5 Reasons to have Your Septic System Inspected by a Professional
- Many people are not familiar with their septic system.
- Home inspectors do not normally inspect the septic system.
- Most people are unsure as to when a septic system should be pumped out.
- Septic systems today can be the most expensive component of a home.
- Today’s septic systems are more complex, more temperamental, and need more attention in order to function properly.
State Law And Your Septic System
- We comply with all state and local laws.
- We are proactive not reactive.
- We can save you time costly repairs by doing it right the first time.
Title Transfers
Any time there is a transfer of title (home sale); the septic system should be inspected.
- This inspection will allow the seller a chance to bring the system back up to operating standards prior to changing the title.
- Full Disclosure is of the upmost importance from a realtor’s perspective and a septic system inspection reveals much about one of the most expensive components of the home.
- This inspection will give the new owners a base line in which to judge performance over the life of the septic system.
Pumping a septic system that has not been properly inspected does not ensure a septic system is working properly. Pumping the septic tank is only one component of the maintenance needed on septic systems.
At Ace Acme Septic Tank Service, Inc. we have the knowledge, equipment, training, and staff in place to ensure your septic system inspections are done properly and in a timely manner.
Possible Septic System Problems
Scum floats in a layer at the top of the tank (above effluent and sludge). These particles are made of up of oils, grease, and other unsinkable waste. It often scums or foams because bacteria is hard at work breaking down these materials. For this reason, proper air ventilation is important to the health of the septic system.
Sludge consists of all the sinkable solid materials (food, bones, soil, etc.), and it sits in a layer at the bottom of the septic tank. When this builds up, it can clog the sewage pipe from the house or the pipe leading to the leachfield. Be sure to pump your tank regularly to ensure this does not happen.
Contaminated water can occur when the nitrogen reaches a dangerous level. The effluent (clean wastewater) will take the nitrogen with it when draining into the leachfield. To avoid this, do not use heavy chemical or powder cleaners. This can result in the destruction of the good bacteria that breaks down the waste. Nitrogen buildup can also occur if the air vents are not properly working.
This often occurs when a tank needs to be pumped or if the air vents have been clogged. It is important that air be allowed to safely escape the tank in order to maintain air pressure within the tank. Worst case scenario with a septic system that is emitting foul odors: the overflow system is failing.
In most cases, pumping negligence and overuse are the culprits to most septic system problems. Overuse can tax the system, not giving the solids enough time to break down. It can result in solids running into the leaching field. On the other extreme, too little water will result in an excess of nitrogen in the water. This can contaminate the water.