Typically, a septic system is permitted and inspected by your local permitting authority (i.e., local health or environmental department). You can contact these entities to obtain a copy of your property’s septic record drawing (the “as-built” design) and copies of the permit(s). The permit(s) may also have additional information on your system, such as the date of installation, soil properties, etc.

One way to determine if your home has a septic system is to check your property records. The property deed, building permit and design plans for your home and property will likely contain information about the presence (or lack) of a septic system. In some cases, there may be visual signs you have a septic system. For example, for some septic systems a mound or small hill is created for the installation of the drainfield. Also, if you follow the plumbing outlet leaving your home, you might find an access riser (black or green disc) or probe for the top of the septic tank. It is usually about 10 feet away from the building.

Your local health department may have septic tank placement requirements and a minimum setback distance from your foundation. Typically, it should be located on level ground so solids can settle in the tank. The location of the plumbing outlet usually dictates where the tank is located and depth of the tank to account for adequate slope on the inlet pipe. Septic tanks should be placed away from areas subject to flooding and surface water ponding. The tank should be properly vented. Avoid steep slopes and areas of dense tree roots or other obstructions. Also, place the septic tank where it is accessible for future inspections and pump outs.

Isolation distances from septic tanks to property lines are typically part of local or state permitting regulations. Contact your local permitting authority (i.e., local health or environmental department) for specific requirements in your area. Your local zoning regulations may also include setbacks to various features like buildings and property lines.

A septic system permit is issued by your local permitting authority (i.e., local health or environmental department). You can apply for the permit yourself, or the contractor hired to build the system can obtain it on your behalf. Check with your local municipality in the event they also require additional permits to install your system.

Only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush these items down the toilet because they could clog your septic system and cause a failure: Cooking grease or oil, Non-flushable wipes, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes, Photographic solutions, Feminine hygiene products, Condoms, Dental floss, Diapers, Cigarette butts, Coffee grounds, Cat litter, Paper towels, Pharmaceuticals, Household chemicals like gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners.

Septic system inspections are a vital step in making sure your system is operating properly. Regular inspections ensure you and your family do not get sick due to a leak or other problems with your septic system. Since these wastewater systems are located underground, homeowners may overlook having a septic inspection. Routine inspections help prevent expensive repairs to your system or avoid a sewage backup in your home. In many states, a septic system must be inspected with the transfer of real estate. However, it is not only when you are buying a home that these inspections are needed. Septic system inspections should be done every 1 to 3 years for as long as you own your home

In general, a properly installed, sited and maintained septic system should not adversely affect water quality. In some cases, the design may require advanced treatment to reduce the wastewater strength, impacts of nitrogen contamination, or include disinfection when there are properties in close proximity to surface waters.

In Arizona, all septic systems components must be 10’+ to all foundations or footers

Yes. Most drainfields (such as rock and pipe, chamber system, etc.) are constructed in open lawn areas and are not designed to handle vehicles or heavy equipment driving on them. The weight of vehicles and heavy equipment compacts the soil, which can damage pipes. Impermeable materials, such as concrete and asphalt, should not be laid on top of a drainfield because they reduce evaporation and the supply of oxygen to the soil. Oxygen is critical to the healthy bacteria in your septic system and the proper breakdown of sewage by soil microorganisms.

In general, a septic tank should be inspected every 1 to 3 years and pumped every 3 to 5 years. The frequency of pumping the septic tank depends on the tank size, number of people in the household, habits of water use as well as the amount of solids accumulated in the tank. Some alternative systems that are more complex may require more frequent inspection or pumping. If you are unsure, ask your local septic system professional. A septic tank effluent filter may also require frequent maintenance and should be included in the inspection and maintenance activities. It is important to save your system’s yearly schedule or maintenance records

Water and sewage from toilets, drains, and sinks backing up into the home’s plumbing. Bathtubs, showers, and sinks draining very slowly. Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system. Standing water or damp spots near or over the septic tank or drainfield. Sewage odors around the septic tank or drainfield. Bright green, spongy lush grass over the septic tank or drainfield, even during dry weather. Straight pipe discharging untreated wastewater to the ground surface. Algae blooms in nearby lakes or waterbodies. High levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria in surface waters or drinking water wells

Proper working level is where the water level in your tank meets the outlet T of the tank. As water enters your tank it should push water out of your tank through the outlet pipe. Even after one week of septic pumping service, your septic tank should return to a “proper working level” about 1 foot from the top of the tank. Your septic tank will hold liquid in order for the separation of solids and liquid to happen. Only the liquid (or grey water) should flow out to the leach field pipes.

A conventional septic system is an on-site wastewater treatment system that incorporates the basic primary and secondary treatment components and utilizes the soil interface of the constructed disposal field for final treatment and disposal. Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) outlines conventional septic systems in AAC18-9-E302.

Septic systems minimum size required in Arizona is determined by 2 factors. The design flow of the structure Residence design flow is based upon 150 Gallons Per day (GPD) per bedroom and also influenced by the total number of water using fixtures. Commercial design flow is based upon AAC18-9 Article # Table 1. Which outlines typical flows in GPD per business type. The soils characteristics for treatment and disposal

A distribution box is a small box, concrete or plastic, installed underground between the septic tank and disposal field, connected by distribution pipes with the purpose of equally distributing effluent from the septic tank to separate disposal fields. In Arizona distribution boxes are required to be utilized in systems with more than one disposal field (leach line). Prescott Environmental encourages D-Boxes to be installed with risers and covers for maintenance access.

No. The candy cane pipe is actually a vent pipe for your septic system to help the gasses escape while also allowing oxygen to flow into your system.

The answer is yes and no. Whole house water treatment systems periodically backwash the filters and input a large volume of water into the septic system that may not have been accounted for in the design flow of the septic system. Some treatment systems such as salt media based water softens also negatively impacts the septic systems function by inhibiting the biological process occurring in the system. Prescott Environmental encourages for system owners to Notify your septic designer or engineer of any proposed water treatment systems with the data sheets that outline the typical operations and volume of water input into the septic system. Install water treatment systems that do not negatively impact the biological process. Potassium based treatment systems have less of a negative impact to the septic system.