The Septic System Owner's Manual (Paperback)

by Lloyd Kahn (Author), Blair Allen (Author), Julie Jones (Author), Peter Aschwanden (Illustrator) "Everything that goes down any of the drains in the house (toilets, showers, sinks, laundry machines) travels first to the septic tank..." (more)
Key Phrases: drainfield soil, meander tank, shallow drainfield, United States, Orenco Systems, Timothy Winneberger (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"...From the first crack-me-up cartoon...I found it to be the best book on the subject I've ever seen..." -- Malcom Wells, author of The Earth Sheltered House
Author of The Earth Sheltered House

"...homeowner's answer to problems: a concise, readable book to call on for review or to press into use in an emergency. -- Backhome

"...how a septic system works...how to sustain a partially failing system; and how to identify a failing system...Indispensable information." -- Leon Wagoner, Booklist

"Any homeowner with a septic tank should get a copy." -- Al and Kelly Carrell, Tennessean

"Heres a straightforward, easy-to-understand book on small-scale residential wastewater disposal." -- Builders Booksource Newsletter

...an entertaining discussion of a highly technical but elegantly simple process...should be mandatory reading for all operators of plumbing fixtures... -- Peter Hemp, Fine Homebuilding Magazine,Oct./Nov. 2000

...tells you everything you might want to know about the subject...The illustrations by Peter Aschwanden are a treat in themselves... -- John Vara, The Journal of Light Construction, October, 2000

Product Description
This book is for the 60 million people in the U.S. whose homes have septic systems. It describes a basic gravity-flow septic system including the tank and the drainfield. It will tell you a bit about soil and the ability of microorganisms to purify water-borne pathogens.

You will learn what you can do daily (dishes, toilet, washing machine) to promote healthy functioning of a septic system. We will describe common-sense maintenance, periodic tank inspections, and tank pumping when necessary.

There is a chapter on what to do if things go wrong, and information on simple graywater systems and on composting toilets.

Alternatives to the typical gravity-fed septic system are described, including mounds, sand-filters, pressure-dosed drainfields, and wetlands.

And for the small town facing the likelihood of a town-wide septic system upgrade,we provide advice on basic organization, dealing with engineers, and selecting the best option for wastewater disposal.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 163 pages
• Publisher: Shelter Publications (January 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 093607020X
• ISBN-13: 978-0936070209
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #263,227 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #34 in	Books > Home & Garden > How-to & Home Improvements > Plumbing & Household Automation
  #36 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Engineering > Civil > Construction > Plumbing
  #88 in	Books > Home & Garden > How-to & Home Improvements > Home Repair

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "must" for all syptic system owners., April 5, 2000

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

The basics of septic systems, from underground systems and failures to what the owner can do to promote and maintain a healthy system, is revealed in an excellent guide essential for any who reside on a septic system. Rural residents receive a primer on not only the basics; but how to conduct period inspections and what to do when things go wrong. History also figures into the fine coverage.

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential for Owners or Prospective Owners of Septic Systems, March 27, 2000

By A Customer

This book is an essential tool for owners of homes with septic systems, or for people who are considering buying or building a home with a septic system.

It is written in non-technical language and includes a plethora of illustrations, some of them humorous. It provides enough information so that reader can deal effectively with professionals, should that become necessary. While it mainly focuses on the traditional septic tank, it also describes many alternatives which can be used in situations where the standard tank may not be applicable.

There is also an intriguing history of sanitation. I was fascinated to learn that the re were flush toilets in the Indus Valley (now Pakistan) in 2500 BC!

Also included is an extensive bibiolography, including web sites, and a list of suppliers of various secptic-related products.

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT ADVICE & PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS, March 25, 2000

By	David Arelette (Yarrambat, Victoria Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I live just 40 Kms outside a city of 3.5 million people but the 20 acre properties means that a sewered system would be cost prohibitive. So we have a septic tank system.

When you get one of these, there are few if any instructions so you learn by trial and messy error.

This is a great book for those new owners and users of these systems. It is a simple list of what to do and what to avoid.

I would highly recommend it to all septic system owners and users.