Septic Tank and Septic System Inspection: An onsite Wastewater Treatment System inspection is an objective evaluation of the onsite septic tank system's characteristics based on the experience and expertise of a qualified inspector in accordance with prescribed standards. It is an evaluation of each component examined leading to a conclusion about the septic system's condition. It is a report of the evaluation of each component examined, leading to a conclusion about the septic system's condition, at the time of inspection. It is not a warranty or guarantee that the system will properly function for any period of time in the future. Nor is there any assurance that the soil is adequately treating or will adequately treat effluent.
Evaluating a septic system when selling or purchasing property
Conducting a septic system evaluation prior to sale or purchase of property protects both the buyer and the seller. Most importantly, an evaluation helps to protect the value of the buyer's investment by ensuring that the system is functioning properly and will continue to do so. It also protects the buyer from potentially tremendous costs of system repair or replacement soon after the sale.
For a seller (and realtor, too), a septic system evaluation will minimize the possibility of unknowingly selling a house with a defective or failing system, and could help avoid possible lawsuits that might arise as a result. A properly functioning system can also be a good selling point and enhance the value of the house.
What is septic system failure?
A septic system should effectively accept liquid wastes from your house and prevent biological and nutrient contaminants from getting into your well or nearby lakes and streams. Anytime these things do not happen, the system is failing.
Why septic systems fail
By far the most common reason for early failure is improper maintenance by homeowners. When a system is poorly maintained and not pumped out on a regular basis, sludge (solid material) builds up inside the septic tank, then flows into the absorption field, clogging it beyond repair.
Typical Problems, and the causes, range from things that are easy and cheap to repair, to a need for a complete system replacement. |
- Clogged pipes.
- Broken pipes.
- Damaged tank.
- Tipped distribution box.
- Clogged/broken soil absorption piping.
- Clogged absorption soil (grease & solids).
- Saturated soil absorption area.
- Driving over absorption system.
- Paving over the absorption system.
- Flooding the absorption system from roof runoff or drainage.
- Improper original construction.
- Age, eventually even a well-maintained system, will clog and have to be replaced.
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How will I know when to pump the tank?
The frequency with which you will need to pump depends primarily on these variables: 1) the size of your tank, 2) the number of people in the household contributing to the volume of your wastewater, 3) the volume of solids in your wastewater and 4) use of a garbage disposal. If you are unsure about when to have the tank pumped, observe the yearly rate of solids accumulation.
Estimated Septic Tank Pumping Frequencies in Years
(For a year around residence.): |
|
HOUSEHOLD SIZE (Number of people) |
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
TANK
SIZE |
YEARS BETWEEN PUMPING |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
500* |
5.8 |
2.6 |
1.5 |
1.0 |
0.7 |
0.4 |
0.3 |
0.2 |
0.1 |
--- |
750 |
9.1 |
4.2 |
2.6 |
1.8 |
1.3 |
1.0 |
0.7 |
0.6 |
0.4 |
0.3 |
1000 |
12.4 |
5.9 |
3.7 |
2.6 |
2.0 |
1.5 |
1.2 |
1.0 |
0.8 |
0.7 |
1500 |
18.9 |
9.1 |
5.9 |
4.2 |
3.3 |
2.6 |
2.1 |
1.8 |
1.5 |
1.3 |
2000 |
25.4 |
12.4 |
8.0 |
5.9 |
4.5 |
3.7 |
3.1 |
2.6 |
2.2 |
2.0 |
2500 |
389 |
15.6 |
10.2 |
7.5 |
5.9 |
4.8 |
4.0 |
3.5 |
3.0 |
2.6 |
* 500 is below minimal size for new construction |
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Septic System Examples
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