23 Sep

What Happens During Septic Tank Inspections?

septic-tank-inspectionsIn order for your septic system to work efficiently, proper and regular care and maintenance are essential. Aside from these two, it is also equally important that your septic tank is inspected by licensed professionals. This way, they can monitor the amount of sludge that’s in the tank; spot issues early and perform the necessary repairs if there are any. Anyway, we’d like to talk about septic tank inspections, a vital part of maintenance.

When Should The Tank Be Inspected?


Septic tanks should be inspected two years after the house has been sold or bought; when the property has been expanded or changed; every three years if it’s a shared tank for two or more structures and when there are obvious signs such as:

1. Slow-draining

2. Toilet flush failures

3. Multiple clogged drains

4. Sewage backups

5. Foul smell coming out of the drains

6. Wet or soggy area near the area where the septic tank is installed

7. Possible water contamination

What To Expect During An Inspection


There are two types of septic inspections: visual and full assessments. Visual inspections are mostly done prior to buying a home and are usually required for mortgage applications. However, take note that not mortgage companies will find visual inspections sufficient. During this type of check up, the toilets will be checked for flush efficiency; the water supply will also be inspected and the location of the septic tank and its access pipe will be pinpointed.

On the other hand, full septic inspections are more extensive and simply put, complete. These are focused on identifying the total efficiency and condition of the septic tank. Just remember that you should only hire licensed professionals for this kind of job. During this type of inspection, there are several things that will be done. These include, but are not limited to:

1. Tank content level identification

2. Tank leak inspection

3. Drainage line inspections

4. Backflow prevention testing

5. Inspection of dividing wall and baffles

6. Septic tank capacity check

7. Sludge test

What Is The Sludge Test?


The sludge test is an efficient way to identify how much sludge is already stored in your septic tank. This is also referred to as “The Stick Test”. During this process, a lengthy, plastic pole will be inserted into the tank. It has marks in increments of 1 foot to be able to measure the amount of sludge in the tank. It also has a stopper at its end that will allow the sludge to get inside the pole. The licensed plumber will then decide whether it’s time to pump the tank out or the otherwise.

We hope that you learned a lot about septic tank inspections. If you are in need of this plumbing service now, just call the most reputable local plumbers in Smithville MO. Plumbers 911 Missouri provides reliable plumbing services in Smithville MO including septic tank services in Smithville MO, backflow prevention in Smithville MO, toilet repair services in Smithville MO, sewer inspection in Smithville MO, drain cleaning services in Smithville MO and many more! Call us at 816-326-8643 to schedule a service!

Learn all about our top-notch plumbing services in Missouri! Watch our video below!

To all our friends and customers regarding COVID-19

We will get through this together To say we are living in “unprecedented” challenging times would be an understatement. We hope this finds you and your family safe and healthy. We would like to list a few pieces of information and websites that we think will be helpful for you during this time.

  • To get the most current information on the COVID-19 virus, please check the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) website at: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/communication/factsheets.html
  • icon showing hand under faucet with large water droplets falling on hand Please wash your hands frequently. Washing with soap and water for twenty seconds is the preferred method, however when water is not available, please use an alcohol based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
  • icon of person covering mouth while coughing and a border separating from displeased person close by Practice social distancing by staying at least six feet away from another person.
  • For those of you with children that are looking for something fun to do, there are virtual field trips you can take with your kids that are fun and educational. Here is a link: https://artsandculture.google.com/partner

Plumbers are considered essential workers during this time and we will continue to work as our number one priority is to “protect the health of the nation.” Stay well, stay safe and we will get through this together.

Your Friends at Plumbers 911

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