![Man installs a thrust b callout](/sites/septic.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/2022-09/thrust_b_callout.jpg?itok=7KLppUlW)
Pipe materials: Joining PVC pipe without glue
Using primer and glue is the most common method to join together two pieces of PVC pipe, but there are other connections and joints used and needed for specific applications.
![Residential holding tanks](/sites/septic.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/2022-09/douglas_county_residential_holding_tank_looking_toward_lake_away_from_home_old_drainfield_is_located_directly_in_front_of_tree_with_pallets_20191030_callout.jpg?itok=48rf5VD3)
Landscaping part II – Tanks, pretreatment units and architectural features
What property owners do around their tanks and pretreatment units and over their soil treatment area can greatly impact the accessibility and longevity of the system.
![Layer of scum on top of septic tanks.](/sites/septic.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/2023-01/https_www.onsiteinstaller.com_uploads_images_dscn7405-web.jpg?itok=A21KOm_1)
Should you be concerned if a septic system has no scum layer?
When there is no scum layer, you should work with the homeowner to remedy this to extend the life of downstream components.
![Person uses glue to connect pvc pipes.](/sites/septic.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/2023-01/https_www.onsiteinstaller.com_uploads_images_apple-valley_0017-web.jpg?itok=FXQJrVgy)
Pipe materials: Connecting PVC pipe and fittings with solvent-welding
Solvent welds, threaded connections, mechanical joints, and gaskets are the most common methods of connecting PVC pipe.
![Close up or road salt on a sidewalk, cars and person walking in background.](/sites/septic.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/2022-03/road%20salt%20news.jpg?itok=uUQLBJtd)
How a Minnesota town cut back on salt
Chloride pollution, caused largely by de-icing salts and water softeners, is increasing across the country. A small town in Minnesota is fed up. Work by Onsite Sewage Treatment Program researchers Sara Heger and Alycia Overbo is cited.
![Disconnected pvc pipes next to a cornfield.](/sites/septic.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/2023-01/https_www.onsiteinstaller.com_uploads_images_img_20161017_112604951-web_210407_104549.jpg?itok=X5vUAhll)
Pipe materials: PVC fittings and joints for mechanically strong seals
Fitting and joints are a critical aspect of PVC piping installation.
![Green gooseneck septic tank](/sites/septic.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/2023-01/https_www.onsiteinstaller.com_uploads_images_img_2595.jpg?itok=4wNEjr1d)
Outdoor septic odor causes and solutions
Septic odors outside a home are particularly annoying when owners are trying to enjoy their property, and at commercial properties odors can create concerns with the public.
![Septic system installation near a lake](/sites/septic.umn.edu/files/styles/folwell_third/public/2022-09/douglas_county_lake_resort_system_looking_across_mounds_toward_lake_there_is_a_well_located_at_the_corner_of_blue_building_20191030_callout.jpg?itok=AHGHiqFh)
Rights vs. Regulations: When it comes to septic system codes, property rights remain a big barrier
Sara Heger talks about why Minnesota is exemplary in septic regulations.