Septic Inspections – What to Expect -

Septic Inspections – What to Expect

When your septic system is working properly, an inspection tends to be the last thing on your mind. Despite this, it is important to have septic inspections done periodically. This will allow you to catch issues before they become too costly. If you know the reasons behind the inspections and what to expect, you will be able to better care for your septic system.

Why Does it Matter?

Septic systems are sensitive and costly. If they are properly cared for, they can last 20 years or longer. If not, issues can develop within 5 years. Not only are septic systems one of the more costly things to repair or replace in your home, but septic failure can contaminate the environment through ground water. This is why it is recommended that you have it inspected regularly.

Inspection Preparations

When booking an inspection, you will probably be required to answer some questions. Things such as when your septic was last pumped, any service records or work that has been done on the system and the location of your tank. Many tanks have green risers, but a lot of the older concrete tanks will have lids that are buried between 4-inches to 4-feet deep.

Locating the Tank

If you are unsure of the location of your tank, contact your local municipal office for the records. The other thing you can do is find the 4-inch sewer pipe, where it leaves the house and mark it on the outside. Using a metal bar, prob every 2ft until you hit concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. Septic tanks are required to be at least 5ft away from the house, however, many tanks are between 10-20ft away.

Locating the Lids

Once you have found the tank, you can mark out the perimeter. The average residential tank is a 5 by 8-foot rectangle and contains 2 to 3 access lids. These lids will need to be unburied for both the septic system inspections and maintenance pump outs. Once the lids have been found, consider putting in risers. These will eliminate the need to dig for any future maintenance.

The Inspection

There are two different levels of septic system inspections. Level 1 is a general inspection, while level 2 is more in depth.

Level 1 Inspection

This inspection is applicable for homeowners who have a septic system that is less than 30 years old. They can be completed by a home inspector or by the township. The inspector will look for signs of tank failure, such as water pooling over your drain field, amount of scum and sludge in the tank, and the basic condition of the tank. They will also ensure that all the mechanical compartments are functioning. It is recommended to complete this inspection once every 10 years.

Level 2 Inspection

If your home has a septic system that is 30 years or older or you are experiencing serious septic issues, this should be your inspection. This inspection requires specific certification, so be sure to clarify your inspector’s qualifications.

During the process, the inspector will measure the size of the tank and potentially the drain field. Besides looking for signs of failure, they will also do a flow test. This test replicates the household’s morning rush and considers the size of the house as well as the number of rooms, fixtures, and people. This allows the inspector to gauge the condition of the tank and drain field. Although the flow test requires a full septic tank, the inspector may also want a pump out while they are onsite. This will allow them to have a proper look at the inside of the tank.

Post Inspection

Once the inspection has been completed, your inspector will send you an emailed report of your system. In this report they should include any maintenance or repair recommendations. If you are on site during the inspection, feel free to ask questions and gain more knowledge of your septic system.

Conclusion

Even if you haven’t considered it, an inspection of your septic system may be a wise choice. Knowing what to expect and having an inspection will help you avoid costly issues and gain insight and knowledge on your system. Although Call of the Wild is not certified to complete septic inspections, we do have lots of information on how to better care for your system. There are also a few certified home inspectors and septic installation and repair compagnies that we can recommend.