This pictures a rural septic system in southwest MN that was 4-5 years old. The sealed lids and electrical elements seemed in good order. The mound system was nestled between 2 sets of trees in the grove due to lack of space on the site.
I opted for the consumer oriented article on Septic Systems, since I inspect a variety of rural properties. This article would be a great handout for clients, particularly first time buyers getting their dream “hobby farm.” The practical explanation of septic system basics was very helpful. These systems demand personal responsibility, something that seems to be increasingly rare in our day.
The septic drain field was located on the southwestern side of the property. The owner of the property informed me that there were 3 treatment tanks and that they had been pump two years prior.
The septic drain field seems unlevel and the smell of sewage and white scum like slim was also noticed.
This is most likely the result of the distribution pipe in the drain field closest to the driveway being out of level. I highly recommend contacting a licensed contractor that specializes in septic systems for corrective measures.
Last year I inspected a house in Alvarado, Texas. While inspecting the crawlspace, I noticed a hose coming from the interior of the house. After further investigation, I found that the hose was connected to the washing machine in the laundry room. I noted in my inspection report that there was gray water being release into the rear yard. I also, recommend a licensed plumber be consulted for further evaluation and/or repairs.
There are several reasons for taking a samples during a mold inspection. The first is that mold spores are not visible to the naked eye. Another is ensuring that all mold has been successfully removed. Finally, air samples can be used to gather data about mold spores present in the interior of a house. These samples are taken by using a pump that forces air through a collection device, such as an air cell, which catches mold spores. Analysis can be performed at a laboratory. In summary, when taken under controlled conditions and properly analyzed, air samples for mold are helpful in comparing relative particle levels between a problem and a control area. They can also be crucial for comparing particle levels and air quality in an area before and after mold remediation.
Essay to complete the septic inspection course:
“This photo is of a new riser installed because of a recent inspection. When locating the inspection port, we noted it was more than 12 inches below the surface. In fact, the port was 5 feet below the surface because of back-filling after installation of the septic tank. A 24” diameter poly pipe was installed over the open square port, sealed with grout around the exterior of the pipe/tank interface, and a fiber glass reinforced top bolted to the riser pipe to prevent inadvertent access by children.”
Septic Systems (consumer-targeted)
I live and work my inspection business in a rural lakeside resort area in Virginia called Smith mountain Lake. There are over 10,000 homes, all with onsite wastewater septic or aerobic systems installed. This article has proven valuable as an addendum to my reports when during my conversation with my clients, I discern they are either unfamiliar with or lack sufficient knowledge about the system they are now responsible for. Lakeside living requires extra diligence to prevent negatively affecting water quality through non-point source pollution from malfunctioning onsite systems .
This access cover to a septic tank was very difficult to locate. The depth was just over 12”, which is the recommended depth for an access to a septic tank or distribution box. It is wise as an installer to thoroughly document location of the system for future maintenance. If there is easy access top covers the clients may better maintain the septic system.
Ai-dan Logic Home Inspections
Cgarcia2
NACHI16042023
Septic System Inspections
by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard
This article has lots of useful information. i am going to use it to develope a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and field manual. With this information you cannot go wrong or miss any steps during a septic system inspection. There is lots of rural area here in New Mexico and I am always asked to perform septic/sewer inspections.
Ai-dan Logic Home Inspections
cgarcia2
NACHI16042023
This photo is of a new septic tank being installed. Notice the new style lids instead of concrete ones.
The article on Septic Systems (consumer targeted) is a very good article to teach homeowners how a system works and how to maintenance that same system.
The attached photo paints a pretty clear picture of a standard gravity fed septic system with what appears to be a standard 1000 gallon concrete single chamber tank and a pvc pipe “mound” type leach field.
Although they are not all so easy to identify without further probing or investigating the age of the building and a general knowledge of the types of systems that have been installed and why in your area of business can be huge clues in getting you headed in the right direction.
This particular location has a home roughly 5-10 years on a property high in elevation with lots of exposed ledge and soil with high clay content. The fact that there is apparent lack of ground cover over the tank is another indicator of how far down ledge exists.
Without investigating further with a shovel or probe (frozen ground) there doesn’t appear to be signs of excessive grass or vegetation growth in one particular area of the leach field which can be a tell tale sign of damaged on improperly functioning bed.
Although the tree is more than 10 feet from the field and the tank its a little closer than I would like to see it and should be noted as an area of concern in an inspection.
The article on sewer gases in the home was very informative.
I learned that the most dangerous component to methane gas is hydrogen sulfide, a highly explosive and toxic gas.
I learned that even low levels of hydrogen sulfide poisoning can begin to affect the average adult at 10ppm with minor symptoms such as and start causing significant and very dangerous eye irritation, dizziness etc. Major eye damage can occur in levels around 50PPM and immediate loss of consciousness and death can occur at levels between 800 and 1k PPM.
The number one cause for sewer gasses to enter a home is through dried out water traps, which typically occur when the trap has been damaged or even through infrequent use.
This is a garage door opener I inspected. The opener is properly plugged into it’s own outlet. However this particular opener is an older model and does not have an electric eye sensor or an auto reverse safety mechanism. This is a safety hazard and will allow for someone to get injured by the garage door. I recommended a reputable contractor to remove the old door opener and replace with a new opener that has these safety features.
Septic system inspection essay
A septic system is a sewage treatment system installed for removal and treatment of wastewater and waste solids. The tank when functioning properly holds the solid waste products and allows effluent (water) to exit and enter a drainfield where further treatment by natural bacteria treats the water prior to entering the ground water. Inspections of septic systems should be done at least yearly and prior to a real estate transaction to avoid any problems. It is important as an inspector to obtain as many records for the property regarding the system prior to inspection due possible problems locating the tank and field if completely buried underground. The system should be pumped anywhere from 2-4 years to remove the solids from the tank. If the system is not functioning properly it could backup into the house through the sewer line. Which in turn could very well be expensive to fix.
The rectangular depression in the side yard may be the remains of a septic tank. City septic was installed in the mid 1960’s. The house was build in 1948. It is unknown whether the tank was removed or just left to rot. Homeowner plans to add addition. Strongly recommend determining if tank still exists prior to construction.
The importance of getting the septic system inspected prior to purchasing the home.
This isn’t an article in the library but I’m going to give a short blurb about it anyways based on personal experience. My brother bought a house a few years back and had a home inspection. He decided to not have a septic inspection to save a few bucks because the seller ensured him the system was fine. He seemed like trustworthy fellow. My brother checked out the risers and they looked new and in good condition. The leach field looked fine: no puddles or depressions. Fourteen months later raw sewage has backed up into the basement. Apparently, even though it was a newer system, it had never been pumped. Lesson learned.
Aerobic Septic System.
This is an aerobic septic system in my neighbors yard. The original anaerobic system was not installed or maintained properly and had to be replaced due to sewage backing up into the house. This aerobic system has a visual alarm light, aerator, risers, and low spray sprinkler heads as shown in the picture. This system was installed less than a year ago and seems to be functioning correctly.
Article: Electrical Service from Hell.
This article shows many different defects you might see in an actual inspection of the electrical service. The pictures in this article are a great visual aid, and the descriptions are right on.
I do not like to dig up septic lids I prefer the home owner be the one to dig up the lid. I will locate the tank but digging up a yard is a different subject.