10 Point Septic Inspection
Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011Below is an explanation of each point evaluated during Southern Water and Soil’s 10 Point Service Check which will be detailed on your work order document. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns regarding the results of your 10 Point Service Check.
1. Depth of Lid- A measurement of how deep under the ground the lid of the septic tank is. Service lids that are below grade may result in extra digging and locating charges at the time of your septic service. If the depth of your tank is 1 foot or more, you may want to consider installing a riser which brings the lid to grade.
2. Condition of Lid- An assessment of the physical integrity of the service lid of the septic tank. The service lid provides access to the septic tank and a secure seal when in place preventing foreign matter such as dirt, rocks, etc. from entering the tank. A lid in poor condition is a safety hazard and increases the risk of infiltration and potential collapse. It is important to replace a damaged lid as soon as possible.
3. Size of Opening- A measurement of the service access point of the septic tank. Usually there are three openings on a septic tank; two small baffle inspection openings (approx. 5”) and one large main opening (approx. 30”). The service of your septic tank must be performed through the main lid to ensure adequate access. Service should only be performed through any smaller inspection port at the customer’s direction.
4. Scum Blanket Depth- A measurement of the amount of floatables present at top of septic tank. If the scum mat on top of the tank becomes too thick this material can be carried out to the drainfield which may cause irreversible damage to your system. Scum blankets exceeding 6” in depth indicate a need to increase pumping frequency.
5. Sludge Depth- A measurement of the amount of solids present at the bottom of the tank. Solids will also begin to enter the drainfield if they become too thick, which may also cause irreversible damage to your system. Sludge levels exceeding 10” in depth indicates a need to increase pumping frequency.
6. Water Run Back From Drainfield- An observation of water flowing back into the tank from the drainfield during pumping. If this is seen, it may be an indication of a damage drainfield. A more in-depth assessment of the septic system will be performed by Southern Water and Soil, Inc.
7. Water Flow From House/ Building- An observation of water flowing into the tank from the property. Southern Water and Soil’s technician will ask you to flush a toilet in your home to confirm an unimpeded flow into the septic tank. A poor flow from the property may indicate a clog and if not addressed, could result in unsanitary back-up conditions. Jetting or snaking the line may be considered to address this problem.
8. Sewage Over Drainfield- An observation of sewage on ground over the drainfield. This is usually observed in conjunction with run back from the drainfield and is an indication of an over saturated drainfield. A more in depth assessment will be performed by Southern Water and Soil, Inc.
9. Inlet Baffle- An observation of the condition of the inlet baffle inside of the septic tank. The inlet baffle directs incoming sewage downward below the liquid level minimizing disruption of the liquid and solid layers inside the tank. A broken and/ or missing inlet baffle needs to be repaired ASAP in order for the tank to function properly.
10. Outlet Baffle- An observation of the condition of the outlet baffle inside of the septic tank. The outlet baffle prevents the scum mat and retained solids from entering the drainfield. A broken and/or missing baffle needs to be repaired ASAP in order to maintain the integrity of the drainfield.
