If you recently purchased a home with a septic system, you should consider scheduling a septic system inspection so that you can get a clear picture of the condition of the entire system. For those homeowners who have never dealt with this before, the process can seem confusing. Here's a look at some of the things that you should understand about the inspection process.
Don't Pump It First
You might be tempted to have the tank pumped in advance of your inspection but this is actually counterintuitive. Your septic system inspection technician needs to be able to evaluate the condition of the tank's contents, including the amount of sludge accumulation since the last pumping. That means it's best for you to leave the tank as it is instead. In fact, if you're not certain, ask when you schedule the inspection. In most cases, you'll be told not to schedule a system pumping until after the inspection is done.
Gather Any Information You Have
The more information you can provide the septic system inspection technicians, the better the results are likely to be. Gather any information that the prior owners provided you, including the date when the tank was pumped last, the location of the tank, the drain field, and all of the septic lines, and any other information that might be beneficial. The more documentation and information you can offer, the more accurate and comprehensive the inspection will be.
Be Prepared For The Report
A septic system inspection will result in a thorough report about the condition of the entire system, not just the tank. In fact, you'll get information about the functionality and stability of the drain field, an assessment of the plumbing infrastructure, an evaluation of the tank's condition, and a summary of how efficient your system is operating. This report will also include any recommendations from the technician to improve your system, keep it functional, or repair any existing damage.
Respond To Your Inspection Results Accordingly
When you receive your inspection results, talk with the technician about the best course of action to resolve any issues and schedule those tasks right away. The sooner you address problems, the better it will be for your septic system infrastructure.
These are just a few of the many things that you should understand when it comes to septic system inspections. Talk with a septic system maintenance and inspection technician today for more guidance and support.