| |
 |
 Septic Systems
Your new
home’s septic system potentially presents the single most expensive repair
or replacement related to your new property. Because of this, it is
critical that you commission the best, most invasive inspection technique
available to you.
We offer a
state-of-the-art septic system inspection. We’ll open up the pit, pump it
down, and snake a video camera through the entire system. The video
analysis will literally show us if there are any problems and necessary
repairs to any part of the system
(items that are often overlooked in the average open pit inspection, because
they do not have the benefit of the camera).
Our inspection will:
 |
Review the system
overall, determining the demands on it and any problems likely to be
caused due to its location in relation to natural and home drainage.
|
|
|
Describe the
construction and components of the system
|
|
|
Report on the
condition of cover, tank, walls; check the composition of the
system contents
|
|
|
Assess the drainage
(at the discretion of the inspector) and inspect for visible sewage,
suspicious vegetation or water conditions
|
|
|
Fully inspect the
pump for operation, alarm, ventilation, electrical connections,
check valve, etc.
|
|
|
Locate and report on
condition and water level of distribution box, or dig drainfield to
establish effluent level
|
|
|
Contact local
agencies to determine if any repairs or complaints have been made
regarding the system |
There are a few
things you can remember for proper maintenance of your septic system.
They will help
avoid costly repairs and failures in the future.
SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
It is each
homeowner’s responsibility to maintain their own disposal system. Here
are key points and precautions to follow to help ensure your system remains
operable.
|
|
Cut back
on water usage. Fix leaky faucets and toilets, and do not flush the
toilet unnecessarily. Install low flow showerheads, faucets, toilets
etc.
|
|
|
Limit the
amount of cleaning agents, bleach and detergents that you use.
In excess, they can be harmful to the system.
|
|
|
Space your
shower, laundry and dishwasher loads. This allows your system
to rest between high volume uses.
|
|
|
Never
allow toxic or hazardous chemicals to be disposed of through your septic
system. This includes paint thinner, pesticides, surplus
paint, oil or gasoline. These items should be saved and disposed
of at your town’s Hazardous Waste Days collection.
|
|
|
Limit
paper products to the absolute minimum and use white toilet paper to
avoid product dyes.
|
|
|
Never put
kitchen grease, coffee grounds, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins,
tampons or cat litter through your septic system.
|
|
|
Never add
a garbage disposal to an existing septic system unless specifically
designed for septic system use.
|
|
|
Avoid
using septic system additives. They are unnecessary and can
interfere with the natural bacterial action in your system.
|
|
|
Back wash
from water softeners should not be disposed of within the disposal
system.
|
|
|
Have your
septic system pumped every three years to clean out the accumulated
sludge. Pumping extends the life and efficiency of your system.
|
|
|
Know
exactly where your septic system is located before a problem arises.
|
|
|
Know the
warning signs. There should be no visible effluent associated with
the system. Odors, aside from vented soil lime or roof vent, shall not
be detected.
|
|
|
Direct
roof drains and sump pump discharges away from your disposal field.
Otherwise, the field may be overloaded.
|
|
|
Prevent
large trees from growing on or close to the disposal area.
This will prevent tree roots from clogging laterals.
|
|
|
Refrain
from parking cars or placing permanent structures over the disposal area.
|
|
|
When you
have your system pumped, install a concrete riser and a cover as a
permanent marker on the septic tank, level with the ground, to
facilitate easier checks and pumping in the future. |
Understanding and using this complete list will
improve the efficiency and extend the life of the septic system protecting
you and your property.
|
|
|
