Frequently Asked Questions about Septic Systems, Septic Maintainence, Septic Inspections
Billing
Cleaning
Septic Tanks:
If there are 4 or More Residents the System should be Cleaned/Pumped and Inspected on a Yearly Basis.
If there are 3 or Less Residents the System should be Cleaned/Pumped and Inspected every Two Years.
Other:
If you have a Garbage Disposal, Filter, Cesspool or Seepage Pit the System should be Cleaned/Pumped and Inspected on a Yearly Basis. Having your System Serviced on this Schedule Will Make Your System Last Longer.
Inspection
We would prefer it not be raining. If it is a heavy rain event we have to wait 48 hours before we can do a credible inspection.
We do second opinions and proposals on reports that were previously done on a system. All you need to do is email us a copy of the report and we will be glad to give you our proposal on the work that has been completed.
Septic Tanks:
If there are 4 or More Residents the System should be Cleaned/Pumped and Inspected on a Yearly Basis.
If there are 3 or Less Residents the System should be Cleaned/Pumped and Inspected every Two Years.
Other:
If you have a Garbage Disposal, Filter, Cesspool or Seepage Pit the System should be Cleaned/Pumped and Inspected on a Yearly Basis. Having your System Serviced on this Schedule Will Make Your System Last Longer.
These factors are important when inspecting a septic tank:
- The structural integrity of the tank.
- The liquid level of the septic tank.
- The amount of accumulated solids in the septic tank.
- The condition of the baffles.
- The inlet inspection port, as well as the main access clean out pipe.
In order to pass a septic inspection, the system must meet all the regulations that were in affect when the septic system was installed. All tanks installed after 1983 are required to have main access risers no deeper than 12 inches below grade. Therefore, if the system was installed prior to 1983 a riser will be recommended, but not required. After 1983 all tanks are required to have main access pipes if the septic tank is more than 12 inches deep.
When the thickness of the floatable solids and the depth of the settled solids are equal to or greater than 20% of the total depth of the tank.
No. The washing machine water will have to be put back into the septic system. However the septic system will have to pass a hydraulic load test first.
It is possible that cesspools can pass septic inspections. The problem is that cesspools have not been installed since 1969 and therefore they are at least 34 years old. Most septic system have a life expectancy of 20 – 25 years. We have, however, seen 50-year-old systems that are still working fine.
In order to pass a septic inspection, the system must meet all the regulations that were in affect when the septic system was installed. All tanks installed after 1983 are required to have main access risers no deeper than 12 inches below grade. Therefore, if the system was installed prior to 1983 a riser will be recommended, but not required. After 1983 all tanks are required to have main access pipes if the septic tank is more than 12 inches deep.
When will it be required that a septic tank has to be cleaned in order to pass a septic inspection?
When the thickness of the floatable solids and the depth of the settled solids are equal to or greater than 20% of the total depth of the tank.
A hydraulic load test should be performed if:
- The home has been vacant for more than 7 days or
- If the number of people moving in is greater than the number of people moving out of the home.
*A hydraulic load test is a 2-day test to determine the absorption capacity of the absorption system.
No! If the tank is pumped before the inspection, we will not be able to properly evaluate the system, costing your client time and/or additional money.
Pumping
No! If the tank is pumped before the inspection, we will not be able to properly evaluate the system, costing your client time and/or additional money.
Septic tank
On-lot sewage systems are composed of two primary parts: (1) septic tanks or an aerobic tank, and (2) an absorption area. The septic tanks separate solids from the wastewater. The heavy solids settle at the bottom of the tank and the lighter solids float on top of the wastewater. The aerobic tank acting in place of the septic tanks utilizes air pumped into the tank in addition to the settling action of the septic tank. The absorption area then utilizes the ability of the soil to filter and treat the remaining effluent before it reaches the water table. By separating the solids, the septic tanks and/or aerobic tank protect the absorption area from becoming clogged. Proper maintenance of the septic tank and/or the aerobic tank will prevent more costly problems with the absorption area.
In order to pass a septic inspection, the system must meet all the regulations that were in affect when the septic system was installed. All tanks installed after 1983 are required to have main access risers no deeper than 12 inches below grade. Therefore, if the system was installed prior to 1983 a riser will be recommended, but not required. After 1983 all tanks are required to have main access pipes if the septic tank is more than 12 inches deep.