If your home doesn’t connect to a public sewer, you likely have your own septic tank. Part of septic tank care is getting regular septic inspections. These inspections are meant to identify problems with your septic tank.
So today, the team at Priority Pumping is here to walk you through the entire septic inspection process. We will cover the main inspection steps and also talk about why septic inspections are so important for maintaining your septic system.
What Is a Septic Tank Inspection?
A septic tank is an underground tank that treats wastewater from homes. Septic tanks consist of a watertight tank that connects to an entry and exit pipe. Sewage from your home enters the tank through the entry pipe, and the tank separates wastewater from sludge and scum. The wastewater then exits the tank to a nearby drain field.
Septic tank inspections are meant to determine the integrity of your septic tank to identify any drainage or structural issues. Septic tanks are underground, so it is easy for homeowners to overlook septic issues. A full-scale septic inspection can identify issues, so you can address them promptly.
What Do Septic Inspections Involve?
The general process of a septic inspection focuses on three core elements of the tank:
- The septic tank is the main structural element that holds the majority of the wastewater and sludge. Septic tanks are the main treatment facilities of septic systems.
- The distribution box is the main component that takes the wastewater to send it to a drainage field. The distribution box is the second stop wastewater makes on its drainage journey.
- The leach field is a series of perforated pipes that allow wastewater to drain. As sewage breaks down, the liquid moves through the distribution tank and into the leach field, where the soil filters it.
Your qualified inspector will inspect these elements and test their flow to make sure the pipes are not compromised, and water flow is unobstructed. First, the inspector will locate the septic tank in your yard to access it. If you are not sure where your septic tank is, they can locate it by flushing a radio transmitter down your toilet.
Next, the inspector will visually assess the condition of the components, noting any cracks or holes. They may have to pump the tank to reduce the water level. The inspector will then inspect the sludge and scum layers to determine if drainage is occurring properly.
After checking sludge levels, the inspector will check the distribution box and the baffles to ensure that sludge is not clogging the exit drain.
Common Septic Tank Problems
Below are some of the most common issues that require septic repairs.
Tank Cracks
Tank cracks are one of the most common septic issues. Plastic can crack, concrete can chip, and steel can rust. Concrete is typically the most durable kind of septic tank but is also more expensive to repair.
Damaged Walls
Shifting earth and soil can cause septic tank walls to buckle and deform, allowing raw sewage to leak into your yard. Depending on the scope of the damage, a contractor can fix the walls.
Faulty Distribution Box
The distribution box can become clogged and damaged from debris like tree matter or general wear and tear. If the distribution box is damaged, your septic tank wastewater may back up into your home.
Root Invasion
If you have trees and vegetation in your yard, tree roots can grow and penetrate your septic tank, causing holes and leaks. If the roots are small enough, a septic tank contractor can cut them out and repair the damage. However, large root infiltrations may require tank replacement.
Sinkholes
Various factors can cause the earth above the tank to sink and form holes. Fixing the problem might require replacing the tank pipes or restoring the leach field.
Swampy Leach Field
If your drain/leach field is swampy or waterlogged, it means your tank is not draining properly. Contractors can pump the excess water out of your field and add additional bacteria and enzymes to help the tank break down sewage.
How Often Should I Get Septic Inspections?
We recommend that you inspect your conventional septic tank system at least once every three to five years. You should also schedule regular septic tank pumping on that timetable as well. If you fail to get regular inspections, small issues can quickly devolve into costly repairs.
Septic Inspections Can Grant You Peace of Mind
Septic tank inspections are incredibly important for proper septic tank maintenance and can give homeowners peace of mind. For homeowners, septic tank inspections can bring peace of mind knowing your sewage system is operating in optimal condition.
Septic tank inspections are also incredibly important if you are selling your house. Arizona law requires sellers to receive a qualified septic tank inspection to identify and disclose problems to the buyer. If you do not get a water flow inspection, you may be liable to fix any problem the new owner finds.
ADEQ Septic Inspections in Mesa & Phoenix
As a full-service septic company, we have years of experience performing ADEQ septic inspections in Mesa, Phoenix, and surrounding areas. We pride ourselves on providing industry-leading septic services while educating our customers about proper septic system use and maintenance.
If you have any questions about our septic inspections, contact us online or call today at (602) 601-5751!
