Is 2470 - 1 - 1985 Design of Septic Tanks

Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to manochandran rajendrakumar -
madurai([email protected]) 106.198.43.25 [for non-commercial use only].

IS : 2470 ( Part 1 ) • 1985
( Reaffirmed 2001 )
Indian Standard (Reaffirmed!2012)!
(Reaffirmed 2017)
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR (Reaffirmed 2022)
INSTALLATION OF SEPTIC TANKS
PART I DESIGN CRITERIA AND CONSTRUCTION
(Second Revision)
Third Reprint OCTOBER 1993
UDC 628'352: 69'001'3
o Copyrl,hl 1986
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

MANAK BHAVAN. 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARO
NEW DELHI 110002
Gr 6 January 1986
IS I 2470 ( Part 1 ). 1985
Indian Standard
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR
( Second Revision )
Water Supply and Sanitation Sectional Committee, BDC 24
Clwirman Representing
SnRI J. D'CRUZ Water Supply and Sewage Disposal Undertaking,
New Delhi
Members
CHIEF ENGINEER (CIVIL I )
(Alternate to ShriJ. D'Cruz)
ADVISER ( PHE ) Ministry of Works and Homing
DEPUTY ADVISER ( PHE ) ( Alternate)
SEBI N. S. BIIAIRAVAN Public HE'alth Engineering Department GOVE'm-
ment of Kerala, Trivandrum
SUPElUNTENDlNG ENGINEER ( Al!eTl,ate )
SHBI 1. CHANDRA Public Works Department ( Public Health
Branch ), Government of Haryana,
Chandigarh
Snrn K. K. GANDHI (Alternate)
CHIEF ENGINEER ('CONSTRUCTION) Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam, Lucknow
SUPERINTENDING E'lOtNEER ( Allernate )
SaRI R. C. P. CIlAUJ)ll "tV Engineers India Ltd, New Delhi
SrIRI H. V. RAO I lltemate)
SlllU S. K. DASGUPTA Calcutta Metropolitan Development Authority,
Calcutta
SHm S. R. MUK' ERJEE (Alternate)
PROF J. M. DAVE Institution of Engineers ( India ), Calcutta
SURr S. G. DEOLAJ,' AR In personal capacity ( Flat No. 403, Savitri Cinema
Commerical Complex, Greater Kailash -II, New
Delhi)
SlIm D. R. N. GUPTA Ministry of Defence, Engineer-in-Chief's Branch,
New Delhi
SnRI K. V. KRlSUANAlIIURTllY (Alternate)
( ConlinlUd on po ge 2 )
@ Copyright 1986
This publication is protected under the Indian Copyright Act " X I V of 1957) and
reproduction in whole or in part hy any means except with writ",,, permission of the
publisher shall be deemen to be an infringement of copyright under the said Act.
IS , 2470 ( Part 1 ) - 1985
( Continued from page I )

Members Representing
HYDRAULI C E N GINE~; U Municipal Corporation of Gnater Bombay,
Bombay
CHIEF ENGINEER (SEWEU ,\OFJ
PROJECTS ) ( Alternate )
SDRI R. A. KHANNA Public H ealth Engineering Department , Govern-
ment of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal
SHRII D. K. MITRA ( Alternate I )
SHR I. S. BAWEJA ( Alt6rnate II)
SIIRI P. KRISIIANAN Central Public Works Department, New De lhi
SURVEYOR OF WORKs-I (NDZ) ( Alternate)
SnRI M. Y. MADAN The Hindustan Construction Company Ltd,
Bombay
Snru C. E. S. RAO ( Alternate)
SIIRI S. L. MAINI Public Works Department (Public Health Branch),
Government of Punjab, Patiala
SlIin R. NATARAJAN Hindustan DOIr-Oliver Ltd, Bombay
SIIUI B. M. RABUL ( Alternat, )
SIIRI K. J. NATII All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health,
Calcutta
Slim D. GUIN (Alternat,)
Slim A. PONNABAL,,\M Tamil Nadu Water Supply & Drainage Board,
Madras
PROF V. RAMAN National Environmental Engineering Research
Institute ( CSIR ), Nagpur
SHUI S. R. KSIlIRS.\GAlt (Alternate)
Sum RANJJT SmGII Ministry of Railways'
Dlt A. V. R . RAO Nalional Buildings Organization, New Delhi
SHRI O. P. RATUA ( Alternate)
S"CUETARY Indian Wat('r Works Association. Bombay
SECUETAUY GENERAL Institution of Public Health Engineers, India,
Calcutta
Sum R. N. BANERJEE ( Alternate )
SHm L. R . SEHGAL L. R. Sehgal & Co, New Delhi
SHRI S. K. SHARMA Central Building Research Institute (CSIR),
Roorkee
SHltl B. N. THYAG,,\RAJA Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board.
Bangalore
SHBI H . S. PUT1.·AKEJlP,,\NNA (A/tertlate)
SnRl V. VAIUDARAJ AN Madras Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage
Board, Madras
SnRI S. DAlv AMANI ( Alternate)
Slim G. RAMAN, Pirector General, lSI ( Ex-officio Member)
Director ( eiv Engg )
Secretary
SHRI A. K. AVASTHY
Assistant Director ( Civ Engg ). lSI
( Conljllu.d on page 19
2
IS a 2470 ( Part I ) - 1985
Indian Standard
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR
( Second Revision )
O. FOREWORD
0.1 This Indian Standard ( Part 1 ) ( Second Revision ) was adopted by
the Indian Standards Institution on 28 February 1985, after the draft finali-
zed by the Water Supply and Sanitation Sectional Com'11ittee had been
approved by the Civil Engineering Division Council.
0.2 This standard was first printed in 1963 and subsequently revised in
1968 which covered small installation. Large installation septic tanks were
given in IS : 2470 ( Part 2 ) which was first printed in 1964 and subse-
quently revised in 1971. This revision incorp'1rates the following major
changes.
0.2.1 Design criteria of septic tank, based on certain assumptions, has
been given in detail.
0.2.2 Design of inlets and outlets have been modified for the smooth
working of the tanks.
0.2.3 Arrangements for installing tanks in parallel for the treatment of
sewage for population of more than 300 persons have been included.
0.2.4 The procedure for the removal of the sludge has been elaborated.
0.2.5 This standard covers the design and construction of septic tank
for small installations ( up to 20 persons) as well as large installations.
0.2.6 The requirements for secondary treatment and disposal of septic
tank efHuenthave been covered in Part 2 of this Code.
0.2.7 The title of the code which was originally 'Code of practice for
design and construction of septic tank: Part I Small installations and Part II
Large installations', has also been amended to read 'Code of practice for
installation of septic tanks: Part I Design criteria and construction'.
0.3 In unsewered areas, if adequate water supply is available for flushing,
treatment of the liquid waste in septic tanks is recommended.
3
IS : 2470 ( Part 1 ) .1985
0.4 This code of practice represents a standard of good practice and

therefore takes the form of recommendation.
0.5 Septic tank offers a preliminary treatment of sewage prior to final dis-
posal. Sewage is held in these tanks for some prescribed period during
which time the suspended solids present in the storage settle down. The
settled sludge and the supernatant liquor undergoes anaerobic digestion.
The digestion results in appreciable reduction in the volume of sludge and
reduction in organic matter in the liquid.
0.6 Unsatisfactory design, construction and maintenance of septic tanks
constitute a health hazard. It is, therefore, considered essential to lay
down minimum standards for guidance of concerned authorities. It is
hoped that this code which has been prepared with a view to giving guid-
ance on proper de~ign, construction and maintenance of septic tanks, will
be found useful by local bodies, public works departments and others
engaged in this field.
0.7 For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this
standard is complied with, the final value observed or calculated, express-
ing the result of a test or analysis, shall be round<:d off in accordance
with IS: 2-1960*. The number of significant places retained in the
round off value should be the same as that of the specified value in this
standard.
1. SCOPE
J.l This code (Part I ) lays down recommendations for the design,
layout, construction and maintenance of septic tanks. It is applicable to
houses, flats, residential housing colonies, hostels and boarding schools
where the number of users does not exceed 300 persons
2. TERMINOLOGY
2.0 For the purpose of this standard, the following definitions shall apply.
2.1 Emuent - The supernatant liquid discharge from a septic tank.
2.2 Invert - The lowest point of the interior of a sewer or drain at any
cross-section.
2.3 Scum - The greasy and other substances floating on the surface of
sewage.
2.4 Septic Tank - A water-tight single storeyed tank in which sewage
is retained sufficiently long to permit sedimentation.
·Rules for rounding off numerical values ( revised ).
4
IS , 2410 ( Part 1 ) • 1985
2.5 Sewage - The liquid waste of a household or commuriity including

human excreta.
2.6 Sludge - Sludge is the settled solid matter in semi-solid condition ..
2.7 Surface Water - The run-off from precipitation and other water
that flows over surface of the ground.
2.8 Supernatant Liquor - The layer of liquid overlying the settled
solids which have separated from it.
2.9 Suspended Solids - The solids which are suspended in a sewage or
effluent.
2.10 T. W. L. - The top water level in a tank.
2.11 Waste Water (Sullage) -- The discharge from wash basins, sinks
and similar appliances, which does not contain human excreta.
3.DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
3.1 General - In unsewered areas, every house should have arrange-
ments for its sewage being treated in a septic tank, effluent from which
should be given secondary treatment either in a biological filter, upflow
anaerobic filter, on the land or in a sub-surface disposal system.
. 3.1.1 Surface and subsoil water should not find way into the septic
tank.
3.1.2 Normally, the septic tanks are designed for foul sewage (faecal
matter and urine). Sullage wastes may be distributed crudely by throwing
on the gardens or grassed areas and so dispersed and absorbed, or may be
drained to a seepage pit or dispersion trench from which it overflows
into or is absorbed by the surrounding soil.
NOTE - Pits and trenches for the disposal of sullage shall be so located as to
avoid contamination of watercourses or underground water supplies.
3.1.3 Under no circumstances should effluent from a septic tank be
allowed into an open channel drain or body of water without adequate
treatment.
3.1.4 Wastes containing excessive detergents, grease and disinfectants
should not be treated in septic tank as they adversely affect the anaerobic
decomposition.
3.1.5 Where the incoming drain is steep due to site conditions, the last
section of the drain, at least 12 m in length should not be laid at a gradi-
ent not steeper than 1 : 50 in order to minimize turbulence in the tank.
3.1.6 When the pumping arrangement is provided before the septic
tanks the sewage from the pump should not be discharged directly into the
s
IS : 2470 ( Part 1 ) - 1985
septic tank. Normally, the discharge from the pump is first lead into
a tank and then the sewage is allowed to flow into the septic t'lnk gravita-
tionally and the provisions of 3.1.5 shall also be observed.
3.1.6.1 The rate of pumping of sewage shall not exceed three times
D.W.F.
3.1.7 Pipe Diameter - For practical considerations, a minimum nominal
diameter {.If 100 mm is recommended.
3.2 Layout
3.2.1 The layout should be as simple and direct as practicable.
3.2.2 The pipes should be laid, as far as possible, in straight lines in

both vertical and horizontal planes; however, where bends are unavoida-
ble, they should be long radius bend with cleaning eyes. Anything that is
likely to cause irregularity of flow should be avoided.
3.2.3 At junctions of pipes in manholes, direction of flow from a branch
connection should not make an angle exceeding 45 0 with the direction of
flow in the main pipe.
3.2.4 A typical arrangement of the layout of septic tank sewerage
system is illustrated in Fig. 1.
3.3 Location of Septic Tank
3.3.1 Septic tank should be located at a place open to sky, as far away
as possible from the exterior of the wall of building and should not
be located in swampy areas or areas prone to flooding. It should also be
accessible for cleaning.
3.4 Septic Tank Design
3.4.1 Sewage flow
3.4.1.1 The maximum flow to the tank is based on the number of

plumbing fixtures discharging simultaneously. For this purpose various
sanitation facilities are equated in terms of fixtures units. Fixture equival-
ents are given in Table 1.
NOTE - Fixture unit is a quantity in terms of which the load producing effect of
different plumbing fixtures on the plumbing system are expressed on some arbitrarily
chosen scale. In the design of septic tank, it is taken as 9 litres per minute.
6
IS I 2470 ( Part 1 ) • 1985
BT = Bath tub
S = Sink
WB = Wash basin
we = Water closet
SEPTIC
TANK
TO SECONDARY
TREATMENT
FIG. 1 TYPICAL LAYOUT OF A SEPTIU TANK SEWERAGE SYSTEM
7
madurai([email protected])
IS I 2470 ( Part 1 ) • 1985 106.198.43.25 [for non-commercial use only].
TABLE 1 FIXTURE EQUIVALENT

( Claus, 3.4.1.1 )
FACILITY EQUIV ALENT FIXTUBJIl
UNIT
Water closet
Bath 1/2
Wash basin/kitchen sink 1/2
Urinal ( with autoflulh ) I
Urinal ( without autoflush) 1/2
Slop sink
Laboratory sink 2
Combination fixture
Shower bath
Bath tub 2
Drinking fountain 1/2
Ablution tap 1/2
Dish water 1/2
3.4.1.2 The cstir.:lated number of fixture units and th e number of

fixture units that contribute to the peak discharge in small installations
serving up to 20 persons, for residential housing colonies up to 300 persons
and for hostels and boarding schools are given in Tables 2 to 4.
TABLE 2 ESTIMATED PEAK DISCHARGE FOR SMALL TANKS UP TO

. 20 USERS
NUMBER OF NUMBJIlR OF PUOBABLE NUMBE P. OF PROBABLE
USERS FIXTURE FIXTURE U:r:rrs DISCHARQ- PEAK DISCH-
U~nTS ING SIMUL'l·ANEOUSLY ARGE
Ipm
(I) (2) (3) (4 )
5 9
10 2 2 18
15 3 2 18
20 4 3 27
NOTE 1 - Number of fixture units is based on the assumption that each house
consisting of5 persons may have one WC which will discharge ioto septic tank .
NOTE 2 - Probable number of fixture units are based on 70 percent fixture units
discharging simultaneou,ly.
8
IS : 2470 ( Part 1 ) • 1985
TABLE 3 ESTIMATED PEAK DISCHARGE FOR RESIDENTIAL COLONIES

( Clause 3.4.1.2 )
No. OJ' No. OJ' No. OJ' FIXTURE PRnnABT.F. PEAK·
USERS HOUSEHOLDS UNITS DJSCHAUOE
Ipm
(I) (2) (3) (4)
50 10 20 108
100 20 40 216
150 30 60 324
200 40 80 432
300 60 120 648
NOTE 1 - Probable peak discharge is based on 60 percent fixtures units diacharg-
ing simutaneously
NOTE 2 - Each household consisting of 5 persons may have I we, 1 bath and 1
wash basin/kitchen sink.
TABLE. ESTIMATED PEAK DISCHARGE FOR HOSTELS AND

BOARDING SCHOOL
( Clause 3.4.1.2 )
No. OJ' W.C. BATH WASH BAS[~I No. OJ' Fu:- PROBABLE
USERS KITCHEN TunE UNITS PEAK
·SINK DISCHAllOE
Ipm
( 1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
50 6 6 6 12 76
100 12 12 12 24 130
150 19 19 19 38 205
200 25 25 25 50 270
300 37 37 37 74 400
NOTE - ·Probable peak discharge is based on 70 percent of fixture units
discharging simultaneously.
3.4.2 Sedimentation
3.4.2.1 The surface area of the tank required will be 0'92 m S for
every 10 litres per minute of peak flow rate at a temperature of 25°C.
3.4.2.2 A minimum depth of sediment ation shall be 250 to 300 mm.
3.4.3 Sludge Digestion
3.4.3.1 Per capita suspended solids entering the tank may be taken.
as 70 g/day.
3.4.3.2 The capacity required for sludge digestion is 0'033 mS per
capita at 25°C.
3.4.3.3 Volume of digested sludge is normaIly 0'000 21 m S per
capita per day.
9
3•••• Detention Time

3.4.4.1 A septic tank designed on the basis of 3.4.1, 3.4.2 and 3.4.3
provides a detention period of 24 to 48 hours based on an average
daily flow of sewage.
3.4.5 Dimensions qf Septic TanIr.
3.4.5.1 Septic tank shall have minimum width of 750 mm, minimum
depth of one metre below water level and a minimum liauid capacity
0(1 000 litres. • • .
3.4.5.2 For rectangular septic tanks, the length of the tank shall be
2 to 4 times the width. Suitable sizes of septic tanks are given in
Appendix A.
3.4.5.3 For circular tanks the minimum diameter shaH not be less
than 1'35 m and operating depth shall not be less than 1'0 m.
3.4.5.4 Inlet - The design of septic tank inlets shall be such as to
introduce the crude sewage with the least possible distrurbance of the
settled sludge or the surface scum. For tanks not more than 1200 mm
wide, T-shaped dip-pipe not less than the nominal bore of incoming drain
may be provided. The pipe shall be fixed inside the tank, with top limb
rising above scum level and the bottom limb extending about 300 mm
below the top water level. Typical sketch of the sl"ptic tank is given in
Fig. 2 and 3.
For tanks in excess of 1200 mm in width, two or more submerged
inlets are preferable. Typical sketch of the septic tank is shown in Fig. 4.
One method of providing such inlets is by the use of submerged bl"Dds of
the same nominal bore ( not less than 100 mm ) set as closely together as
practical in a shallow sump formed within a small benched chamber (see
Fig. 5). It is important that the invert of the benched channel be 58 rom
above the top water level and the inlet ends of the submerged bends
should be set flush with the floor of the sump which should be not less
than 75 mm below top water level. The sump may be the full width of the
chamber, but should not exceed 1·5 times the nominal bore of the inlet
bends in other direction. The inverts of the outlet ends of these bends
should be between 300 and 525 mm below top water level in the tank. A
baffle should be provided 150 mm from the inlet end of the tank, extend-
ing 150 mm below the invert of the inlet pipes and 150 mm above the top
water level.
3.4.5.5 Outlet - The final outlet for tanks which are less than
1 200 mm wide should be by 100 mm nominal bore dip-pipe fixed inside
the tank with a top limb rising above scum level and the bottom limb
extending to about 1/3 of the liquid depth below top water level. The
invert of the outlet pipe shall be 50 mm below the invert of the inlet pipe.
10
madurai([email protected]) 106.198.43.25 IS: [for
2470non-commercial
( Part 1 ) • 1985use only].
For wider tanks, it is necessary to use a weir outlet extending the

full width of the tank and protected by a scum board fixed 150 mill from
the weir and extending 150 mm above and 1/3 of liquid depth below the
top water level. A deflector should be formed either in the structure 'of
the end ( outlet) wall or by a purpose-made deflector to prevent rising
particles from reaching the outlet weir. This deflector should be located
150 mm below the base of the scum board and protrude 150 mm into the
tank ( see Fig. 4 ).
<t> 100
PIPE
E:::::~~E}
:-r
IN LET
BRICK WALL IN
CEMENT MORTAR
SECT! ONAL PLAN Z Z
</> 50 min
VENTILATING PIPE m r CONCRETE ROOF OR REMOVABLE
i PRECAST CONCRETE SLABS
I
z z
o
12 mm THICK CEMENT
MORTAR FINISH
....
"-CEMENT. CONCRETE
I . 2: '
SECTION X X
All dimensions in millimetres.
Fw. 2 TYPICAL SKETCH OF SINGLE COMPARTMENT SEPTIC
TANK UP TO 20 USERS
11
IS a 2410 ( Part 1 ) • 1985 106.198.43.25 [for non-commercial use only].
3.4.6 Partitions - Where the capacity of a septic tank exceeds 2 000

Iitres, the tank may be divided into two chambers by means of a fixed
durable partition. The partition shall be located so that the capacity of
the first chamber i~ twice that of the second chamber. Suitable openings
rectangular or circular with minimum dia 100 mm and maximum 150 mm
shall be prOVIded in the partition at approximately 300 mm below TWL.
3.4.7 For population of over 100, duplicating tanks, each providing half
the total calculated capacity required, should be installed and operated in
parallel. This arrangement permits nil the flow to be passed through one
unit while the other is being desludged. To enable the top water to be
decanted when desludging, a decanting valve should be provided in the
wall dividing the two tanks; the invert of this valve should be 625 mm
below TWL.
3.4.8 FTel-Board - A minimum free board of 300 mm should be
provided.
3.4.9 Access Openings and Cover - Each compartment of a septic tank
shall be provided with a rectangular access opening measurin o :lot less
455 X 610 mm or a circular opening 500 mm diameter. The cover to
access openings shall be of reinforced concrete or of cast iron. A cover
shall incorporate a suitable lifting device and when in place after installa-
tion of the septic tank shall fit neatly and be sealed to prevent the ingress
of water.
3.4.10 Ventilating Pipe - Every septic tc:.pk ,shall be provided with
ventilating pipe of at least 50 mm diameter. The .op of the pipe shall be
provided with a suitable cage of mosqUIto proof mesh.
The ventilating pipe shall extend to a height which would cause no
smell nu':sance to any building in the area. Generally the ventilating pipe
may extend to a height of about 2 m when the septic tank is at least 20 m
away from the nearest buil':lng and to a height of 2 m above the top of
the huilding when it is located closer than 20 metres. The ventilating
pipe may also be connected to the normal soil ventilating system of the
building where so desired.
4. SEPTIC TANK CONSTRUCTION
4.1 Floor - It is essential that the floor of the tank be water tight and of
adequate strength to resist earth movement and to support the weight of the
tank walls and contents.
4.1.1 The floor may be of cement concrete of minimum M 15 grade
( setIS : 456-1978*) and a minimum slope of 1 : 10 may be provided
towards the sludge outlet to facilitate desludging.
*Code of practice for plain and reinforced concrete ( third revision).
12
ts: 2470 ( Part 1 ) .1985
.,,100
PIPE
OUTlEI
""lI;,:;r~...-'-~-
BRICK WALL IN
CEIoIEN1 IoIORIAI)
• SO min.
V!N TILATING
PIPE CONCREIE ROOF OR REMOVABLE
PRECAST CONCRE IE SLABS
12 mm min
THIC tc CEME N I
MORIAR FINISH
1: 2 , CEMENT CONCRETE
SEC lION '('(

SECTION XX
All dimensions in millimetres.
Flo.3 TYPICAL SKETCH OF Two COMPARTMENT SEPTIC TANK FOR POPULATION Up TO 50
13
IS : 2470 ( Part 1 ) - 1985
TX
f X
SLOPE' IN ,Q
SECTION X X
All dimensions in millimetre ••
FlO. 4 TYPICAL SKETCH OF Two COMPARTMENT SEPTIC TANK FOR
POPULATIONS OVER 50
14
Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private IS
Limited
z 2470 to manochandran
( Part 1 ) • 1985 rajendrakumar -
I
I
~8AFFLE
.,....- #--
T X
- 150 TWl
BAFFLE
~~-+- INVERT
150
SECTION XX
All dimensions in millimetre!.

Flo. 5 TWIN INLET FOR . TANKS IN EXCESS OF 1 200 mm WIDE
15
IS. 2470 ( Part 1 ) • 1985
4.2 Walls - The walls should be of such thickness as to provide adequate

strength and watertightness.
4.2.2 Walls built out of brick should not be less than 200 mm thick a~d
should be plastered to a minimum thickness of 12 mm imide and outside
with cement mortar not weaker than 1 : 3; where they are built out of the
stone masonary. They should have a minimum thickness of 370 mm.
5. SLUDGE WITHDRAWAL
5.1 Half yearly or yearly desludging of septic tank is lesirable. Small

domestic tanks, for economic reasons, may be cleaned at least once
in 2 years provided the tank is not overloaded due to use by more than
the number for which it is designed.
NOTE - Frequent de&ludging inhibits the anaerobic action in the tank. Norm-
ally. the tanks are cleaned when tha sum of the depth of the scum and the sludge is
observed to exceed half the depth of the tank.
5.2 A portion of sludge not less than 25 mm in depth should be left behind
in the tank bottom which acts as the seeding material for the fresh
deposits.
5.3 The digested sludge should be withdrawn through a dip pipe of not
less than 150 mm dia under a hydrostatic pressure of at least 450 mm. The
sludge pipe shall deliver the sludge to the sump and be provided with a
delivery valve to draw the sludge as required. Portable pumps may also
be used for desludging in which case there will be no need for sludge pipe
or sludge pump. Manual handling of sludge should be avoided.
5.3.1 When removal of the sludge is carried out the scum in the first
tank should not be disturbed more than necessary, thir scum is needed to
ensure efficient operation.
5.4 Sludge from septic tanks may be delivered into covered pits or into a
suitable vehicle for removal from the site. Spreading of sludge on the
ground in the vicinity should not be allowed.
6. COMMISSIONING OF SEPTIC TANK

6.1 The sewerage system !lhould be complete and ready for operation
before connection is made to the building.
6.2 The tank should be filled with water to its outlet level before the
sewerage is let into the tank. It should, preferably, be seeded with small
quantities of well digested sludge obtained from septic tanks or sludge
16
IS : 2470 ( Part 1 ) - 1985
digestion tanks. In absence of digested sludge a small quantity of decaying

organic matter, such as digested cow dung may be introduced.
7. DISPOSAL OF SEPTIC TANK EFFLUENT
7.1 Effluent from the septic tank shall be disposed of by one of the
methods given in IS : 2470 ( Part 2 )-1985*.
APPENDIXA
( Clause 3.4.5.2 )
SIZES OF SEPTIC TANK
A-I. Recommended sizes of septic tanks for 20 users are given in

Table 5.
TABLES RECOMMENDED SIZES OF SEPTIC TANK FOR 20 USERS

No. OF LENGTH BHEADTH LIQUID DEPTH
USERS ( _CLI~ANING
( INTERVAL
_ _ _ _ _ _ A _ _ _ _ OF )
_ --,
1 Year 2 Year
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
m m In m
5 l'S 0'75 1'0 "05
10 2'0 0'90 1'0 1'40
'IS 2'0 0'90 1'3 2'00
20 2'3 I'W 1'3 l'SO
NOTE I - The capacities are recommended on the asaumption that discharge
from only we will be treated in the septic tank,
NOTE 2 - A provision of 300 mm should be made for free board,
NOTE 3 - The sizes of septic tank are based on certain assumptioru (see 3.4 ),
while choosing the size of septic tank exact calculations shall be made,
-Code of practice for installation of septic tank: Part 2 Secondary treatment and
disposal of septic tank effluent ( sec~nd revision ).
17
A-2. Recommended sizes of Reptic tank for housing colonies (up to

300 persons) and for hostels and boarding schools are given in Table 6
and 7 respectively,
TABLE 6 RECOMMENDED SIZES OF SEPTIC TANKS FOR. RESIDENTIAL

COLONIES
No, OF LENGTH BREADTH LIQUID DEPTH
USERS ~
(CLEANING INTERVAL
_ _ _ _ --A. _ _ _ _OF)
_-..
I Year 2 Year
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
m m m m
50 5'0 2'0 I'D 1'24
100 7'5 2'65 I'D 1'24
ISO 10'0 3'0 1'0 1'24
200 12'0 3,3 I'D 1'24
300 15'0 4'0 1'0 \'24
NOTE I - A provision of 300 mm should be made for free board,
NOTE 2 - The sizes of the septic tank are based on certain assumptions ( 1613.4 )
while choos:ng the size of septic tank, exact calculation shaH be made,
NOTE 3 - For population over 100, the tank may be divided into independent
parallel chambers for ease of maintenance and cleaning,
TABLE 7 R.ECOMMENDED SIZES OF SEPTIC TANKS FOR HOSTELS

AND BOARDING SCHOOLS
No, OF LENGTH WIDTH LIQUID DEPTH (D) FOR STATED
USERS L R ,INTERVALS 01'_SLUDGE
-_ _ _ _ _ _ _ .A._ _WITHDRAWAL
____--.
Once in a Year Once in 2 Years

(I) (2) (3) (4) (5)
m m m m
50 5'0 1'6 1'3 1'4
100 5'7 :2'1 1'4 1'7
ISO 7'7 2'4 1'4 1'7
200 8'9 2'7 1'4 l"7
300 10'7 3'3 1'4 \'7
NOTE I - A pro\'ision of300 mm should be made for free board,
NOTE 2 - The sizes of thf' septic tank are based on certain assumptions (see
3.4 ), while choosing the size of septic tank exact calculation shall be made.
NOTE 3 - For popUlation over 100, the tank may be divided into independent
parallel chamber for ease of maintenance and cleaning,
J8
IS : 2470 ( Part 1 ) - 1985
( Continued/rom pag, 2 )
Water Supply and Plumbing Subcommittee, BDC 24 : 1
M'mbers /Upresenting
SHRIJ. D'CRUZ Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi
SHRI S. A. SWAlIlY ( Alternate)
SHRt S. G. DEOLALIKAR In pel'llonal capacity ( 403, Savitri Cinema Commer-
cial Complex, GreatlT Kailash-I1, N,w Delhi)
SHRI S. K. DHORI Delhi Fire Service, New Delhi
SHRI R. K. BHARDWAJ ( Alternate)
SHRI DEVENDRA SINGH In personal capacity (16A Maya Mahal, 17th
Road, Khar, Bombay)
HYDRAULIC ENGINEER Municipal Corporation of Greater Bomba)"
llombay
CHIEF ENGINEER ( SEWERAGE) ( Alternate)
SHRI R. A. KHANNA Public Health Engineering Department, Govern-
ment of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal
SHRI D. K. MITRA (Alternate I)
SHRr I. S. BAWEJA ( Alternate II )
SHRI S. T. KHARE Public Health Engineering Department, Govern-
ment of Maharashtra, Bombay
SHRt A. S. KULKARNI Municipal Corporation of Greater Bombay
( Bombay Fire Brigade ), Bombay
SHRI V. B. NIKAlIl ( Alternate)
Dn R. P. MATHUR University of Roorkee, Roorkee
SaRI C. L. TOSIINI\VAL (Alternate)
SHItt K. GOVINDA ME~ON Tamil Nadu Water Supply and Drainage Board,
Madras
SnRI T. G. SRINIVASAN ( Altemat, )
SHnl V. A. MHAISALKAR National Environmental Engineering Research
Institute ( CSIR ), Nagpur
SHRI C. V. ClIALPATIRAO ( Alternau )
SHRI K. GOVINDAN NAIR. Public Health Engineering Department, Govern-
ment of Kerala, Trivandrum
SHRI N. S. BHAlItAVAN ( Alternate)
SHRI P. K. NAGARKAR Mahara~htra Engineering Research Institute,
Nasik
SHRI .J. N. K .~RDILE ( Alt.rnate )
Pnov Y. N. RAIIACHANDRA RAo Engineer-in-Chief's Branch (Ministry of Defence),
New Delhi
MAJ B. S. P ARJIlAR ( Alternate)
SHRI O. P. RATRA National Buildingi Organisation, New Delhi
SHRI S. K. SB ARlIIA Central Building~ Research Institute ( CSIR ),
Roorkee
19

Headquarters;
Manak Bhavan, 9 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg. NEW DELHI 110002
Talephones : 331 01 31, 331 1375 Telegrams : Manaksan.tha
( Common to all offices)
Reg/onal Offices: Telephones
Central : Manak Bhavan, 9 Behadur Shah Zatar Marg, 331 01 31
NEW DELHI-110002 [ 3311375
-Eastern : 1/14 C.I.T. Scheme VII M, V. I. P. Roael 362499
Maniktola, CALCUTTA 700054
Northern : SCO 445-446, Sector 35-C, 21843
CHANDfGARH 160036 [ 31641
412442
Southern: C. I. T. Campus, MADRAS 600113 41 2519
{ 41 2916
tWestern : Manakalaya, E9 MIDC, Marol, Andheri (East), 63292915
BOMBAY 400093
Branch Offices:
'Pushpak' Nurmohamed Shaikh Marg, Khanpur, 26348
AHMEDABAD 380001 [ 26349
tPeenya I ndustrial Area, 1st Stage, Bangalore Tumkur Road 384955
BANGALORE 560058 [ 384956
Gangotri Complex, 5th Floor, Bhadbhada Road, T. T. Nagar, 66718
BHOPAL 462003
Plot No. 82/83, Lewis Road, BHUBANESHWAR 761002 63627
63/5, Ward No. 29, R. G. Barua Road, 6th Bye/ane, 33177
QUWAHATI781003
6-8-66C L. N. Gupta Marg (Nampally Station Road ), 231083
HYDERABAD 500001
63411
R14 Yudhlster Marg, C Scheme, JAIPUR 302005 [ 69832
21 6876
117/418 B Sarvodaya Nagar, KANPUR 208006 [ 21 8292
Patliputra Industrial Estate, PATNA 800013 62305
T.C. No. 14/1421, University P.O., Palayam 62104
[ 62117
TRIVANDRUM 695035
Inspection Office (With Sale Point) :
Pushpanjali, 1st Floor, 205-A West High Court Road, 261 71
Shankar Nagar Square, NAG PUR 440010
Institution of Engineers (India) Building, 1332 Shivajl Nag,. r, 62436
PUNE 411005
·S.lel Office In Calcutta II at 5 Chowrlnghee Approach, '.0.Prln •• p 176100
Street, Calcutta 700072
tSales Offic. In Bombay II at Novelty Chamberl, !;rant Road, It 65 21
Bombay 400007
*Sal81 Office In Bangalore II at Unity Building. Nar•• lmharaJa Square 12 31 71
••ngalor. 560002
1",lnt.1I .t Simco PrintinG PrHo. DeIhl. Ineil.

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Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to manochandran rajendrakumar -

madurai([email protected]) 106.198.43.25 [for non-commercial use only].

UDC 628'352: 69'001'3

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

( Continued from page I )

IS : 2470 ( Part 1 ) .1985

0.4 This code of practice represents a standard of good practice and

IS , 2410 ( Part 1 ) • 1985

2.5 Sewage - The liquid waste of a household or commuriity including

IS : 2470 ( Part 1 ) - 1985

3.2.2 The pipes should be laid, as far as possible, in straight lines in

3.3 Location of Septic Tank

3.4 Septic Tank Design

3.4.1 Sewage flow

3.4.1.1 The maximum flow to the tank is based on the number of

FIG. 1 TYPICAL LAYOUT OF A SEPTIU TANK SEWERAGE SYSTEM

TABLE 1 FIXTURE EQUIVALENT

3.4.1.2 The cstir.:lated number of fixture units and th e number of

TABLE 2 ESTIMATED PEAK DISCHARGE FOR SMALL TANKS UP TO

TABLE 3 ESTIMATED PEAK DISCHARGE FOR RESIDENTIAL COLONIES

TABLE. ESTIMATED PEAK DISCHARGE FOR HOSTELS AND

3•••• Detention Time

For wider tanks, it is necessary to use a weir outlet extending the

3.4.6 Partitions - Where the capacity of a septic tank exceeds 2 000

ts: 2470 ( Part 1 ) .1985

SEC lION '('(

All dimensions in millimetres.

Flo.3 TYPICAL SKETCH OF Two COMPARTMENT SEPTIC TANK FOR POPULATION Up TO 50

IS : 2470 ( Part 1 ) - 1985

All dimensions in millimetre!.

4.2 Walls - The walls should be of such thickness as to provide adequate

5.1 Half yearly or yearly desludging of septic tank is lesirable. Small

6. COMMISSIONING OF SEPTIC TANK

digestion tanks. In absence of digested sludge a small quantity of decaying

A-I. Recommended sizes of septic tanks for 20 users are given in

TABLES RECOMMENDED SIZES OF SEPTIC TANK FOR 20 USERS

A-2. Recommended sizes of Reptic tank for housing colonies (up to

TABLE 6 RECOMMENDED SIZES OF SEPTIC TANKS FOR. RESIDENTIAL

TABLE 7 R.ECOMMENDED SIZES OF SEPTIC TANKS FOR HOSTELS

Once in a Year Once in 2 Years

Water Supply and Plumbing Subcommittee, BDC 24 : 1

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

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