles at showers.
• Limit the length of your shower to 10 minutes or less.
• Do not fill the bathtub with more than 6 inches of water.
• Do not wash more than 1 - 2 loads of laundry per day.
• Do not use the dishwasher until it is full.
Home water use
8. Do you use a garbage disposal?
To reduce the possibility of septic system failure, restrict the use of
the garbage disposal unit. Garbage disposals usually double the
amount of solids added to your septic tank.
7. Circle the answer that best
describes the total amount of
water you use in your house per
day.
*Note: even if you have a well, you can
have a water meter installed to mea-
sure your family's water use, or you
may contact your local Cooperative
Extension Service Center to get help
estimating your family's water use.
a. You use less than 35 gallons per
person per day.
b. You use between 35 and 50 gallons
per person per day.
c. You use between 50 and 60 gallons
per person per day.
d. You use more than 60 gallons per
person per day, you have an in -home
day care center or you take in wash
for others, or your toilets or faucets
have water leaks; OR do not know.
8. Circle the answer that best
describes your garbage disposal.
a. No garbage disposal.
b. Have a garbage disposal but also
have a separate tank that treats
garbage disposal waste before it
goes to the septic tank.
c. Limited use of garbage disposal
(3 times per week) but no separate
tank.
d. Daily use of garbage disposal and
no separate tank; OR do not know.
6

9. Do you pour grease or oil down your sink?
Do not pour grease or cooking oils down the sink drain. Grease
can harden in the drainfield and clog the soil so that no water can
flow through the soil. If this happens you will need to install a new
drainfield.
10. Do you use cleaning products?
Use moderate amounts of cleaning products and do not pour sol-
vents or other poisons. Don't dispose of extra cleaning products by
pouring them down the drain. Do not use toilet cleaners that are
placed in the toilet tank. Such chemicals can kill the good bacteria
in your septic tank and in the soil beneath your drainfield.
DO NOT FLUSH
hazardous chemicals, such as:
paints
varnishes
thinners
waste oils
photographic solutions
pesticides
11. Do you dispose of solid waste materials?
Do not put items down the drain that may clog the septic tank or
other parts of the system. These items include cigarette butts, sani-
tary napkins, tampons, condoms, disposable diapers, paper towels,
egg shells, and coffee grounds. Do not use your toilet for disposal
of facial tissues. This adds extra solids and water to the septic sys-
tem.
9. Circle the answer that best
describes how you dispose of your
grease and oil.
a. No disposal of grease and oil down
the drain, and oil and grease wiped
from cooking items with a paper towel
before washing.
b. Limited rinsing of grease and oil while
cleaning cooking items
during special occasions (holidays, or
when entertaining).
c. Routine rinsing of grease and oil
down the drain when cleaning cook-
ing items.
d. Routine disposal of grease and oil
down the drain from cooking pans,
fryers, etc.; OR do not know.
10. Circle the answer that best
describes your use of household
cleaning products and how you
dispose of solvents and poisons.
a. Minimal use of household chemicals
(only 2 cups per week). No disposal of
harmful chemicals such as solvents,
paints, thinners, disinfectants, pesti-
cides, poisons, and other substances
that can kill the bacteria in the tank
and soil.
b.
c.
d.
Careful use of household chemicals
only when needed to unclog pipes,
clean fixtures, etc.
Daily use of household chemicals,
such as degreasers, pipe decloggers
or toilet bowl sanitizers.
Excessive amounts of cleaning agents
poured down the drain or periodic
disposal of solvents and other sub-
stances such as paints, paint thinners,
poisons that can kill the bacteria in the
tank and soil or pollute the groundwa-
ter; OR do not know.
7

DO NOT FLUSH
coffee grounds
dental floss
disposable diapers
kitty litter
sanitary napkins
tampons
cigarette butts
condoms
paper towels
facial tissues
12. Does all your wastewater drain
into your septic system?
Make sure that all wastewater produced in the house is
directed into the septic system. This includes not only the
wastewater from the kitchen sink and the toilets, but also
wastewater from tubs, showers, and laundry facilities.
13. Have you protected your septic system
from physical damage?
To protect your septic system from physical damage:
• Keep the soil over the drainfield covered with grass to pre-
vent soil erosion.
• Be careful not to mow the lateral turn -ups if you have a
special type of septic system called a "low-pressure pipe
system."
• Don't drive over the system.
• Maintain the natural shape of the land immediately
downslope of the system. Protect this area from cutting and
filling.
• Do not build over the drainfield area.
14. Have you built over your drainfield?
Do not cover the tank or drainfield with asphalt or concrete.
Do not build any additions to your house over the drainfield
without first checking with your local health department. For
proper function and maintenance, your entire septic system
must be accessible. Use a property layout sketch to help you
place new facilities on your property away from the septic
system.
11 Circle the answer that best describes
how you dispose of solid products.
a. You never use your septic system as a
trash can for any solid products such as
cigarette butts, tissues, sanitary napkins,
tampons, condoms, cotton swabs, cat litter,
coffee grounds, or disposable diapers.
b. You occasionally (once or twice yearly) use
your septic system as a trash can for ciga-
rette butts, tissues, sanitary napkins, tam-
pons, condoms, cotton swabs, cat litter,
coffee grounds, or disposable diapers.
c. You use your septic system every month as
a trash can for cigarette butts, tissues,
sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, cot-
ton swabs, cat litter, coffee grounds, or
disposable diapers.
d. You use your septic system every week as
a trash can for cigarette butts, tissues,
sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, cot-
ton swabs, cat litter, coffee grounds, or
disposable diapers; OR do not know.
12. Circle the answer that best describes
how you dispose of wastewater.
a. All of your wastewater is disposed of in
an approved septic system.
b. All of your wastewater is disposed of in
a septic system that was installed before
state regulations went into effect but
seems to be working okay.
c. Some of your wastewater, such as wash
water or kitchen wastewater, goes to a
separate pipe that discharges into a ditch
or dry well or in the woods.
d. All of your wastewater goes to a pipe that
discharges into a ditch or dry well or in the
woods; OR do not know.
13. Circle the answer that best describes
vehicular traffic over the septic system.
a. No vehicles or farm equipment are ever
driven over your septic tank or drainfield,
except lawnmowers.
b. You have carefully (once or twice) driven a
car over your drainfield, but don't cross it
with heavy farm equipment and have never
driven over the tank or pipe network.
c. You have periodically driven vehicles over
your drainfield, but don't ever cross it with
heavy farm equipment.
d. You have driven over your septic tank or
pipe network with vehicles or over any part
of the system with heavy farm equipment,
trucks, etc.; OR do not know.
8

,r Vffil
4
3
1
a
CH 6i
':c
Property layout sketch of the septic system
15. What safety precautions do you take
around your septic system?
Some simple precautions should be taken to ensure the
safety of you and your family around the septic system.
• Sewage in septic systems may contain germs that can
cause disease. To prevent the spread of diseases, you
should wash up after checking your septic system. If
untreated sewage comes to the ground surface, you
should contact your local health department to get a per-
mit to repair your system.
• Be sure to avoid spark and shock hazards on systems
with pumps or electrical controls, because sometimes
there are toxic or explosive gases in septic systems that
can be ignited.
• The septic tank lid should be tight at all times to pre-
vent children from opening the lid.
16. Has your septic tank been cleaned
recently?
After a few years, the solids that collect in your septic tank
should be pumped out and disposed of at an approved loca-
tion. If not removed, these solids will eventually block the
soil in your system. The sewage will either back up into
your house or flow across the ground surface over the
drainfield. If this happens, it is too late to pump your tank
and you will have to build a new drainfield on a different
part of your lot.
How often your septic tank needs to be pumped depends on
three things:
• The size of your tank
• The amount of wastewater you use
• The solids content of your wastewater
14. Circle the answer that best describes
the placement of additions onto your
house.
a. No additions to your home or construction
of outbuildings, swimming pools, or drive-
ways have been made since your septic
system was installed.
b. Additions to your home or construction of
outbuildings, swimming pools, or driveways
have been preceded by contacting your
local health department.
c. You have not contacted your local health
department, but have a copy of your septic
system permit and are sure that additions
to your home or construction of outbuild-
ings, swimming pools, or driveways have
been located away from the septic system
and repair area.
d. An addition to your home, a swimming
pool, or driveway have been built over the
septic system or repair area; OR do not
know.
15. Circle the answer that best describes
your work habits around the septic
system.
a. You wash up after checking your system.
You never enter your septic tank. You
secure the septic tank lid so that children
can not open it. You use caution to avoid
shock and spark hazards on systems with
pumps or electrical controls.
b. Not applicable
c. Not applicable
d. You don't wash up after checking your
system. You enter your septic tank. You
don't secure the septic tank lid so that
children can not open it. You are not cau-
tious with the electrical parts of your septic
system; OR do not know.
WARNING
Use great caution when
inspecting or even looking into a
septic tank. Toxic gases that can
kill in minutes are produced in
septic tanks. Septic tanks should
never be inspected alone.
9

Your local health department should be able to tell you the size of
your tank. Then, using the table below, determine how often your
tank should be pumped. For example, if there are 4 people living in
your house and your septic tank can hold 1,000 gallons, the tank
should be inspected and pumped at least every three years.
Time Table for Inspecting and Pumping Your Septic Tank
(in years)
— — — Number of People Using the System— — —
Tank Size
(gallons) 1 2 4 6 8
Number of Years
11 5 2 1 <1
12 6 3 2 1
900
1,000
1,250
1,500
16 8 3 2 1
19 9 4 3 2
Source: Adapted from "Estimated Septic Tank Pumping Frequency," by Karen
Mancl. 1984. Journal of Environmental Engineering. Volume 110.
17. Do you have easy access to your septic
system?
It is important to know the loca-
tion of your septic system. It
is also important to be able to
check your septic system. Easy
access to your septic system
through an access riser allows it
to be inspected and cleaned.
The following diagram illus-
trates an access riser.
Access riser installed
on septic tank
18. Have you hired a certified septic system
operator?
Hire a certified operator when you have a system that uses a pump
including the following:
• Low-pressure pipe system
• Pump -to -conventional system
• Pressure manifold system
• Mechanical aerobic treatment unit (ATU)
• Drip irrigation system
This operator will check the overall performance of your system
and the operation of the pump, electrical controls, and alarm on a
regular basis. Hiring a certified operator will cost some money, but
can provide you with professional care for your septic system.
You are required by state law to hire a certified subsurface
system operator if you have a low-pressure pipe system that
was installed or repaired after July 1, 1992, or if you have an
aerobic treatment unit (ATU).
16. Circle the answer that best describes
how often your septic tank is cleaned.
a. You have your septic tank inspected and
pumped as scheduled in the table at left.
b. You have septic tank scum and sludge
levels checked each year and your septic
tank pumped out as needed.
c. You have scum and sludge levels
checked and your tank pumped out
about once every 5-10 years.
d. It has been more than 5-10 years since
you've had your septic tank checked and
pumped out or you've never pumped out
your septic tank, or you don't know if it
has ever been pumped out; OR do not
know.
17. Circle the answer that best describes
your access to your septic tank.
a.
b.
c.
You have a concrete riser or manhole
over your septic tank that provides easy
access to the tank.
You do not have a concrete riser, but
the location of your tank is marked and
the tank is less than six inches deep.
You do not have a concrete riser, but
the location of your tank is marked. The
top of your tank is more than six inches
deep.
d. You do not know where your tank is
located; OR do not know.
18. Circle the answer that best describes
how you use a certified subsurface
system operator if you have one of
these four special types of septic sys-
tems: a pump -to -conventional, pres-
sure manifold, low-pressure pipe
system, or ATU system.
a. You have hired a certified subsurface
system operator if you have a pump -to -
conventional, pressure manifold, or low-
pressure pipe system.
b. Not Applicable
c. Not Applicable
d. You have not hired a certified subsurface
system operator to help operate and
maintain your pump -to -conventional,
pressure manifold, low-pressure pipe
system, or ATU system; OR do not know.
10

19. Have you talked to a certified septic system
operator?
Hiring a certified operator to inspect your pump system is im-
portant. It is also important to talk to your certified operator to
find out what you should do to maintain your septic system
between visits.
20. Are your drainage ditches maintained?
For septic systems that use ditches or subsurface drain tiles to
drain excess water from the soil, it is important that the outlets
from these ditches be cleaned. If the outlet becomes plugged
up, water can no longer drain from the soil into the ditch. The
soil will stay too wet for the drainfield to work properly and
your septic system may fail.
For more information:
You must receive a permit from your local health
department before installing or repairing any septic sys-
tem.
Your county health department can be a valuable source of
information on the following topics:
• Site selection and construction of septic systems
• Septic system inspection and maintenance
• List of registered septic system installers
• Construction records for existing septic systems
• Information on systems that legally require a certified
subsurface system operator
Related publications available from the
Cooperative Extension Service:
• About Septic Systems: What You Need to Know
• Septic System Owner's Guide, AG-439-22
• Soil Facts: Septic Systems and Their Maintenance,
AG-439-13
• Soil Facts: Investigate Before You Invest, AG-439-12
• Soil Facts: Management of Single Family and Small Com-
munity Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems, AG-
439-11
The publications listed above are available at your county Cooperative
Extension Service Center. You may also order these publications from
Communication Services, Campus Box 7603, North Carolina State Uni-
versity, Raleigh, NC 27695-7603.
19. Circle the answer that best describes
how you obtain information from your
certified operator about your septic
system if you have a pump system.
a. You find out from your operator what you
should be doing between visits to help the
system work properly.
b. You do not discuss your system with your
certified operator but do let him/her know
immediately if the alarm is activated.
c. You turn off the alarm when it is activated,
hope the problem goes away until the
next scheduled visit by your certified op-
erator.
d. You have a pump system, but have not
hired a certified operator to help you man-
age the system; OR do not know.
20. If you use drainage ditches, circle the
answer that best describes how you
maintain your drainage ditches.
a. Your drainage ditches and outlets are
maintained on your property and on sur-
rounding properties.
b. Your drainage ditches are well maintained
on your property but not on surrounding
properties.
c. Your drainage ditch still exists but is be-
ginning to become filled with soil or with
trees, or brush growing in it or your drain-
age outlet is partially covered by water,
soil, or debris.
d. The outlet of your drainage ditch is
blocked or your drainage ditches have
filled in and water is not flowing freely
through them; OR do not know.
WARNING
NEVER enter a septic tank.
The following publication is available from the
North Carolina Department of Environment, Health
and Natural Resources, Department of Environ-
mental Health (919/733-5083):
• On -Site Wastewater Management Guidance
Manual, 1996.
11

NNCSTATE UNIVERSITY
A&T STATE UNIVERSITY
COOPERATIVE
EXTENSION
Helping People Put Knowledge to Work
College of Agriculture & Life Sciences • NC State University
School of Agriculture and Environmental and Allied Sciences
NC A&T State University
Prepared by
Deanna L. Osmond
Water Quality Extension Specialist
Michael T. Hoover
Extension Soil Science Specialist
Wilma S. Hammet
Extension Home Furnishing Specialist
Janet Young
Layout and Design Specialist
The concept for these materials was adapted from materials produced by the
National Farm*A*Syst Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.
North Carolina's Farm*A*Syst and Home*A*Syst Program is coordinated by Deanna L.
Osmond, North Carolina State University. Technical editing was provided by Judith A.
Gale, and copy editing by CathyAkroyd. Michael J. Vepraskas, Aziz Amoozegar, and Stanley
W. Buol were the technical reviewers at North Carolina State University. Technical review
was also provided by the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural
Resources. Technical review was also provided by the following people within the North
Carolina Department of Environment, Health and Natural Resources: Debra Owen, Envi-
ronmental Services Branch, Environmental Biologist; Dennis Ramsey, Assistant Chief of
Operations Branch; and Steven J. Steinbeck, Head, On -Site Wastewater Services Branch,
On -Site Wastewater Section, Division of Environmental Health.
This project has been funded with Section 319 grant monies from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency through the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources,
Division of Water Quality.
Published by
NORTH CAROLINA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE
7/00—
WQWM-168
AG-566-4

Distributed in furtherance of the
Acts of Congress of May 8 and
June 30, 1914. North Carolina
State University and North
Carolina A&T State University
commit themselves to positive
action to secure equal
opportunity regardless of race,
color, creed, national origin,
religion, sex, age, or disability.
In addition, the two Universities
welcome all persons without
regard to sexual orientation.
North Carolina State University,
North Carolina A&T State
University, U.S. Department
of Agriculture, and local
governments cooperating.
NCSTATE UNIVERSITY
SoilFacts
Why Do Septic Systems Fail?
A properly designed, constructed, and maintained septic system should treat
and disperse wastewater effectively for many years. Unfortunately, septic
systems sometimes fail.
Is My Septic System Failing?
How do you know if your septic system is failing? First, answer the following questions:
1. Do your drains empty slowly for reasons other than old, clogged pipes?
2. Does sewage back up into your house?
3. Have you noticed a wet, smelly spot in your yard?
4. Is your septic tank piped to a ditch or stream?
5. Is your washing machine or sink piped to a road or stream?
6. When it rains or the ground is wet, do you experience problems with your drains?
7. When you do laundry, does a wet spot appear in your yard?
8. Do you frequently have to pump your septic tank (more than once a year)?
9. Is the grass over or around your septic tank greener than the rest of your lawn?
10. Is the area around your septic tank or drainfield wet or spongy even when it has not rained for
a week or more?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, your septic system has failed or is near fail-
ing. This means that it is not treating and disposing of sewage in a safe, environmentally sound
fashion. You may also be able to tell your system is in trouble if noxious bacteria (fecal coliform)
or large amounts of nutrients (particularly ammonia) are found in both nearby wells and surface
water.
Tank Drainfield
►armrwrwtw*.Mrit4tooruA puolif roi4vorav ,nrtuiwlw.w nwruMrnu+vM4
12 to 18 inches
of vertical separation
Treatment and
dispersal in soil
Groundwater
Figure 1. Wastewater treatment and dispersal in the environment (not to scale).
AU STATE UNIVERSITY
COOPERATIVE
- EXTENSION
it 4C fk.wfr Per Fnn..kdire fr. W

SoilFalcts
What Is a Septic System?
A septic system consists of four basic
components: the source (home), the
septic tank, the drainfield or leach
field, and the soil beneath the drain -
field (Hoover, 2004; Figure 1). Sev-
eral different septic system designs
are used in North Carolina. The type
of system used is based on the lot's
soil and site conditions; however, the
conventional system (as illustrated in
Figure 1) is the most commonly used
in the state.
Excessive Water Use
A common reason for septic system
failure is overloading the system with
more water than it can absorb. A sep-
tic system is designed for a specific
wastewater flow rate based on the
number of bedrooms (120 gallons per
bedroom per day) in the house served
by the system. When this flow rate
is exceeded, the excess water backs
up into the house or surfaces in the
yard. This problem is often the result
of a leaky fixture: either a toilet that
has a slow leak or a dripping faucet.
A change in water use, such as more
people in the house or the addition
of a water -using appliance, such as a
dishwasher or washing machine, may
add additional water to your septic
system. Further problems can arise if
a sump pump, icemaker, or dehumidi-
fier drains into the septic tank. Each
of these devices can add excess water
and should not be connected into your
septic system.
Along with excess water from inside
the house, drainage or runoff water
outside also may overload the sep-
tic system. In particular, water from
roofs, roads, or paved areas may be
diverted onto the system drainfield.
This surface water will saturate the
soil to the point that it can no longer
absorb additional water. The result
is sewage backing up into the house
or on top of the ground. Finally, if
the groundwater or surface water is
allowed to enter the septic tank, it,
too, can overload the system. For this
reason, septic tanks are designed to be
watertight, and surface water should
be diverted from the access covers of
the septic tank.
Poor Maintenance or
None at All
As with all major appliances, septic
systems require routine maintenance.
The N.C. Cooperative Extension
publications Septic Systems and Their
Maintenance, AG-439-13, and Septic
System Owner's Guide, AG-439-22,
describe the proper maintenance of a
septic system. The main purpose of
the septic tank is to stop solids from
entering into the drainfield. If solids
do reach the drainfield, they will clog
the small spaces or pores in the gravel
and soil below, resulting in sewage
backing up into the house or surfacing
in the yard. The lack of septic tank
maintenance is a key cause of prema-
ture septic system failure. You should
have your tank pumped every 3 to
5 years depending on use (see Sep-
tic Systems and Their Maintenance
(AG-439-13) for specific guidance on
pumping frequency). Also, you should
have the septic tank pumper inspect
the sanitary tee outlet or effluent filter
to ensure proper function. Houses
with septic systems should not have
a garbage disposal. But if your home
has a garbage disposal or grinder
pump, the tank should be pumped
more frequently. Additives, whether
biological or chemical, have not been
shown to have any beneficial effect
on the solids in the tanks or system in
general. For this reason, they are not
recommended.
If your system received its permit
from your county health department
after January 1, 1999, it must have
an effluent filter. These filters are
designed to prevent finer solids from
reaching the drainfield. The filters
require some additional maintenance.
As the filters clog with solids, your
drains may work more slowly. When
this occurs, a septic tank pumper or
the homeowner can clean the filter
with a garden hose, making sure the
waste on the filter is washed off into
the inlet side of the tank, and replace
2
the filter in the tank. If the filter is
clogged, it is often a sign that the tank
needs to be pumped.
Poor Design and Installation
An improperly designed septic system
is a failure waiting to happen. It is
critical that the system be designed
with adequate space and has suitable
soil. The space requirements are
determined by the amount of sewage
flowing into the system and by the
soil and site conditions of the drain -
field. In designing a septic system, it
is assumed that there are two people
per bedroom in a house and that each
resident produces about 60 gallons of
wastewater a day. Therefore, a septic
system is designed to handle a flow
rate of 120 gallons per day per bed-
room (two people per bedroom x 60
gallons per person per day). For non-
residential property, the flow rate is
determined by the proposed use. Soil
and site conditions dictate the amount
of sewage that can be safely applied
to the soil. In general, sandy soils can
accept more wastewater than clayey
soils, which results in smaller drain -
fields for sandier soils. Finally, the
location of a seasonal high water table
or a restrictive layer (such as hard pan
or rock) determines the depth below
the soil surface that the bottom of the
drainfield trenches can be placed.
The soil is the most important part of
the septic system in treating and ulti-
mately dispersing the treated sewage.
If the soil beneath the drainfield is too
wet, the sewage may not be adequate-
ly treated before it reaches ground-
water. Furthermore, if a restrictive
layer is too close to the trench bottom,
the soil may not be able to absorb all
of the sewage, thus forcing it to the
surface or back up into the house. In
North Carolina, there must be 12 to 18
inches of unsaturated soil beneath the
drainfield trench bottom. This distance
is referred to as the vertical separa-
tion distance. Environmental health
specialists employed by the county or
district health departments are trained
to evaluate the soil and site to ensure
that it is suitable for sewage treatment

Why do Septic Systems Fail?
and dispersal. Additional information
can be obtained in the N.C. Coopera-
tive Extension publication Investigate
before You Invest (AG-439-12).
Even when a system is designed prop-
erly given the flow rate and soil and
site conditions, problems can result
from the construction and installa-
tion of the system. When systems are
installed in soil that is too wet, the
soil is significantly compacted and
the soil pore space is smeared in ex-
cavated areas. In extreme cases this
can seal the soil in the trenches, not
allowing any wastewater to flow into
the underlying soil for treatment and
dispersal. With the reduced capacity
for wastewater to flow into the soil, it
is likely that the wastewater will back
up into the house or emerge on top of
the ground.
Septic systems must be installed ac-
cording to the design. This includes
checking the elevation of each com-
ponent. If the trench bottoms, drain
lines, or distribution box are not level,
wastewater may not flow properly or
be distributed evenly across the drain -
field. Step-downs or other devices
used on sloping sites must be properly
installed, or one trench may be over-
loaded with wastewater. Interceptor
drains or other drainage systems must
have an outlet that allows groundwa-
ter to drain away from the drainfield.
Finally, the soil cover over the drain -
field should be uniform and crowned
to prevent surface water from pond-
ing on or flowing into the trenches.
If the area is landscaped, use small,
lightweight equipment because heavy
machinery may compact the soil and
even crush the pipes or septic tank.
Physical Damage
Driving, paving, or building on top of
a septic system can damage or destroy
it. The pipes and septic tank can shift
position or be crushed from repeated
or even occasional abuse. Further-
more, the soil can be compacted,
or ruts may form, exposing system
components and possibly untreated
sewage to the ground surface. Paving
over all or a portion of the drainfield
may prevent air from getting into the
soil, as well as limit access for repairs
or maintenance. Building over the
drainfield may cause compaction or
even damage a line due to the weight
of the structure or the location of
building footings. Paving or building
over the septic tank also will prevent
required tank maintenance.
Tree roots may clog the drain lines
and gravel in the trenches. The best
way to prevent this from occurring is
to remove or simply not plant trees
or shrubs within 25 feet of the drain -
field. Roots may also get into the
septic tank or distribution box, so do
not plant trees and shrubs over these
devices. You should plant grass over
the drainfield and all other outdoor
system components. The grass aids in
removal of water and helps to prevent
soil from eroding over the compo-
nents.
Most septic systems require that an
area be set aside for possible repairs.
This area should be treated and pro-
tected just as if it were currently in
use.
Repairing a Failing Septic
System
Septic systems may fail despite proper
maintenance, design, and construc-
tion. If properly maintained, the life
span of a septic system is similar to
that of an asphalt shingled roof. If a
failure does occur, the problem needs
to be corrected swiftly and properly.
Any failure, despite its cause, poses
a nuisance, presents a public health
hazard, and can degrade the environ-
ment.
If your system is failing or you sus-
pect a failure, contact your local en-
vironmental health depai intent. The
department will send an environmen-
tal health specialist trained in assess-
ing failing septic systems to determine
the cause or causes of the failure and
suggest how to repair the problem. Do
not attempt to fix the failure without
the approval of the local environmen-
i
Dos and Don'ts for Septic System Repairs
1. Do report problems to your local environmental health department and ask for an evaluation.
2. Do conserve water until a repair is made.
3. Do rope or fence off the area where sewage is on the ground surface to keep people and animals away from
untreated sewage.
4. Don't place more soil over a wet smelly spot, which is probably where raw sewage has leaked. This will not
solve the problem and may cause sewage to back up into your house. Raw sewage contains harmful bacteria
that may cause sickness or death.
5. Don't pipe or ditch the sewage to a ditch, storm sewer, stream, sinkhole, or drain tile. This will pollute surface
water, groundwater, or both, and cause a health hazard. It is illegal.
6. Don't pipe, ditch, or run the sewage into an abandoned well or other hole in the ground. This will pollute
groundwater and cause a health hazard. It is illegal.
7. Don't ignore the problem. It will not go away. The longer you wait to fix the problem, the worse the situation
may become, possibly making a simple repair into a very costly one.
3

SoilFacts
tal health department. In some cases,
the corrective measures could be as
simple as installing water conserva-
tion devices. In the case of a complete
system failure, construction of a new
septic system may be the only solu-
tion.
Preventing Failures
Regular maintenance of your septic
system is the best way to prevent a
failure. As stated, the N.C. Coopera-
tive Extension publications Septic
Systems and Their Maintenance (AG-
439-13) and Septic System Owner's
Guide (AG-439-22) describe the
proper maintenance of a septic sys-
tem. Listed are some of the things you
can do.
1. Conserve water. Use water -saving
fixtures and conserve water in
the kitchen, bath, and laundry to
reduce the amount of wastewater
the soil has to absorb. This is
especially beneficial immediately
after a heavy rain as well as during
the winter and early spring.
References
2. Repair or replace leaky fixtures.
Leaky fixtures add excess water
to the drainfield, so fixing them
promptly will reduce the amount
of water the soil has to absorb.
3. Maintain proper cover and
landscape over the drainfield.
Make sure the drainfield is covered
well with grass to prevent soil
erosion. A crowned drainfield
and surface swales will prevent
excess surface water from entering
the trench. Also, make certain
that gutters, downspouts, patios,
walkways, and driveways do not
divert water over the drainfield or
septic tank.
4. Pump your tank regularly.
Regular pumping prevents solids
from reaching the drainfield and
causing it to clog. The tank should
be pumped every 3 to 5 years
depending on use. Additives have
not been shown to significantly
reduce the amount of solids in the
tank. Do not use them in place of
regular septic tank pumping.
5. Limit what goes into the septic
tank. Do not dispose of chemicals,
solvents, cleaning fluids, paint,
motor oil, gasoline, and other such
substances in the septic tank. They
may kill all the beneficial bacteria
in the tank and soil as well as
pollute the environment. Dispose
of these materials properly at your
local recycling center or transfer
station. Kitty litter, hygiene
products, cooking oil, grease, and
waste food may clog the system
and should be disposed of in
the trash. Waste from fruits and
vegetables can be composted.
6. Do not drive or build over any
part of your septic system.
7. Inspect the system components
routinely. Check for signs of
problems that can be corrected
before a failure occurs.
U. S. EPA. 1997, April. Response to Congress on Use of Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems, EPA 832-R-97-001 b.
Washington, DC: U.S. EPA, Office of Water.
Hoover, M. T. 1990. Soil Facts: Investigate Before You Invest. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, No. AG-439-12.
Raleigh: NC State University. Online: http://www.soil.ncsu.edu/publications/Soilfacts/AG-439-13.pdf/
Hoover, M. T. and T. Konsler. 2004. Soil Facts: Septic Systems and Their Maintenance. North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Service, No. AG-439-13. Raleigh: NC State University. Online: http://www.soil.ncsu.edu/publications/Soilfacts/AG-439-13/
Hoover, M. T. and W. S. Hammet. 2004. Soil Facts: Septic System Owner's Guide. North Carolina Cooperative Extension Ser-
vice, No. AG-439-22. Raleigh: NC State University. Online: http://www.soil.ncsu.edu/publications/Soilfacts/AG-439-22.pdf/
Hoover, M. T., R. Rubin, and F. Humenik. 1998. Choices for Communities: Wastewater Management Options for Rural Areas.
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. No. AG-585. Raleigh: NC State University.
Tyler, E. J., R. Laak, E. McCoy, and S. S. Sandhu. 1977. The Soil as A Treatment System. In Home Sewage Treatment, ASAE no.
5-77. St. Joseph, MI: American Society of Agricultural Engineers
Prepared by
David L. Lindbo, Associate Professor and Soil Extension Specialist, Department of Soil Science
Diana Rashash, Area Environmental Education Specialist. NC Cooperative Extension
Michael T. Hoover, Professor and Soil Extension Specialist, Department of Soil Science
Adapted from Ohio, Michigan, and Kansas Cooperative Extension Service publications
For more information, contact your local health department or county Cooperative Extension Service Center.
6,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $780.81 or $0.13 each.
© 2005 North Carolina State University
Published by
NORTH CAROLINA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
4/05-BS-6M.
E02-38996.
AG-439-44

ATTACHMENT 4: Pictures

Tank Opened for Inspection.

Inlet End of Septic Tank.

Outlet End of Septic Tank.

Inlet Pipe

Buried Sand Filter.

Chlorination/Dechlorination Port.

Sand Filter Cleanout

Sand Filter Cleanout

Discharge Location.

Discharge Location

Camera Inspection Of The Drainfield Line