SepticReference

Editorial policy

Last updated

Septic decisions involve health, legal and money questions, so we hold every page to the same standard: a reader should be able to check any fact we state against the primary source we cite.

1. Sources we accept

  • Federal agencies: US EPA (SepticSmart, the Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual, technology fact sheets), USDA.
  • State and county health or environmental departments, including their codes, rules and fee schedules.
  • University cooperative extension services (for example Penn State, NC State, University of Minnesota, Texas A&M AgriLife).
  • Standards and professional bodies: NSF/ANSI, NOWRA.
  • Manufacturer specification sheets for dimensions and product specs.

Forums, social media and commercial "cost guide" sites are never cited as the basis for a fact. We may use them only to cross-check a number we already got from an accepted source. Every page lists its sources at the bottom, and our full registry is on the sources page.

2. How a page is made

  1. Brief. We define the question the page must answer and study the best existing pages on the topic.
  2. Draft. The page is drafted with AI assistance, using only facts from registry sources.
  3. Fact check. Every number, rule and fee is checked against the cited source. Anything that can't be confirmed is removed or marked as uncertain.
  4. Review. The site editor, Kemal, reviews the page before publication. Automated checks also verify structure, links and that every cited source exists in our registry.

3. Costs

Cost ranges come from documented sources and carry the year of the data. When a source is older, we adjust it for inflation using the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index and say so. Ranges are estimates. Local quotes vary with soil, access, system type and permit requirements.

4. Dates

Each page shows Reviewed (the last time the editor reviewed the whole page) and Sources checked (the last time the cited sources were re-opened and confirmed). We review pages on a schedule and whenever a source changes.

5. Safety

We never advise entering a septic tank. Tanks can hold toxic and explosive gases (hydrogen sulfide, methane) and are confined spaces. We recommend licensed professionals for repairs and note that permits are legally required for installations and replacements.

6. Corrections

If you find an error, tell us. We correct factual errors promptly and update the page's reviewed date.

7. Independence

The site is funded by display ads. We don't accept payment for coverage, use affiliate links, or collect leads for contractors.