How To Tell If The Septic Tank Needs Inspection? (Best solution)

• A septic tank inspection will detect common problems, as well as some of the less common septic tank damage that can compromise performance. Here are some issues that indicate a septic tank issue: Drainage: Leaks and blockages cause the ground around the septic tank to be wet or sunken; and the grass suddenly changing in color and density.

How do you know if you have septic tank issues?

When your septic system fails or is full, sewage and wastewater will no longer enter the tank. Instead, it will stay in the pipes until it begins to come up. This results in sewage and wastewater backing up into sinks, drains, and even your toilet. This is the most visible sign of septic tank failure.

How do you know if your septic tank needs to be replaced?

5 Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Septic System

1. Age of the System. It’s pretty common for a septic system to last 40 years or longer, which means if you buy a new home, you might never need to replace it.
2. You’ve Outgrown the System.
3. Slow Drains.
4. Standing Water in the Yard.
5. Nearby Contaminated Water Sources.

How often should a septic tank be serviced?

As a general rule, you should only need to empty your septic tank once every three to five years. That being said, the actual frequency will vary depending on your usage and how many people are living in your home.

What should I look for when inspecting a septic system?

There are three things a septic system inspector will check during an inspection including the integrity of the septic tank, the proper function of the distribution box, and a leach field that is working as intended. If all three of these components are working correctly you will have passed the septic inspection.

Do I have to replace my septic tank by 2020?

Under the new rules, if you have a specific septic tank that discharges to surface water (river, stream, ditch, etc.) you are required to upgrade or replace your septic tank treatment system to a full sewage treatment plant by 2020, or when you sell a property, if it’s prior to this date.

How long can a septic tank go without being pumped?

You can wait up to 10 years to drain your tank provided that you live alone and do not use the septic system often. You may feel like you can pump your septic tank waste less frequently to save money, but it’ll be difficult for you to know if the tank is working properly.

What is the most common cause of septic system failure?

Most septic systems fail because of inappropriate design or poor maintenance. Some soil-based systems (those with a drain field) are installed at sites with inadequate or inappropriate soils, excessive slopes, or high ground water tables.

How do you tell if your septic tank is full?

How to tell your septic tank is full and needs emptying

1. Pooling water.
2. Slow drains.
3. Odours.
4. An overly healthy lawn.
5. Sewer backup.
6. Gurgling Pipes.
7. Trouble Flushing.

Can a septic tank never be pumped?

What Are the Consequences of Not Pumping Your Tank? If the tank is not pumped, the solids will build up in the tank and the holding capacity of the tank will be diminished. Eventually, the solids will reach the pipe that feeds into the drain field, causing a clog. Waste water backing up into the house.

Do septic tanks smell?

A properly-maintained septic tank should be odor-free, so if you notice a bad smell inside your home or outside near the leach field, it’s a sign that there’s a problem. Septic odors are caused by gases in the system, including carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and methane.

How far is D box from septic tank?

The D-box is normally not very deep, often between 6″ and two feet to the top of the box. You may also see a pattern of parallel depressions, typically about 5 feet apart, that mark the individual drainfield leach lines. The D-box will at or near end of the drainfield area that is closest to the septic tank.

How do you test a septic drain field?

In order to test the overall health and liquid capacity for your leach field, it is necessary to perform a hydraulic load test. This is done by running water at a certain rate over an allotted period of time. A failure occurs when water back-drains to the source before that allotted time period is up.

What to do after septic is pumped?

After you have had your septic tank pumped by a trusted septic company, there are some things you can and should do as the septic system owner.

1. 1) Get on a Schedule.
2. 2) Take Care of the System.
3. 3) Know the Parts of Your System.
4. 4) Check Other Possible Issues.

Septic Inspections When Buying or Selling a Home

In Alabama’s Black Belt, Catherine Flowers has been leading a lonely and discouraging effort to construct and maintain septic tanks, a simple but critical piece of infrastructure for the many outlying homes in the area, for more than fifteen years. Efforts to improve sewage treatment in Lowndes County, Alabama, began in 2002, shortly after county officials threatened to jail two dozen residents for failing to provide adequate sewage treatment, which is a misdemeanor under Alabama law. In the county, anywhere from 40 to 90 percent of the homes had a failing septic system, or no septic system at all.

Even if they could afford them, there was no guarantee that the tanks would function properly in the dark clay soil of the area.

In the fields of Alabama, even new septic systems fail if they are not properly designed for the environment in which they are installed.

They can cost as much as $30,000 for the most elaborate models, which is more than the market value of some of the homes for which they are intended.

• Resident’s who have failing or non-existent septic systems are exposed to a variety of risks, including the threat of arrest.
• Their sinks, drains, and bathtubs are clogged with black water.
• The threat is familiar to Flowers, who has personally experienced it: Some years ago, she was bitten by a mosquito that had been swooped down on an open pool of sewage in one of the neighborhood’s backyards.
• Flores became concerned about the health consequences that Lowndes County residents were experiencing as a result of the incident.
• They discovered hookworm, a disease that has been largely eradicated in most developed countries, in more than a third of the residents who were sampled by the researchers.
• Several news organizations including The Guardian, PBS NewsHour, VICE, Al Jazeera, Fox News, and The New York Times were among those who arrived to conduct interviews.
• The cause was supported by politicians from all over the country, including New Jersey Sen.

However, there was a second group of people who began contacting Flowers as well.

Flowers began receiving letters and phone calls from activists and community leaders in California, Kentucky, Texas, Virginia, and other states.

In Florida, they pose a threat to dolphins and other aquatic wildlife.

The task of addressing sanitation issues is made even more difficult by widespread poverty and a lack of political will.

That is critical because, even if we are able to resolve the situation in Lowndes County, it will not resolve the situation throughout the country.

In response to population growth and urban sprawl, the number of systems is increasing.

The installation of septic tanks in suburban communities is a common practice among developers who wish to avoid the expense of installing sewer lines.

In addition to the flooding of drain fields caused by fierce storms, the rising of groundwater levels in coastal areas, and the emergence of Tropical Diseases in exposed pools of sewage as a result of climate change are all possibilities.

In order to protect people’s health while also protecting the environment, officials at both the state and local levels must increasingly wrestle with the question of how to do so without burdening low-income residents with the high costs of maintaining and replacing their septic systems.

(AP) Few years ago, when Joan Rose embarked on a research project to examine the watersheds in her home state of Michigan, her primary focus was not on septic tanks.

Rose discovered a significant amount of pollution caused by humans while studying 64 watersheds on Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

“However, the only link we were able to find was with the increasing number of septic tanks,” she explains.

As she explains, “we used to believe that once something gets into the soil, it’s safe.” The fact that viruses, nutrients, and bacteria are among the contaminants that move through the soil is now widely recognized.

It is divided into three layers: scum, sludge, and wastewater.

Aeration tanks have scum that eventually breaks down, and sludge that falls to the bottom of the tank.

Between the scum and the sludge lies the wastewater, also known as effluent.

In order to eliminate the most harmful contaminants in the water, septic systems rely on natural filtration of the soil.

They are incapable of removing nitrogen or phosphates, which can cause havoc on aquatic environments by causing algae blooms, fish kills, and ocean dead zones, where the majority of marine life cannot survive.

Naturally, she began receiving inquiries about the number of failing septic tanks in Michigan, as well as the locations of those failures.

– Between 10 and 20% of septic tanks fail without the owner’s knowledge, she estimates, and she believes this number is higher.

The rules regarding how often septic systems must be inspected, or even whether they must be inspected at all, differ from one jurisdiction to the next.

For at least 15 years, advocates in Michigan have pressed state legislators to establish a statewide system of judicial review.

It was determined that the legislation would have had an impact on the dozen or so counties that already require septic system inspections when properties are being sold that the most recent attempt failed.

It is not out of line with state standards, says Bosworth.

” On the contrary to Michigan, political inaction has allowed septic system contamination on Long Island to reach crisis levels.

Every one of the tanks is leaking harmful pollutants, particularly nitrogen, that are endangering the environment as well as the economy of the surrounding area.

It is possible that pollution contributed to Hurricane Sandy’s severity by destroying coastal vegetation and wetland areas that could have served as a natural barrier against the storm’s winds.

Their drain fields necessitate the construction of tiny structures adjacent to vacant land, limiting the potential of the area to accommodate large-scale construction projects.

Bellone, who has served as the county executive since 2012, has been working to alleviate the long-standing problem, both by constructing sewers where possible and by updating existing septic tanks to prevent them from leeching as many toxic chemicals into the soil.

New construction was made possible by state and federal disaster recovery funds used to rebuild following Hurricane Sandy.

Water quality and contamination have deteriorated dramatically over the previous four decades, wreaking havoc on marshes, wetlands, and seagrass, according to Bellone.

Some of the costs of construction of the sewage upgrades were also borne by local property owners.

Because of this, officials are pushing households to install more modern septic systems, which can reduce the amount of nitrogen that seeps into the ground and, eventually, into local rivers and Long Island Sound, officials say.

The new systems have already been installed by around 100 residents.

According to him, “the difficulty with septic systems is that they’re located underground.” There’s something to be said for the adage “out of sight, out of mind.” They are aware of the age of their boilers and the age of their roofs when they purchase their homes.

The effects of septic systems, on the other hand, are becoming increasingly evident: “blocked beaches, red tide, brown tide, and fish deaths.” Flowers’ efforts to raise awareness of the issue in Lowndes County, Alabama, have garnered a great deal of attention there.

Residential customers would be required to pay a one-time installation price of $500 or $1,000, depending on the kind of septic system used, in addition to a $20 monthly maintenance fee.

In a recent interview, Flowers spoke with Kartik Chandran, an environmental engineering professor at Columbia University, whose research focuses on how to use human waste, other wastewater, and agricultural fertilizers to create electricity and manufacture fertilizers for plants.

A civil rights case against the Lowndes County Health Department and the Alabama Department of Public Health was filed in collaboration with Earthjustice, an environmental legal company.

In the meanwhile, the complaint has been forwarded to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, which will decide whether or not to launch an independent inquiry.

Her conclusion: “The basic line is that authorities are responsible for cleaning up raw sewage that has accumulated on the ground.” Despite her efforts to cope with the local situation, Flowers keeps an eye on the big picture in the country.

She believes that if Lowndes County can resolve the issue, people in other places may be able to benefit from their experience. This is a national issue, not simply a localized one. The crisis is occurring all throughout the United States,” she claims, “but nobody has looked into it yet.”

What is a septic system?

One in every five homes in the United States is equipped with a septic system, yet you’d be shocked how many people are unaware of what they are. A septic system is a system that is designed to remove waste from a home or building. During normal operation, it collects and filters water and garbage from the washer, sinks, showers, and toilets before returning it to the sink. The mechanism then re-distributes the energy back into the earth. The entire procedure contributes to the reduction of water and soil pollution.

How often should you get a septic inspection?

The majority of specialists agree that you should get your septic tank examined at least once every three to five years. The examination normally takes place around the same time that you should have your septic tank pumped by a professional septic tank cleaning provider. In order to keep your septic tank healthy and in excellent functioning order, it is required to pump it regularly. Even though professionals recommend that homeowners get their septic tanks tested every five years, many homeowners wait considerably longer than this period.

At that point, inspectors will frequently recommend that you repair or replace your septic system, which can cost thousands of dollars if not done properly.

How is a septic inspection done?

Septic inspections may be divided into two categories.

Visual Inspections

If you are buying or selling a home, the home inspector will most likely do a visual assessment of the property. In order to do a visual examination, a few questions must be asked, such as the age of the house, how often the owner pumps the septic system, and when the previous inspection was performed. The inspector will next flush all of the toilets in the house and run all of the water in the house to ensure that the water pressure is enough and that everything is draining correctly. At the end of the inspection, the inspector will walk out to the drain field to ensure that there is no standing water, which might indicate the presence of a cesspool.

Full Inspections

A thorough inspection contains all that a visual inspection does, but it also goes above and beyond that level of service. This is the inspection you’ll want to have done every three to five years, at the absolute least. Inspectors will remove the lid from the septic tank and assess the amount of water in the tank during a comprehensive examination. The level of the water might indicate whether or not the water is draining adequately. The inspector will next run water through the home to ensure that it is correctly draining from the house to the septic tank and that the water level within the tank does not rise as a result of the additional water being introduced into the system.

Dye tests are conducted to determine how much dye is incorporated into the water that is draining and how much of it makes its way into the sewage treatment plant.

Inspecting the backflow level will reveal whether or not there is an issue with your drain field.

It is therefore necessary to check the flow level once again to ensure that every part of the septic system is functioning properly and that there are no obstructions. Morse Engineering and Construction can provide you with further information. Source:listwithclever.com

Septic System Inspections

Nick Gromicko, CMI®, and Kenton Shepard wrote this article. A septic system is a system that collects, processes, and disposes of waste water and solids that are generated by a building’s plumbing system. When the solids are partially broken down into sludge, they are separated from the liquid effluent (water) and scum in a septic tank (fat, oil and grease). Effluent is discharged from the tank on a regular basis into a drainfield, where it is naturally filtered by microorganisms and re-enters the groundwater supply.

The septic system should be tested at least once a year, and it should be done immediately before putting the house on the market for sale.

Prospective home buyers who have not recently had their septic system checked should insist on having the system checked before they acquire the property, since it is in their best interests.

When it comes time to examine or pump the tank, this is typically not a problem.

• The placement of the tank should be depicted on a “as-built” design of the home. These designs are frequently kept on file by municipal health and zoning departments. It is possible that older systems do not have such a record. It is possible to get in touch with the prior owner
• Modern tanks are equipped with risers that protrude clearly above the ground surface. It is possible to probe a suspicious location using a thin metal rod that has been placed into the soil. It is critical to do this carefully and only on soft, damp soil in order to prevent harming the tank and its accompanying pipelines. Another option is to use a shovel, although this will need a little more effort. If a sufficient number of tank components are made of metal, a metal detector can be utilized. A tiny radio transmitter that can be flushed down the toilet and followed by a receiver can be used to communicate. The grass that grows the most lushly in a yard is frequently seen just over the sewage tank. Snow melts more quickly above the tank than it does in the rest of the yard. While they are not failsafe techniques of finding a place, they have been shown to be beneficial in the past.

What kinds of things may InterNACHI inspectors be looking for?

• Find out when the tank was last pumped by looking at the date on the tank. The sludge level should ultimately indicate if a tank has to be pumped, although having a record of past pumping dates might be useful as a reference. Using a “sludge judge” or a similar instrument, determine the amount of sludge present. It is normal for sludge to collect on the tank bottom, but it should not take up more than one-third of the tank’s total capacity or climb to the level of the baffles. The septic tank and drainfield should be located far away from wells and streams, for obvious reasons. Make certain that the system is large enough to accommodate the household it serves. A 1,200-gallon tank is normally required for a four-bedroom house, for example. The number of people that live in the house determines the size of the tank that is necessary. The tank’s capacity in gallons may be computed based on the size of the tank. For rectangular tanks, the capacity in gallons is equal to the product of the length, breadth, and depth in feet multiplied by 7.5. For circular tanks, the capacity in gallons is calculated as 3.14 times the radius squared x the depth in feet multiplied by 7.5. Check the ground surface for any liquid waste that has found its way to the surface. This is an unclean state that signals that the system is overburdened and needs to be repaired. In order to prevent wastewater contamination of groundwater and groundwater from flowing into the tank and causing it to overfill, make certain that it is waterproof. The presence of a riser lid should be checked for cracks and the integrity of the lid should be checked as well. Check to see that the baffles are securely attached to the tank’s inlet and exit pipes. It is recommended that each drain line receives the same quantity of wastewater. By opening the distribution box, you will be able to see what they are made of. If the box becomes tipped or blocked, it will distribute effluent in an excessively large amount, and it may even flood areas of the drainfield.

In a septic tank, baffles are components that restrict wastewater entry to a sufficient degree to guarantee that particles are distilled and that solids (as well as scum) are not discharged into the drainfield. It is via this process that they are able to protect the soil’s absorptive quality and hence extend the life of the entire system. They are often constructed of the same materials as the septic tank, which might be fiberglass, steel, or concrete in construction. Inspectors should look for the following things in baffles:

• The baffle is covered in solids. This should be reported as soon as possible because it implies overflow. There is evidence of prior overflow due to chemical and water erosion. Ideally, the sewage level should be several inches below the baffle top of the drain. A lower level implies leakage, whereas a greater level indicates obstruction.

Inspectors should be familiar with the following facts so that they may advise their clients about the various ways in which they might cause harm to their septic system:

• The only thing that can be flushed down the toilet is bath tissue. Tampons, paper towels, cigarette butts, and diapers should all be disposed of in the garbage. In order to prevent microorganisms in the septic system from being damaged by household chemicals such as gasoline, paint, medicine, antifreeze, or pesticides from being flushed, they should never be put down the toilet or down the sink. In little volumes, detergents and bleach can make their way into the plumbing system. There should be no driving on or near the drainfield unless absolutely necessary. Their weight might cause damage to subsurface plumbing without them realizing it. There should be no other vegetation grown over the septic tank and drainfield. Roots from trees and huge bushes can create harm that is not visible. People are not permitted to excavate or construct structures on top of a drainfield. Ensure that any water drainage from rains, sump pumps, or any other source of surface water is routed away from the drainfield. An over-saturated drainfield can cause the water treatment process to be slowed down and plumbing fittings to get clogged. Fixing leaking faucets and toilets as soon as they occur is a simple method to extend the life of a septic system and avoid having to pay for an expensive replacement. Any waste of water in the home should be avoided at all costs. Taking shorter showers and avoiding using the garbage disposal are two examples of strategies to conserve water.

• It is not recommended that inspectors enter the septic tank to search for cracks. Tank interiors are extremely filthy, and entering should be avoided at all costs. The fracture will most likely be located at the level of the effluent, which will have drained from the tank via the crack if one is there. An effluent level that is much lower than the level of the tank outflow is a clear indicator of the presence of a fracture. A tank that has flaws that enable sewage to escape into the surrounding soil is effectively a cesspool and should be removed as soon as possible
• If the water comes from the tank, it indicates that the septic system is overburdened and has to be repaired. Sometimes, inspectors will use a dye that is flushed down the toilet to confirm that the water is coming from the residence and not from somewhere else. Despite the fact that this metric might be beneficial, it is not an accepted means of testing the operation of a septic system. A malfunctioning septic system will be confirmed if dye from the flushed dye shows in the puddle
• However, a working septic system is not guaranteed if dye does not appear. It may take many days for the dye to develop, and it may be too diluted to see properly
• It is outside the scope of a standard house inspection to evaluate a septic system, and this needs specialized skills. Laws differ from one jurisdiction to the next, and inspectors should be well-versed in them before providing this job. They should disclaim all responsibility for any component of the septic system examination that they did not do

Septic systems are meant to manage hazardous waste, and they may pose major health risks to both residents and inspectors if they are not properly maintained. Precautions include the following, in no particular order:

• Solid waste should be removed from septic tanks by a professional septic tank pumping service, not by an inspector. No one else should be allowed to enter a tank unless they are a licensed and properly equipped professional. Noxious gasses such as methane can induce asphyxiation and death in a matter of minutes. When a septic tank begins to exhibit indications of fragility, proceed with extreme caution! Collapse has the potential to be deadly. Keep an eye out for tanks with rusted metal, improvised lids, or anything else that seems to be in unsafe condition.

In conclusion, septic system inspections should be conducted on a yearly basis to verify that the system is operating properly. The septic tank is the most expensive household fixture, and it will have a much shorter lifespan if it is not properly cared for and maintained.

Septic Inspections: 6 Questions You Need to Ask

You might be wondering why you would need a septic check before you put your house on the market. Alternatively, are you purchasing a new home that has a septic system? Get professional information on septic systems and collaborate with a seasoned real estate agent throughout the process. Prospective home buyers typically engage an inspector to do a thorough assessment of the property before making an offer on it. The examination will typically involve a visual evaluation of the house’s structure as well as a search for pests.

Septic inspections are extremely important for your health and the health of anybody else who lives in your house, so homeowners should make a point of scheduling them on a regular basis.

In case you are buying or selling a home, the septic inspection will be an important part of the process. Here is all you need to know about it.

Need help in the home selling process?

An experienced Partner Agent can assist you in navigating the choppy waters of business.

What is a septic system?

One in every five homes in the United States is equipped with a septic system, yet you’d be shocked how many people are unaware of what they are. A septic system is a system that is designed to remove waste from a home or building. During normal operation, it collects and filters water and garbage from the washer, sinks, showers, and toilets before returning it to the sink. The mechanism then re-distributes the energy back into the earth. The entire procedure contributes to the reduction of water and soil pollution.

The septic tank is where the water and trash from the residence are disposed of.

The liquid rises to the top of the container and passes through an absorption zone.

A layer of gravel serves as a drain field, allowing water to pass through it before entering the soil.

How often should you get a septic inspection?

A septic tank inspection is recommended at least once every three to five years, according to the majority of professionals. The examination normally takes place around the same time that you should have your septic tank pumped by a professional septic tank cleaning provider. In order to keep your septic tank healthy and in excellent functioning order, it is required to pump it regularly. Even though professionals recommend that homeowners get their septic tanks tested every five years, many homeowners wait considerably longer than this period.

At that point, inspectors will frequently recommend that you repair or replace your septic system, which can cost thousands of dollars if not done properly.

It can cost as much as $25,000, depending on the location of the system and the terrain of the land where the new system is being installed on the new system.

How is a septic inspection done?

Septic inspections may be divided into two categories.

Visual Inspections

If you are buying or selling a home, the home inspector will most likely do a visual assessment of the property. In order to do a visual examination, a few questions must be asked, such as the age of the house, how often the owner pumps the septic system, and when the previous inspection was performed. The inspector will next flush all of the toilets in the house and run all of the water in the house to ensure that the water pressure is enough and that everything is draining correctly. At the end of the inspection, the inspector will walk out to the drain field to ensure that there is no standing water, which might indicate the presence of a cesspool.

Even though a visual examination is convenient and quick, a comprehensive inspection may provide you with a more complete picture of the overall condition of the septic system.

Full Inspections

A thorough inspection contains all that a visual inspection does, but it also goes above and beyond that level of service. This is the inspection you’ll want to have done every three to five years, at the absolute least. Inspectors will remove the lid from the septic tank and assess the amount of water in the tank during a comprehensive examination. The level of the water might indicate whether or not the water is draining adequately. The inspector will next run water through the home to ensure that it is correctly draining from the house to the septic tank and that the water level within the tank does not rise as a result of the additional water being introduced into the system.

Dye tests are conducted to determine how much dye is incorporated into the water that is draining and how much of it makes its way into the sewage treatment plant.

Inspecting the backflow level will reveal whether or not there is an issue with your drain field.

How much do septic inspections cost?

The cost of a septic inspection varies based on the level of detail with which they check the tank and the size of the tank, but for a 1,000-1,500 gallon tank, a comprehensive examination normally costs $300 to $600. Remember to inquire with your local health department to see if they offer inspections at a reduced rate. Keep in mind that the cost of evaluating your septic system may vary depending on who or what firm is doing the inspection. In certain areas (such as Texas), you are not need to obtain a license or certification order in order to examine sewage treatment plants.

A license in a number of sectors, both within their state and on a national level, will be held by the most competent inspectors.

How long do septic systems last?

Septic systems may endure for up to 25 years — and in some circumstances, indefinitely — depending on the conditions. Maintaining the system is critical to its overall performance and reliability. If you get your concrete septic tank inspected on a regular basis and make repairs as needed, it can endure for a lifetime or even longer.

Should I repair or replace my septic system?

Here are a couple of things to keep an eye out for.

Puddles in Your Yard

A smart option is to have an inspector come out and assess your septic system if there is any standing water in your yard over your septic system. Take precautions to keep yourself and your animals away from the water, since it may be contaminated with hazardous substances.

Backups

Having a significant number of plumbing backups is a symptom that something is wrong with your septic system.

It might be anything as simple as a small repair or as complex as a complete tank replacement, among other things. In either case, an inspector will be required to determine the situation.

Healthy Grass

If the grass over your septic area is greener than the grass in other sections of your yard, it’s time to get your septic system inspected and cleaned. In the event that a septic system begins to fail, it releases more water into the ground, which might benefit your plant life but can also be hazardous to human health.

Results of an Inspection

Unless your assessment reveals tainted well water or irreversible damage to the septic tank itself, you will almost certainly need to replace your system.

How to Maintain Your Septic System

Tampons, paper towels, baby wipes, and any other foreign materials that cannot break down readily in your septic system should never be flushed down the toilet to ensure that your septic system lasts as long as possible. If you have a garbage disposal, use it to help break down any food that would otherwise block the pipes in your home. Make sure you never throw oil down the sink since it might clog up the septic tank and cause it to overflow. Try to choose a laundry detergent that is also safe to use with septic systems.

You should make certain that your sump pump is not connected to your septic system before starting.

Selling a House with a Septic System

Some counties do not need a septic examination prior to a home sale, however others demand a thorough investigation before a home sale. Check with your county’s health department to see whether you are required to have a septic examination performed prior to selling your home. Completing your own pre-inspection might also assist you in identifying any potential problems. If the seller is aware of any concerns with the septic system, the law compels them to provide this information to the buyer before closing.

Both sellers and purchasers are perplexed as to who is ultimately responsible for repairing damage to the septic system.

Buying a House with a Septic System

Purchasing a home with a septic system necessitates answering a few questions. Here are some of the most important:

• What is the age of the house
• When was the last time you had your septic tank examined and pumped? Have you had any septic tank back-ups or standing water problems? Whether or if the septic tank has been repaired is unclear.

In addition, you’ll want to make certain that a third-party inspector does a comprehensive examination. When hiring an inspector, it may be tempting to hire someone who will go through the inspection fast and sign off with a gold star. However, you may end yourself acquiring a property that has a slew of issues down the future as a result of this decision. If you want assistance in locating a reputable inspector, your realtor will most likely be able to provide suggestions. In general, septic systems are quite efficient, as long as they are properly maintained.

You may also keep it in good condition by not flushing any non-biodegradable or harmful substances down your toilet.

Instead of doing it yourself, why not consult with a professional? For a nominal flat fee, experienced real estate agents can assist you in making the selling process as painless as possible. To get started, please call us at 1-833-2-CLEVER or fill out our online form today.

Related Articles

If you are in the process of purchasing a home, you are aware that there are several phases involved in the process. You put money together for a down payment, go to open houses, chat to sellers and real estate agents, and ultimately discover a place you love to call home. The exciting part is about to begin. There are several steps involved: making an offer, getting pre-approval, scheduling a home inspection, and eventually, after heaps of paperwork, claiming ownership of the property. But hold on a minute!

• You might be asking why you would need to get your septic system inspected.
• Septic systems that are in poor working order can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair or replace.
• When a roof leak occurs or a break in the foundation occurs, you would want to be aware of the situation.
• “All OK, but I’ve already completed a house inspection and a dye test.” “Doesn’t that suffice?” While these inspections may be sufficient to meet the criteria of a lender, they are insufficient to provide a full evaluation of a septic system.

What is a septic system inspection?

Performing a septic system inspection entails a thorough examination of all of the components of a septic system. The inspector will determine the location and condition of the septic tank, distribution box, and absorption area and make recommendations. In this process, he will uncover and evaluate all of the mechanical and electrical components of the system, including septic lines, baffles and filters, pumps and floats, alarms, and so on. During the inspection, he will open the septic tank (digging up the lids, if required) in order to check the wastewater sources from the home to the septic tank and physically inspect the septic tank at its operational level, according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

If the home has been vacant for an extended period of time or if the number of people living in the home is expected to increase, the inspector will conduct a hydraulic load test to determine whether the septic system’s absorption area is capable of handling the anticipated daily wastewater volume of the home buyer’s family.

For septic systems in Pennsylvania, this implies that the inspector must have received training and certification from the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association (PSMA), which has created a set of requirements for an objective septic system assessment.

Each PSMA septic system inspection finishes with the delivery of a thorough report.

However, while this analysis does not provide a guarantee, the findings drawn from it may be able to save you thousands of dollars in septic system repairs or replacement.

If you do not have a PSMA inspection and report, you run the danger of inheriting the financial burden of substantial septic system repairs or perhaps the installation of a whole new system completely.

Septic System Inspection vs. Home Inspection

Inspections of the inside and exterior of a home are performed by professionals who are well-versed in the identification of typical faults. They will inform you if there are any evident issues with the roof, windows, electrical system, interior plumbing, foundation, or any other visible components of the house. A house inspection, on the other hand, is just a visual assessment that is non-invasive. Consequently, house inspectors only report on the components of the home that they can physically see, and nothing else.

1. This implies that the septic system is not included in the scope of a standard house inspection.
2. There is a good chance that they may flush the toilets a few times to ensure that the system is not actively backing up, and they may even remove the cover from the septic tank (if they can find it).
3. How can a home inspector tell you what condition your septic tank is in if there isn’t a pump truck available to empty it?
4. Despite the fact that home inspectors are well-versed in many aspects of the property, they are neither equipped nor prepared to conduct a thorough examination of a septic system.
5. Rely on a PSMA inspector that specializes in septic systems to provide you with the most thorough and insightful septic system inspection available.

Septic System Inspection vs. Dye Test

Dyes are used in a dye test to check that wastewater is appropriately routed into the septic tank and not elsewhere on the land. Dyes are brightly colored and non-toxic, and they are safe to use. In layman’s terms, a dye test demonstrates that water can travel from point A to point B. At the time of a dye test, a technician will flush dye tablets down the toilet and down the drain, check to verify that the right wastewater sources are entering the septic tank, and walk about the property looking for dye.

In the absence of a dye test, it is impossible to determine the size or condition of a septic tank.

Dye tests provide little information on the operation of critical septic system components such as baffles, pumps, floats, and alarms, among others.

When purchasing a property, don’t take a chance on a future filled with septic system failures and expensive repairs.

For a complete septic system inspection, rely on the PSMA-certified inspectors at Hapchuk, Inc. to conduct the work for you. Our professionals will supply you with all of the information and help you want in order to confidently acquire a house that has a septic system installed.

Understand the Septic Inspection Process

There are certain distinctions in care, usage, and budgeting that you should be aware of, whether you’re a new homeowner with an existing septic system or considering about purchasing or building a home without sewer hookups. This document outlines three ways in which your budget will be affected if your wastewater is treated using a septic system. 1. You will not be required to budget for municipal sewer service. Because the municipal wastewater system normally processes all of the water, the cost of city sewage service is sometimes determined by how much water you purchase from the city.

1. A large number of homes with septic systems also rely on wells for fresh water rather than municipal water, which means you’ll likely save money in that department as well.
2. It is necessary to include septic maintenance in your budget.
3. Although you are not required to pay the city for the usage of your septic system, you will be responsible for the costs of maintenance if you want the system to continue to function properly.
4. It is possible that these maintenance and repair expenditures will build up over time, so you may want to consider setting up an emergency fund to cover any unforeseen repair bills.
5. You’ll also need to budget for the cost of a single inspection and begin saving for the cost of a tank pump.
6. Spreading the expenditures out over several months is the most effective budgeting strategy, even for an expense such as tank pumping that does not occur every year, because it allows you to better estimate the costs ahead of time.
7. You may need to set aside money for septic tank replacement.

The tank and leach field may not need to be replaced if you have a reasonably recent septic system and plan to sell your home within a few years.

If, on the other hand, your home’s septic system is more than a decade old, you’ll want to start looking into how much a new system would cost you as soon as possible.

For example, if the previous owners did not do routine maintenance or if the system was installed on clay soil, the system may need to be replaced.

It is a prudent decision to begin putting money aside in anticipation of this eventuality.

When you have a septic system, you may use these three strategies to budget differently.

Make an appointment with us right away if you’re searching for someone to pump out your septic tank or to complete an annual examination of your septic system. Our experts at C.E. Taylor and Son Inc. would be happy to assist you with any septic system assessment, maintenance, or repair needs.

Don’t Forget The Septic Inspection When Buying a House

Septic system inspection is mandatory if you are planning to purchase a property that contains a septic tank. There are several things that may go wrong with septic systems, and with any sort of system, there is the potential for various problems to arise. Is it necessary to have a septic examination performed before purchasing a home? Before closing on a home, you should find out if there is an issue with the septic system that has to be addressed. The problems that might arise with a septic system can range from basic repairs to extremely sophisticated replacements that can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more.

How The Septic System Works

A septic system installed on a home property can be used in place of a municipal sewer system in some cases. In the United States, 25 percent of residences have decentralized systems, also known as septic systems, which are permanent components of our nation’s wastewater infrastructure, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. It all starts with the sanitary pipe that runs from the home and delivers waste water to the septic tank at the bottom of the hill. This big container is normally composed of concrete, fiberglass or steel, although it can also be made of plastic or aluminum.

• This tank collects wastewater from the home and allows particles to settle to the bottom of the tank, where they form a “sludge” layer that can be seen on the bottom of the tank.
• This scum layer forms a seal, which helps to keep air out of the tank, allowing bacteria to grow in the tank below.
• The area between the sludge and the scum is referred to as the effluent area.
• A T-shaped outlet is located inside the tank, which allows effluent to flow into the leach field by gravity, while baffles prevent scum and particles from passing through the tank and into the leach field.
• This box permits the effluent to flow uniformly into the proper chambers of the leach field, therefore reducing the risk of contamination.
• The final outcome is the same regardless of the method employed: the delivery of effluent into the leach field.
• There are a variety of various alternatives available when it comes to the sorts of chambers that may be employed.
• Leaching’s ultimate goal is to enable effluent to trickle down into the subsoil, where microorganisms in the top layers of soil continue to break down elements from the tank.
• Leach Field in a Residential Setting As you can see, a septic system is involved in a great deal of activity.
• A large number of homeowners are completely unaware of the importance of providing continuous maintenance, care, and cleaning for their septic systems.
• The results of the examination will be used to decide whether or not the tank needs to be emptied.

The cost of inspection and pumping might range between $300 and $500, depending on the location and size of the tank. The cost of maintenance is substantially less than the cost of repair or, in the worst case scenario, replacement of the equipment.

The Septic Inspection

If you’re doing the inspection as part of a house purchase, you’ll want to synchronize the scheduling of this test with the date of your regular property inspection to ensure that both tests are completed at the same time. Thus, if there are any issues with the plumbing systems of the home, these may be brought to the notice of the home inspector and documented in the inspection report. Additionally, grouping these inspections together will help you stay on schedule for any inspection contingency-related deadlines that you may be up against in the future.

At this point, you’ll be gathering documentation and obtaining answers to any queries you may have in preparation for the real inspection.

Because the system is underground, no examination can locate everything without excavating, which is unfeasible given the system’s location.

Here is a list of questions you should be prepared to answer before the inspection begins:

• Is it possible that the system has ever been pumped? This one is significant since it is the only genuine maintenance issue that the seller would be required to have completed
• It is also the most expensive. The seller’s knowledge of the location of the septic system is critical because if the seller does not know where the septic system is located, it is doubtful that they have performed continuous maintenance. Septic System Location Map – Regardless of whatever institution is in charge of supervising septic systems in your region, they should have a map of the septic system location given by the original home builder on hand. This is a critical piece of documentation for the septic inspection. It should not only display the position of the tank, but also the location of the leach field and the number of leaching Chambers
• If there is any available history on the system’s maintenance – for example, something like:

• The frequency with which the system has been pumped
• What type of contractor was employed
• Obtain any maintenance records that may exist
• Have there been any issues
• If so, have they been resolved?

• Where have all the covers gone? -Manhole coverings should be installed over the tank’s chambers to prevent water from entering the tank. This will be the method through which the technician will get access to the tank in order to test and/or clean it.

Putting together this information will serve two purposes: first, it will assist the technician who will be inspecting the system in knowing what to check for, and second, it will provide you with an understanding of how the house seller maintained the system.

The On Site Inspection

After arriving at the residence, the technician will attempt to determine whether or not the sanitary pipe used to transport liquid to the system is functional and in good working order by conducting a flow test on the pipe. As part of this test, you will need to turn on all of your water faucets in your home to add or charge your system with enough water to sustain as many people as the system was designed to support for 24 hours, which is often several hundred gallons. If there is little or no water flowing into the tank, it is likely that there is an issue with the plumbing in the residence or with the sanitary line that has to be addressed.

• If this is the case, an asewer line inspection may be required for the line.
• The opposite is true if the water in the tank rises rapidly, which indicates that a problem is occurring downstream.
• The flow test is the most important phase of the septic system inspection because it examines so many different parts of the system and ensures that the liquids are going through the system in the proper direction as intended.
• A significant percentage of those solids will convert into sludge and settle at the bottom of the tank, even though it is intended that they remain in the tank until they are pumped out.
• Once this is completed, they resume pumping the tank until they reach the underlying sludge layer, at which time they take another reading.
• If this is not the case, the technician will be on the lookout for larger difficulties in the leach field at a later stage.
• It is critical to keep the sediments and scum out of the distribution area and leach field to avoid contamination.

The leach field will be the final place that the technician will inspect.

They will be looking for any moist locations where water may be lingering, as well as smelling for any nasty orders that may have been generated by difficulties.

if the probe holes rapidly fill with water, it is quite likely that there is a malfunction with the system The distribution box of a septic system is another location of possible failure in a septic system.

Settlement or blockage of the distribution box are the most common causes of distribution box problems.

As you can see, there is a vast range of possible issues that might arise with a private home septic system, which you should be aware of.

Over 10% of all systems back up into homes or have wastewater seeping through the ground surface, according to data from the United States Census Bureau collected in 1995.

The United States Census Bureau conducted a survey in 1995.

You want to find out if there are any possible concerns with the property before you close on it. Including the testing of the septic system in the inspection process gives you the opportunity to engage the house seller in any later repairs through the use of an inspection objection contingency.

Additional Resources

• Bill Gassett discusses the Massachusetts Title 5 Septic System Law
• Luke Skar discusses home inspection tips for buyers. Find out how to analyze home inspection priorities with the help of the Shelhamer Group. The Ultimate Home Buyers Timeline – Danny Margagliano
• The Ultimate Home Buyers Timeline

Don’t ‘Waste’ Time Putting It Off: Get Your Septic System Inspected

In our minds, a world in which every real estate transaction is straightforward, certain, and rewarding is what we are working toward. As a result, we strive to maintain high standards of journalistic integrity in all of our postings. When you get your septic system examined, it may seem a little like going to the doctor: you know it’s required for the system’s health, but you’re afraid of what the report may disclose. In any case, just like it is with your own health, it is preferable to be aware of what is going on so that you may take action to treat any small difficulties before they develop into severe problems.

Source (resized): (John Coley/Flickr viaCreative Commons Legal Code) Original image:

The ins and outs of septic systems

While country living has many advantages, homeowners who are accustomed to country living understand that with that independence comes a great deal of responsibility. One of those obligations is the upkeep of your septic system, which is necessary because most rural properties are served by a “well and septic” system rather than municipal water and sewer. In reality, as many as one in every five families in the United States get their water from a well and relies on a septic system for wastewater disposal.

Septic systems may be divided into two categories: conventional and alternative systems.

When using the gravity system, gravity is relied upon to carry effluent through the tank and into a leach field, as is the case with most systems.

It is employed in modern systems because it distributes the water more uniformly over the drainfield than older systems.

• Farmers and ranchers have various advantages, but they also understand that with a little freedom comes a great deal of responsibility. The upkeep of your septic system is one of those tasks because most rural properties are served by a “well and septic” system rather than city water and sewer services. In reality, one in every five houses in the United States obtains its water from a well and disposes of waste via a septic system. As recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, such homes should have their waste management systems examined every one to three years (EPA). Septic systems may be classified into two categories: conventional and alternative. Gravity distribution systems and pressure distribution systems are two types of conventional systems that can be found in use. When using the gravity system, gravity is relied on to carry effluent through the tank and into a leach field, which is the most common configuration. It takes a pump to accomplish the task of pressure distribution. Due to the fact that it distributes more uniformly over the drainfield, it is being employed in new systems. There are a variety of alternatives, such as:

When it comes to systems that include pumps, electrical float switches, or mechanical components, the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors suggests that you get your system checked once a year. You needn’t be concerned if it seems a bit frightening (or pricey). This nasty task required extensive investigation, which included speaking with a (drain) industry specialist as well as a top-tier agent to get the skinny on what was involved.

Septic tank inspections examine these features

Ingrid Williams is a top-producing agent in Iowa, having worked on 73 percent more single-family houses than the typical West Des Moines agent in the same period. The state of Iowa mandates septic inspections at the time of a property transfer, according to the representative. “The goal is to completely eradicate septic system contamination,” she explains further. Septic system inspectors will examine three components of the system: the septic tank, the distribution box, and the leach field. It is possible for the system to pass inspection if all three components are in proper working order and are structurally sound.

You may have a “as-built” design or sketch that was created during the permitting process, but some of the older sketches from years ago are a little.

Using a tiny radio transmitter flushed down the toilet, a licensed inspector—whether a private contractor, a representative from the Health Department, or a wastewater professional—can pinpoint the location of the subterranean storage tank in question.

(The transmitter will be removed after the tank has been identified.) Following the determination of the location of your system, the inspector can begin his or her investigation. The following are the activities that the inspector would do next:

• Ingrid Williams is a top-producing realtor in Iowa, having sold 73 percent more single-family houses than the typical agent in West Des Moines. As she explains, when property is transferred in Iowa, septic inspections must be performed. As she points out, “the goal is to eliminate septic system contamination.” Septic system inspectors will examine three components of the system: the septic tank, the distribution box, and the leach field (or leach field). It is possible that the system will pass inspection if all three components are in proper working order and are structurally sound. Septic systems are located by the inspector as a first step. You may have a “as-built” design or sketch that was created during the permitting process, but some of the older sketches from years ago are a little. hazy, with ambiguous distances and few or long-gone markers to guide you through the project. Using a tiny radio transmitter flushed down the toilet, a licensed inspector—whether a private contractor, a representative from the Health Department, or a wastewater professional—can pinpoint the location of the hidden tank. This transmitter will be deleted after the tank has been identified.) In order to investigate your system, the inspector must first determine where it is located. The following steps would be taken by the inspector:

(Photo courtesy of Paul Green / Unsplash)

Common septic inspection findings and repair costs

The average professional septic system check costs between $100 and $250 and takes between two and three hours to conduct, depending on the company. If the inspector is required to uncover the tank, the cost of the inspection might increase from $50 to $250, depending on the depth of the unit. Keep in mind that some repairs may be more expensive during the winter in colder areas due to the difficulty of gaining access to the site. As Phelps points out, the cost is equivalent to what city inhabitants pay for water and sewer, except the fee for septic inspections and cleanings comes in one lump sum rather than spaced out over the course of a year as the bill for water and sewer does.

Cracked tank

Most professional septic system inspections range in price from $100 to $250 and take two to three hours to accomplish in the majority of cases. According on the depth of the tank, it may be necessary to expose it, which may add an additional $50 to $250 to the final price. Keep in mind that some repairs, particularly in colder areas, may be more expensive over the winter since access is more difficult. As Phelps points out, the cost is equivalent to what city inhabitants pay for water and sewage, except the charge for septic inspections and cleanings comes in one lump sum rather than spread out over the course of a year as the fee for water and sewer is.

Damaged wall

Septic tank walls can be damaged by shifting ground (such as during an earthquake), exposure to the weather, or invasive tree roots growing through the tank. Leaks are frequently caused by cracks or holes in the wall. Repairs can range in price from $500 to $4,000, depending on the amount of the damage.

Faulty D-box

The Distribution Box is in charge of controlling the flow of wastewater into the leach field. A damaged component will result in complications down the road. The cost of replacement is often between $500 and $1,500. A concrete D-box should have a lifespan of 20 years, but tree roots, damage from heavy gear, and sludge buildup can all lower that time frame significantly. Signs of a failing box may appear to be similar to those of a clogged septic tank or a clogged drain field.

Pump failure

The septic tank pump aids in the movement of effluent to the drain field and out to the drain field. These degrade with time and must be changed every few years, at a cost of $500 to $1,500 per unit.

Invasive roots

The roots of trees or bushes that are planted too close together might actually grow into the septic tank or into the pipes. The expense of removing the roots ranges from $1,000 to $5,000. If the roots have damaged the tank and it needs to be repaired, the costs might quickly climb.

Although tree roots can occasionally be cut, Phelps notes that when they are established or huge, it is more probable that the pipes will need to be dug out and rebuilt. “It’s likely that they’ve already been broken by the roots.”

System is too small for the home

Water on the ground surface indicates that the septic system is too small for the home. If the system is too small, it will rapidly get overloaded. The size of a septic system is determined by the number of bedrooms in a house; for example, a four-bedroom house would require a 1,200-gallon tank. A 1,200-gallon tank installation might cost anything between $1,200 and $1,600.

Baffles clogged or not connected to the tank’s inlet and outlet pipes

Baffles keep scum and filth from accumulating in the pipes and causing blockages to form. Over time, they may get broken or damaged, or they may just begin to wear. Repairing an outlet baffle might cost anywhere between $150 and $600.

Low bacteria level

Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs) break down waste by utilizing oxygen and microorganisms. When the amount of bacteria in the tank is low (which is generally the consequence of the tank not being utilized for a long period of time), the system’s effectiveness suffers. From $350 to $650, microorganisms may be added to a tank of water.

Swampy Drain/Leach Field

An area of your septic system known as a drain field or leach field is responsible for returning waste water to the earth. A clue that the field is not operating correctly is when the grass turns marshy or has a terrible odour. According to Williams, “standing water along the laterals is a significant problem.” Repair or rejuvenation of a leach field normally costs between $1,500 and $5,000 and entails pumping the field to remove excess water and blockages before introducing bacteria and enzymes to rejuvenate the field’s ecosystem.

Drain field replacement can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 on average, depending on the size of your drain field.

“If it’s draining back in for an excessive amount of time, it’s a sign that the finger system is malfunctioning.”

Tank overflows

Neither the amount of sludge on the bottom of the tank nor the height of the sludge beyond the level of the baffles should exceed one-third of the tank’s entire volume. If your septic tank is overflowing and has to be emptied, the cost can range from $250 to $895. If the problem is more serious, such as invading tree roots, the cost is likely to rise significantly as a result.

Septic tank doesn’t drain

If the tank is full of water yet won’t drain, it’s most likely due to a clog. It is possible that the tank or the lines have been blocked with sludge or have been invaded by tree roots. Phelps employs high-pressure water to unclog obstructions from time to time. The average cost of a remedy ranges from $250 to $10,000, depending on the severity of the problem. For example, changing a baffle can be as little as $150, but replacing a lateral line will likely cost $2,000 or more. If you have to replace an entire leach field, be prepared to shell out a minimum of $20,000 in repairs.

Sinking ground around the tank

Sinking earth or a sinkhole in the vicinity of a septic tank is frequently caused by a leak in the septic tank or the pipes leading to the leach field, among other things.

Depending on the precise source of the problem, which might be rusted pipes, a broken tank, a blockage or other damage to the leach field, the cost of repairing it could range from $1,000 to $10,000.

Leach field leakage

It is possible that a leach field with a leak at one end is caused by damage to the tank or the connection, or that there is some form of obstruction. The cost of rejuvenation – removing surplus water from the field before introducing beneficial bacteria and enzymes to renew the system — is normally between $1,500 and $5,000, but the cost of fixing a leak in the leach field ranges from $1,500 to $20,000. (Photo courtesy of Elvie Lins / Unsplash)

When septic inspections are required and who pays

In accordance with the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors’ recommendations, homeowners should schedule an annual examination of their septic system. In addition, if the house is for sale, they recommend that you get it inspected by a professional. In reality, it is possible that an inspection will be necessary prior to closing. Williams recommends her clients to get their septic system inspected before putting their home on the market, and to make certain that they have a final letter from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) stating that the septic system has passed inspection.

• Other times, they are required by state or municipal governments.
• As part of the deed transfer process, your state will inform you if a septic inspection is required.
• In Iowa, according to Williams, the seller is typically responsible for the inspection fee, though this is negotiable.
• Even if it is not mandated by law or loan terms, a seller may be obliged to have their septic system tested if a home inspector notices symptoms of possible problems with the system.

When problems are discovered, the seller must decide whether to pay for repairs or replacement, find a cash buyer for an as-is sale, set up an escrow holdback in which the seller puts as much as 1.5 times the estimated cost of repair into escrow, or reduce the sale price of your home to reflect the work that will need to be done — as well as to account for the inconvenience of the situation.

According to Williams, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources must authorize any as-is sales in the state.

In either case, the seller will be required to replace the system, or the buyer’s lender will be required to approve an escrow holdback for the purpose of replacing it.

As an example, if a seller’s septic system is estimated to cost $20,000 to replace, the lender will request that $30,000 of the sale proceeds be kept in escrow by the lender.

The seller will receive the monies back once the septic system has been constructed and the local board of health has given its permission.

Don’t be a skeptic about your septic system

Most of the time, septic systems are effective when they are properly maintained. As long as they are properly maintained, they can endure for 25 years or longer without needing to be repaired or replaced. General rule of thumb is that septic tank pumping should be done about once every three to five years, depending on the size of your household, the size of your tank, and a few other factors, such as the drainfield’s proximity to rainwater runoff areas or large trees, and the amount of time you use your septic system.

“Something has to be done to put things right.