Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the steps for getting a new septic system?
- What is a septic system?
- What is an on-site sewage facility?
- Are there different types of on-site sewage facilities?
- Who can install my OSSF?
- What do I do if my existing septic system doesn’t work properly?
- Can’t find your question here?
- What are the steps for getting a new septic system?
- Get a Site Evaluation which complies with the requirements of your county health department or with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
- Apply for an OSSF Permit by submitting a Permit Application and Site Evaluation and the county fee to the county health department.
- What is a septic system?
- A septic system refers to treatment and subsurface application of wastewater on the same tract of land where it was generated, for instance, a single-family dwelling may have a septic system in the yard.
- What is an on-site sewage facility (OSSF)?
- Any approved system which treats and disposes less than 5000 gallons per day wastewater on the same tract of land where it was generated.
- The Soil Substitution Absorption Field for Standard Treatment project is an example of an OSSF.
- Are there different types of on-site sewage facilities?
- Yes, there are several methods of treating and disposing of domestic wastewater.
- The Texas Cooperative Extension has a lot of brochures on the web site. Their Waste Management section should of interest.
- 30 TAC Chapter 285 Planning, Construction, And Installation Standards For OSSfs
- Yes, there are several methods of treating and disposing of domestic wastewater.
- Who can install my OSSF?
- A licensed Installer has the training and experience to properly install your new on-site sewage facility.
- In some counties, a homeowner may install an on-site sewage facility for his/her personal dwelling.
- What do I do if my existing septic system doesn’t work properly?
- Many different conditions can result in failure of an on-site sewage facility and it is usually most cost effective to contact a licensed plumber, Installer or Site Evaluator to attempt to identify the specific problem.
- Conditions which may cause a failure in an on-site sewage facility include:
- Crushed or broken pipe from house to tank or from tank to laterals.
- High concentration of solids in pre-treatment tank.
- Excessive biomat development in lateral lines.
- Lateral lines installed with improper slope.
- Lateral lines installed in unsuitable soil.
- Hydraulic overloading of system (too much water inflow as from faucet leak).
- Biological overload of system as may happen when two homes are connected to a single system designed for only one home or when too many people are contributing waste to system.
- Air compressor failure in an aerobic system will turn the OSSF “septic” with strong, disagreeable odor.
- Can’t find your question here?
- Please contact me.
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Cell: (254) 592-9629
Fax: (254) 918-6833
Email: victorashe@embarqmail.com
