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Georgia Department Of Public Health — Certified Septic
System Installer Exam Questions And Correct Answers Plus
Rationales 2025
- What is the minimum setback distance from a private water well to a septic tank in Georgia? 100 feet Georgia DPH rules require a minimum 100-foot separation to protect drinking water from contamination.
- Which soil type is best suited for a conventional septic drainfield? Loamy sand Loamy sand provides good permeability and prevents effluent ponding or clogging.
- When must a Certified Installer submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) for a new installation? Before beginning construction The NOI ensures the local health department can review and approve the system design before work begins.
- Which of the following is NOT part of a conventional septic system? Reverse osmosis filter Reverse osmosis is a water treatment method, not part of septic treatment systems.
- What is the purpose of a septic tank baffle? Prevent solids from leaving the tank Baffles keep scum and solids in the tank so only clarified effluent enters the drainfield.
- How often should a homeowner have their septic tank inspected? Every 3 to 5 years Regular inspections help prevent system failure and costly repairs.
- What is the main cause of drainfield failure? Hydraulic overloading Excess water can saturate soil and prevent proper effluent treatment.
- Which material is acceptable for septic tank construction in Georgia? Concrete Concrete tanks are durable, watertight, and approved by the Georgia DPH.
- What should you do if unsuitable soil is found during installation? Notify the health department Soil conditions must meet permit specifications; changes require review and approval. 10.What test determines soil suitability for a drainfield? Percolation test A perc test measures how quickly water moves through soil, critical for drainfield sizing. 11.What is the minimum cover required over a drainfield trench? 6 inches
50 feet Protects surface water from contamination by maintaining a safe distance. 19.What is the purpose of a distribution box? Evenly distribute effluent to drainfield lines Ensures equal loading and prevents overloading individual lines. 20.Who is responsible for obtaining a septic system permit? The property owner or their agent The installer may help, but the owner must ensure permitting. 21.Which sign indicates septic system failure? Sewage surfacing on the ground This means the drainfield is overloaded or clogged. 22.How long should you wait to backfill a new septic tank? After inspection and approval Backfilling before approval could hide defects or violations. 23.Which plant is acceptable to grow over a drainfield? Grass Grass stabilizes soil without deep roots that could damage pipes. 24.What is the required distance between trenches in a drainfield? At least 4 feet center to center This spacing allows for adequate soil absorption between trenches.
25.Who issues the Certified Installer license in Georgia? Georgia Department of Public Health The DPH administers licensing and training for septic installers. 26.What action should an installer take if bedrock is encountered at shallow depth? Consult the health department The design may need revision to an alternative system. 27.Which document must be provided to the homeowner upon completion? Installation report and as-built drawing Helps the homeowner locate and maintain the system properly. 28.What does an effluent filter do? Traps solids before effluent enters drainfield Helps prevent clogging of drainfield lines. 29.What is required for a repair to an existing system? Repair permit A repair permit ensures the fix meets code requirements. 30.Which factor affects drainfield sizing the most? Soil percolation rate The perc rate determines how much area is needed to treat effluent. 31.Which condition requires an alternative septic system? High bedrock near surface When soil depth is insufficient, alternative systems may be needed.
39.What is a curtain drain used for? Redirect groundwater away from drainfield Helps keep the drainfield unsaturated. 40.What is the first step before starting excavation? Verify location with health department Prevents mistakes and ensures compliance with permit. 41.How far should trees be from a drainfield? At least 10 feet Tree roots can infiltrate and damage drain pipes. 42.What is the required setback from property lines for a septic tank? 10 feet Protects neighboring properties from contamination risk. 43.What is the minimum setback from a basement wall? 15 feet Prevents structural issues and seepage near foundations. 44.When must a final inspection be scheduled? Before covering system components Allows the health department to verify proper installation. 45.What is soil mottling evidence of? Seasonal high water table Indicates potential for saturated conditions that limit treatment.
46.Who is responsible for ensuring code compliance? Certified Installer Installers must follow rules and permit conditions. 47.What should an installer do if a system fails within a year? Evaluate and repair as needed Ethical and regulatory responsibility to correct problems. 48.What should be used to backfill around pipes? Washed sand or gravel Ensures good drainage and pipe support. 49.How can installers protect themselves from liability? Follow regulations and keep records Documentation proves compliance and due diligence. 50.Which is required to renew a Certified Installer license? Continuing education Georgia DPH requires periodic training to stay updated on best practices. 51.How should a drainfield be graded? To shed surface water away Proper grading prevents ponding and surface water infiltration. 52.What is a sign of infiltration into a septic tank? Tank levels above outlet invert This indicates groundwater is leaking into the tank.
60.Which bacteria are responsible for wastewater treatment in soil? Aerobic bacteria They break down waste as effluent percolates. 61.What is a septic riser used for? Provides easy access to tank lids Reduces damage to yard and eases maintenance. 62.How often must effluent filters be cleaned? Once a year Prevents solids from clogging the drainfield. 63.What is the minimum setback from a well to a drainfield? 100 feet Protects drinking water from contamination. 64.How can soil compaction during construction be avoided? Use lightweight equipment Prevents soil from losing porosity needed for treatment. 65.What is a soil profile description used for? Identify limiting layers Helps select appropriate depth and system design. 66.Which condition requires a drip distribution system? Shallow soil over bedrock Drip systems distribute effluent evenly in limited soil.
67.Why are mounded systems used? When usable soil depth is inadequate Elevated soil provides enough treatment area. 68.Which system uses a pump tank? Pressure distribution system Pumps deliver effluent evenly through pipes. 69.What is the benefit of pressure dosing? Improves distribution Reduces overloading in any one area. 70.What does a sand filter do? Provides additional treatment Removes more solids before effluent reaches soil. 71.How should filter media be placed? In uniform layers Ensures proper filtration. 72.What is the life expectancy of a properly maintained system? 20 – 30 years Regular care extends system life. 73.Which is an example of hydraulic overloading? Leaking toilets Excess water entering the system can overwhelm it.
81.What is the function of gravel in drainfields? Distribute effluent and provide storage It helps spread flow evenly. 82.Which household product can harm a septic system? Antibacterial cleaners They can kill beneficial bacteria. 83.What happens if a tank is undersized? Solids may enter the drainfield Inadequate retention time allows solids to escape. 84.How should heavy equipment be used near a drainfield? Keep off drainfield area Prevents compaction and damage. 85.What is the main advantage of serial distribution? Uses trenches in sequence Maximizes use of soil capacity. 86.What must be checked before starting a repair? Existing permit and conditions Repairs must comply with approved design. 87.What is the function of a dosing chamber? Store effluent for timed release Helps manage flow rates.
88.How should lines be laid in a drainfield? Level or with slight slope Promotes even distribution. 89.What is the maximum trench depth for a conventional system? 36 inches Deeper trenches may not treat effluent properly. 90.What is the setback from a swimming pool? 15 feet Prevents contamination and structural issues. 91.Which pipe material is acceptable for laterals? Perforated PVC It is durable and approved for effluent distribution. 92.Why are observation wells installed? Monitor water levels Detects groundwater impact on the system. 93.Which condition would require a pump replacement? Pump burn-out due to clogging A clogged pump can fail and needs replacement. 94.What should be included in an as-built drawing? Tank and drainfield location with measurements Helps locate system for maintenance or future work.
- What happens if a distribution box is not level? Uneven effluent flow Some lines may overload while others stay dry.
- What is biomat? Biological layer in drainfield Helps treat effluent but excessive buildup can clog soil.
- How do you reduce biomat buildup? Pump tank regularly Removes solids that form the biomat.
- What is a setback for a lake or pond? 50 feet Protects surface water from contamination.
- Why is site staking important? Ensures correct location and elevation Prevents errors during installation.
- When should trench bottoms be scarified? Before placing gravel Improves infiltration by loosening compacted soil.
- How should effluent filters be installed? At tank outlet Protects drainfield from solids.
- How deep should observation ports extend? To bottom of trench Allows accurate monitoring of ponding levels.
- What should you do if heavy rain occurs during installation? Stop work and cover trenches Prevents soil smearing and compaction.
- Which is the best soil color for absorption? Brown Indicates good drainage and oxygen levels.
- What is the main purpose of lateral spacing? Prevents overlapping wetted areas Ensures uniform soil use.
- What is the required setback from a road right-of-way? 10 feet Protects infrastructure and system.
- How are site evaluations recorded? Soil report and log Documents conditions for permitting.
- When must an installer renew certification? Every 2 years Georgia requires periodic renewal with continuing education.
- What is the setback from a utility line? 5 feet Protects the utility and system during maintenance.
- Why use filter fabric? Prevents soil from clogging gravel Maintains trench performance.
- What is a lateral? Perforated pipe in the drainfield Distributes effluent into the soil.
- When must a soil scientist be consulted? Complex or marginal sites They provide expert analysis for site suitability.
- How can grease traps help? Remove fats and oils before wastewater enters tank Prevents clogging and system overload.
- Which test shows soil permeability? Perc test Determines absorption rate for sizing.
- What is the first thing to do before digging? Call utility locators Prevents damage to underground lines.
- What is the most common permit violation? Failure to obtain approval before changes Any design or site change must be approved.
- Which type of system is recommended for a steep slope? Low-pressure pipe (LPP) system LPP systems distribute effluent evenly on sloping sites.
- What should you do if a neighbor’s well is within setback distance? Relocate the drainfield Maintains required separation to protect water supplies.
- Which condition can cause soil ponding? Impermeable soil layer Prevents effluent from moving downward.
- How should tank lids be secured? Watertight and childproof Prevents contamination and accidental entry.
- What is the recommended distance between trenches and structures? 10 feet Protects building foundations and the system.
- How do you ensure equal flow to all laterals? Level distribution box Prevents overloading individual lines.
