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Septic Tank Inspection

Septic tank inspection is a vital component to the septic system maintenance program. A septic tank inspection should be scheduled to coincide with your septic tank pumping service. Realtors recommend septic tank inspections as part of the escrow process, and it is a wise course of action when purchasing a new property. Faulty septic tanks and emergencies require septic tank inspections as well.

Topics About Septic Tank Inspection

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Septic tank inspection

Why do I need a Septic Tank Inspection?

If you want to maintain a healthy septic system, you will want to anticipate septic system inspections in your future. This is a factor to consider as well if you plan on relocating to a rural area that uses septic tanks. Septic system inspections are important to ensure the septic tank and its mechanisms are in working order.

Regularly inspecting the septic tank can prevent major septic system repairs down the line. Maintenance of the septic system, including septic tank pumping helps to ensure the integrity and longevity that everything is in working order. This helps to prevent backups and other emergency repairs by catching potential issues early.

Should I get a Septic Tank Inspection prior to purchasing a property?

Yes! The answer is always yes. Purchasing a home or commercial property is a huge investment. While not part of a standard home inspection, an independent septic system inspection prior to the purchase can ease a lot of pressure and fears for potential buyers. A septic system inspection helps one anticipate whether costly repairs are in their future, and may make a difference in the negotiation process when buying a property. Be sure to request that a dye test be conducted during the inspection as an added safeguard against cracks or leaks.

It is as simple as reaching out to your real estate agent and requesting a septic system inspection. Once the inspection is complete, it is standard to receive a written inspection report and most times is accompanied with a recording of camera inspections of the septic system.

real estate escrow and the existence of a septic systems
Septic Tank inspection report

What will my Septic Tank Inspection report include?

If you are a prospective buyer of a property with a septic tank and you have requested a septic tank inspection, after it is completed you will receive a written report. The septic inspection report will include valuable information:

  • The septic tank size and material.
  • It will include a detailed description on the on the condition of the septic system.
  • Identifiable septic system concerns.
  • Suggestions for any septic system maintenance services.
  • Recommendations for septic repair with a description of the job.
  • An estimate for the cost of septic repair or maintenance service like hydro jetting or descaling.
  • Oftentimes internal septic system pictures or sewer line camera footage.

How to Inspect a Septic System:

Unless you have experience with septic systems and know what you are looking for, it is best to hire a professional to conduct the septic system inspection. When conducting the inspection, things the technician will review are:

  • Conditions of septic pipes.
  • Dye test (this checks for possible septic system leaks).
  • Efficacy of the septic tank.
  • Fluid levels being housed in the septic tank.
  • Septic leach field analysis.

Septic inspections start with a visual review of the observable portions of the septic system. The technician is keeping an eye out for any breaks, pooling of water and signs of septic system back up.

When the inspector is finished the next step is to run a sewer line camera through the septic mainline to check on the condition of the pipes for the septic system. We will also identify the level of fluids in the septic tank. While the camera is inside the septic tank the technician will check on the integrity of the septic tank.

The next phase of the camera inspection is to review the outlet pipe that carries wastewater from the septic tank to the leach fields. Camera inspections also check for septic line buildup, breaks in the septic pipes and root intrusions.

The final component to the inspection is to ensure the septic drain fields are in proper working order. It is highly important the leach fields are in good condition. The technician will be on the lookout for any sewage build up or breaks in the septic system.

When the inspection is completed you will be notified of any concerns regarding your septic system. If there are recommendations for repair due to a failed septic tank inspection, the technician should provide valuable information as to the cause of the damage and what the septic system repair cost will be.

The best answer at the end of a septic tank inspection is a report that the septic system has passed and is in good working order!

how to inspect a septic system
Septic system dye test

What is a septic system dye test?

A dye test is often one of the components to the septic inspection. The dye test will check for any slow draining fixtures. It will also check if there are any leaks in the septic system. It is a common request during a real estate inspection. A dye test is commonly recommended if there are wet spots near the leach fields and other areas of the septic system.

How does a dye test work?

Fluorescent dye is introduced to the septic system through a toilet or one of the drains. It will run through the septic system. If the septic has proper flow and grade it will usually surface in about 20-30 minutes. If there are any cracks or leaks, the dye will rise to the surface and reveal insufficiencies in the system and the inspection will fail. Dye surfacing is usually an indication that a component of the septic system will need to be repaired or replaced. The inspector will make recommendations for any needed septic system repair as well as any septic repair cost.

how does a septic dye test work
benefits of a septic tank inspection

What are the benefits of a Septic Tank Inspection?

  • One reward that comes with a passing septic inspection is peace of mind. An effectively working septic system is a valuable asset.
  • Catching potential septic backups early can prevent major repairs down the road. You will save money over the long run. Septic system inspection cost can be seen as an investment.
  • You will ensure the effectiveness of your plumbing & septic systems.
  • If you are considering selling your property, it will add to the value of your home.
  • Buying property with a septic tank? You will know what you are getting yourself into with the full condition of your new investment! You will be able to refrain from unwise purchases or negotiate appropriately.

What is the cost of a Septic Tank Inspection near me?

There are different factors that affect the pricing variance on septic inspection pricing. Some companies will include a septic inspection cost with a regularly scheduled septic pumping cost while others might separate the cost of the pumping from the inspection. Sometimes all you need is an inspection but not the pumping like in the instance of warning signs that something is wrong or you need a real estate inspection.

If you are getting septic tank inspection in Fresno or Madera counties a general price range of $350.00 - $850.00 is average.

Call a few different companies and get pricing from them prior to scheduling the routine maintenance and inspection. This will help to spare any shock at the total bill. It is also good to know exactly what services are included in the pricing.

septic tank inspection near me
how long does a septic tank inspection take

How long does a Septic Tank Inspection take?

A through septic inspection will take 1 – 2 hours depending on the scope of the inspection performed and the condition of the septic system. If you are getting your septic tank pumped at the same time, prepare to allow for up to an additional hour for the septic tank pumping.

Can I skip a Septic Tank Inspection between septic tank pumping?

Of course you can choose to skip a septic tank inspection in between your services, though we do not recommend it. Since septic tank pumping only occurs every few years the services should coincide. Septic tank inspection cost can be considered an investment in the continued functionality of your septic tank system.

skip a septic tank inspection
skip septic tank pumping

Can I skip septic tank pumping in between inspections?

Pumping the septic tank is usually a part of the septic inspection so they are likely to occur simultaneously. There are times an inspection can be conducted and the septic tank does not necessarily need to be pumped out. For instance, you might notice wet spots in or around the leach field and just need a basic dye test conducted, which technically is part of the inspection and depending on septic tank level, the tank won't always need to be pumped at this time.

Septic Tank Inspection near me?

There are a number of septic service companies located throughout the San Joaquin Valley of Central California! Farmlands and countryside abound in our agricultural region. There is not a municipal sewer pipeline in our rural areas, so septic systems are commonly on these properties.

Conduct an internet search for septic pumping companies near me. It's likely there will be a variety of companies to choose from. Read their reviews, call them first, and be confident with your selection.

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