Hi, it’s Mark Reynolds, here to talk about the importance of septic system inspection, including the septic drain field.
Municipalities are requiring septic inspections more and more these days. And for good reason: an unwitting new homeowner with a failed system could be faced with an expense of $4,000 to $15,000, and even as high as $30,000. Not to mention, improperly functioning systems negatively impact the health of our water supply.
How It Works
Septic systems separate the solids from the liquid waste. This requires a series of baffles that prevent the solids from entering the next chamber of the septic tank, and then the last baffle leaving the septic tank, flowing out to the liquid waste drainage structures.
The Septic System Inspection Process
A complete inspection requires both the primary and secondary septic tank access covers be exposed, as well as the distribution box and/or dry well access cover. Check the wall baffle separating the primary and secondary side of the septic tank, to insure it is intact. The outgoing baffle is attached on the inside of the septic tank on the outgoing drainage line. This prevents solids from entering the drainage structure, which consists of the drain field pipes or a dry well.
The inspector should photograph all structures. During the process, the inspector may notice the structures are eroding, or the drainage structures are full of water or a black substance. These are signs the system has failed or is failing.
Further Action
After cleaning all the structures, adding the proper amount of Septic Drainer directly in the drainage structures can restore the soil’s ability to drain again. Adding Bio-Septic Boost will increase the ability of aerobic bacteria that will consume any excessive organic material, such as bio-mat.
And remember: We strongly recommend inspecting your system every five years. In addition, do not forget to have your system pumped every two years.
To learn more about Bio-Septic Boost, visit its dedicated product website.
It’s alarming to know that a homeowner with a failed septic tank system could spend $4,000-$30,000 to have it remedied. That is why it is important to have your septic tank inspected periodically to have it repaired immediately if it has any issues. We recently moved into a home with a septic system, so I will definitely take note of this tip of yours. Thank you.