What is a septic inspection?

Posted by michiganpro_admin

A septic system inspection is a detailed evaluation of an onsite wastewater treatment system, commonly used in homes not connected to municipal sewer lines. It assesses the system’s condition, functionality, and compliance with local regulations, ensuring it properly processes household wastewater (from toilets, sinks, showers, etc.) without posing health or environmental risks. Septic inspections are often conducted during real estate transactions, for routine maintenance, or when issues like slow drains or backups arise. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of what a septic system inspection entails, including its process, components, tools, findings, and significance.

1. Purpose of a Septic System Inspection

A septic inspection aims to:

  • Verify Functionality: Ensure the system processes and disposes of wastewater effectively.
  • Assess Condition: Identify wear, damage, or maintenance needs in components like the tank, drainfield, or pump.
  • Detect Issues: Spot signs of failure, such as backups, leaks, or groundwater contamination.
  • Protect Health and Environment: Confirm the system isn’t releasing untreated sewage or polluting nearby water sources.
  • Meet Requirements: Satisfy real estate buyers, lenders, or local health departments, often required before a property sale.

Since septic systems are privately maintained, regular inspections help prevent costly repairs or replacements, which can range from $3,000 to $20,000+.

2. Who Conducts a Septic System Inspection?

  • Certified Septic Inspectors: Professionals certified Inter-nachi or local health departments, trained in septic design, maintenance, and regulations.
  • Septic Contractors: Companies that install or repair systems often offer inspection services.

3. Components of a Septic System Inspected

A typical septic system includes several key parts, all evaluated during an inspection:

  • Septic Tank: A buried, watertight container (concrete, fiberglass, or plastic) where solids settle and initial treatment occurs.
  • Drainfield (Leach Field): A network of perforated pipes in gravel trenches where liquid effluent disperses into the soil for final treatment.
  • Distribution Box (D-Box): Distributes effluent evenly to the drainfield (not in all systems).
  • Pipes: Inlet from the house and outlet to the drainfield.
  • Pump or Lift Station (if present): Moves effluent to a higher drainfield or secondary tank in some systems.
  • Soil: The surrounding ground, critical for filtering effluent.

4. The Septic System Inspection Process

Septic inspections vary in depth (basic visual checks vs. full evaluations), but a comprehensive inspection follows these steps:

Step 1: Pre-Inspection Preparation

  • The inspector gathers information from the homeowner or records:
    • System age, size (tank capacity in gallons), and design (from permits or as-built plans).
    • Last pumping date and maintenance history.
    • Symptoms like slow drains, odors, or wet spots in the yard.
  • The homeowner may need to locate the tank and access lids (often buried).

Step 2: Locating and Accessing the System

  • Tank Location: Found using probes, metal detectors, or flushing dye down a toilet to trace the line (if records are unavailable).
  • Access: Lids are uncovered (sometimes requiring digging) to inspect inside the tank. Some inspectors pump the tank first if it hasn’t been done recently, but if the tank is pumped then a proper load test of the field may not be possible. What is most expensive part of the septic system? The field so do not go in that direction.

Step 3: Visual and Structural Inspection

  • Septic Tank:
    • Lids and Risers: Checked for secure, watertight seals to prevent surface water infiltration or sewage escape.
    • Interior: Levels of scum (floating solids) and sludge (settled solids) are measured with a sludge judge or stick to assess if pumping is needed (typically when solids exceed 25–33% of tank depth).
    • Baffles/Tees: Inlet and outlet baffles (pipes or filters) are inspected for clogs, damage, or missing parts, which affect flow and treatment.
    • Condition: Look for cracks, corrosion, or root intrusion in the tank walls.
  • Pipes:
    • Inlet and outlet pipes are checked for blockages, breaks, or improper slope.
  • Drainfield:
    • The surface is examined for wet spots, lush grass (indicating leaks), or depressions (signs of collapse).
    • Soil saturation or odors suggest failure.

Step 4: Functionality Testing

  • Flow Test:
    • Water is run from the house (e.g., 100–300 gallons via faucets or a hose) to simulate normal use and check how the system handles it.
    • The inspector observes:
      • Backup into the tank or house (indicating clogs or drainfield failure).
      • Water levels in the tank rising above the outlet (sign of poor drainage).
  • Pump Test (if applicable):
    • The pump is activated to ensure it moves effluent properly without excessive noise or strain.

Step 5: Additional Checks

  • Distance Compliance: The inspector verifies the system meets local setbacks (e.g., 50–100 feet from wells, streams, or property lines).
  • Soil and Groundwater: Wet or clay-heavy soil may indicate poor drainage; proximity to high groundwater tables is noted as a risk.

Step 6: Optional Water Quality Testing

  • If contamination is suspected (e.g., near a well), effluent or nearby water may be sampled for bacteria (coliform, E. coli) or nitrates, though this is typically a separate service.

Step 7: Reporting

  • A detailed report includes:
    • Tank condition, sludge/scum levels, and pumping recommendation.
    • Drainfield performance and signs of failure.
    • Compliance with local codes.
    • Photos, measurements, and recommendations (e.g., pump the tank, repair baffles, or replace the drainfield).
  • For real estate, the report may classify the system as “functional,” “needs maintenance,” or “failing.”

5. Tools and Equipment

  • Sludge Judge or Probe: Measures solids in the tank.
  • Shovel or Probe: Locates buried components.
  • Flashlight/Mirror: Inspects inside the tank.
  • Water Meter or Hose: For flow testing.
  • Camera: Documents findings.
  • PPE: Gloves, boots, and sometimes masks for hygiene.

6. Common Findings

  • Normal Function: Tank has manageable solids, drainfield absorbs effluent, no backups.
  • Maintenance Needed: Tank full of sludge (needs pumping), minor clogs, or worn baffles.
  • Failure Signs:
    • Backups into the house or tank.
    • Saturated drainfield with pooling water or odors.
    • Cracked tank leaking sewage.
  • Non-Compliance: Tank too close to a well or undersized for the household.

7. What’s Excluded?

  • Full Excavation: Inspectors don’t dig up the drainfield or tank unless contracted separately.
  • Pumping: If the system needs to be pumped the inspector will call for a pump out (costs $200–$500). Do not pump the system prior to the inspection or it will limit the load testing of the field.
  • Repairs: Identification only; fixes are a separate service.

8. Duration and Cost

  • Time: 1–3 hours for a standard inspection.
  • Cost: $200–$500 in the U.S., depending on depth (visual vs. full test), location, and tank access.

9. Regional Variations

  • Wet Climates: Focus on drainfield saturation from rain or high groundwater.
  • Cold Climates: Check for frozen pipes or frost-related damage.
  • Rural Areas: Older systems may lack permits, complicating evaluation.

10. Why It Matters

  • Health: Failing systems can contaminate groundwater or wells with bacteria/pathogens.
  • Environment: Sewage leaks harm soil, streams, or wildlife.
  • Cost: Repairs or replacements are expensive; early detection saves money.
  • Real Estate: A failing system can delay sales or require seller concessions.

11. Next Steps

  • Pass: Pump every 3–5 years and maintain as needed.
  • Minor Issues: Pump tank, replace baffles, or clear clogs.
  • Failure: Repair drainfield ($2,000–$10,000) or replace system ($10,000–$20,000+).