Plumbing experts recommend routine septic inspections to avoid emergencies and ensure your system is functioning correctly. Inspections are particularly critical when buying a home. With some new homeowners encountering a septic system for the first time, it is crucial to have a septic inspection to avoid future costly repairs or even a full septic replacement.
While you can easily detect a malfunction in other home features, including faulty roofing or house fixtures, a septic tank malfunction is not easily detectable as the system is hidden in the ground. Even though a septic tank is critical for proper home plumbing, many homeowners often neglect it until there is an issue. It should not be the case.
Septic system failures, including sewage back-up, clogged pipes, and drain field overflows, can be a health hazard hence the need for a routine inspection. Here are some things you should know that can act as a guide to septic inspection.
When Should I Carry Out a Septic Inspection?
- You should always have a professional carry out a septic inspection when buying or selling a house. In most cases, it is a requirement by insurers and financial institutions for property transfer. The state of the septic system, whether it requires repairing or replacing, affects the overall cost of a home.
- If you plan to expand or remodel your house, you should conduct a septic inspection. Since the additions are likely to increase the amount of wastewater from your home, it is critical to have an inspection to check whether the current septic system can accommodate the increased volumes.
- You should have a septic inspection done if you notice unusual odors in your pipes and slow drainage in your sinks, toilet, and bathroom. The presence of wet spots around the drain field area is another issue that can necessitate inspection. These problems can indicate a more significant issue hence the need for an inspection.
What Does a Septic Inspection Entail?
The primary function of a septic inspection is to detect septic issues before they cause damage or become a health hazard. Typically, an inspection entails several steps, including:
- Locating the septic tank and the drain field area
- Removing the septic tank covers
- Inspecting the septic inlet, outlet, and partition wall
- Examining the sludge and scum levels
- Determining the pump and float location, if necessary
A septic inspection might also involve digging test holes in the drain field area to examine the operational level of effluent waste. Consequently, the inspector should come up with a report on the condition of the septic system.
Can You Do a Septic Inspection by Yourself?
While you can conduct a septic inspection independently, it is typically not a do-it-yourself exercise. Besides not having the required knowledge or the right tools to detect septic issues, you risk injury to yourself. It is advisable to seek the help of a septic tank expert to inspect the system.
A professional is equipped to perform all the necessary inspection activities and can even fix issues on detection. Additionally, you will be more confident about the condition of your septic tank if an expert inspects it, especially as a new homeowner.
You can prepare for a septic system inspection by ensuring you have the septic system design. The design makes the process easier as it guides the inspector, including the location of the septic tank and drains field. Besides a full physical inspection, a septic inspection can consist of a visual inspection that involves answering questions like how old the septic tank is and how often it gets pumped.
If you are in Tucson, Arizona, and need a visual or a full inspection, we are here for you. At Curtis Plumbing, we offer comprehensive septic system services, including inspections, maintenance, repairs, and replacements. Contact us today for all your septic system needs.
