Septic System Inspection

Proper septic system inspection is essential to good health, property value, aesthetics and the ecology. The purpose of a septic system is to dispose of the waste water in such a manner that the soils on the property can disperse it without causing an adverse effect on ground water and, in turn, on public health and the environment. The simple fact is that a neglected septic or aerobic onsite waste water treatment system will become blocked, it will have an obnoxious order, it will overflow and it will contaminate and pollute. When buying a home, a septic system inspection is highly recommended by trusted realtors, brokers and most lenders. Selman Home Inspection Company can perform your septic system inspection as part of your home inspection (SAVE $25), or independently.

A septic system receives, treats and disposes of unwanted wastewater and solids from a building’s plumbing system. Solids are partially broken down into sludge within a septic tank and are separated from effluent (water) and scum (fat, oil and grease). Effluent regularly exits the tank into a drain field where it is naturally filtered by bacteria and reentered into the groundwater. Scum and sludge must be pumped periodically and should never enter the drain field.

When should a septic system be inspected?

As soon as a house is put on the market. This enhances the home’s value and helps avoid any liability issues that might result from a malfunctioning septic system.
In the interest of a prospective buyer, insist that the septic system inspection be performed before purchasing a home.
A new inspection is needed if prior inspection documentation is not available or more than 6 months old.
Once per year

What is our certified septic system inspection looking for?

If available, we would like to find the date that the tank was last pumped. Ultimately, sludge level should determine whether a tank should be pumped, but knowledge of previous pumping dates can be a helpful reference.
Check the sludge level with a “sludgejudge” or a similar device. Sludge accumulates on the tank bottom and should not occupy more than 1/3 of the tank’s total volume or rise to the level of the baffles.
The septic tank and drain field should be far from water sources such as wells and streams.
We perform a calculation to determine if the system is large enough for the home and occupants that it serves. A four-bedroom home, for instance, typically requires a 1,200-gallon tank. The more occupants living in the home, the larger the tank that is required. Capacity in gallons can be calculated by tank dimensions. For rectangular tanks, length x width x depth in feet x 7.5 = capacity in gallons. For round tanks, 3.14 x radius squared x depth in feet x 7.5 = capacity in gallons.
We check for liquid waste that has made its way to the ground surface known as ponding. This condition is unsanitary and indicates that the system is overloaded. It is important to make sure that the tank is watertight so that wastewater does not contaminate groundwater, and groundwater does not flow into the tank and cause it to overfill.
If riser lids are present, they should be inspected for cracks and made sure they are secure.
Make sure that the baffles are firmly connected to the tank’s inlet and outlet pipes when accessible.
Check that drain lines appear to be receiving the same amount of wastewater.
Check for solids covering the baffle. This should be reported immediately, as it indicates overflow.
Check baffles for erosion from chemicals and water flow.
Check for evidence of previous overflows, repairs or potential system failures.
Check sewage levels which should be several inches below the baffle top. A lower level indicates leakage and a higher level indicates blockage.

Septic System Dangers

Septic systems are designed to handle dangerous household waste and can pose serious health hazards to homeowners and inspectors. A septic system inspection, repairs and maintenance should be left to certified, licensed professionals. The following are a few important precautions:

A professional septic tank pumping service, not an inspector, should remove solid waste.
No one besides a licensed, equipped professional should enter a tank. Noxious fumes such as methane can cause rapid asphyxiation and death.
If a septic tank shows signs of weakness, tread with caution! Collapse can be fatal. Beware of tanks with rusting metal, homemade lids, or anything else that appears unstable.

In summary, a septic system inspection should be performed on an annual basis to ensure proper function. The septic tank is the most expensive household fixture and its lifespan will be shortened significantly if it is not properly maintained. Knowing the condition of the septic system in a home you intend to buy is important. Understanding the importance of a septic system inspection as part of a home inspection is also important.

Septic System Inspection Services
"Accurate Investment Protection You Can Trust"
469-371-3228

Texas Home Inspection

Septic System Inspection