SEPTIC LICENSE CERTIFICATION SCRIPT 2026
QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
● System Failure. Answer: Condition where the OSSF is not functioning properly or safely
● Hydraulic Failure. Answer: System overload causing surfacing effluent or sewage backup
● Biological Failure. Answer: Drain field failure caused by clogging of soil pores with organic
material
● Biomat. Answer: Layer of organic material and microorganisms that clogs drain field soil
● Surfacing Effluent. Answer: Sewage appearing on the ground surface; a sign of system
failure and public health hazard
● Sewage Backup. Answer: Wastewater returning to the building through plumbing fixtures
● Septic Tank Pumping. Answer: Removing accumulated sludge and scum from the tank by
a licensed pumper
● Pumping Frequency. Answer: How often the tank should be pumped; typically every 3–5
years depending on use
● Septage. Answer: Waste material removed from a septic tank during pumping
● Licensed Pumper. Answer: Certified professional authorized to pump and haul septage
● Septage Disposal. Answer: Proper disposal of septage at an approved treatment facility
● Manifold. Answer: Distribution system splitting flow from the pump chamber to multiple
drain field laterals
● Distribution Box. Answer: Device distributing effluent equally to multiple drain field
trenches
● Effluent Filter. Answer: Device installed in the septic tank outlet preventing solids from
entering the drain field
● Baffle. Answer: Internal component directing flow and preventing scum from exiting the
tank
QUESTIONS WITH SOLUTIONS GRADED A+
● System Failure. Answer: Condition where the OSSF is not functioning properly or safely
● Hydraulic Failure. Answer: System overload causing surfacing effluent or sewage backup
● Biological Failure. Answer: Drain field failure caused by clogging of soil pores with organic
material
● Biomat. Answer: Layer of organic material and microorganisms that clogs drain field soil
● Surfacing Effluent. Answer: Sewage appearing on the ground surface; a sign of system
failure and public health hazard
● Sewage Backup. Answer: Wastewater returning to the building through plumbing fixtures
● Septic Tank Pumping. Answer: Removing accumulated sludge and scum from the tank by
a licensed pumper
● Pumping Frequency. Answer: How often the tank should be pumped; typically every 3–5
years depending on use
● Septage. Answer: Waste material removed from a septic tank during pumping
● Licensed Pumper. Answer: Certified professional authorized to pump and haul septage
● Septage Disposal. Answer: Proper disposal of septage at an approved treatment facility
● Manifold. Answer: Distribution system splitting flow from the pump chamber to multiple
drain field laterals
● Distribution Box. Answer: Device distributing effluent equally to multiple drain field
trenches
● Effluent Filter. Answer: Device installed in the septic tank outlet preventing solids from
entering the drain field
● Baffle. Answer: Internal component directing flow and preventing scum from exiting the
tank
