Editorial Review
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.
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Customer Reviews
Septic System Owner's Manual 
2007-05-14
This is a great book to help you understand how septic systems work in general. It is written such that it can be easily understood by anyone. It also discusses how to care for a septic system. What the book does not do is provide much technical data on septic tanks, pumps, etc. If you know little to nothing about septic systems though, this is a great place to begin. I would recommend it to anyone who uses a septic system and wants to know more about how they work and what can cause them to fail.
Eureka! 
2006-11-10
Finally a simple, straightforward explanation about a subject everyone should know about. In the Pacific low-lying atolls with very little land they wonder why flush toilets are not suitable for them, and are being told composting, dry systems should be the way to go, but they don't understand why. This Pacific islander now understands why, thanks to this manual.
Fantastic!! 2006-07-19
Very readable-entertaining despite the poo topic. I called author to compliment him.
It resulted in me upgrading my system and saving lots of money.
Unique grapic arts/cartooney illustrations. Historically accurate.
*best book available on this topic...
Must Read - Before you troubleshoot or repair a septic system 2006-06-17
The following is an update from my previous review of this book of approx 10 months ago):
This book is essential in troubleshooting and repairing a septic system in a general sense. Since the mechanics of most septic systems are simple, most fixes end up being physically hard work, but are doable in layman terms. This book is one of the best out in the world. It's a must before spending a dime to fix and/or upgrade any septic application.
However, really read the book. Do not forget that these systems have to meet local codes. If nothing causes the local inspector to have to take a look (i.e. property changes hands (probate, buying/selling) or a loss due to act of God and/or fire then you'll be fine. If you do not use a certified/bonded contractor for repairs (otherwords you do the work yourself) then be prepared to shell out some cash to bring it up to code if the afformentioned should happen. Having said this, page 147 is illuminating. The bibliography in the back lead me to some really interesting reading from 5 major univerities concerning the use of septic systems in the United States! Good luck, you'll enjoy the book!!!
Excellent non-technical information on Septic Systems 2006-04-24
As a newbie to septic systems faced with having to build (or have built) a septic system, I checked out this book along with a couple others from our local library. This was the only one I fully read, and I liked it so much I bought myself a copy.
I was first drawn to the book by the whimsical illustrations by Peter Aschwanden, but was hooked in by how accessible and informative the book was. We learned enough to ask intelligent questions of the contractor we eventually used to build our septic system. And, we learned a lot about the proper "care and feeding" of a septic system and now feel comfortable that we can treat ours in the proper manner to avoid septic troubles.
Highly recommended for the present or future septic system owner!
If you want Septic system knowledge this is the ticket 2008-03-16
This book is THE cookbook for septic systems. If you want to do it yourself or want to do your homework prior to having one put in or if you just want to know everything you wanted to know about septic systems but were afraid to ask, this is the book for you. It is well illustrated and easy to read and understand. I have put in several septic systems and have found this to be the best reference guide out there.
Good Read for septic system owners 2008-02-25
Informative with basic information for those who have or are new to the world of septic tank maintenance. Could save you lots of money and headache over the life of your tank.
Fun chapter on history of waste disposal systems throughout the progress of civilization. Also, some political background if you are being forced to make a change in your system that works -- the septic tank. It's worth the price even though much of the information can also be found searching the Internet but who has that much time?
How To Keep Your Septic System Alive 2008-02-06
As a practicing Environmental Health Specialist and homeowner with an onsite sewage disposal system, I can say with some authority that these authors know their s***. As a former Bug owner I can also say that the drawings by Peter Aschwanden, who got you through your first VW repair in Muir's classic, don't hurt one bit. Somehow car repair and septic repair gets your hands really dirty, in a Zen-like way. But I'll stop there before I dig too deep.
It's all here for the novice: standard gravity fed drainfields, septic tank sizing, gravel-less trenches, alternative and gray water systems, frequency of tank pumping, what not to dump down the drain, designing your own system, and the history of septic systems.
For $6 used you'll learn enough to avoid the ultimate nightmare: a failing septic in the winter. And even if that occurs, you'll know how to keep from giving your hard-earned buck to that "Waste of Time" Septic Engineer in the yellow pages.
Who Knew Poop Coul d Be So Interesting! 2007-10-11
This book has been really helpful to me as a planning commissioner in trying to analyze our local ordinances as most of our county is rural with homes served by well and septic systems. It has been very helpful in allowing me to understand how it all works (or should work when all is well).
good basic info, short on troubleshooting 
2007-08-02
If you want to know what are the various kinds of septic systems and how they work, this is a good book. If you have a problem and want to know how to diagnose or solve it, you'll be disappointed. Overall message on how to maintain a septic system seems to be, "the less you use it, the better." Index is inadequate.
