Septic systems are a critical part of everyone’s home, whether you’re a prospective buyer or current owner. And as we talked about in our previous post, a septic system is something you definitely want to maintain.
Neglecting your system could mean a major financial hit for you and your family. Getting a septic tank inspection is an important homeowner duty that should happen every 2-3 years and be done by a certified professional!
There are two types of inspections that you can request: visual and full. You should have both inspections done at some point.
Today we’ll break down what full and visual inspections mean and give you a heads up on what to expect when you have an inspection.
Before diving into what the inspection entails, try to familiarize yourself with the septic system. This will come in handy and make sure you have a basic understanding of your home’s functions.
Types of Inspections
- The first type of inspection, and most common, is the visual inspection.
While necessary, many experts believe that visual inspections are limited in their ability to reveal risks or issues. This inspection ensures the tank is working properly by:
- Turning on the water.
- Flushing the toilets.
- Locating the tank (if the access lid is exposed).
In the end, this type of inspection won’t tell you much except for no superficial problems are visible.
It may be worth it to opt for the full inspection because you will locate the more costly issues.
- The full inspection is far more meticulous and will give you a better idea of the state of your septic system.
During the full inspection, inspectors will:
- Open the tank and check liquid levels
- Observe water flow from tank to absorption area
- Pump the tank to make sure there are no clogs. If you have a garbage disposal, you should be pumping once a year. Homes without will be fine with one pump every three years.
Pumping your tank is crucial to the functionality of your septic system. Sticking to a regular inspection schedule will contribute to the life of your system.
Preparing for Your Inspection
After you schedule your inspection there are some steps you can take to make certain your inspection runs smoothly:
- Pull out your septic tank plans and have a copy ready for the inspector.
- Make a clear path to the tank by avoiding storage of kind on or around the tank cover and remove any brush blocking the cover.
- Locate your system filter and save you and your inspector’s time.
Still not sure if you want to get the inspection? Check out the average costs of repairing problematic septic systems and consider how much money you’ll be saving in the long run.
Invest in the future of your home by ensuring your septic system is fully functioning. Call us today, and we’ll give you the peace of mind that your system is good to go!
We guarantee an inspection within 48 hours!
