One out of two homes in the United States have a septic system but very less people know what they are. The septic tank is made with concrete or steel and it is usually a big container, it is used to remove the waste from your house. It takes the water and waste from the washer, sinks, and toilets and filters that from water.
The tank usually holds all the wastewater by allowing the solids to accumulate at the lower part of the tank where it creates a layer. Conversely, grease and oils settle at the uppermost part of the tank by creating another layer. So, this layer helps to push the air out by creating a seal, this allows the bacteria in the tank to develop. This bacteria will break down all the solid wastes in the tank
If you want to get a septic system inspection for your new home, it is recommended to get it done along with regular property home inspections. Because if there are any problems with the home’s plumbing system, they can be brought to the home inspector’s attention.
Septic inspections are usually of two types: visual inspection and full inspection. A typical visual septic tank inspection starts with gathering information regarding the potential problems based on installation and maintenance. You probably need the information regarding the location of the septic system, history of the maintenance, and manhole covers. Gathering all this information can help the septic inspector to do their job better and also gives you a sense of how well the home seller maintained the system.
The full inspection is a bit advanced to visual inspection. In the full inspection, the inspector will pull out the cover of the tank to test the level of water. This can show if water is draining properly or not. Then the inspector will run the water to ensure if there is a proper flow to the septic tank. In this part of the inspection, they usually use a dye test. A dye is introduced into the water to check how much it enters the septic tank. From here, the inspector will ensure there is no backflow from the absorption area. The backflow level is used to tell if there is a drain field problem. The flow level is inspected again to ensure there are no further blockages.
You should get the septic inspection before you buy a new house because if there are any issues, you can get that repaired from the seller. But usually, you should get the inspection done at least every three to five years. A septic inspection is necessary to keep you and your family healthy and also to keep the whole septic system in the proper working condition.
However, apart from the inspections, you can follow some safety measures to maintain the septic system properly. You shouldn’t use your sinks and toilets as a dustbin, which will accumulate and block the septic system completely. Paper towels, cigarette butts, photographic solutions, and oils, etc should be strictly prohibited from throwing into the sinks and toilets. In this way, you can maintain the septic system properly.
What is a septic system?
A septic system is an underground chamber through all the wastewater flows for basic treatment. It usually consists of a septic tank and drain field. The septic tanks allow the wastewater to accumulate in three different levels: sludge, liquid, and scum. The liquid level in the septic tank is allowed to drain by perforated pipes and buried underground. The other two levels, sludge, and scum need to be pumped out regularly and that is determined by the number of people living in the home and the size of the home.
When should a septic system be inspected?
It is recommended to get the septic system inspected at least every three to four years for a normal household. But the number can vary depending on the size of the septic tank, household size, and the volume of solids in the wastewater.
The signs that would indicate you need a septic system inspection are pooling water, sewer backup, gurgling pipes, trouble flushing, and odors, etc. If you experience any of these, it’s time for a septic system inspection.
Why Is Having a Septic Inspection Important?
A septic inspection is important to ensure they work properly and do not cause serious health risks to the people around with pollutants and other wastewater. Sewage from the septic systems can contaminate the drinking water and spread infection and diseases.
The septic inspection can help to reveal the blockages. So, when you decide to buy a new home, it is a great way to find the hidden loopholes in a property.
Types of Septic Inspections
Septic tank inspections are usually recommended every 3 to 5 years. These inspections give you an overall performance of the septic system in your home and also help to find any loopholes or upgrades needed. Septic inspections are usually of two types: visual inspections and full inspections.
Visual Inspection
Visual inspection is not a detailed inspection, it is generally done by the home inspectors themselves. It usually involves flushing the toilets, running the water, and a general walkthrough of the area containing the septic system.
If there are no water puddles or slow draining sinks etc, everything is almost fine. So, this is the type of service a home inspector offers along with all the other inspection services.
Full inspections
Full inspections are detailed septic inspection which is done with specific equipment and professionals. In this process, the septic tank is opened and examined thoroughly. The level of the water in the tank and the sludge line is evaluated. So, if you want a detailed condition of the septic system, then full inspections are a better option.
What Is Involved In A Septic Inspection
In the full septic system inspection, the cover of the septic tank is removed and the water level is checked thoroughly. From here, the septic tank is pumped and the inspector will check for any leakage from the absorption area. This backflow level will give a clear idea of any potential problems in the drain field. The flow level is inspected again to ensure there are no further blockages.
How much does it cost to inspect a septic system?
A typical septic system inspection costs around $300 to $500. It depends on various factors like the size of the tank, the number of people living in the house, and a few other factors.
