Septic Inspections

[Pete Morici]

Can someone tell me the steps to performing a Septic Inspection that would certify a system's working condition?

Inspections are being required by lending institutions before they allow a mortgage.

From what I've seen, the procedures seem to be arbitrary and determined by the contractor.

How does it work????

[yspring]

I'm actually pleasantly surprised someone has asked this question.

The very first step should be a visit or call to the local health department to get a copy of the sewage and well permits (and location drawings). In over 20 years, I have NEVER known a real estate inspector to ask the local health department for records!

The next step should be a visit to the site (yes, there are those who don't even do this!). Locate the septic tank. A soil probe is very useful for this. Locate the well. Be sure you understand the kind of sewage treatment system you're evaluating - I had a real estate inspector dye check an aeration system and fail it because dye appeared in the ditch (duh!) :rolleyes:

We don't "certify" anything. Our letter to the lending institution or buyer is a clear description of what we found, where it's located relative to the house and other landmarks, and lastly a disclaimer that this is simply a snapshot of what we found on the day of the inspection. "This report indicates the condition of the above onsite wastewater treatment system at the time of the inspection. It does not guarantee it will continue to function satisfactorily." This does not guarantee the system will not fail tomorrow. No one can make those kinds of guarantees.

This website provides a great deal of worksheets and information:
http://septic.umn.edu/professional/worksheets/index.html (UM Onsite Sewage Treatment Programl)

[iowa pumper]

we dig up tank then find the the box do a water test on lattrells to see if thay are working pump tank and box put a filter in tank we have to bring to code and then call for inspection thats the rules here or the bank wont take the loan