How To Get Septic System To Pass Inspection

For a septic system to pass inspection, certain things are necessary.

Here, we aim to show you how to go about the process. The procedure includes basic guidelines such as the inspection of sludge, flow, and scum.

Steps To Passing A Septic System Inspection

A home buying process is very critical to the buyer as you’ll need to determine its condition before making commitments. This requires an inspection of the property which includes the septic system.

This is very crucial because not paying attention to its condition may later create significant problems.

Is Septic System Inspection Necessary?

The inspection of a septic system is very important.

As a prospective buyer seeking to make a home purchase, you’ll need to determine a septic system’s condition. You’re oblivious to how the system was used by the previous occupant or seller.

Ascertaining such places you in a better bargaining position. Basically, before a house is sold or new occupants move in, the septic system should be pumped or emptied.

Who Performs A Septic System Inspection?

Professionals known as title 5 inspectors are mostly involved when it comes to septic system inspection. Apart from inspection, such companies offer installation, repairs, line cleaning and jetting as well as system maintenance.

Additional services offered include septic tank pumping, drain field rejuvenation, and so much more. All you need to do is reach out to the nearest septic system maintenance service.

An online search is the easiest way to find them.

After making a request, an experienced septic technician is sent to the property to perform the inspection. This inspection process is the safest action to take before committing to buying a home.

Without one, you’re exposed to all sorts of uncertainties as well as potential problems.

In certain states, homeowners are allowed to ask for or perform confidential voluntary assessments. These types of assessments won’t involve submitting findings to the state’s health board.

Some Areas Covered by Inspection

Septic system inspection focuses on the smooth operation of the entire system. Based on the condition of the septic system, the scum, sludge, and flow are inspected.

Anything less than optimal is identified and the problem fixed.

• Scum

The scum that floats at the top surface of a septic tank plays an important role as a lid for bacterial activity.

However, when it gets too thick, it becomes a problem. Misuse of the system by a prior occupant will result in high scum levels.

This may be due to the emptying of cooking grease down the drain among other oils. Scum is made up of oils, hair, soap scum, and toilet paper among other things.

To pass an inspection, a septic system would need to be pumped to get rid of such scum.

• Sludge

Whenever wastewater flows through a septic system, it ends up in the tank. The septic tank separates such wastewater into three main layers; scum, effluent, and sludge. Sludge is found at the bottom of the tank and consists of solid wastes such as food particles and fecal matter among other things.

Prolonged use of a septic system results in sludge buildup. When the volume becomes too much, it creates a problem. The solution for such a problem is to have it pumped and cleared.

By calling the appropriate service, your septic system is emptied and ready for the next occupant.

• Flow

To pass inspection tests, a septic system should flow freely. A free-flowing septic system is a sign that it’s in good working condition. However, issues such as clogs or backups are a clear sign that all isn’t well.

When left to linger on, such clogs may lead to more serious problems such as damage to plumbing systems which leads to its failure.

Title Five Inspection

This inspection process is quite stringent and is needed whenever property ownership is being transferred. This includes the inheritance of such property. Although we covered certain areas covered during an inspection, there are still more.

Title five inspection is more thorough and covers parts of the septic system such as the drain field, septic tank, cesspool, and distribution box. These are key components that ensure the smooth functioning of your system.

One other area that requires inspection is the groundwater elevation.

Failing A Septic Inspection

Not all septic tank inspections turn out positive. Some issues result in negative inspection results. Not pumping your septic tank is one of them.

Others include oversaturated leach fields as well as metal septic tanks that seep their contents into your home.

These situations and anomalies will need to be fixed to pass a septic system inspection. Failing an inspection simply means you need to do things differently. All you have to do is take action to repair or fix issues, set a septic tank pumping schedule, and report to your health board.

• Fixing any Issues

Having discovered the issues leading to the failure of a septic system inspection, it’s necessary to have them fixed. A septic technician is better placed to have these checked and repaired.

Two years is the timeframe given for such repairs to be completed.

• Setting a Septic Tank Pumping Schedule

Septic tanks need to be pumped once every 3 to 5 years. Sometimes homeowners may forget to take such actions, thus increasing the possibility of issues developing. Your best bet is to arrange for scheduled pumping.

This way, a septic service comes around at the due date to have it pumped and maintained.

• Report to your Health Board

Homeowners are expected to report to their state’s health board whenever repair work is finished or completed.

This is done to obtain approval about the condition of your septic system. These are appropriate steps to take in solving any issues that may arise.

Only Certified Companies Should Conduct Your Title 5 Inspection

Title 5 inspections aren’t performed by just about anyone. Only state-certified companies should be patronized. This gives you an added layer of confidence to ensure you’re well covered.

These are the steps to consider when seeking a septic system inspection pass. In a nutshell, we’ve seen that passing such inspections depends on the condition of your septic system.

The better managed it is, the higher your chances of passing.