Patent ID: 6879935

Claim:
A septic tank monitoring system for distinguishing between and identifying the location of a sedimentary layer, a scum layer, and any intervening liquid zone in a septic tank, the septic tank monitoring system comprising: an elongate sensing probe with a first end and a second end for being disposed in the septic tank; a plurality of sensors disposed along the sensing probe, the plurality of sensors each including a means for providing a signal that enables a determination of whether the sensor is disposed proximal to the sedimentary layer, the scum layer, or any intervening liquid zone in the septic tank wherein a plurality of the sensors comprise temperature transducers comprising thermistors for sensing at least one of the sedimentary layer, the scum layer, and/or any intervening liquid zone and wherein a rate of heat transfer from the thermistors to a surrounding medium is determined to provide an indication of whether the sensor is disposed proximal to the sedimentary layer, the scum layer, or any intervening liquid zone in the septic tank; and a remote monitor for being operably associated with the plurality of sensors wherein the remote monitor has a means for providing a remote indication to a septic tank operator of the location of the sedimentary layer, the scum layer, and any intervening liquid zone in the septic tank based on the signals from the plurality of sensors; whereby the septic tank operator can monitor the contents and condition of the septic tank without a need for excavating and physically inspecting the septic tank.