Alexei Volkov
In Idaho, septic tanks are a crucial part of the state's infrastructure, with over 35% of the population and commercial buildings relying on them to manage wastewater. The state has a dedicated set of regulations covering the installation and operation of these tanks, primarily governed by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and its IDEQ Water Quality Division. The DEQ's Ground Water Quality Rule and Individual/Subsurface Sewage Disposal Rules set the standards for septic systems in the state, with specific guidelines for design, construction, siting, and use. These rules also outline the requirements for obtaining permits and registering installers. While the guidelines do not specifically mention plastic septic tanks, they do refer to septic tanks constructed of concrete or other materials approved by the Director, with requirements for durability, corrosion resistance, and more. Additionally, ASTM D-3034 plastic pipes are mentioned as an acceptable material for use in septic tank installations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic septic tanks allowed | Yes, plastic pipes can be used to span the septic tank and dosing chamber |
| Plastic type | ASTM D-3034 |
| Fill material type | Granular, clean, and compacted to 90% standard proctor density |
| Fill material placement | Can be placed on undisturbed earth, but there must be at least 12 inches of cover over the pipe |
| Minimum horizontal dimension | 2 feet |
| Liquid depth | Between 2.5 and 5 feet |
| Minimum total volume | 115% of liquid capacity |
| Minimum inlet diameter | 4 inches |
| Inlet position | 3 inches above the liquid level |
| Inlet and outlet markings | Marked with the manufacturer's name or trademark, total liquid capacity, and indicate the tank's inlet and outlet |
| Septic tank construction | Must be water-tight, constructed of sound and durable materials, and not subject to excessive corrosion, decay, frost damage, or cracking |
| Septic tank abandonment | Responsibility of the property owner |
| Septic tank regulations | Governed by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and its IDEQ Water Quality Division |
| Permits | Required for installation and must be obtained from a public health district |
| Site evaluation | Performed by the public health district and a licensed septic system installer |
| Inspection | Conducted by the public health district |
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What You'll Learn
Idaho septic tank requirements
In Idaho, septic tanks are a vital part of the state's infrastructure, with more than 35% of the population and commercial buildings relying on septic tank systems. The primary governing body for septic tank regulations is the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and its IDEQ Water Quality Division. The responsibility for regulating septic tanks by the Idaho DEQ is divided into seven public health districts that cover set regions and counties of the state.
The seven public health districts oversee the permitting and inspection of septic systems and also offer site evaluations to assess locations for new septic tank systems. To have a septic system installed, the property owner must obtain a permit from one of these public health districts. The property owner should have a site evaluation performed by the public health district and a licensed septic system installer before purchasing property and applying for a permit. Once the permit has been issued, the system should be installed by a licensed installer and inspected by the public health district.
In Idaho, all septic systems must be installed by a licensed basic or complex installer (unless a homeowner establishes a standard/basic system on their property with no hired help). To be licensed as a septic installer, the applicant must provide the following information to their local public health district: a certificate of passing the basic or complex septic installer exam, proof of payment to the local health district for the required registration fee, and proof of payment to a surety company for a secure bond of $5,000 (basic) or $15,000 (complex). A prospective septic installer can schedule an in-person exam with their local public health district or online through the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association.
Septic systems can potentially transport pollutants from sewage to groundwater. To help prevent this, DEQ’s Ground Water Quality Rule and Individual/Subsurface Sewage Disposal Rules and Rules for Cleaning of Septic Tanks require a nutrient-pathogen (NP) evaluation for certain proposed on-site systems. An NP evaluation is a technical review of a septic system’s potential impact on water quality. The evaluation seeks to determine the appropriate number of septic systems for a given parcel of land and ensure that the placement of an on-site system will not significantly degrade the water quality.
Large Soil Absorption Systems (LSAS) are subsurface sewage disposal systems designed to receive at least 2,500 gallons of wastewater per day. Resorts, schools, subdivisions, and rest areas not connected to centralized systems often use LSAS to dispose of their wastewater. A property owner or developer wishing to install an LSAS must obtain a permit from a public health district and include an NP evaluation with the permit application. The LSAS design must be prepared by a professional engineer licensed in Idaho and must undergo a plan and specification review by DEQ. A licensed complex installer is required for installation, which is inspected by the public health district and DEQ. At the end of each year, an annual operation and maintenance report must be sent to both agencies.
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Septic tank installation
Before installing a septic system, it is essential to consult the local regulations, rules, and guidelines that may impact your project. In Idaho, for example, all septic systems must be installed by a licensed basic or complex installer, unless a homeowner chooses to install a standard/basic system on their property without hired help. To obtain a licence, an installer must provide a certificate of passing the basic or complex septic installer exam, proof of payment for the required registration fee, and proof of payment for a secure bond to a surety company. To have a septic system installed in Idaho, a property owner must first obtain a permit from a public health district and have a site evaluation performed by the district and a licensed installer before purchasing the property and applying for a permit. Once the permit has been issued, the licensed installer can install the system, which will then be inspected by the public health district.
There are several other factors to consider when installing a septic system. Firstly, the size of the house typically determines the size of the septic tank required. A tank that is too small may be overwhelmed by water usage, leading to severe problems. The material of the tank is another important consideration, as it can impact the overall cost of installation. Concrete tanks are usually the most affordable option, followed by plastic tanks, with fibreglass tanks being the most expensive. Installation costs can also vary depending on geographical location and may be influenced by factors such as the size of the tank, the surrounding ground and soil, and the need for heavy machinery or specialised equipment.
Additionally, it is important to be aware of potential environmental impacts. Septic systems can transport pollutants from sewage to groundwater, so it is essential to comply with rules and regulations, such as Idaho's "Ground Water Quality Rule" and "Individual/Subsurface Sewage Disposal Rules and Rules for Cleaning of Septic Tanks," which require a nutrient-pathogen (NP) evaluation for certain on-site systems. This evaluation assesses the potential impact on water quality and helps determine the appropriate number of septic systems for a given parcel of land.
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Septic tank regulations
In Idaho, septic tanks are a vital part of the state's infrastructure, with more than 35% of the population and commercial buildings relying on them. The primary governing body for septic tank regulations is the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and its IDEQ Water Quality Division. The DEQ's "Ground Water Quality Rule" and "Individual/Subsurface Sewage Disposal Rules and Rules for Cleaning of Septic Tanks" help prevent the transport of pollutants from sewage to groundwater.
The "Individual/Subsurface Sewage Disposal Rules" (IDAPA 58.01.03) establish minimum standards for the design, construction, siting, and use of individual and subsurface sewage disposal systems. These rules also outline the requirements for obtaining installation permits and installer registration permits. The responsibility for regulating septic tanks is divided into seven public health districts that cover specific regions and counties of the state. These districts offer site evaluations, permitting, and inspections for septic systems.
To install a septic system in Idaho, a property owner must obtain a permit from a public health district. A site evaluation by the district and a licensed septic system installer is recommended before purchasing property and applying for a permit. Once permitted, the system must be installed by a licensed installer and inspected by the district.
Idaho allows landowners to install their own septic tanks if they can do so without hired help and if it is a standard/basic system. Standard systems refer to conventional, gravity-fed septic tank systems, while basic systems are any non-conventional septic systems not defined as complex alternative systems.
Specific regulations for septic tank design and construction in Idaho include:
- Septic tanks will be constructed of concrete or other materials approved by the Director. Steel tanks are unacceptable.
- All septic tanks will be watertight, durable, and not subject to excessive corrosion, decay, frost damage, or cracking.
- Minimum concrete tank wall and floor thickness requirements are outlined, with thicker dimensions required if the walls are not reinforced.
- No interior horizontal dimension of a septic tank or compartment may be less than two feet.
- The liquid depth must be at least two and a half feet but not more than five feet.
- Septic tanks manufactured according to a specified design approved by the Director must be marked with specific information, including the manufacturer's name and total liquid capacity.
- The total volume of a septic tank must be at least 115% of its liquid capacity.
- Specific requirements are outlined for the inlet and outlet of septic tanks, including diameter, height above the liquid level, and the use of vented tees or baffles.
- ASTM D-3034 plastic pipe may be used to span the septic tank and dosing chamber if specific installation conditions are met.
- Effluent pipes must be installed at least 50 feet away from a well.
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Septic tank design and construction standards
Design Standards:
- Individual Septic Systems: Idaho's septic systems are typically individual or subsurface sewage disposal systems serving one or two homes. These systems consist of a septic tank and a drainfield or leach field.
- Nutrient-Pathogen (NP) Evaluation: As per the "Ground Water Quality Rule" and "Individual/Subsurface Sewage Disposal Rules," a technical review, known as an NP evaluation, is required for certain proposed on-site systems. This evaluation assesses the potential impact of the septic system on water quality and determines the appropriate number of systems for a given parcel of land.
- Engineering Drawings: Detailed engineering drawings are essential for septic tank design. These drawings specify the dimensions, input and output pipes, vent pipes, access manholes, and other features to ensure proper functionality and maintenance.
- Tank Materials: Septic tanks in Idaho can be constructed from various materials, including reinforced concrete or plastics. Reinforced concrete tanks are designed to withstand ground movement without cracking, while plastic tanks offer flexibility and can give a little with ground movement.
- Safety and Security: Septic tank design should prioritize safety and security to prevent groundwater pollution. This includes considerations such as lightning conductors, security strategies, and insecticides.
Construction Standards:
- Licensed Installers: In Idaho, all septic systems must be installed by licensed basic or complex installers. Homeowners are exempt from this requirement if they install a standard/basic system on their property without hired help.
- Permits: Property owners are required to obtain a permit from a public health district before installing a septic system. A site evaluation by the public health district and a licensed septic system installer is necessary before applying for the permit.
- Inspection: Once the septic system is installed, it must be inspected by the public health district to ensure it meets the construction standards and complies with relevant regulations.
- Maintenance: Septic tanks require periodic maintenance, including pumping residual sludge, and cleaning. Access manholes in the tank design facilitate maintenance and cleaning operations.
These design and construction standards outlined above help ensure that septic tanks in Idaho are properly designed, installed, and maintained to effectively treat wastewater and protect the state's groundwater resources.
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Septic tank maintenance
Septic tank systems in Idaho are typically individual systems serving one or two homes, consisting of a septic tank and a drainfield or leach field. These systems are decentralized and discharge wastewater into an underground tank where solids and water are separated. While I cannot find explicit information on whether Idaho allows plastic septic tanks, it does appear that plastic septic tanks are available in the state.
To properly maintain your septic tank, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to inspect and pump your tank frequently. The recommended frequency for pumping your tank is at least once every three to four years, depending on the number of people in your household. However, some sources suggest that pumping may not be necessary for up to 7 or more years, as digestion in septic tanks typically takes around 3 years to occur. Nonetheless, it is crucial to monitor the levels of sludge and scum in your tank. If the bottom of the scum layer is within 6 inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet, it is time to pump out your tank.
Another aspect of septic tank maintenance is the proper disposal of waste. Avoid flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper. Limit the use of antibacterial products, such as bleach, as they can disrupt the bacteria that break down waste in your tank. Additionally, try to minimize the use of garbage disposals, as they can introduce large amounts of fats, grease, and solids into your septic tank, potentially clogging the drainfield. Instead, consider using a strainer in your kitchen drain and disposing of garbage in a trash or compost bin.
It is also important to use water efficiently. Avoid doing all your laundry on the same day, as this can overload your septic system. Spreading out laundry throughout the week gives your septic tank sufficient time to treat the waste and prevents flooding in your drainfield. Similarly, be mindful of the placement of roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainwater drainage systems, ensuring they are directed away from your drainfield area. Excess water can slow down or stop the wastewater treatment process.
Lastly, regular maintenance and record-keeping are crucial. Keep a record of maintenance activities performed on your septic system, including repairs and inspections. This will help you stay on top of any recommended repairs and ensure the optimal functioning of your septic tank system.
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Frequently asked questions
Idaho does not explicitly disallow plastic septic tanks, but it does have strict requirements for septic tank materials. New septic tanks must be constructed of concrete or other materials approved by the Director. Steel tanks are unacceptable. Tanks must be water-tight, durable, and not subject to excessive corrosion, decay, frost damage, or cracking.
In Idaho, septic tanks are regulated by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and its IDEQ Water Quality Division. The DEQ's "Ground Water Quality Rule" and "Individual/Subsurface Sewage Disposal Rules and Rules for Cleaning of Septic Tanks" outline the requirements for septic tank installation and operation. These rules include minimum standards for design, construction, siting, and use, as well as requirements for obtaining permits and installer registration.
Yes, you can install your own septic tank in Idaho as a landowner, as long as you can do so without hiring external help. The system must be a standard/basic system, and you must obtain the necessary permits from a public health district.
The Idaho Administrative Code (IDAPA) 58.01.03.007 outlines the design and construction standards for septic tanks. These standards include requirements for materials, construction, horizontal dimension, liquid depth, total volume, inlet and outlet specifications, and markings for manufactured tanks.
