Creates a Septic File

The Complete Septic System Owner makes a septic file and files it under “S” in his or her well-organized household filing system.  Keep in your file all the relevant and important documents for your future reference.  If you sell the house, give the file to the buyer so he will have a record of the system.  The file should contain the entire history of the system, just as you should do when you sell your car or house.

Put in the file the following documents,  of which those listed in A. below should be free:

A.  The public information contents of your system file from the Health Department office having jurisdiction over your system:  Call them on the phone or send them a fax.  Tell them you want a copy of everything in your septic system file.  These erstwhile public servants keep a file on every system installed with benefit of a permit.  Their files are kept by street address, or sometimes by legal description (subdivision lot and block or meets and bounds description).  The file should contain some or all of the following:

• The As-Built Drawing or “map” of your system - probably the most important document of all.

• Soils/Percolation Test

• The Engineer’s Design Letter (if your system is engineered): contains all the design requirements and valuable maintenance requirements you should be following to prolong the life of your system.

• The Septic System Permit Application

• The Septic System Permit shows the soils test results, and the minimum sizing of your system.

• Loan Inspection Reports

• Investigation Reports that may have been filed during the life of the system

B.  All the pump and inspection invoices, work orders, repair invoices and pump reminder cards you receive from your pumper or from the health department:  These will show a history of proper maintenance and repair of any problems which any succeeding homeowner will appreciate receiving.