This page explains how content on The Septic Homeowner is researched, written, reviewed and corrected.
Who writes the content
All articles are written and edited by Nelo Tortosa. There is no anonymous content on this site and no guest posts. Where an article has been reviewed by someone working in the septic industry, that is stated at the top of the article with their name and background.
Where the information comes from
Factual claims are sourced from:
- The US Environmental Protection Agency
- University extension services, including Penn State Extension, University of Minnesota Extension, Texas A&M AgriLife, Clemson HGIC and NC State Extension
- State and county health departments
- NSF/ANSI standards, where relevant to treatment units
- Manufacturer documentation, for questions about specific components
Where a claim comes from one of these, the article links to it directly so you can check it yourself.
Reddit, forums and industry blogs are used to understand what homeowners are actually asking. They are not used as sources for factual claims.
How cost figures are handled
No authoritative body publishes septic pricing in the United States. Every cost figure on this site is compiled by comparing at least three independent sources, and is presented as a range rather than a single number, with the year it applies to.
Costs vary enormously by region, soil conditions, system type and site access. A figure on this page is a starting point for understanding a quote, not a prediction of what you will pay.
How regulation is handled
Septic regulation in the United States is set at state and county level. Requirements that apply in one county may not apply in the next.
Where this site describes a rule, it says so in general terms and directs you to your local health department for what actually applies to your property. Where a state-specific rule is described, the state is named.
Use of AI tools
AI tools are used in the drafting process on this site. They are not used as a source of facts.
Every article is fact-checked against the primary sources listed above, edited, and reviewed before publication. Where a claim could not be verified against a source, it does not appear. Responsibility for everything published here is mine.
Updates and corrections
Articles carry a visible last-updated date. Cost articles are reviewed annually because pricing moves.
If you find an error, email nelo@theseptichomeowner.com. Corrections are made promptly and, where the error was substantive, noted on the article. If you work in the industry and something here does not match your experience, that is exactly the kind of message I want.
Safety
This site does not publish instructions that involve entering a septic tank, leaning into an open tank, or removing a lid without securing the opening. Septic tank gases can be fatal within seconds and lids can fail without warning. Where a task carries that risk, the article says to call a licensed professional.
Independence
Recommendations on this site are not for sale. No company has paid to be mentioned, and no product is recommended because a commission is attached to it. See the affiliate disclosure for how affiliate links work here.