Septic tank inspections. The standard septic tank and weeping tile system is always underground and hidden from view. A typical septic system has four main components: a pipe from the home, a septic tank, a drain field, and the soil. Many times I have been present when an individual has done an inspection on a septic tank while I was performing the home inspection. Some septic inspectors just turned on the water and lifted the covers and determined system was in good condition. As a home inspector I always recommend that the buyer of the property have their septic tank pumped out by a licensed installer who would then be able to make an educated assessment of the tank and weeping system from visual observation of the tanks contents and through years of septic installation and pumping experience. Some inspectors will use a sight glass to obtain a sample of tanks solids but seeing the contents of entire tank allows a more accurate assessment in my mind.
A septic system collects, treats and disposes of your homes wastewater and solids supplied by homes plumbing. Solids are partially broken down into sludge within a septic tank and are separated from effluent (water) and scum (fat, oil and grease). Effluent regularly exits the tank into a drain field where it is naturally filtered by bacteria and reentered into the groundwater. Scum and sludge must be pumped periodically and should never enter the drain field. Bacteria is an important part of your septic system and a home owner has to be careful with any chemical use which may delete bacteria from septic tank.
If properly designed, constructed and maintained, your septic system can provide long-term, effective treatment of household waste water. The contents of the septic tank should be pumped every two to three years or when the total depth of sludge and scum exceeds one-third of the liquid depth of the tank. Ensure everyone using your homes plumbing system is aware of articles not to be put into a septic system. A partial list is: gasoline or chemicals, paper towels, dental floss, anything that can float, cigarettes, diapers, sanitary napkins, and plastics. Any object that can float will end up in your septic weeping tile and will eventually cause failure. Garbage disposal units can generate a lot more sludge and if deciding to install one anyway, one should look at increasing size of tank.
Replacing your septic tank and/or weeping bed can be a very expensive proposition. Every year the health department makes septic system requirements more restrictive and costly. In the old days you could just trench out your bed, throw in some stone, lay your weeping tile or pipe and fill it back up. Not so anymore, the health department will typically want you to install a bed system which can start at around 15 to 20 thousand dollars. If you are in a wet area then they might require a raised bed to be installed and then you will require a sewage lift pump. It is far easier to maintain and look after your system than have to install a new one.
The Barrie Home Inspector is available for advice on your septic tank inspection. We list experienced local septic tank installers who can pump out and assess your system on our website. Always ensure you hire an experienced professional for your both your home inspection and septic tank inspection.