To ensure the functionality and efficiency of these systems, it’s advisable to conduct a comprehensive visual inspection, which includes several key tests:

Visual equipment and component inspection: Technicians begin with the septic tank, looking for cracks, leaks, or signs of corrosion. They pay special attention to the tank’s lids and covers, ensuring they are secure and intact to prevent unauthorized access and to maintain safety.

•  Baffles and T-Pipes: Baffles and T-pipes play critical roles in directing the flow of waste and effluent within the septic system. Inspectors assess these components for blockages, deterioration, or improper installation that could disrupt the system’s efficiency. Ensuring these elements are in good condition is vital to facilitate the correct separation of solids and liquids in the tank.

• Distribution Boxes: Distribution boxes must evenly distribute effluent to the leach field. Visual checks include looking for cracks, signs of settling, or blockages that could lead to uneven distribution or overflow. Proper alignment and slope of the distribution lines from these boxes are also verified to ensure the effluent is correctly directed toward the leach area.

• Pump and Alarm: For systems equipped with pumps and alarms, a visual and operational check is conducted. Inspectors ensure that pumps are not corroded or seized and that electrical connections are safe and intact. Alarms are tested to confirm they are operational and correctly alert homeowners of potential issues like high water levels.

• General Cleanliness and Maintenance: A visual assessment of the system’s cleanliness and the surrounding area can provide insights into regular maintenance practices. Indications of neglect could suggest potential problems or a lack of maintenance that might impact the system’s longevity and performance.

Flow Test: This initial test checks if the sanitary pipe correctly delivers liquid to the septic system. By observing how water from the test integrates with the system, technicians can assess whether effluent efficiently flows out through the system’s baffles into the leach field. Insufficient water flow may indicate a plumbing issue within the home, necessitating an inspection of each water source. Conversely, a rapid rise in water level in the tank could signal problems downstream.

Tank Inspection: Technicians then evaluate the septic tank itself, focusing on the accumulation of scum, sludge, solids, and the effluent level. Ideally, scum and sludge layers should each constitute about 30% of the tank’s volume, with effluent making up the final 40%. A discrepancy in these proportions may point to issues, particularly with the leach field.

Leach Field Examination: The leach field is visually inspected for any surface signs of system backup or failure, such as standing water (not attributable to recent rainfall) or unusually lush vegetation, which may indicate effluent surfacing. Observing for odors or soggy ground can also point to potential issues. The use of a probing device allows the technician to assess hydraulic stress, indicating whether the field is experiencing flooding.

Included Advanced Testing Strategies: Septic Dye Test combined with a Hydraulic Loading Test: Hydraulic load testing adheres to the National Association of Wastewater Transporters’ recommendation; this process involves introducing an estimated average daily flow of sewage (a minimum of 100 gallons) into the system.

The septic dye test involves introducing a highly visible fluorescent dye, along with a substantial volume of water, typically equivalent to the average daily water usage of the household, into the system. The dye is flushed down a toilet or sink, entering the septic tank and then moving through the system towards the leach field. Inspectors observe the area around the septic system and the leach field for signs of the brightly colored dye. Ground surface appearances of the dye can indicate issues such as leaks in the septic tank, problems with the distribution box, or a failure in the leach field to adequately absorb the effluent.

While not exhaustive, these tests are instrumental in evaluating the septic system’s performance without resorting to more extensive excavation or disruption to the homeowner’s property. However, it’s important to acknowledge possible interpretation issues, such as the level of effluent ponded in trenches. Jurisdictions differ in their views on effluent ponding, with some considering any level of ponding as a system failure.

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(* Inspections are only done for septic systems installed after 1997, due to systems having a certain standard of modernity and regulation compliance.)