Real estate Septic Inspections
Video inspection of main waste sewet lines
Water jetting of main waste sewer lines
Septic tank effluent filter replacement or cleanning.
Septic Tank locating
Septic tank cleanning
Wastewater management
UNBIASED Inspection results
We do not do any repair work, no false reports
Did you know that in Connecticut, the Department of Environmental Protection estimates that every year possibly 15,000 or more homeowners face the unpleasant problem of a septic system failure?
In Connecticut there are no licensing or certification requirements to do septic inspections. Hiring a certified inspector is important as the septic system is one of the most important parts of a home. Septic Systems can be the most expensive part of a house to replace. If the septic system fails, contamination can occur. The homeowner can face a lawsuit if leaks from the septic system and flows into the drinking well or the environment. The septic system is the only part of the house where the homeowner can be sued by someone off the property.
Our septic inspections, utilize existing practices recommended by the State of Connecticut. We will educate you on how to maintain your system and keep it trouble free.
COMMON CAUSES OF FAILURE
Neglecting to inspect and clean the septic tank regularly.
Lack of understanding on proper use of the system.
Poor soil conditions and/or faulty design or installation.
The signs of septic failure include high surface water in the leaching area, lush growth of grass, odor and waste water draining slowly from the bathroom or kitchen -- or even backing up into the house.
When contemplating the purchase of a house, have a specialist in septic systems do a thorough inspection of the septic system. It may save you thousands of dollars.
The Inspection consists of three parts:
The current use of the septic system and the effects of the use.
The condition and performance of the septic tank.
The condition and performance of the soil treatment system.
The order in which we inspect the parts of the on-site system may be dictated by the site, but the following is a typical flow for completion.
Septic System Use:
We begin by determining the age of the system. The older the system, the more likely problems will occur. Also, older septic systems may have been using significantly different technologies than are currently in use. Along with determining the age of the septic system, we review records of previous inspections. Older septic systems may not have been reviewed or noted, or have any records available. On the other hand, a newer septic systems may have complete records that make it easier to review and identify problems.
The next thing we check is the flow of wastewater going to the septic system. Flow can be estimated based on the number of bedrooms in the building compared with the number of current residents and patterns of water use.
Evaluating Septic Tank Performance:
The septic tank holds a wealth of information about the operation and performance of the entire on-site septic system. Some states use the tank as the single point of information about and entire system. Although the inspection will include examinations of other system components, we start by opening the tank and looking into it. For many tanks that means opening the 20-inch manhole in addition to any other manholes on the top of the tank. For other tanks it means taking a section of the lid off. We have to be able to see the inside of the tank, so opening the four-inch inspection pipe will not be sufficient. Then we pump the septic tank when necessary.
We then check the baffles in the septic tank. The baffles begin the settling process by forcing the flow downward, keeping the scum inside the septic tank and ensuring that effluent leaving the tank comes from the clear liquid layer. If there are problems with the baffles, the septic system cannot work properly.
Next we check the construction and installation of the tank. We evaluate soil system performance, and check drop boxes and distribution boxes when necessary.
The Leaching System:
We inspect the leaching system itself. This inspection includes:
1. Distribution
2. Soils
3. Surface Water
4. System Performance
5. Surfacing Effluents
6. System Sizing
The final step in the inspection is completing the report.
