Whether the designer of a city's sewage system or the sole employee of a septic tank cleaning business, most states require, or at least strongly recommend, a license or certification to work on septic systems. A septic system requires many professionals to operate correctly. A septic tank must first undergo design, installation, installation, periodic inspections and cleaning.

From concrete septic tanks to plastic septic tanks, the construction of a septic system can vary greatly; gaining a well-rounded education in wastewater will prepare you to design, install, inspect or maintain any system. When earning a certification or license to work on septic tanks, consider the following:

1. Learn what your individual state requires for you to work on septic systems.

2. Read educational and training materials to expand your education in wastewater.

3. Know that continuing education credits are often required to renew a certification or license.

Action Steps
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Register for the appropriate classes to become certified to work on septic systems

Each state has specific laws on what is required to design, install, maintain and inspect septic tanks. Some states require licensed home inspectors to perform septic system inspection. Many states recommend homeowners contract only companies certified with the state to work on septic systems. Companies obtain licensing and certification by passing wastewater classes.

I recommend: To read more information about septic systems certification guidelines, visit the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Be aware that certification laws for septic tank installers and maintenance providers vary by state. To view examples of courses required for certification, visit the North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources. Find more information about obtaining a septic system certification at the Maine Joint Environmental Coordinating Committee.

Increase your knowledge of septic tanks by reading wastewater textbooks

Wastewater textbooks can supplement material presented in septic system classes or to prepare for certification examinations. Textbooks that cover septic tanks typically include the physical properties of a septic holding tank as well as the environmental impact they systems have on groundwater.

I recommend: Purchase "Wells, Pumps and Septic Systems" from the American Home Inspectors Training Institute. This textbook is ideal for those pursuing a license in septic tank inspection. For a textbook that covers the environmental impact of septic tank installation, read "Septic Tank System Effects on Ground Water Quality" available at Routledge.

Keep your septic tanks education and training current with online continuing education courses

You must renew certifications and licenses at intervals determined by the state. Typically, they expire every one to five years. The state may require continuing education classes in order to renew a certification, or it may require simply passing an exam.

I recommend: Take septic tank systems online re-certification courses at Georgia Southern University. PDHonline.org is a continuing education provider for surveyors, engineers and architects. The organization's Managing Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems can help you renew a license to design and install septic systems. Approved Environment offers several continuing education courses on wastewater and managing a septic tank. Prices are on the website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  State departments have specific courses that they consider appropriate septic tanks education and training before granting a certification, license or renewal. Unless the course is on your state's website, contact the department to make sure the course is acceptable before registering.

Septic tank systems are the alternative to sewer systems in many rural areas today. A licensed professional is responsible for septic tank installation, and usually the company that provides the septic tank provides installation. The basic parts of the system are the line to the septic tank, the tank itself and the drain field. All of this comprises the septic tank system that you purchase.

Septic tank systems come in three basic materials: concrete, plastic or polyethylene, and fiberglass. Look at the following when choosing your septic tank system:

1. Purchase light but rigid fiberglass septic tanks.

2. Select concrete septic systems.

3. Choose a plastic septic tank supplier.

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Locate lightweight but durable fiberglass septic tanks

Fiberglass weighs much less than concrete or plastic septic tanks but are very sturdy. Strong enough to withstand a 4-foot burial, these light septic tanks weigh so little they transport easily in pickup trucks. Fiberglass septic tank systems adhere to all industry standards for residential, commercial and community systems.

I recommend: Loomis Tank Centers makes fiberglass septic tanks ranging in size from 300 to 1500 gallons. They include a 5-year warranty with the price. Orenco Systems Inc. offers fiberglass septic tanks in 1000 and 1500 gallon sizes. They sell their tanks through a network of authorized dealers and will send assemblers out to you to install their septic tank systems.

Pick concrete septic tanks for your septic tank needs

Concrete septic tanks are durable over decades. The only drawback is concrete septic tanks are susceptible to cracking, so if you choose this option, have the tank inspected at regular intervals and repair any cracks right away.

I recommend: United Concrete Products, Inc. offers concrete septic tanks starting at 1000 gallons and regular septic tanks for 1250 gallons for heavy duty septic tanks. American Concrete Industries makes concrete septic tanks starting at 700 gallon. The new septic tank fits an existing tank using adaptors for easy replacement. Contact a dealer for their septic tank prices.

Get plastic septic tanks and pay less

Plastic septic tanks are lighter than concrete and cost less to buy. However, they are strong enough to withstand 36-inch burial in the ground and are easy to install.

I recommend: The Tank Depot offers a line of plastic septic tanks in various sizes. These plastic septic tanks are easy to install and will not rust or corrode. Fralo offers Roth branded plastic septic tanks with a 50-year warranty. This alternative to concrete septic tanks comes code compliant and bears a lightweight design. Contact them for septic tank prices and compare.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you have your septic system pumped out at regular intervals. Septic tank cleaning is typically performed once every 5 years, but if you notice odor or backup, call and get it done right away.

Septic tanks are an essential in many rural areas that don't have city sewer systems available to them. While necessary, they can also be very dangerous if not installed and maintained properly. All septic systems must be installed by a certified installation technician, and maintained by licensed septic technicians.

Whether you are dealing with plastic septic tanks or concrete septic tanks, correct installation and proper maintenance by homeowners is essential to keeping the system working safely and properly to prevent problems or injury. Find online safety information to help you ensure your septic system is being installed and maintained properly. Look to:

1. Follow general septic tank cleaning and maintenance tips.

2. Get septic tank installation safety guidelines.

3. Find training for septic installation and maintenance certification.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for general septic systems maintenance safety tips

Septic tank prices can add up, so making sure you are maintaining system that cost a lot of money to install is the easiest way to save money and prevent any problems or safety issues. Avoid injuries and make sure you are taking care of a septic tank properly by following safety tips provided by certified technicians and manufacturers.

I recommend: U Info provides a septic system safety brochure filled with proper maintenance and safety tips. The Island County Public Health website offers more septic safety tips for general users.

Find septic tank installation safety information

If you're hiring someone to install a septic tank and system, make sure that person is trained and certified. It doesn't hurt to know what types of safety procedures they should be following, so do a little research on your own before they arrive. If you're a septic tank installer, you'll want to make sure you certification stays up-to-date by keeping up with all the required training.

I recommend: Inspectipedia.com offers extensive septic safety guideline information including proper installation tips and guidelines. Review the certification classes offered by Presby Environmental, Inc. They have on-site training as well as online and DVD courses that include installation safety sections.

Review septic tanks safety training options

A septic holding tank must be installed properly and maintained by a certified or licensed technician. To become certified most states require some formal training that includes safety information. Review your certification and safety training options including online courses, technical school courses or training seminars.

I recommend: The Joint Environmental Training Coordinating Committee (JETCC) offers septic system training certification. Their website lists all types of septic courses they offer. StateUniversity.com provides information on what types of certification and safety training are needed to become a septic installer.