In order to understand the full scope of what constitutes a full septic inspection, it is necessary to have an understanding of what exactly a septic system actually is. This process of pumping out human waste and excreting it in a container known as a septic tank is what makes up a septic system. The septic tank itself is comprised of layers of materials that will allow the waste to be transported from the septic tank to a specific location or drain field. The waste then exits back into the earth where it awaits to be recovered.
When it comes to a full septic inspection, there are three main things that need to be examined. First of all, the condition of the septic lining that is located below the soil surface needs to be determined. If this lining has sustained any damage, cracks, or sunken areas in the material, then the septic system will not function properly. Additionally, the condition of the actual septic tank itself also needs to be examined. This is important because often the older septic system tanks are located below the ground level and therefore pose much more of a threat if problems were to occur with them.
Another key thing to examine is the actual drainage fields themselves. These are typically located on the property’s roof and around the boundaries of the property. They should be thoroughly checked for any cracks, holes, or other types of damages that could compromise the flow of sewage. Additionally, these areas should be thoroughly cleaned of any debris and must be totally sanitized in order for full functionality to be retained. The inspection report itself will contain detailed information about the condition of the various components, so it is important to thoroughly read through it before moving forward with any type of repairs. If there is a discrepancy between the information contained in the inspection report and the information that you observe with your own eyes, then the repairs that you make should be questioned.
There are a few different methods that can be used when performing a full inspection of a septic tank. Some people opt to go with the more traditional method of simply putting on top of the tanks themselves and checking them from above. While this is an effective way to perform the inspection, it can be rather difficult to ascertain whether or not the tanks are actually full of sewage.
A much more convenient method is for a licensed professional to do the inspection for you. In this case, he or she can take all of the necessary steps to ascertain whether or not the tanks are full, and if they are full, to recommend adjustments that will help improve the condition of the system. Many times the problem that develops is not with the actual pipes themselves, but rather with a drain field that is being blocked by accumulated sludge or debris. An inspection conducted by someone who is familiar with these drains is far less likely to locate problems with the tanks themselves, as the inspection is done mostly from above.
Of course, the cost of hiring someone to perform a full inspection can be quite high, especially if you find that the location where you live has a history of sewage backing up into residential zones. In these cases, you may prefer to have the entire septic system inspected and repaired before you ever have to worry about the possibility of septic issues. There are companies that offer their own line of in-home sewage monitoring services, so you don’t have to worry about spending money if you decide that you want to do your own septic maintenance monitoring instead.