The sludge in your septic tank must occupy less than a third of its volume or the inspection will fail. Furthermore, septic tanks should allow water to flow naturally to pass inspection.
Generally, the system has to be in good working order and not modified from the design approved when it was first approved.
To get septic to pass inspection, you will need to know some terms. These are: sludge, scum & flow.
Solid waste that settles to the bottom of a tank is called sludge. Pumping your septic tank on a routine basis will prevent it from clogging or flowing into your leach field.
The scum is oily, greasy, and fat-laden material that floats on top of the water. It is important to address the issue of scum sticking around in the tank.
The septic tank should have a normal flow without interruptions. A disruption can cause sewage backups and system clogs.
How Do Septic Inspectors Check Septic Systems?
Mirrors and cameras will be used by the technician to look inside the tank and the filtration system.
The inspector can locate clogs, leaks, and other damage to the septic tank by using cameras inside the tank.
There are many problems associated with septic systems, including tree roots encroaching on soil around drain fields.
The tank baffle might need to be repaired if the septic is failing due to a failure in the tank-to-drainfield separation.
It is possible to repair both systems with the help of a septic professional who can inspect them and determine if repairs can be made.
These Features Are Examined During Septic Tank Inspections
For this article, I took advice from West Des Moines real estate agent Ingrid Williams. She is a top performer in Iowa, working with 73% more single family homes than the typical agent.
In Iowa, septic inspections are required at the time of property transfers. She notes that the purpose of the work is to prevent septic system pollution.
Inspecting a septic system involves checking three components: the septic tank, the distribution box, and the leach field. All three components of the system must function properly for the inspection to be successful.
First, the inspector inspects the septic system. The permitting process may have left you with an “as built” drawing or sketch.
Nonetheless, some old sketches, especially those from years ago, have vague distances and few or long-gone landmarks.
Using a small radio transmitter inserted into the toilet, a certified inspector – a contractor, a member of the Health Department, or a wastewater professional – can locate the underground tank. After the tank is located, the transmitter will be removed.
The inspector can investigate your system after determining the site. The inspector would then perform the following actions:
- Check the drain field visually for cesspools, sogginess, and green or black standing water (all indicative of mold).
- Make sure the septic drain field is evenly distributed by flushing the toilet and running water.
- Make sure there are no leaks. It’s necessary to pump the tank in order to get a good look at it, says Steve Phelps, manager of Affordable Septic and Repair in Bloomington, Indiana.
- In order to see inside, you need to pump it down. After you pump it down, you use a flashlight to find cracks, chips, rotting, or weathered areas.
- Check the water level by removing the cover. Overfilled tanks indicate potential problems with the drain field if the liquid rises above the outlet pipe or reaches the top.
- Use a sludge judge, a long, hollow pole, to measure the solid content of the tank, including scum and sludge layers. You can tell if the sludge was pumped incorrectly if there is 6-10 inches of thick sludge.
- It has been observed that some companies pump from the bottom of the tank, leaving behind a layer of sludge. When the tank is filled again, the thick solids rise to the top.
- Make sure the baffles aren’t covered in solids and several inches higher than the sewage level, without any signs of previous overflows.
- A distribution box, or D-box, ensures that wastewater is evenly distributed to all drain field lines between the septic tank and the drain field by checking for damaged outlets and openings, structural integrity, and tilting or tipping that may cause uneven distribution. Additionally, looks for wetness and sinkholes near the D-box.
When preparing for the inspection, you can also use these:
- Regularly clean the washing machine’s lint.
- Use low-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads.
- Maintain records of pumping and maintenance.
- Make sure there are no leaks around the pump every year.
- It is recommended that you pump your septic system every 2-3 years.
- Avoid overloading your septic tank (expanding the house).
- Avoid driving over or parking on septic systems
- Septic systems should be far away from trees
- Flush only septic-friendly items
Septic Inspection: What To Do When Running Out Of Time
If you don’t have enough time to prepare for the inspection, you can consider the maintenance suggestions below and see if you can accomplish any of them.
Your septic system deserves to be maintained diligently! You could get into trouble if you don’t.
You may come across a home with septic instead of sewer if you live in the Northeast or Southern part of the country. Septic systems are installed in 1 in 5 homes.
A septic system must pass inspection when you are selling, refinancing, or purchasing a home with one. A failure in this area of the home is something you don’t want to happen.
During the inspection, the septic tank will pass if it is free of sludge, has no evidence of scum, and is flowing naturally.
What is the importance of the inspection and how should you prepare for it? There are other things you need to know to pass an inspection, including what is tested, how septic tanks fail inspection, the cost, and maintenance.
Why a Septic Inspection is Important
A septic inspection should be conducted every year, and the septic should be pumped out every 2-3 years.
It also gives the inspector an opportunity to ward off potential problems before they occur by ensuring the tank is clean and functioning.
Homeowners don’t often follow this recommendation, and it isn’t until thousands of dollars’ worth of repair or replacement is needed that they have it inspected.
Home inspections are important and necessary before a home is bought, sold, or refinanced.
State Rules on Septics
In every state, there are rules and regulations concerning septic tanks on the state government site.
Detailed information is available about what is allowed and how the septic system should be maintained. Performing a septic inspection requires a septic inspector who is certified and trained in this area.
How Can I Check A Septic Tank?
You must first locate the tank top, it will have a cover. In the newer versions, the plugs will have a plastic cap, whether they are steel hatches or concrete plugs.
The covers for both tanks will need to be removed once found, one for separating solids and one for liquid waste. You should check the solids tank’s level and pump it out if it is full.
As long as the level of the second tank is high enough to drain into the outlet pipe, the second tank will have an outlet pipe that drains to the bed.
Maintenance of the Septic System
To ensure a healthy tank and to pass septic inspection, it is essential to maintain the septic system. I have listed some suggestions below. When preparing for the inspection, you can also use these.
Check shrubs and landscape near the septic to make sure that no trees or shrubs are growing there. If there are roots in it, holes can form.
Keeping an eye out for trees that want to grow in the drain field and removing them before damage is done is the best thing you can do.
Make sure to spread out your laundry over several days to avoid excessive water consumption. Drains can back up if they are overused, which can result in a failed inspection.
Be on the lookout for leaks and have them repaired as soon as possible. There can be bigger problems hidden behind a small leak. Keep a record of it.
Furthermore, the tank’s size should be appropriate for the number of people living in the house. Too small a reservoir will require more frequent pumping.
Cost of the Septic Inspection
Depending on the size, depth, and other issues of the tank, an inspection will cost differently. Some companies charge $350 for a septic inspection.
What If The Septic Inspection Fails
If there are any repairs or replacements to be made, the inspector will recommend them. You can have another inspection after you fix these issues.
Talk to your realtor about how soon you can expect this inspection to be completed if you are purchasing or selling a home.
If the problem can’t be quickly fixed or replaced, it can be a deal-breaker for many. You should also discuss the estimate for repairs or replacements with the inspection company and see if the buyer or seller will be willing to negotiate it.
Here is a cool video I found on YouTube about DIY Septic System Inspection:
Final Words
In most cases, septic systems are efficient when they are properly maintained. A well-maintained pump can last 25 years or longer without replacement if it is inspected and pumped regularly.
Depending on the size of your household and the size of your tank, you should have your septic tank pumped every three to five years.
In addition, your drainfield’s proximity to trees and rainwater runoff areas, as well as your septic system’s function, must be considered.
The septic system will not repair itself once it starts failing. In order to fix it, you need to take action. It will only get worse if you don’t do anything.
