1. Why is a septic inspection necessary?
To protect your investment from the rising costs of septic system repairs and to insure your system is in good operational condition.
2. Why should I choose Septic Inspections for my pre-sale or purchase?
A major concern for many home sellers and buyers comes from companies that repair the septic systems they inspect. This presents a conflict of interest to the seller and buyer. Septic Inspections is a unique company because we do not repair, pump-out or install septic systems. We have no financial interest in the inspection results. What this means is that you are assured accurate and non-biased results.
3. Do I need to be present for the inspection?
While it is not required for you to be present, we will need access inside the home. We strongly recommend that you are present for the septic inspection because you can see first hand whether problems are present. You can also see where each part of the system is for future reference.
4. Is it required that the tank be pumped at the time of inspection?
A pump-out is not required for a residential Real Estate septic inspection.
Septic Inspections prefer the tank to be at its normal operational levels for the completion of the inspection. If and when we recommend a maintenance pump-out, we suggest you do so after taking possession of property.
5. When a septic system fails inspection, what could the repairs cost?
Since Septic Inspections does not perform repairs we are unable to give you an exact price. Repairs can range from a few hundred dollars to replace a broken baffle to several thousands to replace the absorption (leech) field. If repairs are necessary, we suggest contacting a repair contractor after our inspection for a reliable estimate or see our service directory for providers.
6. When is a pump-out required?
If your are applying for a permit to increase living area of current structure, a certification of the existing septic system will be required by the Florida Department of Health (FDH) at which time the tank must be pumped-out to complete the certification. It is important to have your septic tank inspected every 3-5 years to determine if the tank needs a maintenance pump-out and if the drain-field is functioning properly.
7. How long does it take to generate the written report?
Septic Inspections can mail, fax or email you a copy of the written report the next business day after the inspection. You can receive a verbal report on the system if you attend the inspection, or you can request a phone call on the status of the system.
8. What is the purpose of a hydraulic load test?
The hydraulic load test determines the volume of clean water an absorption area can absorb in a twenty-four hour period. A hydraulic load test shall be recommended when, during the course of an inspection, any of these conditions are discovered:
- Structure is vacant more than 30 days
- New water sources are directed to the system within last 30 days
- Soil fracturing activity is present within last 30 days
- High water conditions are observed
- A significant difference in the current water use in a structure exists compared to the anticipated use of the structure.
9. What does a septic inspection report determine?
- Volume of the tank is determined by its length, width, and depth
- Structure of the tank
- Liquid levels in tank in relation to inlet line
- Amount of solid and sludge accumulation in tank
- All incoming pipes are open
- Square footage of drain-field / leech-field
- If system is working properly at time of inspection
- Noted if trees are in drain-field / leech-field area
