2026 SOUTH CAROLINA DHEC ONSITE
WASTEWATER CONTRACTOR PERMIT EXAM –
UPDATED EXAM WITH CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWER |
A+ GRADED FOR GUARANTEED EXAM EXCELLENCE
1. Which agency regulates onsite wastewater systems in South
Carolina?
A. EPA
B. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
(DHEC)
C. OSHA
D. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Correct Answer: B. South Carolina Department of Health and
Environmental Control (DHEC)
2. Before installing a new septic system in South Carolina, a
contractor must:
A. Submit an application and obtain a construction permit from
DHEC
B. Begin work immediately without paperwork
,C. Only notify the county zoning office
D. Request approval from neighboring property owners
Correct Answer: A. Submit an application and obtain a construction
permit from DHEC
3. A soil evaluation for an onsite wastewater system must include:
A. Soil texture, structure, and percolation rate
B. Weather forecast
C. Presence of local wildlife
D. Type of vegetation on property only
Correct Answer: A. Soil texture, structure, and percolation rate
4. What is the minimum setback distance between a septic tank and
a private well in South Carolina?
A. 10 feet
B. 50 feet
C. 100 feet
D. No setback required
Correct Answer: B. 50 feet
,5. Which of the following is a key function of a septic tank?
A. Separate solids from wastewater and allow effluent to flow to the
drainfield
B. Pump groundwater into the house
C. Store potable water
D. Filter stormwater runoff
Correct Answer: A. Separate solids from wastewater and allow
effluent to flow to the drainfield
6. Which type of system may be required where soil conditions are
unsuitable for standard septic systems?
A. Alternative or engineered system (e.g., mound system)
B. Storm drain
C. Drywell only
D. None; construction not allowed
Correct Answer: A. Alternative or engineered system (e.g., mound
system)
, 7. What must be done before covering or backfilling a newly installed
septic system?
A. Inspection and approval by DHEC
B. Immediate backfilling to avoid collapse
C. Photographs sent to county tax office
D. Pump-out of tank
Correct Answer: A. Inspection and approval by DHEC
8. The maximum slope allowed for a conventional trench system is:
A. 2%
B. 10%
C. 20%
D. Unlimited
Correct Answer: C. 20%
9. When repairing a failing septic system, contractors must:
A. Obtain a repair permit from DHEC
B. Proceed without documentation
C. Only notify the homeowner
WASTEWATER CONTRACTOR PERMIT EXAM –
UPDATED EXAM WITH CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWER |
A+ GRADED FOR GUARANTEED EXAM EXCELLENCE
1. Which agency regulates onsite wastewater systems in South
Carolina?
A. EPA
B. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
(DHEC)
C. OSHA
D. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Correct Answer: B. South Carolina Department of Health and
Environmental Control (DHEC)
2. Before installing a new septic system in South Carolina, a
contractor must:
A. Submit an application and obtain a construction permit from
DHEC
B. Begin work immediately without paperwork
,C. Only notify the county zoning office
D. Request approval from neighboring property owners
Correct Answer: A. Submit an application and obtain a construction
permit from DHEC
3. A soil evaluation for an onsite wastewater system must include:
A. Soil texture, structure, and percolation rate
B. Weather forecast
C. Presence of local wildlife
D. Type of vegetation on property only
Correct Answer: A. Soil texture, structure, and percolation rate
4. What is the minimum setback distance between a septic tank and
a private well in South Carolina?
A. 10 feet
B. 50 feet
C. 100 feet
D. No setback required
Correct Answer: B. 50 feet
,5. Which of the following is a key function of a septic tank?
A. Separate solids from wastewater and allow effluent to flow to the
drainfield
B. Pump groundwater into the house
C. Store potable water
D. Filter stormwater runoff
Correct Answer: A. Separate solids from wastewater and allow
effluent to flow to the drainfield
6. Which type of system may be required where soil conditions are
unsuitable for standard septic systems?
A. Alternative or engineered system (e.g., mound system)
B. Storm drain
C. Drywell only
D. None; construction not allowed
Correct Answer: A. Alternative or engineered system (e.g., mound
system)
, 7. What must be done before covering or backfilling a newly installed
septic system?
A. Inspection and approval by DHEC
B. Immediate backfilling to avoid collapse
C. Photographs sent to county tax office
D. Pump-out of tank
Correct Answer: A. Inspection and approval by DHEC
8. The maximum slope allowed for a conventional trench system is:
A. 2%
B. 10%
C. 20%
D. Unlimited
Correct Answer: C. 20%
9. When repairing a failing septic system, contractors must:
A. Obtain a repair permit from DHEC
B. Proceed without documentation
C. Only notify the homeowner
