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Septic Information
Information
Sheets
Click on
information sheet name to download as a PDF file.
1.
Your septic system is your responsibility
2.
Homeowners Check List
3.
Additional Information Sources - Shelby County for Septic Information
4.
Local Septic Management Information
Fact Sheets from Purdue - you will need to select the BACK button to come
back to this site.
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•
Wastewater Biological Oxygen Demand in Septic Systems
(HENV-14-W)
A waste stream's biochemical oxygen demand (or, BOD) is important,
because a high BOD number means potential septic system problems for
homeowners. This publication describes the environmental impacts of BOD,
how it is distributed in septic systems, and remediation strategies for
excess BOD.
•
Septic System
Additives (HENV-13-W)
There are many products advertised as essentials for improving or
repairing septic systems. This publication examines types of additives
and the available scientific data regarding their effectiveness.
•
Seasonally
High Water Tables and Septic Systems
(HENV-12-W)
In late winter and spring, seasonally high water tables can reduce a
septic system's ability to treat wastewater. This publication explains
why these high water tables occur and examines septic system designs
used in areas where they occur.
•
Obtaining a
Septic System Permit (HENV-11-W)
Before a new septic system can be installed or repairs can be made to
existing systems, Indiana rules require obtaining permits from a
homeowner's county health department. This publication describes how
homeowners can obtain these permits.
•
Septic Systems
in Flooded and Wet Soil Conditions (HENV-10-W)
During flooding, saturated soils can prevent septic systems from
functioning properly and could lead to contaminated drinking water. This
publication offers homeowners specific suggestions they can follow
before, during, and after flooding to protect their water supply,
health, and septic system.
•
Water Use and
Septic System Performance (HENV-9-W)
This publication suggests plumbing and behavioral changes that can
reduce water consumption. Such changes can save homeowners money,
improve septic system performance, and reduce the risk for hydraulic
overload or other kinds of septic system failure.
• Gravel and Gravelless
Trench Soil Absorption Fields (HENV 8-W)
In recent years, substitutes for traditional gravel trenches in septic
system soil absorption fields have become available. This publication
examines the strengths and weaknesses of these new technologies.
• Indiana
Soils and Septic Systems (HENV-7-W)
Soil is the most valuable component of an Indiana septic system. This
publication describes the soil characteristics that are necessary for
effective wastewater treatment.
• Grandfathered Septic
Systems: Location and Replacement/Repair
(HENV-6-W)
This publication is aimed at owners of older homes or those thinking of
buying an older home. It provides suggestions on how to locate an
existing septic system and describes current Indiana rules regarding
septic system failures.
• Septic
Tanks: The Primary Treatment Device of Your Septic System
(HENV-5-W)
Septic tanks play an essential role in treating wastewater in areas
without municipal sewage treatment, but tanks are just one part of the
septic system. This publication discusses the purpose and types of
septic tanks, and how to maintain them.
• Septic System Distribution
Boxes: Importance of Equal Distribution in Trenches
(HENV-4-W)
Indiana’s septic systems frequently rely on distribution boxes to evenly
distribute wastewater effluent to soil absorption field trenches. This
publication explains how these distribution boxes work and how they can
be maintained to avoid costly repairs.
• Turfgrass
Color: Indicator of Septic System Performance
(HENV-3-W)
Homeowners often notice color differences in the turfgrass over their
septic system soil absorption fields. This publication examines how
those color differences can be an early sign that troubles are about to
occur.
•
Increasing the
Longevity of Your Septic System (HENV-2-W)
Many new homeowners do not expect to pay several thousand dollars to
repair failing septic systems; however, many homeowners are faced with
this dilemma due to improper septic system maintenance. This publication
explains how a septic system functions and provides maintenance
instructions in order to increase a system’s lifespan.
•
Septic System Failure
(HENV-1- W)
This publication discusses various types of septic system failure, their
associated environmental impacts, and common causes of failure. |
Local Septic
Management
Homeowner Checklist
Things to Keep In
Mind:
!
Inspect your system at least once every 3 years and pump your tank
at that time.
!
Use water efficiently
!
Don’t dispose of household hazardous wastes in sinks and toilets
!
Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from
nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the drainfield.
!
Don’t drive or park vehicles on any part of your septic system.
Doing so can compact the soil in your drainfield or damage the pipes, tank, or
other septic system components.
System Design
There are two components of on-site system design: soil evaluation
and actual design. Soil evaluation consists of noting where your property lines
may be so that test holes can be dug. These holes will locate your soil
absorption system, which handles the fluid part of septic wastes. This step may
include actually digging the test holes with a backhoe, augering the soil or
performing a soil examination.
You can find a well-qualified consulting soil scientist who will do
soil and landscape evaluations for on-site wastewater disposal systems or for
other purposes. The registered soil scientists have the technical credentials
required by state law (Indiana Code 25-31.5) and have agreed to follow a Code of
Professional Conduct which states that they hold paramount the health and
welfare of the public and the protection of soil and water quality. To find a
soil scientist visit
http://www.isco.purdue.edu/irss/obtaining_services.html or to
obtaining printed copies of the Roster - There is an additional cost to have
IRSS mail you a printed copy; contact the IRSS office at (765) 494-1492 for cost
information.
Questions to ask Prior to Choosing a Soil Evaluator
-
Will you provide a written estimate for all
phases of the proposed work? Will you charge us for determining where our
property lines are located, or use general fieldwork as determined from
meeting with us today?
-
If you cannot determine the location from
our plans, or from property bounds, drill holes, stakes or other property
line markings, how will you determine property lines for location of the
system components and soil absorption system?
-
Will the soil examination and percolation
test be performed by you or a subcontractor? Will you be present to show the
subcontractor where to dig the holes for location of the soil absorption
system? Do the subcontractor and the heavy machine operator work directly
for you, and do they carry the necessary liability insurance?
-
Will they be responsible for calling *Holey
Moley, if required?
-
Will the dug holes and tractor (tire)
damages be filled in, graded and seeded?
-
When the soil examination is completed, will
you submit a copy to the Health Department, our chosen design engineer and
us?
Questions to ask Prior to Choosing a System Designer
-
Will you provide the system design to
include:
-
Site visits and written estimate for all
phases of the proposed work
-
Survey work for the system design
-
Review of soil evaluation test and
opinion to us of the type of systems that could be installed, along with
price estimates for each one
-
Draft plans for review and approval of
approved system
-
Final plans submitted to Board of
Health.
-
Will you provide Engineering Oversight of
Construction?
-
What is your hourly charge for inspection of
the contractor's work?
-
What is your estimate of total time required
for this inspection, and the likely maximum costs?
Engineering Services
Questions to Ask an Engineer Prior to Completing a Contract
-
When was the last year and how many systems
have you submitted and received approval for by the Health Department?
-
Do you have a current professional
registration (civil or environmental engineering)? Can you provide a copy
for my records?
-
Will you provide up to three most recent
references for your work, from local property owners?
-
Are you insured and do you carry
professional liability insurance?
General Contractor
Questions to Ask a General Contractor Prior to Agreeing to a
Contract
-
How many installations have you performed,
and how long have you been in business?
-
How many have been done in our
Town/City/Community over the past two years?
-
Would you say the Health Department and its
agent has been satisfied with your work 100% of the time?
-
Are there any on-site systems that you have
worked on, or are presently working on, that have not been completed? If so,
why not?
-
How long will it be before you provide a
written estimate, if we provide a set of plans and written specifications
right now?
-
If your written estimate is accepted, how
long will it be before you show up on the job?
-
Will you provide a written estimate for all
phases of the proposed work?
-
Will you provide us references from your
last three jobs?
-
Do you carry insurance? If so, does it
consist of:
-
Property Liability
-
Vehicle Liability
-
Workers Comp
-
How long will our toilets, dishwasher,
sinks, etc. be off line (can't be used)?
-
How long will this job take from start until
completion?
*Call Holey Moley
Before You Dig!!
In Indiana, it is a law to call the Indiana Underground Plant Protection
Service, Inc. at 1.800.382.5544 at least two working days in advance of digging
near underground utility lines.
Your responsibility as a homeowner
is to call 2 days before you plan to dig anywhere on your property. This will
give the utility companies time to locate and mark all of the underground lines
and pipes, to prevent damage to you and your property. There is no charge or fee
for this service. To begin the process, here are the steps needed for a smooth
project:
(1) Outline your project with white
paint
(2) Call IUPPS at 800-382-5544
(4) Know your county and township
where you are digging
(5) Provide the name and phone
number of the person digging (if not you)
(6) Give the utility companies time
to respond
(7) Dig with care!
Additional Information sources for Septic Systems
Last changed:
06/19/08
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