How to Inspect Septic Systems

The photo that selected gives the best image and understanding how the construction of a septic tank allows it to function as they are intended. The baffle walls allowing the scum to separate from the sludge. The clear water (effluent) is able to leave the tank without the scum tagging along with it.

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I like to have radon course or training. and 2nd question which one should i use for radon test.

  1. Testing Devices owned or using Radon Test Kit and if kit which kit are the best.

The photo I have studied is one of the septic tank. The septic tank is divided into two sections with the baffles. The outlet baffle keep the away from the outlet, the chamber baffle keeps the majority of the scum layer in the center of the tank to break down before going into the open space of fluid area.

This is a Baffle. The inlet and outlet baffles main purpose is to hold solids inside the tank and blocks them from going into the pipe that runs towards the field. The inlet should be a sanitary tee. The inlet pipe should be 3 inches above the outlet when the tank is level

Septic Systems. When city sewage is not available, a septic system is needed to treat and break down solids and waste water produced in a home. homeowners Installing a septic system should request assistance from state and local governments to ensure that there is no harm to human health or water quality.

The scum layer can be seen clearly in this photo of a 4-tank aerobic system. The first tank is the septic tank which receives the waste from the house and allows the solids to settle. The Second tank is the treatment tank. The treatment tank is connected to an aeration pump that injects air into the tank to aid in the bacterial decomposition of the waste. Inspection includes checking this pump for proper operation. The contents of the tank should be churning with the introduction of air.
Finally the clarification tank allows the solids to settle to the bottom of the tank and the clear effluent flows into a pumping tank to be treated with calcium hypochlorite tablets. Swimming pool chlorine tablets must not be used as it will kill the grass when sprayed on a lawn.
The clear effluent is then pumped out of the system an sprayed onto the lawn through sprinkler heads specially designed for the purpose.

I chose to research my subject online due to the need to fully understand septic systems in my area. References: Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, North Texas Septic (http://www.northtexasaerobicseptic.com/aerobic_septic_systems.html)

New construction in my area (rural Texas) uses aerobic septic systems. These systems are regulated in Texas and must be permitted before construction and inspected before being fully buried.
Newer septic treatment systems, typically referred to as OSSF’s (On-Site Sewage Facilities) in Texas, The first tank is the septic tank which receives the waste from the house and allows the solids to settle.
The Second tank is the treatment tank. The treatment tank is connected to an aeration pump that injects air into the tank to aid in the bacterial decomposition of the waste. Inspection includes checking this pump for proper operation. The contents of the tank should be churning with the introduction of air.
Finally the clarification tank allows the solids to settle to the bottom of the tank.
Finally the clear effluent flows into a pumping tank to be treated with calcium hypochlorite tablets.
Caution - Do not use swimming pool chlorine tablets. They are designed to be fully submerged and will not treat the effluent. In addition it generates nitrogen chloride - an explosive gas creating a safety hazard. In addition the effluent will kill the grass when sprayed on a lawn.
The clear effluent is then pumped out of the system an sprayed onto the lawn through sprinkler heads specially designed for the purpose.

Locating septic tank when location is unknown. This septic tank was located during a time of light snow. The general location was estimated base on direction of sewage pipe to back yard. Shape of tank is visible due to less snow in a rectangular shape.

When inspecting a barn there are numerous hazards which can cause health or safety problems. Feces and dust with poor ventilation are respitory hazards. Protruding nails and rotten support beams are another factor which should be noted. Barns may be used or different
purposes by new owner.

Effluent filters are not always required however, if properly maintained, they can prevent debris, hair, lint etc that would normally clog a septic tank and disposal area field. The only issue with these filters is that they typically do not get changed/ cleaned when they become clogged. A clogged effluent filter will prevent the septic system from working efficiently and can lead to premature failing of the drain field or seepage pit. Failing to clean the filter can lead to costly repairs and can result in back-up of sewage into the home or on the property causing a health issue.

Septic systems are a costly and critical part of a home that does not have a public utility sewer system. Inspections should be completed once a year and in some areas are required for point of sale transactions. Septic systems can be one of the most expensive items on the property and are a major liability to inspectors who inspect them.

This is a recently installed grease trap. It has two capratments and still operates the same way as a septic. The waste comes out of the inlet baffle then separates into the scum, water layer and solids down below. You can access each compartment from the access holes pictured. From the acess nearest you in the picture you can view the invert of the outlet. This should be 3"s below the invert of the inlet pipe.

I chose the how to on septics for consumers. This was very beneficial to homeowners but more importantly us an inspectors. We should be able to fluidly relay these maintenence tips and schedules to them. Some key points to take away are that every 3 years you should have your system inspected. Every 3-5 years you should have your septic pumped depending upon usage. Also advising clients to not put condoms, feminine products and other harmful products down into your system.

This is an image of a single chamber septic tank. There is only one access port located at the discharge end of the tank. It is made of cement. The access lid is also made from cement. It appears to be water tight. The system is hard to age because there are no records in the local building department for this system. The tank is a rectangular concrete tank of approximately 1,000 gallons in capacity. The inlet “t” is in place, there is an elbow installed on the outlet port. The water levels inside the tank appear to be appropriate for a working system. The sludge layer is about 5", the scum layer is about 2". This tank was serviced two years ago by the current homeowner. This system is beyond is expected life (25 years) so it is recommended the homeowner budget for a replacement.

Aluminum siding still has a place in the market even though it also has some unfavorable qualities. Aluminum is light weight and durable. It can last up to and over 40 years. Unfortunately it also dents easily and requires more maintenance than vinyl siding.

The picture is of a septic tank. A septic tank is an underground storage tank made for containing sewage. In the tank, the sewage is allowed to decompose with the help of bacteria before it drain in to an absorption field.

The article I chose was on meth labs and the effects in can have on the human body. Meth can cause cancer and even death when used. For every 1 pound of meth made, 5 - 7 pounds of chemical waste is produced. Meth testing kits are now available and some home inspectors (for an additional cost) can test the home for possible previous meth lab use.

After digging out the septic tank we have found a tank in failure here, there are obvious cracks and leakage coming out. The leakage is running down the side and the system is no longer functioning properly. Digging the tank out has made the diagnostic conclusive.

In reading the hottest leads for home inspectors I learned that keeping confidential addresses and pending agreements confidential is key to protecting the realtors and sellers. The reason that is important is because you are hired to provide a service.

In this image you are looking at a baffle on an outlet pipe of a septic tank. Note that the water level is high because the baffle is clogged preventing the effluent water from draining out to the absobtion area.