Do you have your own septic tank at home? If so, when was the last time you had it inspected? We hope that it’s not so long ago though because inspections are vital to septic systems. For this very reason, let us talk about this plumbing service. What should you expect during a septic system inspection?
Two Types Of Inspections
There are actually two kinds of inspections: visual inspections and full septic inspections. Visual inspections are usually performed by home inspectors and are very limited. These are done when home buyers are not ultimately concerned about the condition of the septic system and rather need the inspection for mortgage applications. Take note though that not all mortgage companies accept visual inspections for these only include:
* testing if toilets flush efficiently
* running water in the house or structure
* identification of the tank and the access pipe’s location
Full inspections, on the other hand, are complete and thorough inspections that focus on the overall condition and efficiency of the septic system. With this plumbing service being carried out by professionals, problems are also identified and resolved. These include:
* overfull tanks
* leaking tanks
* roots in sewer lines
* backflow
* dividing wall and baffle issues
* undersized tank issues
* sludge accumulation inside the tank
The Sludge Test
During a full inspection, there amount of sludge inside the tank will be determined. This method is often referred to as the “Sludge Test”, “The Stick Test” or the “Sludge Judge”. During this task, a long, plastic pole that’s marked in 1-foot increments will be inserted into the tank. At the end of this pole, there’s some kind of stopper that allows the solid materials and wastewater inside the tank to enter the pole. This allows the professional plumber to identify the amount of liquid and solid waste the tank has. If the waste materials are already too much, the tank will be pumped out.
Septic Tank Pumping
Septic tank pumping is an essential plumbing service wherein the waste materials inside the septic tank are pumped out with the use of a large siphon hose. This hose is connected to a service truck with a large tank. Once the waste materials are pumped out and transferred to the service truck’s tank, they will be brought to a treatment facility where they will be used on other productive means such as electricity conduction or food growth.
Tips For The Homeowners
1. Visual inspections are very limited and risky since existing problems involving the septic system may not be identified. If you’re looking for a new home to buy, visual inspections are great for starters. But once you’ve purchased the house of your choice, it is recommended to hire professionals for a full inspection. This way, you’ll know that everything’s good with your plumbing system before you move in.
2. Septic systems last for 25 years or maybe even more, depending on its maintenance and use. To ensure its longevity, it is essential that you have it pumped out and inspected regularly. Consult professional plumbers about the frequency and schedule of pump-outs.
We hope that you learned all about septic system inspection from our blog today. If you need yours inspected now, just call the best Piney Point MD plumbers. Plumbers 911 Washington DC provides reliable plumbing services in Piney Point MD including septic tank maintenance, backflow prevention, toilet repair, home remodeling, HVAC services and many more! Call us now at (877) 932-5325 to schedule a service!
Learn more tips on basic septic system maintenance! Watch this video now.
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