The Septic System Owner's Manual

by Lloyd Kahn, Julie Jones, Blair Allen

More than 28 million households have septic systems, but few homeowners know how they operate or how to maintain them. This clearly written, illustrated guide addresses that need, emphasizing conventional septic systems powered by gravity flow, filtering through soil, and the natural soil organisms that purify sewage. The book discusses maintenance, what to do if things go wrong, and alternative systems such as mounds and sand filters. Additional chapters cover graywater systems, composting toilets, and a unique history of water-borne waste disposal. This expanded edition contains three new chapters.

Genres: Nonfiction, How To

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

We just bought our first home, complete with septic system - which neither of us has ever lived with before! When we moved in, we realized we knew absolutely nothing (beyond what friends had told us) about what we can and can't put down the drains, water usage, and how the thing actually, ya know, works. I checked this book out from the library, and immediately bought my own copy after reading a few chapters. I have a feeling this book will be invaluable!

We were lucky enough that the previous owner installed a new system as part of the deal, so we certainly didn't want to mess up a brand new system. We knew that we wanted to do it right from the start with maintenance and upkeep, etc. I feel so much more confident about it now! We know the do's and don'ts, things to watch for, and it has great chapters on troubleshooting and what to do if something does go wrong with your system. Highly recommended for anyone who has a septic system!

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very informative book that has de-mystified septic tanks and drainfields. I especially liked the chapter on the history of waste removal and treatment. It's astounding that we didn't really develop the modern septic system until after WWI! Prior to that, we emptied sewage into waterways or the ground untreated. Yecchh!

[Suzanne Gibbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

A must read for NEW septic tank owners.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful to understanding the process. But too written too many years ago to be of much current help.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Approximately one-fourth (26 million) of the estimated 124 million housing units in the USA are served by septic tanks or cesspools."
And my house is one of them. This is the best book out there for learning to live peacefully with a septic system. It covers the standard practices and includes some exciting alternative systems that have recently been developed. (Um, well, they're exciting to me as a building contractor - and as a homeowner.) I learned a lot. Wonderful funky illustrations, too.

[Phil Burnside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This paperback manual offers detailed information on a serious topic with humor and a non-technical approach. I've owned (and therefore operated) four different septic systems and wish that I had discovered this book years ago. Its coverage is impressive both in quality and range. Prospective home buyers off the municipal sewer system should definitely review this book early in their search.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot about septic tanks from this book but put it down when I realizes I have an aerator system and not an anaerobic system, which is what the book focused on.

[Brendon Connelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just what I needed to help me understand the quirks of being the owner of a septic system.