Common Considerations During Septic System Inspections

If your home relies on a septic system, it’s important to have it inspected regularly to ensure it properly treats and disposes of unwanted wastewater and solids from the plumbing system. 

The septic system should be inspected once a year, as well as prior to listing your home for sale. This will help set both your mind and those of potential buyers’ at ease that the septic system is working properly. 

The septic tank, after all, is the most expensive household fixture and its lifespan will be shortened significantly if it’s not maintained properly. Septic tanks typically last 20-40 years, but there are many considerations that impact lifespan, including the tank’s material, maintenance and the outdoor environment.

Getting Specialty Septic System Service

Not all home inspectors specialize in septic system inspections, so it’s important to find the right professional. Here are some steps your inspector will take during a septic system inspection:

• Find the date that the tank was last pumped (most tanks should be pumped every 3-5 years depending on usage, size, etc). Ultimately, the sludge level should determine whether a tank should be pumped, but knowledge of previous pumping dates is a helpful reference
• Check sludge level with “sludge judge” or 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
• Ensure septic tank and drainfield are located far from wells and streams
• Check for liquid waste that has made its way to ground level. This is unsanitary and indicates that the system is overloaded. Make sure that the tank is watertight so that wastewater doesn’t contaminate groundwater, and groundwater doesn’t flow into the tank and cause it to overfill
• Conduct a flow test of the home’s water system. This test is completed to check for leaks in the home water system by ensuring the tank level doesn’t rise during the flow test
• Make sure baffles are firmly connected to the tank’s inlet and outlet pipes 
• If riser lids are present, inspect for cracks and a secure fit
• if the tank has a filter, check it

It’s important to understand that the scope of each septic system inspection can vary depending on the specific system as well as the inspector. Be sure to check with your ABCHI inspector prior to the inspection to discuss any areas of concern you have so they can focus on this as well as discuss what will be included in your inspection.

Signs You Might Have Septic System Problems

There are a number of visual indicators that will point to problems both inside and outside of the home. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Indoor Issues: Check for slow drains, gurgling noises or sewage backups inside the home
• Outdoor Issues: Unusual odors, wet spots or overly lush vegetation near the septic system

If you notice potential problems, be sure to call in an inspector as soon as possible. You’ll likely end up facing higher maintenance and/or repair costs if issues aren’t addressed promptly. Regular inspections help prevent costly repairs and maintain the system’s longevity.

Find an Inspector near you: https://abuyerschoice.com/locations