Research & Writing Assignment:
I went to the library and found an image of a leach bed. It was interesting to see how the perforated pipes are attached or connected to the distribution box. I didn’t know there was a rock size requirement for the rock layer. It was great information.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
During inspection of a 3 bedroom 2 bath house, all plumbing fixtures were operated and inspected.The homeowner provided the contractors sketch of the system. I then inspected the distribution field and found now indications of problems within the distribution system. Then, I inspected the septic tank and no deficiencies were found.
Research & Writing Assignment:
During my research, I found that a strong sign of a crack will leave the effluent below the tank outlet. This will create essentially a cesspool in the area and the septic tank should be replaced. The location of the crack will likely be at the level of the effluent in the tank.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Though many chemicals and boosters are sold for septic system treatment, many experts concur that there is little to no effect on the actual performance of a septic system when using these system boosters or chemical treatments. Their use is discouraged.
Research & Writing Assignment:
On site water water disposal systems come in two major types. Aerobic and Anaerobic. Both have their pros and cons and both are designed for different soil types and geographic locations. When determining the best type of septic system for your area, a professional should be consulted.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The objects in my photo are the riser extensions that were added to allow easy access in the future. The tank lids were previously buried and made it difficult to check, test or access the tanks. The required the septic professional to dig large holes to allow them to be adhered to the tank lids. Another item that I was aware of was that salt from a water softener can be detrimental to the septic system and we have switched to potassium chloride to help this concern.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Garbage disposals add extra solids to the septic system and can greatly reduce the lift expectance of the system. The solids tank will have to be pumped more frequently to keep the solids from overfilling the first tank and reaching the next tank which will cause issues with the system. I always recommend to customers buying a home with a septic tank and disposal to minimize its use.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Upon my inspection of the anaerobic system (septic system), I was notified that the house has been vacated for two months. At that time, I notified the homeowner that I was unable to perform the system inspection and that a hydraulic load system test should be conducted to determine if the system is working properly.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Upon the inspection of the holding tank and audible alarm, I noticed that liquid in the tank was over the 75% percent acceptance level. I checked the alarmed and it was inoperable. The tank was in good condition. I notified the client that the alarm was not working and should be repaired or replaced.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Upon digging the sewer line up and inspecting the line per the clients request the line was compromised. The entire system had to replaced because the tank had collapsed as well as the orangeburg piping. These are pictures of the old line and the new sand filter bed after completion.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I agree that it is as equally important to have an inspection on an as is home purchase versus just taking the owners word. I recently did an inspection on one that the owner said nothing was wrong with the property because he did the work himself. Had the potential buyers not had me do the inspection they would have been in for quite a surprise because of the poor and illegal work that was done.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting this anaerobic septic system I observed both Inspection risers to be damaged and or missing. The damaged inspection riser is not secured and the missing inspection riser was replaced with a water valve cover that appears flush with the grade thus would allow surface water to run into the system. This is identified as unsatisfactory. Recommend a Septic System specialist to repair and replace as needed.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The septic system is a simple idea but complex component. Septic systems are primarily made up of 4 parts. 1) The pipe from the structure 2) the actual septic tank 3) the drain field 4) and finally the soil. Septic systems have been in existence since 1860 and have served and continue to serve the purpose of removing waste in a way that is not harmful to humans or animals when properly maintained. The biggest issue with septic systems and the reason for most all septic failures is the lack of maintenance. Most people go with the motto, out of site out of mind, so therefore a septic system being buried never gets any attention until there is an issue and usually a big issue. A good maintenance regiment is recommended to help identify potential failure points and keep the system in good working order for many years. One of the biggest points of neglect is pumping the tank. A good rule of thumb is to have your tanks pumped every 3 years. However, that needs to be checked as the number of people in a structure can fluctuate and therefore cause the septic system to fill up more rapidly requiring the tanks to be pumped more frequently. The consensus is to maintain your Septic system. Preventive maintenance does incur a financial burden but only a fraction of the cost of what a new system might cost due to not having a maintenance plan in place.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The distribution box is specially designed to direct the waste water evenly to all points of the drain field. It is important to let clients know about the importance of taking care of their septic tank because to many solids entering the D-box can ultimately clog the drain field.
Research & Writing Assignment:
It is important to let your clients know about harm they can do to their septic system when they use a garbage disposal. A garbage disposal can often allow material such as egg shells and coffee grinds into the septic system which take much longer to break down and contribute to the level of solids in the tank.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of evidence of a failing/failed drain field within a septic system. The evidence of water and of the mell of sewage are both indicators that theres been some sort of failure within the system. This could be due to a blocked pipe, tree roots or a broken pipe.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This a photo of a main plumbing drain into a septic system, attached to the left is the inlet drain from the basement waste water pump which pumps and liquid or solids from the basement bathroom up and to the level for drainage into the septic system.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The conventional absorption field in a septic system consists of 4 main part: The vent stack, septic tank, perforated pipe and a bed of gravel and stone. The vent stack is present to provide ventilation for the gases within the houses plumbing system. The septic collect the sewage from the house and separates it into 3 main section…sludge, effluent, and scum. some contents of the tank are discharged into the perforated pipes that distribute the contents into the absorption field than is lined with gravel and stone.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Looked up a photo on air admittance valves as these are the only appropriate solution where venting is needed in a waste water system but the conventional way of a vent pipe to the roof is not possible. It is a great example of the proper type of vent needed. We explain a lot in the run of our inspections the difference and the possible failing problems with the older style automatic air vents. This photo will be added into our regular reports when we discover one.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is the lid most usually associated as a “Septic Lid” This component is used to enter the septic system when needed. This lid is at the upper elevation of a septic tank and can be used as a point of entry for inspecting the tank and or for maintenance and or for entry to pump the tank. At no time should you breathe the contents of the tank below the lid once it has been open, as bodily injury or death could commence.
