SEPTIC INSPECTIONS

A septic tank inspection and cleaning is a smart move before buying a new home. While not mandatory in CT, many banks do require a septic inspection before they will approve your loan.

We get it. Between the inspections, deposits and moving expenses, the upfront costs of buying a new home can really add up. We definitely don't recommend skipping a septic tank inspection to save a little money though. We've been called many times because a new buyer began having septic problems not long after moving into a new home; problems that a simple inspection of the system may have located prior to closing, meaning the seller could have contributed to or paid for the repairs rather than the buyer.

Sellers - We won't interrupt your daily routine at all. In fact, the inspection will take place while you are out of the house.

Buyers - We recommend you attend the inspection along with your real estate agent. One of our inspectors will be sure to greet you and then go over the inspection results with the utmost professionalism and courtesy.

SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION

OTHER REASONS YOU MAY NEED A SEPTIC INSPECTION

INDOOR PROBLEMS

Sluggish and weak flushing toilets, slow draining sinks and unpleasant odors are all possible signs of a problem.

WET & LUSH DRAINFIELD

Puddles of water or unusually lush grass over your drainfield are also signs of a potential problem that may require an inspection to identify.

REMODELS & ADDITIONS

You'll want to make sure your septic system can handle the updates, and verify the locations so you don't accidentally build over your tank or drainfield.

WHAT'S A SEPTIC INSPECTION?

An inspection includes a walk-through of the yard above the septic system, as well as flushing toilets and running faucet to surge the system and check for leaks or other problems. It also includes checking the inside of your septic tank. The tank is typically pumped out, the drainfield monitored for backflow, and the pipes running to the house are inspected for blockages.

SIGNS YOU NEED A SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION

Septic tanks usually don't experience sudden breakdowns. In most cases, there will be warning signs before more significant problems occur. Here are some common indicators that a septic system needs a professional inspection:

Bad Smells

Foul odors are often the first sign of trouble. In the early stages of a septic problem, you might notice bad smells outside. Smelly wastewater can seep into surface waters, polluting lawns and causing health hazards. Later stages can lead to bad smells indoors as the backflow of water pushes waste into your drains. Wastewater contamination is a major problem, and homeowners should quickly schedule an inspection to avoid health risks.

Clogged Drains

Every drain in a house eventually connects to a single pipe leading to the septic tank. If sinks or shower drains seem slow, they could be backed up by septic issues. An overfilled tank could have a high sludge level, resulting in gurgling noises or pooling water. Routine septic inspections can help you avoid drain problems before they become serious.

Wet Grass

Septic tanks are buried underground. When they work properly, you shouldn't notice any difference between the area with the tank and other parts of the lawn. But a leaking or malfunctioning tank might cause wet grass or muddy patches. You may even notice patches of grass that are extra green and lush due to wastewater in the soil. A leaking tank can destroy lawns and spread toxic wastewater. Schedule an inspection as soon as you notice signs of a leak to prevent worse issues.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD A SEPTIC INSPECTION BE DONE?

Planning regular septic inspections can help you catch problems early and avoid costly breakdowns. Most homes should have septic tank inspections done every 3 to 5 years. Inspections should be done more often if the home's daily wastewater volume is very high or if there's a history of septic problems. Homeowners or prospective buyers can check maintenance records to learn more about past septic issues. If you are selling or buying a home, your real estate agent should be able to tell you if the lender requires a current septic tank inspection report.

TYPES OF SEPTIC INSPECTIONS

Septic inspections fall into two categories: visual inspections and full inspections.

Visual Septic Inspections

Visual inspections are less comprehensive than full inspections but are still helpful. During a visual inspection, the technician checks all indoor and outdoor drains. This includes flushing toilets, running showers, and turning on faucets to make sure all drains are working properly.

Next, the technician checks the drain field. Drain fields let water safely leave the septic tank and filter back into the environment. When working properly, a drain field is safe and sanitary. But if there's standing water, the tank could be malfunctioning and leaking hazardous waste. Drain field issues often indicate bigger septic problems, which is why full inspections are necessary if there are visual signs of problems.

Full Septic Inspections

A full inspection includes the same steps as a visual inspection but goes one step further. After checking the drain field, the technician opens the septic tank itself.

During this process, the technician determines if the tank is draining correctly. High water levels could be a sign the tank has drainage problems, leading to drain field issues. If there are any problems, your technician will explain the issue and help you understand the repair process. Finally, the tank is pumped to remove sludge from the bottom. This ensures the tank has room for more wastewater, letting it work properly until the next inspection.

Buying a house? Congratulations!
We also recommend a sewer line inspection.

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WE'VE GOT YOUR BACK

ADB Construction & Septic specializes in septic system inspections, and we have the experience to guide you through the repair and maintenance process regardless of what issues may arise.

Our Inspections Include:

DETAILED REPORT OF CURRENT CONDITION OF SEPTIC SYSTEM
DIAGRAM WITH MEASUREMENTS
RECOMMENDED REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE