Accessibility: All risers, lids, motors, and inspection ports must be kept accessible at all times and not covered by decorative items, mulch, rocks, etc. Ensure all risers can be easily removed.
What is needed for Drywell Septic Systems
Risers on the Inlet, Outlet, and Drywell. Inlet and Outlet baffles in septic tank.
Inlet and Outlet Risers: Able to visibly see the plumbing entering into the septic tank and also exiting the tank, as well as visibly see the inlet and outlet baffles.
Inlet and Outlet Baffles: Ensure inlet and outlet baffles are present or replaced. The risers need to be directly above the inlet and outlet baffle to check the liquid levels. If an older tank exists and no lids are present, we still require two (2) lids to see both baffles. (You will need to make openings.) Often times a lid is actually present but it is very large.
Drywell: Able to see all sides of the drywell to view the condition.
Per the Ohio Department of Health, drywell systems are no longer permitted in Ohio.
Ohio Revised Code Section 3718.023 (B) states, “…a board shall ensure that a sewage treatment system shall not discharge into an abandoned well, a drainage well, a drywell, a cesspool, a sinkhole, or another connection to ground water.”
The Operation & Maintenance program is necessary to determine whether or not the system is causing a public health nuisance. If the system causes a nuisance, it must be replaced at that time.