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Septic records, site and design before repair checklist

A pre-design checklist for septic repair or replacement covering ownership and parcel limits, permits and enforcement status, existing and proposed bedroom or design flow, prior failures and pumping history, soil and seasonal water conditions, wells and surface water, buildings, utilities, easements, slopes and access, tank and drainfield locations, reserve area, approved site evaluation and treatment method, designer and installer responsibilities, temporary sanitation, abandonment of old components, inspection hold points, restoration, cost allowances and written authorization before excavation or equipment ordering.

6 items to check

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Current and proposed occupancy, bedrooms, fixtures and design flow are verified

Critical item

System capacity should reflect approved use, not only current occupants.

Soils, groundwater, slope, drainage, flood and weather constraints are evaluated under local protocol

Critical item

Treatment feasibility depends on site conditions.

Wells, waters, buildings, property lines, utilities, easements and traffic areas are surveyed

Critical item

Required separation and protection need accurate locations.

Treatment, tank, distribution, pump and drainfield method has written approval

Critical item

Installer should not choose system type in the trench without authorization.

Access, dewatering, temporary sanitation, old-system handling and restoration are planned

Critical item

Construction sequence should protect occupants and site.

Permits, hold points, inspections, records, unit prices and final approval are assigned

Critical item

The contract should align with regulatory release.

Use before requesting construction bids. Local health authorities and approved design control system type, setbacks and inspection. Do not enter septic tanks, wells, pits or excavations; lean over open tanks; breathe confined-space gases; touch exposed wiring; operate pumps dry; drink unverified water; add chemicals to mask a failing system; or drive heavy equipment over tanks and drainfields. Openings require secure barriers and qualified control. Private-well and septic rules vary substantially by jurisdiction.

Reference standards

  • Applicable state, tribal and local onsite-wastewater, private-well, plumbing, health, environmental, electrical and building requirements; local health department and water or sewer authority records; approved site evaluation, design and permits; property survey and easements; qualified inspection, drilling, laboratory and service reports; and exact tank, pump, alarm, treatment, well, pressure-system and disinfection instructions
  • Approved site and soil evaluation, onsite wastewater design and local permit conditions

    • Tools

  • Property survey, septic and well permits, as-builts, pumping and service records, water results, utility maps, disclosures, manuals, receipts and photographs
  • Camera, tape, flashlight and owner-safe observation tools; qualified probing, locating, pumping, camera, hydraulic, electrical, yield, pressure and laboratory testing where permitted
  • Qualified onsite-wastewater professional, septic designer, installer, pumper, plumber, electrician, well contractor, pump professional, certified laboratory and health department as applicable

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