Tennessee Septic System Installer Licensing
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a septic system?
a. To supply potable water
b. To treat and dispose of wastewater
c. To provide irrigation
d. To store stormwater
Rationale: A septic system is designed to treat household
wastewater on-site, not for drinking water or stormwater storage.
2. Which component of a septic system holds solids and begins the
treatment process?
a. Drainfield
b. Septic tank
c. Distribution box
d. Pump chamber
Rationale: The septic tank allows solids to settle and begins the
biological treatment of wastewater.
3. How often should a typical residential septic tank be pumped?
a. Every 1 year
b. Every 10 years
c. Every 3–5 years
, d. Never
Rationale: Pumping frequency depends on tank size and household
use, but 3–5 years is typical.
4. What is the minimum distance a septic tank must be from a well
according to Tennessee regulations?
a. 25 feet
b. 50 feet
c. 100 feet
d. 100 feet or as specified by local code
Rationale: State and local codes specify minimum setbacks to
prevent contamination of potable water.
5. Which soil type is best suited for a conventional septic drainfield?
a. Clay
b. Sand
c. Loam
d. Rock
Rationale: Loamy soils provide adequate drainage and filtration
for effluent treatment.
6. What is the primary purpose of a distribution box in a septic
system?
a. To treat solids
b. To evenly distribute effluent to the drainfield
c. To remove scum
d. To pump wastewater
Rationale: The distribution box ensures effluent flows evenly into
all parts of the drainfield.
, 7. What can cause a septic drainfield to fail prematurely?
a. Regular pumping
b. Using biodegradable products
c. Excessive water use or poor soil conditions
d. Proper maintenance
Rationale: Overloading the drainfield or unsuitable soils can cause
failure.
8. What is a common symptom of a failing septic system?
a. Rapid plant growth in yard
b. Sewage backup or pooling effluent
c. Clean water from taps
d. None of the above
Rationale: Failing systems often cause backups or wet areas over
the drainfield.
9. Which of the following should NOT be flushed into a septic
system?
a. Human waste
b. Toilet paper
c. Grease and oils
d. Water-soluble soaps
Rationale: Grease and oils can clog the system and harm bacterial
treatment.
10. What is the purpose of the baffle in a septic tank?
a. To filter water
b. To prevent solids from leaving the tank
c. To aerate effluent
Exam Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary purpose of a septic system?
a. To supply potable water
b. To treat and dispose of wastewater
c. To provide irrigation
d. To store stormwater
Rationale: A septic system is designed to treat household
wastewater on-site, not for drinking water or stormwater storage.
2. Which component of a septic system holds solids and begins the
treatment process?
a. Drainfield
b. Septic tank
c. Distribution box
d. Pump chamber
Rationale: The septic tank allows solids to settle and begins the
biological treatment of wastewater.
3. How often should a typical residential septic tank be pumped?
a. Every 1 year
b. Every 10 years
c. Every 3–5 years
, d. Never
Rationale: Pumping frequency depends on tank size and household
use, but 3–5 years is typical.
4. What is the minimum distance a septic tank must be from a well
according to Tennessee regulations?
a. 25 feet
b. 50 feet
c. 100 feet
d. 100 feet or as specified by local code
Rationale: State and local codes specify minimum setbacks to
prevent contamination of potable water.
5. Which soil type is best suited for a conventional septic drainfield?
a. Clay
b. Sand
c. Loam
d. Rock
Rationale: Loamy soils provide adequate drainage and filtration
for effluent treatment.
6. What is the primary purpose of a distribution box in a septic
system?
a. To treat solids
b. To evenly distribute effluent to the drainfield
c. To remove scum
d. To pump wastewater
Rationale: The distribution box ensures effluent flows evenly into
all parts of the drainfield.
, 7. What can cause a septic drainfield to fail prematurely?
a. Regular pumping
b. Using biodegradable products
c. Excessive water use or poor soil conditions
d. Proper maintenance
Rationale: Overloading the drainfield or unsuitable soils can cause
failure.
8. What is a common symptom of a failing septic system?
a. Rapid plant growth in yard
b. Sewage backup or pooling effluent
c. Clean water from taps
d. None of the above
Rationale: Failing systems often cause backups or wet areas over
the drainfield.
9. Which of the following should NOT be flushed into a septic
system?
a. Human waste
b. Toilet paper
c. Grease and oils
d. Water-soluble soaps
Rationale: Grease and oils can clog the system and harm bacterial
treatment.
10. What is the purpose of the baffle in a septic tank?
a. To filter water
b. To prevent solids from leaving the tank
c. To aerate effluent
