One of the many services we provide is Septic Inspections.  Usually the inspection is performed  prior to the purchase of a home or other type of property that is served by a septic system.  Occasionally, we do perform  purely informational inspections for  property owners that simply want to know very specific information about their septic systems.

Inspections start by locating and accessing the septic tank.  We visually check the level of effluent in the tank to see if  it is currently functioning or if it is backed up.  If the tank level is at a normal level, we proceed with the drain field inspection.  If the tank is backed-up, we pump the tank dry to find out what the problem is.  Most of the time we find either a  blockage in the baffle area, a crushed outlet pipe, an improperly serviced effluent filter or a failed drain field. 

The drain field inspection is accomplished by introducing a measured amount of water over a specific period of time (usually 200-300 gallons over 20-30 minutes) and watch to see if the tank level rises.  If the tank level rises we must treat it as a failure and try to determine the cause.  If the tank level does not rise, we assume that the drain field is accepting water and proceed with the cleaning proccess.  Once the tank is empty, we listen  for water running back into the tank, which in some cases, can also be considered a failure.  Remember, the drain field is the means by which the water is introduced back into the water table and if it does not accept water at or near the above rate of flow, indicates a problem.

If the drain field test is satisfactory, the tank is cleaned and it is checked for cracks and  baffle integrity, if the system is so equipped , we clean and inspect the effluent filter as well as check for any other structural problems.  Assuming all else is well, the system gets a certification.  We will make reccomendations regarding what we see, such as adding riser pipes, effluent filters and maintenance.  This is a very comprehensive inspection.  If there is a problem, our goal is to find it and disclose it. 

It should be noted that all septic inspections are not created equally.  Some inspections that we see and hear about (which are usually performed by Home Inspectors) are laughable.  Some are nothing more than a farce and could never reveal a problem.  About %80 of the time, we do discover a problem and it is generally nothing major, nonetheless it is a problem that can lead to trouble and needs to be repaired.  The bottom line with septic inspectors is, if they show up without a large vaccum truck to perform your inspection, tell them to leave.  Septic Inspections cannot be performed properly without completely evacuating the septic tank.  And if you are buying the property, make every effort to be there for the inspection.  It will be truly worth your time.  It is really not that bad and with the high tech equipment we use, does not even smell that bad.