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Septic System Inspections Back to Septic
Systems
Bayer-Risse
Engineering, Inc. has performed thousands of septic system inspections for
real estate transactions and for general homeowner knowledge. A septic
system inspection by Bayer-Risse Engineering, Inc. is conducted under the
direct supervision of a licensed professional engineer. If a problem arises
our engineer will make a determination as to the exact nature of the
problem and most appropriate means of solving the problem. Most importantly
to most clients, this determination is made right then at the time of
the inspection.
Procedure for Septic System
Inspection
Following is a description of
the septic system inspection that is performed by Bayer-Risse Engineering,
Inc. This procedure is appropriate for all residential septic systems.
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1.
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Information Collection:
We contact local health departments, contractors,
realtors, homeowners, etc. to obtain copies of any records describing the
location and construction of the septic system components.
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2.
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Plumbing Inventory:
An
inventory is taken of all water using fixtures within the house that
discharge wastewater to the septic system. This step requires access to
the interior of the house including the basement, if any.
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3.
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Location and Uncovering of the Septic Tank:
Using the information gathered
under steps 1 and 2, we attempt to locate the septic tank. Locating the
septic tank usually entails driving a metal probe into the ground until
contact is made with the septic tank lid. In some instances, an
electronic transmitter is run out the building sewer and tracked with a
hand held receiver to the location of the septic tank. Once found, the
septic tank lid is exposed by digging, either by hand or with a
mechanical excavator. Typically, the hole required to expose the septic
tank lid is about four (4) feet square. We attempt to salvage any turf
removed during the digging process and replace the turf over the
backfilled excavation upon completion.
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4.
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Septic Tank Pumping and Inspection:
The septic tank contents may be removed by a licensed
hauler and disposed at a permitted septage management facility at the
time of inspection. We inspect the structural integrity of the tank and
assess the condition of the inlet and outlet baffles.
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5.
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Distribution Box Location and Inspection:
We will attempt to locate and expose the
distribution box on septic systems equipped with those units. The
distribution box is located by inserting a sewer line camera equipped
with an electronic transmitter into the outlet of the septic tank. Using
a hand held receiver; we trace the camera/transmitter to the distribution
box. We view the interior if the pipe connecting the septic tank and the
distribution box on a video monitor as the camera is advanced.
The distribution box is exposed and examined for
structural integrity. We ensure that the distribution box is level and
that all lateral outlets receive equal portions of the septic tank
effluent. The excavation for the distribution box is approximately four
(4) feet square.
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6.
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Hydraulic Testing of the Disposal Field:
A mixture of water and a biodegradable fluorescent
dye is typically added to the disposal field through the outlet of the
septic tank. A garden hose will be connected to a hose bib on the house
and water will be run into the outlet of the septic tank or into the
distribution box to approximate a daily load on the system. The flow rate
from the hose is calibrated and we calculate the amount of time necessary
to complete the test. During the course of the hydraulic testing, we
observe the interiors of the lateral pipes on the video monitor, probe
with a metal probe and look for signs of hydraulic failure. Additionally,
we inspect the ground surface on and around the disposal area looking for
signs of effluent breakout.
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7.
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Final
Report:
Upon completion of the steps outlined above, we
prepare an inspection report detailing our findings. The report typically
includes a sketch that presents all located and identified septic system
components and their locations from permanent building corners. Our
report may also include excerpts from available literature concerning the
nature of the onsite soils and water table.
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