Defiance County General Health District


Sewage Operation & Maintenance Homeowner Training Program

Training Information

  • Please view all of the information in this presentation.
  • Click and view the videos throughout the presentation (they will open in a new window)
  • At the end of the presentation, you will be asked to verify that you completed the training
  • At the end of the presentation you will find links to the state test, and forms that are required for your homeowner registration.

What this Training Will Cover:

  • What is Operation and Maintenance
  • What are terms used in the septic industry
  • What is a service provider and what can they do
  • What are the do’s and don’ts of maintaining a septic system
  • What are the components of a septic system
  • What are the types of septic systems you may encounter
  • How to conduct an inspection
  • How to document and submit inspection results

Why Are We Here Today?

In order to avoid septic system failure, the state of Ohio has created a set of rules, OAC Chapter 3701-29, to help monitor and maintain septic systems. These state wide rules have made it so Defiance County Public Health had to develop its Operation and Maintenance program to include all septic systems in Defiance County. Defiance County Operation and Maintenance Supplemental Sewage Rules were adopted May 2019.

Implementation of O & M Program

Defiance County Public began implementation in 2019, bringing three townships into the program each year.

2019 – Defiance, Noble, Richland

2020 – Adams, Delaware, Highland

2021 – Hicksville, Mark, Tiffin

2022 – Milford, Farmer, Washington

The Basics - What You Must Do

  • During each 4-year permit period a maintenance action must be taken to meet the requirements of the permit.
  • One action that can be done is to have the the septic tank pumped and inspected by a registered septic hauler.
  • The other action can be to have the system inspected. This can be done by hiring a Registered Service Provider or YOU can do it yourself.

Homeowner Service Providers

Aeration Units

  • Ohio Administrative Code requires that owners of aeration tanks must maintain a service contract with a Registered Service Provider business and provide a copy of their service contract to the health department.
  • Local regulations allow Registered Homeowner Service Providers to perform some service on their aeration units under the supervision of the Registered Service Provider.

Do You Have an Aeration Tank?

If you are not sure what type of system you have, contact our office with your road address and we can review our records.


Signs you may have an aeration system:

    • There is, or was at one time, an electric motor on your tank.
    • An electrical line is or was installed to your tank.
    • Aeration units began to be installed in the early 1960’s.
    • The lid will often have a pipe.
    • The tank size is generally 1,200 to 1,250 gallons in capacity.

In Addition to this In-Person Training

  • The Board of Health has waived for homeowners the requirement to be bonded, as well as the need to maintain Continuing Education Units (CEU’s).
  • The homeowner will have to take the State’s sewage treatment online test.
  • The online test can be found at the following link: https://otco.org/
  • Completion of this class and the online test must be completed before you complete the inspection.

Click here to take the required test

Include a copy of your certificate with inspection form

Schedule B Pumping Guide

  • The pumping schedule is based on the size of the tank and the number of occupants in the home.
  • There are many variables such as the use of a garbage disposal or time away from home that could increase or decrease the time between pumping.

Schedule B – Pumping Schedule

Developed by OSU Extension

Choosing to Follow the Pumping Schedule

  • If a homeowner chooses to follow the pumping schedule – which is having your tank pumped at the frequency based on capacity and occupants – then the current sludge level is NOT required to be documented on inspection form.
  • The last known pump date must be documented on the inspection form, along with tank size, and number of residents living in the home.
  • All other items to inspect must still be verified by the homeowner and documented on the inspection report.

Following the Pumping Schedule

  • The Health Department will review inspection forms and if it is determined that Schedule B is not being followed, the system will be in violation of the permit.
  • The permit will not meet terms of conditions until either the tank is pumped or the sludge level is documented to be less than 30%.

Example of failed inspection following Schedule B:




  • Records show system installed in 2002.
  • System has 1,500 gallon tank.
  • No records on file or provided that the tank has ever been pumped.
  • Home has 4 occupants.
  • Homeowner on inspection report failed to document sludge level.

Service Provider

A service provider is defined as:

  • Any person who services, monitors, evaluates or samples, but does not install or alter, sewage treatment systems or gray water recycling systems.  A service provider shall include a homeowner servicing his own system to meet the requirement of a service contract for demonstration of maintenance for an O&M program.

A Service Provide can do the following:

  • Routine service and maintenance required for operation for Sewage Treatment System (STS),  including in-place correction, cleaning, or replacement of damaged or worn out devices with approved devices.
  • Replacement or cleaning of STS filter media.

Example of cleaning septic tank filter

Service Provider Activities - Continued

  • Installation of sampling ports.
  • Installation or replacement lids, risers, and baffles.
  • Installation or cleaning of outlet filters
  • Monitoring of STS or component for verification of performance requirements, including dye tests.
  • By completing this course, you will have met one of the requirements to become registered as a Homeowner Service Provider to inspect only your Household Sewage Treatment System.

Example of homeowner installing risers to their septic tank

Your Duties as a Service Provider

Inspection standards:

Each owner of an STS shall provide documentation of inspection or maintenance to the health department within 60 days of the service.


Should an owner fail to provide evidence of inspection, the health department may inspect the system. The health department will bill the owner for the inspection and collect any fees adopted by the Board of Health. The health department will issue a notice to the owner regarding any required maintenance or repairs as a result of the inspection.

Duties as a Service Provider - Continued

Each owner of an STS shall have their tank pumped by a Registered Septage Hauler in accordance with Schedule B Pumping Schedule or when the sludge level exceeds 1/3 of the tank.

Any maintenance or repairs must be reported on inspection form to the health department.

Copy of form to be submitted to health department by homeowner within 60 days of inspection.

How To Protect Your System

Now that you have learned the fundamentals of the O&M Program, it is time to learn basic steps to protect your septic system. Proper maintenance and preventative measures can eliminate costly repairs to a septic system. This video will help you to understand the basics of household sewage treatment systems, and how to properly care for your system.

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Items to Avoid Putting into Your Tank

  • Cooking grease or oil
  • Non-flushable wipes, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes
  • 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

Using an in-sink garbage disposal unit can impact how often you need to pump your septic tank. Food waste usually is slowly digested by the healthy bacteria in your septic tank and can accumulate as scum and sludge.

Primary Treatment

Septic tanks are the most common first step in wastewater treatment. The septic tank provides some treatment of the effluent from the house by allowing for the settling of solid materials, and separation of scum, fats and greases. The partially clarified liquid, or effluent, is then drained to a secondary treatment. 

  • Advantages
  • Septic tanks are simple to operate and maintain. The tanks can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years with proper care and maintenance. 
  • Operation & Maintenance
  • Routine pumping and/or an inspection of the septic tank is required during the O&M permit period. Pump the tank based on the size of the tank and the number of people using it or the scum + sludge level. Clean the effluent filter seasonally.

Examples of septic tanks

Properly Maintained Septic Tank

The tank needs to retain water for 24 hours to properly treat the waste.

Wastewater enters the tank through the T-inlet. Solids settle to the bottom, fats and oils float to the top creating a scum layer, and the liquid layer rises to exit the tank through the T-outlet. The effluent filter prevents solids from exiting the tank.


Septic Tank Ready for Pumping

You can see the solid level in the tank is rising. The effluent is held less than 24 hours and is not being properly treated. Septic tanks should be pumped when the solid + scum layer takes up any more than 1/3 of the volume of the tank. Proper inspections ensure tanks are pumped when needed.


A Neglected Septic Tank

You can see the fats & solids are now exiting the tank. This will damage the secondary treatment system by plugging drain tiles or clogging soil pores. Solids leaving a tank can also create a Public Health Nuisance.

Because the tank is not functioning as intended, sewage is also backing up through the inlet pipe. This can cause unpleasant odors in the home and cause sewage to back up into the household plumbing.

One and two compartment Septic Tanks

Single Compartment Septic Tank

Two Compartment Septic Tank

Crock Tank

Double Crock Tank

Secondary Treatment

  • Basic Design
  • The effluent that leaves your tank is drained to perforated pipes laid in trenches in the soil. Soil or sand is used as treatment media to biologically remove bacteria, viruses, nutrients, suspended particles, and organic material.
  • Advantages
  • Soil absorption trenches are passive, simple and low maintenance systems. With proper soils, they can effectively treat sewage.  

A basic design of soil absorption trenches.

Secondary Treatment - Continued

  • Disadvantages
  • Over time, the soil absorption trench will develop a biomat consisting of suspended particles, organic matter and bacterial slimes, which will eventually clog the trenches and lead to system failure. Lowering the amount of suspended particles, organic and bacterial load to the trenches by maintaining your system can help extend trench life.
  • Defiance County contains soils with high water tables. You may see mounded systems to counter saturated soils.
  • Operation & Maintenance
  • Some systems require rotation to allow trenches to rest.

Septic Tank to Field Tile

  • System Description
  • If your Septic System was installed in the 1950s or earlier, you may have a septic tank connected to a tile. It is very important that these systems are pumped regularly to ensure solids are not exiting the tank and polluting nearby rivers, streams, or ditches.
  • What to know about this System
  • This system is approved for use as long as it is not causing a public health nuisance. The tank should be pumped according to the required pumping frequency or when the sludge level exceeds 1/3 of the tank volume.
  • Risers should be installed on the tank to facilitate maintenance and pumping as necessary.

Aeration Tanks

  • Aeration tanks started appearing in 1961-1962 as a way to pre-treat waste water before leaving the tank. It adds air to the effluent aiding digestion by bacteria.
  • When state rules were adopted in 1977, secondary treatment in the form of evapotranspiration mounds, upflow filters and leach fields were required. The aeration unit allowed these components to be undersized.
  • What to know about this System
  • If the aerator is not working, it must be repaired or replaced.

** As stated earlier, owners of aeration units must maintain a service contract with Registered Service Provider and a copy of that contract must be filed with the health dept. **

Standard & Raised Leach Field

  • Leaching trenches are the most common type of secondary treatment used in Ohio. Trenches are filled with stone and perforated PVC pipe or clay tile distributes effluent through the trench. Soil bacteria treats the wastewater.
  • Raised leach fields are constructed on sand mounds when a site has shallow ground water.

Inspection

  • Turn diversion valve or rotate resting trenches annually.
  • Check inspection ports or leach field for standing water. Standing water and puddles should be addressed by crowning or adding drainage. If the water has an odor the bed may be waterlogged or failing. Many issues are an easy fix if caught early.
  • The distribution pipes are subject to clogging by roots. Check for roots, especially tree roots, invading the system along its perimeter. Again, an easy fix if caught early.
  • Consider installing a tank filter to protect your investment.

Example of a septic diversion device as being installed

Sand Filters

  • A Sand filter is constructed as a 12-24 inch layer of sand, sandwiched between two layers of gravel. Effluent is distributed through 1 to 5 perforated pipes and trickles through the upper gravel layer to the sand.
  • This process slows and aerates the water. A biomat develops in the top layer of sand to digest bacteria and nutrients and trap suspended solids.
  • The cleaned effluent drains to the bottom of filter where a perforated pipe collects effluent and discharges it to a drain.

Septic Tank to Subsurface Sand Filter

Sand filters were installed from the 1950’s through 2007. In 2007, discharging systems were banned and the switch was made to only soil based treatment systems.

At first these were single beds of various sizes. With the advent of the 1977 rules, dual beds with a valve to rest one bed were installed. The dual beds were 15x24 or 12x30 feet.

These systems have proven relatively trouble free provided the tank is pumped, the system is not overloaded and improper wastes are not being flushed into the system.

On dual bed system the department recommends switching the beds every 5 years. The valve may be accessed by the PVC stand pipe that was installed.

Inspection:

  • Switch valve if it is due.
  • Check for odors at inspection port or outfall. If there is odor the bed may be waterlogged or have some other problem. Many issues are an easy fix if caught early.
  • The distribution pipes are subject to clogging by roots. Check for roots, especially tree roots, invading the system along its perimeter. Again, an easy fix if caught early.
  • Consider installing a tank filter to protect your investment.

Sewage Treatment Types - NPDES

  • System Description
  • A National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is the same footprint as an aeration system, however it has additional operating requirements. This system uses an aeration tank and has an ultraviolet light for disinfection. An NPDES Permit is issued by the Ohio EPA for replacement household sewage systems. These systems discharge treated sewage effluent per the provisions of the Clean Water Act.
  • What to know about this System
  • The NPDES Permit is issued only for residential lots created before 2007, where there is not enough area to install a soil based treatment system. The health department has jurisdiction to determine eligibility of coverage under the permit.

Current state of System Design

  • Current Designs Septic system design standards in Ohio have become more exacting to account for soil conditions at each site.
  • Manufacturer’s of secondary treatment products must prove their products work and apply to Ohio for approval.  
  • Modern system designs you may see in Defiance County incorporate: Infiltrator Chambers, Infiltrator ATL mounds, Presby AES mounds, Anua Puraflo peat Biofilter pods, and standard & raised leach fields. 
  • An owner’s manual for these types of system are available from the Health Department or can be found at the company’s website.

Example of a Presby Secondary system

Example of a Infiltrator Chamber Secondary system

Tank Risers

  • How It Works
  • septic tank riser is a large diameter vertical concrete or plastic ring that makes it easy to access tank lids from the ground level. Stackable plastic risers come in various heights to bring the riser level to grade.
  • Risers must have secure lids using either fasteners or their weight (if concrete) to prevent a child from removing it. A lid should fit securely on the top of the riser.
  • Inspection
  • Look for leaks-The seal between the tank and the riser should be water tight to prevent groundwater from entering the tank. Check for cracks or distortion in the riser wall or seal.
  • Once an inspection is finished, securely attach the lid.
  • If the lid screws down, use the all manufacturer’s fasteners to maintain the structural integrity of the riser.
  • Damaged lids must be replaced.

Example of septic tank riser

Effluent Filters

  • Effluent Filters are a product designed to extend the life of your drain field by preventing solids from leaving the septic tank.
  • Effluent Filters should be pulled annually or as needed and rinsed. If your effluent filter is broken or missing, it can be replaced.
  • A threaded PVC “T” or hook will make it much easier to pull out for cleaning.
  • Tanks without effluent filters can often be retrofitted to accommodate a filter.

Example of septic tank effluent filter

Perimeter Drain

  • How It Works -A perimeter drains collects storm water and diverts it away from the secondary treatment system.
  • Required Maintenance
  • During the inspection, check the port or outfall of the perimeter drain. Water should be flowing freely after a rain event. Perimeter drains can be added to leach field systems, especially if you notice puddling in the drain field.
  • The outlet on perimeter drain should have an animal guard. Put tight caps on inspection ports.

Example of an installed perimeter drain

Inspection Ports and Vents

  • Inspection Ports may be installed based on system design and age. Inspection ports allow you to monitor water levels. These ports are valuable for troubleshooting the system without digging it up.
  • Vents may be required based on the system design. Vents allow oxygen exchange necessary for treating waste. Vents are most often a pipe with an elbow. Products are available to improve appearance.
  • Required Maintenance
  • Inspection ports & Vents must have water tight caps. Damaged or missing caps should be replaced quickly.
  • A homeowner had a system failure because a squirrel used an uncovered port to fill the system with nuts.

Make sure pipes are capped

System damage by squirrel & dirt bikes

Because an inspection port was left uncovered, a squirrel filled the distribution line with nuts. In addition, further damage was done to they system by dirt bikes. The entire distribution line had to be excavated and replaced. Along with other work, the entire repair cost to the homeowner was more than $10,000!

Pump/Lift Stations

Pump Stations pump tank effluent through a pressure line to a distribution box. Set dose to 125gal or less.

Pumps must have sufficient in strength and capacity to pump effluent to the distribution box. Pumps have floats and or timers to start the pump.

Your pump station may have an alarm. This will alert you if the water level is too high in the tank.

Inspection & Maintenance

    • Pump stations should be fairly clean with few solids or oils. Inspect for structural integrity during the O&M permit period. 
    • Pumps- repair or replace as contact the tank manufacturer or installer to find the right replacement pump.
    • Alarm- Most new alarms have a test function. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to test.

System Components and Devices – Distribution Box/Diverter Valve

  • How It Works
  • A Distribution Box or D-Box collects effluent from a tank or pump station to be distributed equally to the secondary treatment system. The inlet line dumps into the D-Box, as the effluent level rises in the box, it then enters outlet lines. Systems installed after 2015 are designed with a 25% resting area. The D-Box provides access to annually rotate the outlets that are blocked and equalize the flow through the rest of the outlets.
  • A Diverter Valve is intended to rest half of the secondary treatment area. The Diverter Valve can be a bull run valve, which requires a key, or paddle valves. Valves should be turned once a year for leach fields and once every 5 years for sand filters. Replacement parts and keys available for diverter valves.

Documenting Results on Inspection Form

Here is the top portion of the inspection form that is to be used to submit the results of your inspection.

Inspection form can be found online at: www.defiancecohealth.org/myseptic

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Inspection – Locating Components

Ways To Locate Your System:

    1. Look for lids or a series of lids in your yard.
    2. Look for standing PVC pipe(s) near the home or in the yard.
    3. Sometimes an aerial photo from online source such as the county auditor’s office or Google may provide a potential location.

In this photo the sub-surface sand beds and line coming from D-box are detectable from satellite imagery

Source: Google Maps

Conducting Inspection - Locating Components

Another Option:

The health department has property records going back to the 1940s. If you want to see what records we may have on file please fill out the form that was handed out or contact us via phone or email. Please give us a few weeks to respond to requests.

Before opening the tank

Collect any tools and materials you may need.

    • Cordless drill/screwdriver /Allen wrench for lid
    • Sludge measure device
    • Pry-bar & Rope
    • Shovel & trowel
    • Garden hose – connected to faucet
    • Hand Sanitizer
    • Flashlight
    • Disposable rubber gloves
    • Safety Glasses
    • 5 Gallon Bucket
    • Household bleach & water
    • & Spray bottle (for clean-up)
    • Tape Measure
    • Inspection Form
    • Filter hook
    • Mirror

Septic Inspection Safety – The 4 F’s

FRIEND – Always inspect with another person present.

FUMES – Keep your head outside of tanks. The fumes from septic tanks can be toxic and may overwhelm you. You can use a mirror attached to a stick to inspect the inside of your tank – use flashlight.

FALLING – Keep tank openings in front of you. A fall may occur if you step backwards into an open tank. Never leave an open tank unattended.

INFECTION – Avoid touching your face. Raw sewage contains harmful bacteria and viruses.

Opening the Tank for Inspection

NOTE: You may have to dig down a foot or so with a shovel to locate tank lid if no risers are present. Call 811 to mark utilities before doing any digging

  • Clear away dirt and debris from the access riser lid area or tank lid - if no risers are present.
  • Remove riser lid (if applicable) with drill or screwdriver.
  • Remove concrete lid from tank. The lid may be very heavy and require prying.

Once the Tank Lid is Off

  • Observed the scum layer. The scum layer should look like rich, living soil and only have a mild odor. The liquid level should be even with the base of the outlet tile.
  • If the scum layer is covering the baffle or too close to the lid of the tank, it means the tank is too full or the outlet baffle filter is clogged.
  • If the liquid is below the outlet pipe, it could mean the tank is leaking.

The scum layer is below the baffle

The scum layer is above the baffle level – time to pump

Is the Septic Tank in Sound Condition

Example of tank deteriorating

Example of tank collapsing

Example of tank leaking

John Smith

12345 Jewell Rd

4/18/23

Richland

Tank Material

Concrete Septic Tank

Plastic Septic Tank

Brick Septic Tank

John Smith

12345 Jewell Rd

4/18/23

Richland

Are there Risers on the Tank 

You can install risers on your tank to save time each time the tank is inspected or pumped. Document on report.

Pre-installed risers

Riser installed with a safety net

Retro fit kit from local box store

Note: Risers must be sealed to tank per manufacturer’s instructions

John Smith

12345 Jewell Rd

4/18/23

Richland

Are the Lids/Risers in Good Condition

You can check risers for water tightness by running water around the outside of each riser. If water seeps into the tank there maybe an issue with your riser or the seal.

Example of a broken riser lid

John Smith

12345 Jewell Rd

4/18/23

Richland

Securing Access to Tank

Don’t let this happen to those you love

Make sure lid is secularly placed onto tank

Make sure each screw or bolt is installed in the lid – this can keep the sidewalls from pushing in.

John Smith

12345 Jewell Rd

4/18/23

Richland

Tree Roots can extend 1 ½ -2 times canopy

Ways to address tree roots in septic tank

1. Cut Tree Roots Mechanically

One of the most common techniques is to use a mechanical auger. This method involves sending a powered sewer auger down a septic line. The rotating head is covered in teeth like a reciprocating saw blade. The rotating action cuts the roots, clearing them, but they'll start growing back almost immediately.

2. Chemical Tree Root Removal – Read and follow manufacture’s instructions!

There are special chemicals designed to kill tree roots in a septic tank system so they don’t grow back. Copper sulfate septic treatments are the most common. This method is especially effective as it creates a poison barrier within the soil that kills the tree roots before they can grow into the pipe.

3. Remove Tree Roots From a Septic Tank With a Hydro Jetter

An effective but potentially expensive way of clearing septic lines is with a hydro jetter. This machine uses a pump and pressurized water. After the hydro jetter does its job, the septic line can be flushed with a chemical to kill any roots still present.

4. Manual Tree Root Removal

Sometimes a septic line can't be cleaned or cleared with chemicals, a hydro jetter or an auger if it’s been damaged too badly. To assess the extent of the damage, a service provider may insert a camera into the septic line that'll provide better diagnostics so they can determine the best course of action.

Don’t plant trees around your system. Tree roots may cause damage to the tank or clog pipes.

John Smith

12345 Jewell Rd

4/18/23

Richland

Signs of Heavy Traffic over Tank 

Do not allow heavy traffic over the septic tank

Driving anything more than a lawnmower over your septic system can risk serious damage.


This is why it is important to know where your septic system is located on your property.

John Smith

12345 Jewell Rd

4/18/23

Richland

Effluent Filters

  • Effluent filters have been installed on all septic tanks manufactured since 2007.
  • They protect the secondary treatment system from premature failure by limiting the amount of fats or solids leaving the tank.
  • The cleaning frequency will vary depending on number of occupants and what gets put down the drain.
  • Clean by rinsing back into debris back into tank.
  • If your tank does not have a filter they can usually be added with an adapter.

Example of effluent filter that can be retrofitted

John Smith

12345 Jewell Rd

N/A

4/18/23

Richland

If a Structure Built on Top of Tank 

If there is a structure over the tank, it should be moved if possible. Current rules require 10 feet between a tank and any building foundation.

Don’t place over septic system:

  • Underground sprinkler lines
  • Decks and patios
  • Sports courts
  • Storage sheds
  • Swing sets
  • Sand boxes
  • Driveways
  • Vehicles
  • Swimming pools

Ok to place on or near septic system:

  • Fescue
  • Grass
  • Ornamental grasses
  • Wildflower meadow mixes
  • Ferns
  • Mosses
  • Shallow-rooted plants

John Smith

12345 Jewell Rd

N/A

4/18/23

Richland

Date Tank Last Pumped - if Known

  • Septage Haulers use an Ohio Department of Health form when they pump a tank.
  • Per rule, this form must be submitted to the local health department within 60 days of the pumping.
  • The Defiance County Health Department has been receiving these pump reports since 2003.
  • If you are not sure when you tank was last pumped, contact the department to check your property records.

Copy of ODH approved pump report

John Smith

12345 Jewell Rd

N/A

5/8/16

4/18/23

Richland

Measuring Sludge Levels (if your are not following the O&M pumping schedule)

The homemade option

Borrow equipment from Health Department

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Calculating Sludge Level

Formula:

Solids Depth + Scum Layer

Depth of Water in tank

Equals Percent of Solids & Scum in Tank

X 100

If the percent of Solids & Scum EXCEEDS 30%...

It’s Time To Pump The Tank

John Smith

12345 Jewell Rd

44”

N/A

3”

5/8/16

8”

25%

4/18/23

Richland

Lift Station – If Present

Items to check include:

  • Is the pump operational?
  • Are the floats operational?
  • Is the control panel accessible and operational?
  • Is there evidence of moisture or condensation in the control panel?
  • Is the alarm operational?

Example of an installed lift station with mounted alarm

John Smith

12345 Jewell Rd

N/A

44”

3”

5/8/16

8”

25%

4/18/23

Richland

Secondary System – Check for Signs of wastewater surfacing

Walk across the entire drainfield checking for odors and damp areas.

Look inside inspection ports. There may be standing water inside. If it is very high, it may indicate blockage or imbalance in the system or leaking plumbing.

Make sure the caps are in good condition.

Dry inspection port – system working properly

12345 Jewell Rd

N/A

44”

3”

5/8/16

8”

25%

Richland

Secondary System: Bull Run Valve & D-box

A bull run or paddle diverter valve allows one side of the system to be active while the other side rests. They need to be switched periodically. The department recommends:

  • Leach field – every year.
  • Sand-filter –every 5 years.

Change the resting trenches annually by switching the blocked outlets.

The box will settle over time. Make sure the flow is equalized on all outlets by adjusting the Flow Controllers.

If the box is holding water part way up the outlets, this indicates a problem that needs to be investigated.

12345 Jewell Rd

Richland

N/A

5/8/16

44”

3”

8”

25%

Other Secondary Issues to Observe

  • Tree roots present in treatment area
  • Excessive water in D-box
  • Signs of heavy traffic over treatment area

Do not allow heavy traffic over the treatment area

  • Damage to your septic system may include:
  • Soil compaction in the leach field
  • Crushed leach field pipes
  • Collapse of part or all the septic tank
  • Broken supply lines

N/A

44”

3”

5/8/16

8”

25%

Other information to evaluate:

Acceptable:

Check Mark Icon

Laundry water discharges to sewage system

This is acceptable and should be the way the laundry discharge is plumbed.


Water softener discharges to sewage system

This is acceptable but, there must be an air gap to prevent sewage backflow into your water system. Otherwise it should be treated as storm water.

Check Mark Icon

Unacceptable:

Footing drains/sump pump, swimming pools, or spas discharge to sewage system 


This is unacceptable and drains must be rerouted to prevent overloading the septic system.

Back Page

Finishing the Inspection:

  • List all repairs, additional work & comments:

Here is where any issues observed or actions taken should be documented (i.e. installed risers, cleaned effluent filter etc.)

  • Evaluation Conducted By:

The property owner completing the inspection.

  • Inspection Date

The date the inspection was completed

  • Signature Sign the form

Bull run value was switched; new inspection cap was installed.

John Smith

On page two of the inspection form draw your septic system. Please include the following information at a minimum:

  • At least one road reference
  • Location of septic tank with two (2) distance references off a permanent structure - such as the home
  • Location of any other components - including inspection ports if applicable
  • Distribution components – if applicable
  • Secondary system – if applicable
  • Location of any off-site drainage – if known

Finishing the Inspection:

N

Submit the Form to the Health Department

Completed form can be mailed or dropped off to:

Defiance County General Health District

1300 East Second Street Suit 100

Defiance, OH 43512

Completed form can be sent electronically to:

myseptic@defiancecohealth.org

** Maintain a copy for your records **

Verifying you reviewed the course material

By clicking the link below you will verify that you reviewed the material in this online training course. The link will generate an email to our office.

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I attest that I have reviewed the information provided in this training

Forms and Required Training

Now that you have completed the training, you must take the following steps to inspect your own system. Click the links below to access the resources.

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

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STS Exam

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Homeowner Service Provider Registration

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Homeowner Inspection Form

To submit electronically, you must download this form, fill it out, then click submit on the form.

Defiance County General Health District

1300 East Second Street, Suite 100, Defiance, Ohio 43512

Phone 419-784-3818 Fax 419-782-4979

https://defiancecohealth.org/myseptic/

myseptic@defiancecohealth.org