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Septic Inspection
ACADEMY HOME INSPECTION will assist you by scheduling your Septic Inspection in conjunction with your Home Inspection. Our affiliates are licensed, insured and certified.
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Septic Tank Inspection Facts
Septic systems are an important part of any home or building and should be tested by a septic inspector trained under association septic inspection standards. A common misconception by homebuyers ordering septic inspections is that septic tanks treat sewage; they do not. Septic tanks merely remove some solids and condition the sanitary flow so that it can be safely disposed of to a subsurface facility such as a tile field, leaching pools, or buried sand filter. Our complete septic inspection will test the working components of the septic system. Additionally, the organic solids retained in the tank undergo a process of liquefaction and anaerobic decomposition by bacterial organisms. The clarified septic tank effluent is highly odorous, contains finely divided solids, and may contain enteric pathogenic organisms. The small amounts of gases produced by the anaerobic bacterial action are usually vented and dispersed to the atmosphere without noticeable odor or ill effects.
Components of a complete Septic Inspection:
- Evaluate septic components inside the home: Check all appliances and associated pipes for proper connections. Determine whether all waste lines are properly discharging into approved waste systems.
- Examine inside the treatment tank: Our inspectors open the tank, examine the inlet and outlet baffles and determine the volume of the treatment tank. The tank is then inspected for cracks, corrosion and leakage. In addition, our inspectors also check the waste levels inside the treatment tank.
- Inspect the conveyance system: Our certified septic inspectors examine the distribution box for leakage, cracks and corrosion. Our inspectors also make sure that the distribution box is level. As part of this inspection all pipes leading to the box are examined using digital camera technology. Any pipes that are cracked or corroded will be identified.
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- Check the Absorption Field: Our septic inspectors use digital cameras to visually inspect pipes leading to the absorption (leech) field. The inspection also includes a flow test where dye is introduced into the septic system. This test will simulate normal septic usage and enable our septic inspectors to observe drainage. We also visually inspect the surface area to locate signs of system backups and probe underground to check for drainage levels.
- Comprehensive and Easy to Read Reports: Our inspection provides 2 documents: A cover letter stating clearly the overall condition of the septic system and what problems may be present, as well as independent assessments of the system’s three major components. It also provides a detailed report based on NJDEP & PSMA standards evaluating each component.
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Is a dye test sufficient as a standalone septic inspection?
Using dye septic testing as a standalone septic system inspection may overlook significant problems with the septic tank. We use dye testing as part of our septic tank inspection not as a standalone septic tank test.
What is a hydraulic load test? The hydraulic load test determines the volume of clean water an absorption area can absorb in a twenty-four hour period. This test along with our septic inspection should be performed when certain conditions exists.
Questions & Answers
What type of inspection is the most complete?
The most complete inspections use a digital camera in conjunction with a dye test. A septic inspection is not complete unless the inspection is performed by an experienced and certified inspector. In addition, a complete inspection should include pumping the system, which should be performed at the time of inspection.
Why do you use a camera used during the inspection?
A digital TV camera provides many advantages over the traditional form of septic testing. Specifically, the camera allows one to visually examine all important components of the septic system. The camera provides visual confirmation of existing problems deep within the system. Septic inspections without cameras rely on guess work. A septic system may be easily misdiagnosed if a camera is not employed at the site. For example, a minor problem such as a blocked pipe may be misconstrued as a failure of an absorption field. Using a camera at the inspection can avoid this misdiagnosis, which can mean the difference of thousands of dollars in repairs.
A transmitter on the end of the camera helps pinpoint where the problem may be present. The transmitter also helps to locate hard to find parts of the system, such as the distribution box. This capability allows one to locate the components without excavating the yard.
Why should the tank be pumped at the time on inspection?
The physical condition of the tank cannot be assessed below the waste level. Pumping the tank allows a complete inspection of the tank. We recommend having the tank pumped during the inspection, not before, so that the parts of the system can be evaluated under normal operating conditions.
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How long does an inspection take?
Times will vary based on the complexity of each individual system. Generally the inspection takes from 2—3 hours.
Are there standards for septic inspectors?
Some municipalities in New Jersey require that a septic inspection be performed by a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, trained by the State of New Jersey. ASI employs individuals with these credentials on staff.
At the very least, make sure that your inspector has gone through extensive training. Our inspectors have been trained by the PSMA which is widely recognized as the leading septic system authority in the area. |
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Do I need to be present for the inspection?
While it is not required for you to be present, we will need access inside the home. We strongly recommend that you are present for the septic inspection because you can see first hand whether problems are present. You can also see where each part of the system is for future reference.
Can a Septic Inspection be performed at the same time ACADEMY HOME INSPECTION conducts the Home Inspection? How much advance notice do you need?
It is a good idea to schedule the home and septic inspections for the same time. Neither inspection will interfere with the other and you will only need to make one trip to the property. We generally require 2 to 3 days notice to schedule an inspection. However, we can accommodate clients requiring shorter notice.
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How long does it take to generate the written report?
We can email or fax you a copy of the written report the next business day after the inspection. You will receive the original copy in the mail a couple of days later. If you attend the inspection, you can receive a verbal report onsite.
How do you locate all the parts of the septic system?
Our inspectors use a variety of methods. Sometimes they can see where ground has been disturbed above the tank or inspection ports in the absorption (leech) field. They use digital cameras and sophisticated locating equipment for the hard to find parts of the system. |
What is a dye test, because I see other companies that use them exclusively?
We do not recommend using a company that relies solely on a dye test.
A dye test consists of running water from the house and adding a colored dye. This helps track the flow of waste through the system and shows how the leech field is draining.
While we incorporate dye testing into our inspection, some companies will “inspect” a septic system when they are only performing a dye test. ASI uses dye testing as part of the complete inspection process. A dye test alone may overlook significant problems with the system.
What if the house is vacant?
If the house is vacant, the septic system is not operating under its normal load and the absorption (leech) field may dry up. A hydraulic load test consists of running water approximate to the average daily usage of the house for 2 consecutive days. At the end of the test period our inspectors check how the field handled the water.
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