septic systems locations , went out on a inspection in one of thee little towns that had there own postal service office, near Bakersfield, buyer did not mention a system nor did i see it on my research of the property, what do you think i did ??
The above picture shows the sewer line in a basement just prior to exiting to the septic tank. There are four entry points visible: Top, PVC capped, plugged and lower entrance where the PVC is connected to the cast iron with a fernco fitting. The PVC capped line did not appear to have anything other than some fabric forced between the PVC and the cast iron to make the seal. The plug in the picture appeared to be an old coffee can forced into place. These two connections do not appear to have been sufficient in the past to prevent raw sewage from leaking out and dripping down the cast iron pipe. In addition to the sewage problem, based on the efflorescence on the brick in the area, there is a moisture issue in that area as well.
The article read for this assignment was “Sewer Gases in the Home”. Intrusion of sewer gases into buildings is not only an offense to the olfactory system, it is dangerous as well. Sewer gasses contain many chemical compounds which include, but are not limited to: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methane (CH4), and ammonia (NH3). The inhalation of hydrogen sulfide for extended periods of time or in high concentrations can lead to hydrogen sulfide poisoning, which has been linked to conditions such as decreased motor function, headaches, memory problems, and shortened attention spans. If the amount of methane in the room exceeds the lower explosive limit (LEL) of 5% by volume, then a risk of explosion is present. Ammonia is corrosive and a bronchial irritator, and if exposed to high enough concentrations can lead to death. On top of these chemical exposure problems, sewer gas can displace the oxygen in the area and lead to asphyxiation.
The photo shows a leach field that is flooded due to a leaking toilet valve. The residents of the home left on vacation and returned to find the flood shown. Toilets were not flushing and the bathtub would not drain.
In the photo entitled, “The Conventional Absorption Field”, the construction of an absorption field is shown. Liquid coming out of the septic tank feeds the perforated pipe by gravity flow. Liquid is absorbed by the surrounding soil, crushed stone and gravel.
While inspecting the septic system, I noticed standing water at the leech field. Since there could be several issues causing this, like the septic tank being full, recent heavy amounts of rain that had saturated the ground, etc.,I recommended an evaluation from a qualified septic system contractor.
When inspecting septic systems, it can be tricky finding the septic tank. Some ways of doing so includes, looking for an area where the grass is greener than other parts of the yard. In the winter, the snow will often times melt at septic tank locations first. A thin metal rod can be inserted carefully into the ground in the suspected location. Also, try contacting the former owner. Also, sometimes the “as built” house plans include the septic location.
toilet missing seat and lid. no leaks at time of inspection. flush handle needs adjusting, it had to be jiggled in order to get the water to stop running. This needs to be address or it will put extra stress on the septic system
Always amazes how surprised homeowners are when they learn that sink grinders are not supposed to be used with septic systems unless the system was specifically designed to accommodate a sink grinder. When I find one , I always recommend additional septic testing and removal of sink grinder
According to the Healthy Homes, Part 10: On-site Wastewater Treatment course, an inspector should never lean over the holding tank, beware of toxic gases, check both sides of a two baffle system, use a pole with a white rag to ascertain the level of solid and scum accumulation and recommend pumping the tank every 2-3 years.
The south side of the septic system leach lines were observed with apparent defective conditions, e.g. water ponding with a foul adjacent odor… Much of the area was physically inaccessible due to the wetted surface conditions. This prevents further investigation by this home inspector due to potential unknown level of increased Health risk without further inspection. A qualified specialist, e.g. licensed environmental engineer and/or county health inspector is recommended for prompt investigation, mitigation and corrective repairs as needed.