Septic inspections by a professional septic tank contractor are essential for keeping your system working smoothly and preventing serious, sometimes dangerous problems. A skilled inspector will find any leaks, blockages in the pipes, and any maintenance issues that could cause sewage backups or groundwater contamination. Here is an overview of the process for homeowners who may not know what to expect during an inspection.

What Happens During a Septic Inspection

Information Collection

Before checking out the system, the septic contractor will need to collect some vital information about the tank, leach field, and piping. They’ll likely ask how old the system is, when it was last pumped, and whether you’ve noticed any problems lately. This information will help guide their decisions about where to focus their inspection.

Visual Inspection

In some cases, homeowners may only need a visual inspection to locate obvious problems that may affect the value of the property. During a visual inspection, the contractor will walk through the house, flushing toilets and opening all the faucets. By watching the water drain, inspectors can usually identify serious leaks, major blockages, and other issues with your system.

Complete Inspection

If the inspector discovers a problem, or you’ve been dealing with a septic issue, the contractor will perform a complete inspection of the system. Typically, they’ll start by digging holes around the septic tank to check the color of the soil, which can indicate sewage leaking into the ground.

Complete inspections also usually include samples of the liquid waste inside the tank, taken from several different locations. Finally, they’ll pour dyed water into a drain in the house, then watch for it to appear in the tank.

Post-Inspection Results

If the contractors find any problems during the inspection, they’ll bring them to your attention immediately and offer professional recommendations for solving them. They’ll also let you know what could happen if you don’t address the issue and may provide tips for keeping your system in working order. If the soil or waste tests reveal any problems, you should be notified within a couple of weeks.
 

For over 40 years, the plumbing contractors at Baity Plumbing Co. have proudly served homeowners throughout North Carolina’s Davidson, Guilford, Randolph counties. This leading local plumbing company has partnered with Dewey’s Septic & Grading, allowing them to expand their line of services to include septic tank installations and inspections. See their website for an overview of their services, get tips and updates on Twitter, and call (336) 475-0921 to schedule your septic inspection today.