Home Inspections: Septic Systems
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SEPTIC
A properly designed, constructed and maintained septic system can provide long term effective treatment of household waste water. A system that is not properly maintained may cost thousands of dollars to replace. This malfunctioning system can contaminate ground water which might be a source of drinking water.
The basic components of a septic system are pipe from the house from which all household waste water exits the home and enters the septic tank. The septic tank is buried underground. It can be made of concrete, fiberglass or polyethylene. It will hold the waste water long even to allow solids to settle out forming sludge and oil and grease to flow to surface as scum.
Compartments and T-shaped outlet in the tank prevent sludge and scum from leaving the tank and entering the drainfield area. Waste water exits the septic tank and is discharged into the drainfield for further treatment by the soil. If the drainfield is overloaded with too much liquid, it will flood, causing sewage to flow to the ground surface or create backups in the plumbing fixtures and prevent treatment of all waste water. Septic tank waste water flows to the drainfield where it percolates into the soil, which provides final treatment by removing harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients. Suitable soil is necessary for proper treatment of waste water. Soil contains microbes which digests or removes most contaminates before it reaches ground water.
Septic systems should be inspected and pumped on a regular basis, typically every 3 years.
The septic inspection will include locating the system, uncovering access holes, flushing the toilets, looking for signs of back up, measuring the scum and sludge layers, indentifying any leaks, inspecting mechanical components, pumping the tank if necessary.
Pumping schedule is determined by several factors. The number of people in the household, the amount of waste water generated, the volume of solids in the waste water and the septic tank size. The septic inspector will be able to determine the frequency of tank pumping. Limiting the amount of waste water entering the system will extend the system’s life. Using water efficiently is important. Here are some suggestions, use the dishwasher and clothes washer when completely full and use high efficiency units, turn off faucets when shaving or brushing teeth, use high efficiency shower heads, maintain the plumbing system to prevent leaks.
To schedule a septic system inspection just contact us.
Compass Home Inspections can arrange the septic system inspection. We maintain relationships with licensed/insured companies, who are knowledgeable and experienced, providing you with detailed analysis of the components and the functionality of the septic system in a written report
Web Sites
Maintaining septic systems www.nowra.org
Water conservation www.epa.gov/owm/water-efficiency/index.htm
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