Septic Inspection Guide

Jun 12, 2022

Septic Inspection Guide

If you’re buying a new home, there are some things concerning the septic system you should be aware of. If you’re the seller of the house, you have to get your septic system inspected by a licensed inspector. As a homeowner, you should also be keeping up regular maintenance on your septic system to prevent any major issues. This includes having a regular schedule for septic tank pumping and check-ups with a septic company. Take a look at why septic inspections are important and how to prepare your septic system for inspection.

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Mitch Kranes

Tim Grant of Septic Blue performed our septic system service. He was fantastic. Tank had not been serviced in a…

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Tim P.

Bret Brooks arrived on time, was completely professional and courteous.  I needed my septic tank pumped and a riser installed.…

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Ashley Maylott

We are renovating a home that has a septic tank. We contacted Septic Blue and scheduled an appointment. They came…

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Eric Lehtinen

Bret was professional and courteous.  Bret walked me through his process and explained everything to me.  When it came to…

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Why Having an Inspection Is Important

Since your septic system is underground and out of sight, it’s often out of mind as well. An inspection will depict the faults in the system that homeowners have overlooked. A homeowner should have inspections during their time in their house as well. Inspecting the septic system is part of keeping up the maintenance. This way, you can detect an issue earlier on and repair it before it leads to irreparable damage, causing an expensive replacement bill.

Types of Septic Inspections

There are two types of septic inspections, visual and full inspection. A home inspector is likely to perform a visual inspection. They will check the age of the system as well as its maintenance history, such as how often it undergoes septic tank pumping. Other tasks checked by the inspector include flushing the toilets and running the faucets to check the water pressure, as well as checking for standing water on the drain field.

While a visual inspection tests the health of the septic system, a full inspection will test its reliability. The inspector will check all of the following that falls under a visual inspection and will additionally check the level in the septic tank, the flow of water, and each stage of the septic process. A full inspection deals with more detail and attention to the septic system, thus making it more reliable to trust.

How Often Should You Have an Inspection?

Normally, a septic inspection should happen every 3-5 years regularly. However, some homeowners neglect the maintenance of their septic system and only call for inspection when problems start to arise. At this stage, the only thing a septic company can do is recommend replacements or perform high-value repairs. If people follow basic maintenance rules and get their septic system inspected regularly, it will save them money in their pockets and prevent any disasters from happening.

Signs of a Problem in Your Septic System

  • Puddles: If you find puddles around your drainage field, it might be wastewater. This may be a sign of a blockage in your septic system.
  • Drainage Issues: If you notice that water takes longer than normal to go down the drain in the shower or the sink, this can mean you have a blockage. Depending on the severity of the clog, you may need to replace your septic tank. Have a plumber from Septic Blue of Charlotte look at your tank and let you know.
  • Unpleasant Odors: If you notice strange smells coming from your drain field, this can also mean something is wrong. It’s most likely wastewater spilling to the surface. Have an inspector check your septic system.

Take Care of Your Septic System

As a homeowner, treat your septic system how you would treat other appliances in your home. Don’t neglect your septic system’s maintenance if you don’t want it to cause a problem. Call Septic Blue of Charlotte to discuss and schedule your next septic inspection.