Why Regular Inspections Are Key to Septic Health
Why Regular Inspections Are Key to Septic Health
The Role of Septic Inspections in System Longevity
Septics systems are a critical but often overlooked part of a home. They’re designed to treat and dispose of all household wastewater safely, but as long as they’re doing their job, we often forget to check that there are no potential problems. Regular septic inspections can help to extend the lifespan of your tank, pipes, and drain field– ensuring they continue to function exactly as they should. Septic system inspections help to identify any small issues before they turn into major, expensive problems.
What Happens During a Septic Inspection?
Your septic system inspection will include a thorough review of every part of the system. Your inspector should check the following:
Tank Levels
They’ll check how much solid waste (sludge) and grease or floatables (the scum) have built up inside the tank. If there’s a lot of buildup, then it’s time to pump to avoid blockages.
Inlet/Outlet Baffles
These are the parts of the tank that direct wastewater in and out. Your septic system inspection should make sure that your baffles aren’t cracked or clogged; this is vital, because damaged baffles can let solids escape into the drain field.
Drain Field Condition
Regular septic inspections include a thorough check of the drain field. They’ll look for pooling water, foul odors, or overly soggy soil above the drain field. These are all signs that the wastewater isn’t being properly absorbed.
Pipes and Connection
The lines that carry wastewater into and out of the tank need to be checked, too. Your septic system inspection will be able to confirm that there are no blockages, leaks, or tree root intrusions.
Tank Walls/Lids
Regular septic inspections will make sure that there are no cracks, corrosion, or weak spots in the tank structure. This is important as any wear or cracks can cause leaks, contamination– even collapse if they’re not addressed.
How Often Should Septic Inspections Be Scheduled?
According to the EPA (the Environmental Protection Agency), you should organize septic system inspections around every 3 years. These guidelines are general, and you might need to organize more regular septic inspections if you have a large household, a small tank, an older system, or a history of past problems or necessary repairs. 3 years might seem quite a short period of time, but it’s not. Regular septic inspections are the cheapest way to stay on top of your septic system’s health and avoid any much more expensive issues.
Benefits of Regular Septic Inspections
Prevents Costly Repairs
Early detection means cheaper fixes. For example, if an inspector finds that a filter is clogged, they’ll likely be able to fix it for a couple hundred dollars, as opposed to the $5,000 it’ll cost to replace if ignored.
Protects Property Value
If you’re thinking about listing your home, regular septic inspections will help preserve your property value. A healthy septic system is attractive to potential buyers, and documentation of regular septic inspections is a huge plus. You also avoid dealing with any delays in the buying process, as septic system problems can pause a sale.
Avoids Health Hazards
A malfunctioning septic system can cause sewage backups, standing wastewater, and unpleasant (and unsafe) odors. There are obvious health risks associated with the bacteria, nitrates in groundwater, and parasites. Regular septic inspections reduce the risk of contamination and exposure to harmful bacteria.
Increases System Efficiency
Septic system inspections will ensure the tank and drain field are working as they should be. Aside from the health risks and expense of a failing system, septic system failures are also extremely inconvenient. Signs that the septic system is failing inside your home include slow drains, gurgling pipes, and sewage odors in the home– septic system inspections help you avoid having to deal with that. It’s also worth noting that regular septic inspections give your tank a longer life expectancy; with the right maintenance, septic systems can last for decades.
Environmental Protection
Regular septic inspections will catch any leaks that might otherwise contaminate groundwater or nearby wells. They’ll also prevent an overload of nitrogen and phosphorus from untreated effluent (liquid wastewater) in the soil, and support your local water quality.
Warning Signs You May Need an Inspection Sooner
If you notice certain signs that your septic system isn’t functioning at its peak, then no matter how long it has been since your last septic system inspection: book another one. Signs can include:
- Slow-draining sinks and toilets that aren’t caused by obvious clogs
- Gurgling noises in your pipes
- Odors near the tank or the drain field
- Lush, unnaturally green patches in your yard above the drain field
- Sewage backing up inside the home
- Pooling, standing water near the drain field.
What Happens If You Skip Inspections?
If you skip your regular septic inspections, then minor issues– such as a crack– can turn into major issues– such as a full tank collapse. This isn’t an exaggeration, and the financial implications of skipping inspections could be disastrous; you’re looking at around $10,000- $20,000 if you need a replacement, versus a couple hundred dollars for your regular septic inspection. Emergency repairs are also extremely inconvenient for you and your family– in some cases clients have had to vacate their home after their septic system failed.
How to Find a Reliable Septic Professional
When choosing the right company for your septic system inspection, you need to look for licensed, bonded, and insured septic professionals. You also want them to have experience with your local soil type and codes, and it’s always a plus if they have good reviews from other homeowners.
Our team at FreeFlow Environmental are licensed, insured, bonded, and IOWPA certified, are local to Northwest Indiana and Illinois, and are expert in all septic system issues. Call us today to schedule your septic system inspection with us!
Final Thoughts: Inspections Are the Best Insurance for Septic Health
Regular septic inspections prevent a multitude of problems, save you money, and protect both your property and your health. Don’t wait for an issue to arise with your septic system; get ahead of the curve and keep your home in perfect working order by scheduling your septic system inspection today!
The team at FreeFlow Environmental specializes in complete septic system inspections, and we’ll be able to identify and solve any issue you may have. We’re experienced, efficient, and experts in what we do. Call today for a septic system inspection you can trust.
