Here is what you can expect from an official Title V Inspection – the inspector will:
- conduct an interview with the property owner
- research the paperwork for your property at your city
- survey the general size of the building or list a summary of the number of bedrooms
- inspects the connection from the house/building to the system
- inspects the inlet/outlet of the septic tank
- examines the integrity of the tank
- measures the liquid/contents of the tank
- examines the integrity of the distribution box
- measures the liquid/contents of the distribution box
- checks the soil absorption system (SAS) condition
- checks the relation of the system’s water table to the SAS
- examines the integrity of the pipes using a special “sewer cam” (Septic Inspector specialty service, not required by the state)
- provides a professional document including all findings and a detailed sketch of the system
Yes, this type of inspection is called a Voluntary Assessment. All of the same steps in the above inspection detail will be taken. A Voluntary Assessment is a great way to find out more about your own septic system. The Septic Inspector highly recommends this to our clients as a means of properly maintaining, upgrading and repairing your system to prolong its life. Ask us about additional services we can provide to ensure the proper working of your septic system.
Absolutely not. A proper septic inspection requires that your system be inspected under “normal use conditions” for a minimum of 2 weeks or more.
The Septic Inspector’s team is very respectful to the landscaping of your home or property. In order to minimize the amount of physical work required to perform your inspection, we use state-of-the-art locating equipment that helps us to locate your system components. We also use a specialized “sewer cam” to let us inspect your pipes without having to dig them up. Any sod that needs to be removed is cut carefully and laid on tarps so it can be neatly replaced when your inspection is complete.
You should first get a copy of the As-Built and Design Plans and/or HHE200 of your new system from the Installer or the designer. These plans will help The Septic Inspector to provide more effective service to you in the future, should any repairs be required. It is also helpful to have a diagram of your new septic system in the event of any future landscaping projects, parking places, driveways or other renovations to your home or property. You should also contact The Septic Inspector to set up a Preventative Maintenance Plan to keep your new system running effectively and efficiently. Another great tip is to add a laundry lint filter to your washing machine to protect your new system.
The answer to this question will depend greatly upon usage. On average, a family of four that lives in a three-bedroom house will need to get their tank pumped every 2-5 years. Your best bet is to find out more about The Septic Inspector’s Preventative Maintenance Program to stay on top of your system, helping you to get your tank pumped only as-needed.
Most municipal and State codes do not allow you to build anything on top of your septic tank or leach field. The Septic Inspector does not advise building any pools, driveways, additions or other items over top of your system. We also suggest strongly that you do not build or plant landscaping on top of your drainfield.
You should never open your septic tank. While today’s systems are safe for you and your family, opening a tank without benefit of professional training can expose everyone to dangerous bacteria and gases. Your best bet is to contact a certified, professional service, such as The Septic Inspector, if you suspect any problems occurring within your system.
Yes, please view our Do’s and Don’ts page within our Education section.
Please contact us direct for information about the services offered at The Septic Inspector, as well as pricing information and our popular Preventative Maintenance Program.