What do Septic System Inspections Consist Of?

Regular septic system inspections are necessary for properties that connect to a holding tank. However, some homeowners will only get septic system inspections once they are selling their property. If you are experiencing fishy behavior with the tank, you should contact a plumber to help rather than make a risky attempt at resolving the issue yourself to avoid worsening the tank's condition. During a checkup with a plumbing technician, they will be able to identify the problem and make the appropriate repairs.

Why Schedule An Appointment with an Inspector

If you notice any undesirable odors near your toilets or drains, it can be time to schedule an appointment with your technician. It is also not a good sign if you find your toilets are struggling to flush in terms of the flush's strength or speed.

If you are planning on doing renovations, you'll want to have an inspector take a look at your tank's health. In general, you should not build over your tank or on top of the drainfield.

Normally, these are the steps an inspector takes when examining your tank.

1. Consultation

An inspector will consult a homeowner before proceeding with any repairs .The inspector will want to know the tank's history and details on its current state. Providing these details before the inspector's examination will ensure that they know what problems to look for. The technician may also go over potential costs involved in the examination.

2. A Visual Examination

After the inspector has a better understanding of what's going on, they may start doing tests inside by flushing the toilets and running the faucets to spot any leaks. They may take photographs or use mirrors to get a clearer view of the tank, filters, and pipes. A camera can help the inspector locate the source of damage. They may discover that there is a clog or leak.

3. A Full Inspection

Following the visual test, an inspector will check the tank's water levels to determine if the tank is overloaded or if there was a leak. A drain field test may also be conducted during septic system inspections. This test entails the inspector digging small holes in the ground in the surrounding areas of the tank. If these holes are filled with still water, the tank is most definitely in need of repair.

Another method used during a full inspection is pumping the tanks to monitor the drain field for backflow. The inspector will examine the pipes to ensure there is no blockage in the pipe from the house to the tank. The quicker you get a tank diagnosis after you detect any problem, the less costly the repairs will be.

While it can be a huge pain to deal with any sort of plumbing issue, it is better to get it dealt with sooner or later to avoid future headaches. Remember to hold onto all documentation after appointments with plumbing technicians to have on hand for your next meeting with your inspector and in case you sell your house in the future.