What should I expect in a typical septic system inspection?
- Septic system inspections are a vital step in making sure your system is operating properly. Regular inspections ensure you and your family do not get sick due to a leak or other problems with your septic system. Since these wastewater systems are located underground, homeowners may overlook having a septic inspection. Routine inspections help prevent expensive repairs to your system or avoid a sewage backup in your home. In many states, a septic system must be inspected with the transfer of real estate. However, it is not only when you are buying a home that these inspections are needed. Septic system inspections should be done every 1 to 3 years for as long as you own your home.
In general, an inspection will involve the following:
- Review of the system permit, design, and installation records (including system age)
- Review of the septic tank pumping and system maintenance records
- Opening and inspecting all tanks (septic tank, pump tank, distribution box)
- Evaluating the septic tank sludge and scum levels and determining the need to pump
- Assessing the condition of the septic tank effluent filter (if installed)
- Looking for signs of leakage, such as low water levels in the tank
- Looking for signs of backup, such as staining in the tank above the outlet pipe
- Evaluating the integrity of the tank, inlet and outlet pipes and looking for signs of corrosion
- Verifying all electrical connections, pumps, controls, and wiring are intact
- Possibly using a camera to look at solid pipes and leach lines for blockages or collapsed piping
- Evaluating the drainfield for signs of system failure, such as standing water (surfacing) or unequal drainage
- Possibly excavating parts of the drainfield to look for signs of ponding in the system or groundwater impacting the drainfield
- Examining the distribution box for structural integrity and to make sure drain lines are receiving equal flow
- Reviewing other available records on water use and required inspections, monitoring, and reporting to ensure system compliance with local regulations regarding function and permit conditions.
- EPA’s Quick Tip Video walks through a typical inspection, “Protect It and Inspect It!”
Contact Morse Engineering and Construction.
Source: EPA.gov
