NEW HAMPSHIRE SUBSURFACE SYSTEM INSTALLER LICENSING EXAM – QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES |
GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE | EXAM PREP | STUDY GUIDE | PRACTICE
TEST
1. A subsurface sewage disposal system primarily functions to:
A. Discharge untreated wastewater into surface water
B. Treat and dispose of wastewater through soil absorption
C. Store wastewater indefinitely
D. Pump wastewater directly into groundwater
════════════════════
Correct Answer: B. Treat and dispose of wastewater through soil absorption
Rationale:
A subsurface system relies on soil filtration and biological processes to treat wastewater
before it reaches groundwater. The other options incorrectly describe direct discharge or
storage, which are not permitted functions.
,2. The primary purpose of a percolation test is to determine:
A. Soil color
B. Soil drainage rate
C. Pipe diameter
D. Tank volume
════════════════════
Correct Answer: B. Soil drainage rate
Rationale:
A percolation test measures how quickly water moves through soil, which is essential for
system design. The other options are unrelated to soil absorption capacity.
3. Which soil type generally has the highest permeability?
A. Clay
B. Silt
C. Sand
D. Loam
════════════════════
Correct Answer: C. Sand
,Rationale:
Sand allows rapid water movement due to large particle size and pore spaces, unlike clay
or silt which restrict flow.
4. A septic tank’s primary function is to:
A. Disinfect wastewater
B. Separate solids from liquids
C. Pump effluent to leach field
D. Evaporate wastewater
════════════════════
Correct Answer: B. Separate solids from liquids
Rationale:
Septic tanks allow solids to settle and oils to float, enabling partial treatment before
effluent enters the disposal field.
5. Which component follows the septic tank in a conventional system?
A. Distribution box
B. Pump chamber
, C. Grease trap
D. Aeration tank
════════════════════
Correct Answer: A. Distribution box
Rationale:
The distribution box evenly distributes effluent to the leach field. Other components
serve different system types or functions.
6. A failed percolation test indicates:
A. Excessively fast absorption
B. Unsuitable soil conditions
C. Proper system design
D. Excess oxygen in soil
════════════════════
Correct Answer: B. Unsuitable soil conditions
Rationale:
Poor percolation rates suggest soil cannot properly treat wastewater, requiring
alternative system design.
AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES |
GUARANTEED PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE | EXAM PREP | STUDY GUIDE | PRACTICE
TEST
1. A subsurface sewage disposal system primarily functions to:
A. Discharge untreated wastewater into surface water
B. Treat and dispose of wastewater through soil absorption
C. Store wastewater indefinitely
D. Pump wastewater directly into groundwater
════════════════════
Correct Answer: B. Treat and dispose of wastewater through soil absorption
Rationale:
A subsurface system relies on soil filtration and biological processes to treat wastewater
before it reaches groundwater. The other options incorrectly describe direct discharge or
storage, which are not permitted functions.
,2. The primary purpose of a percolation test is to determine:
A. Soil color
B. Soil drainage rate
C. Pipe diameter
D. Tank volume
════════════════════
Correct Answer: B. Soil drainage rate
Rationale:
A percolation test measures how quickly water moves through soil, which is essential for
system design. The other options are unrelated to soil absorption capacity.
3. Which soil type generally has the highest permeability?
A. Clay
B. Silt
C. Sand
D. Loam
════════════════════
Correct Answer: C. Sand
,Rationale:
Sand allows rapid water movement due to large particle size and pore spaces, unlike clay
or silt which restrict flow.
4. A septic tank’s primary function is to:
A. Disinfect wastewater
B. Separate solids from liquids
C. Pump effluent to leach field
D. Evaporate wastewater
════════════════════
Correct Answer: B. Separate solids from liquids
Rationale:
Septic tanks allow solids to settle and oils to float, enabling partial treatment before
effluent enters the disposal field.
5. Which component follows the septic tank in a conventional system?
A. Distribution box
B. Pump chamber
, C. Grease trap
D. Aeration tank
════════════════════
Correct Answer: A. Distribution box
Rationale:
The distribution box evenly distributes effluent to the leach field. Other components
serve different system types or functions.
6. A failed percolation test indicates:
A. Excessively fast absorption
B. Unsuitable soil conditions
C. Proper system design
D. Excess oxygen in soil
════════════════════
Correct Answer: B. Unsuitable soil conditions
Rationale:
Poor percolation rates suggest soil cannot properly treat wastewater, requiring
alternative system design.
