A septic inspection is an evaluation of how the septic system is working at the particular day and time that it is being inspected. It is very difficult to determine if a septic system is working properly when it is not being used; i.e. the house is vacant. In the case of a vacant home, a hydraulic load test must be performed to determine whether the leaching system is accepting effluent properly.

It is important to recognize that a septic inspection is an evaluation of the septic system at one particular point in time. The results of the inspection in no way imply a guarantee for the future operation of the system.

As part of the septic inspection, we need to check the plumbing in the basement to make sure all the wastewater is properly plumbed to the septic tank. We also need to ensure that the sump pump, gutters, or any other storm water is discharged away from the septic system.

Inspecting the Septic Tank After Opening the Septic Tank but Before Pumping

After Opening But Before Pumping the Septic Tank: When the septic tank is opened before it has been pumped out or cleaned, important information about the condition of the septic system is available:

• Thickness of scum and sludge levels: Septic tank maximum scum and sludge buildup prior to pump out
• Back-flow of effluent into the tank during pumpdown - an indicator of flooded leach fields
• Condition of the Septic Tank Baffles: damage to the tank baffles.
• Liquid and waste level in the tank: evidence of waste passing over the baffles - a flooded system, an indicator of septic system failure.
• Unusually high levels of sewage in the septic tank - suggesting a blocked outlet or drainfield.
• Unusually low levels of sewage in the septic tank - suggesting that the tank has a leak, can have several causes depending on the tank age and the material from which it was built.
• Low Sewage Levels in Concrete septic tanks: If the tank is made of concrete it should be pumped and cleaned thoroughly so that your contractor can inspect the tank for cracks or other damage.
• Low Sewage Levels in Steel Septic Tanks: Pump the tank completely, clean and inspect for rust holes - it's common for the bottom of such tanks to rust completely away.
• Low Sewage Levels in Home Made or Site Built Septic Tanks: there is risk of tank collapse or leaks when septic tanks are site-built such as using concrete blocks or stone. Leaks are likely.

If the inspector finds that the water level is at the appropriate level in the septic tank (at the invert of the outlet pipe), then this is an indication that the effluent is getting out of the tank properly.

Once we have determined that the effluent is leaving the tank properly, then we need to inspect the leaching area to ensure that the effluent is draining properly and is not surfacing, puddling, or running off in any way.

Septic Tank Inspection During Tank Pumping

During Septic Tank Pumping: if the pumper observes (or hears) septic effluent flowing back into the septic tank from the tank outlet pipe this is a sure indication that the drainfield or soil absorption system is waterlogged, and indicates a system failure needing further investigation. As the effluent level drops below that of the bottom of the tank baffles, stop pumping briefly to listen for the sound of effluent flowing back into the tank from its outlet.Septic tank pumping is best performed from an access cover at the center of the tank if one is provided. This gives best access to the pumper to clean sludge and debris from all areas of the tank bottom.

Septic Tank Inspection After the Septic Tank has Been Pumped Out

Only by pumping and visual inspection can actual tank capacity and condition be completely determined. When a tank is uncovered for pumping additional critical details may be observed before the pumping operation begins.

After the septic tank has been pumped out it may be useful to inspect its interior for evidence of cracks, settlement, or damage to its baffles, or perhaps to confirm the tank size if most of the tank has remained buried. If a septic tank has been serviced by removing a cover over the entire tank all of these conditions can be seen easily. But more often the tank is pumped by access through a center cleanout port. If there is no center cleanout port on a septic tank (some older concrete tanks) it is pumped preferably at the outlet end of the tank but possibly at the inlet end. Septic pumpers may use a tool, a combination of a mirror at the end of a pole and a flashlight to look at the tank interior. Look for Evidence of damage to the tank itself such as cracks, leaks, or additional evidence of damaged tank baffles.

SAFETY WARNING: Do not enter or lean down over or into any septic tank unless you're wearing special breathing apparatus and have a second worker watching you for safety - methane gas in the tank can cause fatal asphyxiation. It should never be necessary to enter a septic tank. Any work to replace the baffles or repair the tank should be done from the outside.