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Kentucky Certified Septic System Installer Exam
Questions And Correct Answers Plus Rationales
- What is the minimum setback distance from a private water well to a septic tank in Kentucky? 50 feet This distance helps prevent contamination of the well water from possible effluent leakage.
- Which Kentucky agency regulates septic system installer certification? Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) The DPH oversees permitting, licensing, and inspection of onsite wastewater systems.
- What is the primary function of a septic tank? To separate solids from wastewater and allow partial decomposition The tank retains solids and scum while the liquid effluent flows to the absorption area.
- Which soil characteristic is most desirable for a conventional absorption trench system? Well-drained loamy soil Loamy soils have good permeability, allowing proper effluent treatment and dispersion.
- Which type of system is required where high groundwater is present? Mound system Elevated systems like mounds provide separation from groundwater to prevent contamination.
- Which test determines soil suitability for a drainfield? Percolation test The percolation test measures the soil’s ability to absorb liquid at a specified rate.
- What is the typical minimum depth of cover over a septic tank? 12 inches This protects the tank from frost and external damage while allowing access for maintenance.
- How often should septic tanks generally be pumped? Every 3 to 5 years Routine pumping prevents solids from clogging the drainfield and extends system life.
- Which factor most affects drainfield sizing? Percolation rate A slower percolation rate requires a larger drainfield to adequately treat effluent. 10.Which component filters out solids before effluent enters the soil absorption system? Effluent filter Effluent filters help reduce clogging and prolong drainfield life.
18.Which is NOT an acceptable discharge location for treated septic effluent? Stormwater ditch Discharging to ditches risks contamination of surface waters. 19.What is the minimum setback from a septic tank to a property line? 10 feet This reduces encroachment and eases maintenance access. 20.Which action is prohibited for certified installers? Using unapproved tanks Only approved, watertight tanks ensure proper treatment and public health protection. 21.What is required before placing a system into operation? Final inspection and approval The health department must verify proper installation and compliance. 22.Which soil feature indicates unsuitable conditions? Mottling within 12 inches of surface Mottling indicates fluctuating water tables, posing a risk for system failure. 23.What type of pipe is commonly used in gravity drainfields? Perforated PVC pipe It is durable, easy to handle, and provides reliable effluent distribution. 24.How should the ground surface above a drainfield be maintained? Grassed and protected from traffic Grass cover prevents erosion and traffic compaction that could damage pipes.
25.Which sign is acceptable during percolation testing? Steady infiltration rate A steady rate shows reliable soil absorption capacity. 26.Which condition may require an engineer-designed system? Unusual site constraints Engineered systems are needed for steep slopes, poor soils, or restricted sites. 27.Who is responsible for submitting the site evaluation report? Certified site evaluator or health department sanitarian This document guides system design and approval. 28.What is the purpose of a septic baffle? Prevent scum and solids from leaving the tank Baffles direct flow and reduce solids carryover. 29.Which is true about pumping a septic tank? Should be done by a licensed septic hauler Improper pumping can damage the system or violate disposal laws. 30.What happens if a drainfield is undersized? It will overload and fail prematurely Undersizing leads to ponding and surfacing. 31.What is a curtain drain used for? Redirect groundwater away from the drainfield It lowers the water table to maintain unsaturated soil.
39.Which factor helps prolong drainfield life? Water conservation Reducing flow prevents overload and soil saturation. 40.What is the role of an inspection port? Allows checking effluent level in the tank Ports aid in routine maintenance and troubleshooting. 41.What is the risk of parking vehicles on a drainfield? Soil compaction and pipe damage Compaction reduces soil permeability. 42.What is required when replacing a failed system? New permit and site evaluation Each installation must meet current code. 43.Which household product should be avoided? Harsh chemical drain cleaners They kill beneficial bacteria in the tank. 44.Which document must an installer provide upon completion? As-built drawing Shows system layout for future reference. 45.What is the minimum separation from a septic tank to a cistern? 50 feet This prevents cross-contamination of drinking water.
46.Which feature helps evenly dose a drainfield? Dosing tank or pump chamber It delivers effluent in controlled batches. 47.What is an ATU? Aerobic Treatment Unit It uses oxygen to enhance effluent treatment. 48.Which is the first step in planning a new system? Soil and site evaluation Site conditions determine the system type. 49.What maintenance task should homeowners perform? Regular tank pumping Prevents solids buildup and clogging. 50.What is the installer’s responsibility if site conditions change? Notify the health department Changes may require system redesign. 51.When inspecting a tank, what indicates a leak? Low water level below outlet An unusually low level suggests effluent is escaping through cracks. 52.Which practice helps avoid soil compaction during installation? Use lightweight equipment Heavy machinery can compact soil, reducing its absorptive capacity.
60.Which sign suggests soil saturation? Standing water in test pits High water tables limit absorption capacity. 61.What is a reserve area? Area for future replacement drainfield It ensures a backup location if the original fails. 62.How should septic tanks be set in rocky areas? On a stable, level bed Uneven bedding can stress or crack tanks. 63.How can installers prevent trench collapse? Follow proper trenching practices Shoring or sloping protects workers and system integrity. 64.What is an advantage of serial distribution? Uses trench capacity sequentially It allows better use of available absorption area. 65.Which material is approved for tank construction? Concrete Concrete is durable and watertight when installed correctly. 66.What is the purpose of an inspection riser? Provides access for maintenance Risers make it easier to locate and service the tank.
67.What happens if baffles are missing? Solids may enter the drainfield This leads to clogs and system failure. 68.What does a seepage pit do? Provides deep soil infiltration Used in some areas where horizontal absorption isn’t feasible. 69.How should slope be measured for drainfield installation? Use a level and transit Accurate measurement prevents uneven effluent flow. 70.What is the role of geotextile fabric? Prevents soil intrusion into gravel It maintains void spaces for effluent dispersal. 71.Which vegetation is ideal for drainfield areas? Grasses They help with evapotranspiration and soil stability. 72.Which maintenance practice is harmful? Adding septic tank additives Many additives disrupt natural bacterial processes. 73.What is the setback from a septic tank to a swimming pool? 15 feet This reduces contamination risk.
81.What must be done before backfilling the tank? Inspect for leaks and proper placement Backfilling a faulty tank can hide problems. 82.How can installers prevent frost heaving? Ensure proper cover depth Cover depth insulates against freezing. 83.Which piping connects the house to the septic tank? Building sewer pipe It conveys household wastewater to the tank. 84.How often should distribution boxes be checked? Annually Ensures even flow to trenches. 85.Which method controls effluent flow to drainfield trenches? Flow equalizer Keeps distribution balanced. 86.What is the role of a diversion valve? Switches flow between drainfield zones Extends drainfield life by resting zones. 87.Which test is done if percolation fails? Soil morphology test Looks at soil layers for alternative options.
88.What is the typical length of a trench? Up to 100 feet Longer trenches risk uneven loading. 89.Which pipe slope is used in drainfields? Level to slight slope Ensures even effluent dispersal. 90.Which pipe diameter is common for laterals? 4 inches Handles expected flow rates. 91.Which activity can damage a drainfield? Parking vehicles on it Compacts soil and breaks pipes. 92.What must installers do before covering trenches? Inspection approval Ensures the system meets code. 93.Which document must be on site during construction? Approved permit Verifies design and legal compliance. 94.Which system uses aeration? ATU (Aerobic Treatment Unit) Introduces oxygen for advanced treatment.
- Which site feature may require engineered design? Small lot size Limited space may need specialized systems.
- What is the first inspection during installation? Site evaluation verification Confirms soil conditions and setbacks.
- What is the minimum separation between trenches? 6 feet center to center Prevents hydraulic interference.
- What is the setback from a drainfield to a property line? 10 feet Prevents encroachment and disputes.
- What is a soil horizon? A distinct soil layer Important for understanding percolation and depth.
- Who is liable for code violations? Certified installer Responsible for compliant installation.
- Which soil texture drains best? Sandy loam Balances drainage and treatment.
- Which soil color indicates poor drainage? Gray mottling Shows high water table or saturation.
- What should be avoided when installing pipes? Back-pitching Can cause solids to settle and block flow.
- Which pipe bedding is best? Sand or pea gravel Prevents pipe settling and damage.
- How are dose volumes for pumps determined? System size and soil type Must match site conditions for proper dosing.
- What is a sign of proper flow in a distribution box? Equal flow to each outlet Prevents overloading any trench.
- What is the purpose of a manifold? Distributes flow in pressure systems Ensures uniform effluent delivery.
- How should effluent lines be tested? Water test for leaks Verifies watertight connections.
- How often must ATUs be serviced? At least every 6 months Maintains proper treatment.
- What is a sign of tank corrosion? Deteriorating baffles Reduces solids retention efficiency.
- What is a lift station? Pumps wastewater uphill Used when gravity flow isn’t possible.
- What is the setback from a drainfield to an embankment? 15 feet Prevents seepage and erosion.
- Which pipe should be used for force mains? Pressure-rated PVC Handles pump discharge pressure.
- What is a sign of poor maintenance? Scum layer blocking outlet Can cause solids to escape.
- What is required before system repair? Permit and approval Ensures work meets current code.
- What does “onsite” mean in septic systems? Treatment occurs on the property Wastewater is treated and disposed of at the source.
- Which condition makes a site unfit for a conventional drainfield? High seasonal water table Excess water reduces soil treatment capacity and risks surface discharge.
- What is the best practice for laying perforated pipe? Holes facing down Ensures effluent drops to the gravel and spreads evenly.
- What is a key benefit of a time-dosed system? Prevents overload of the drainfield Regulates the flow, improving absorption and treatment.
- What does a flow splitter do? Divides flow equally to multiple lines Keeps loading balanced across trenches.
- What is the main danger of using the wrong pipe slope? Uneven distribution Effluent may pond in low spots or rush to the end.
- Which practice helps prevent frost problems? Install below frost line Reduces risk of freezing effluent.
