Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This shows the building sewer drain just before it penetrates the basement wall. There is a clean out at the bottom where a snake or video camera could be inserted. There is also a diagram on the pipe that indicates the location of the tank from two corners of the house.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I viewed the photo of the leach field diagram. It was very similar to the field in the second video, except it had three pipes instead of two. It also showed a large distribution box, much larger than we see here in Maine.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
One of the most common indications of drainfield failure, is the presence of not-so-pleasant effluent on top of the lawn. As indicated in this picture, many times the failure is due to vehicular traffic on top of the drainfield, crushing the PVC or ceramic piping in the field.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the article “Septic System Inspections” there several means of identifying problems with the system. One of the most common defects in older systems is lack of baffles in the septic tank. This can be corrected in some systems, and cannot in others. If the inlet pipe is broken off flush with the tank surface, replacement of the septic tank is suggested. If not, the baffle may be reattached by cementing the new baffle in place. Fernco systems incorporate a metal clamp which may corrode and fail with sewer gas.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here is an installation of new pump tank. The liquid from the septic tank travels from the outlet of the septic tank and into the pump tank. From there an effluent pump pumps the sewage into the distribution box then into the leach field.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article titled “septic systems”. I learned that the average water use in a single family house is about seventy gallons per day, per person. An important thing to note is that; that is only true if the plumbing and fixtures are in good working condition and there are not sinks or toilets leaking.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I found upon the inspection of this aerobic system and its components that when raising the float for the high-water alarm that although the warning light lit up the alarm was nonfunctional. Recommend service technician repair or replace. Also found ponding water from sprinkler heads. Recommend grading improvements.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
For this part of the assignment I chose a picture of a septic tank being installed. As you can see the tank is made of concrete and has a dividing wall in the middle of it. When tanks are installed it is important to make sure the tank is level. Tanks that are not level will not work properly and cause problems for a home owner.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Measuring Solid Waste Buildup. For this assignment the picture I have chosen helps one understand how to measure the scum , water and sludge sections of a septic tank. By using a stick and marking the stick one can measure each layer as needed. Simply lower the stick to the top of each layer mark it then lower stick to bottom of desired layer and mark stick again. The distance between the 2 marks is the depth of said layer.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I learned from my image that the top layer is scum, the bottom layer is called sludge and in the middle is where you want your mostly clear effluent. You only want the mostly clear effluent being discharged out of the outlet box.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of one of the two risers to this system. We pulled the lids off from the system and found a well maintained systeptic system. The scum layer was well below the inlet box. Effluent was being discharged as it should be.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I’m taking this course for CE only. I recommend to all my clients, that a septic co., should be contacted to inspect and advise on all aspects of the septic system. Most Agents here, have already, suggested the same thing to their/my clients.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I understand the importance of routine maintenance and inspections of a septic system. I have a lift system on my house. I maintain my own system. I replace any parts that malfunction. I do have the system pumped about every 5 years. i clean filters every month, unlike my neighbors. I have one neighbor, that has the Septic Co. out every other month for common problems that can be avoided if they would just listen.
Research & Writing Assignment:
According to the article, your septic tank should be inspected once every year, depending on the number of people in your household and the frequency of system use.
A healthy and clean septic system is an efficient one, and regular inspections are the best way to keep your system in top condition. When a professional inspects your tank and drain field, they take note of any unique maintenance requirements and stay ahead of potential concerns. This allows for more appropriate scheduling for cleaning and repairs, leading to a system that lasts longer and runs more smoothly.
Routine inspections are the best way to detect issues that could lead to serious system damage from the drain field to the tank itself and all the piping inside. If maintenance services are ignored for too long, the bacteria within can produce byproducts which will eventually become corrosive. Pipes can crack and corrode as a result, and serious repairs to a damaged system will cost far more than a simple inspection.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture is of a septic tank that is overflowing around the service lid. It is probable due to a lack of proper maintenance or a damaged drain field. The customer was informed of the problem and it was determined that further inspection was needed by a licensed professional.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose the article discussing how to avoid lawsuits. In this article I was amazed of the information that helped me to understand how vulnerable home inspectors are and how easy it can be to have a lawsuit file against them. Having an L.L.C., never claim to be an expert and having a good pre-inspection agreement is a helpful tool for all inspectors.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a description of my personal home and how this septic system works.The picture shows how the PVC sewer line leaves the home and enters the septic tank. The tank shows a sludge layer, a effluent layer and a scum layer. Bacteria allows a breakdown or separation of the layers allowing the electric pump to pump out the effluent layer to field lines or a treatment system.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Leach Trench should be a minimum of 2’to 4’ above the water table and below the rock with the perforated pipe. There should be at least 6" of rock, with the perforated pipe on top and then at least 4" of rock on top of the pipe.Bottom of the rock should be between 2’to 5’ below grade, with landscape material covering the rocks before filling in with backfill.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo is a sketch of a septic system done during a septic inspection of a property. The sewage pipe leaves the house and enters a 1000 gallon septic tank, from there in goes across the lawn and enters a distribution box where it is distributed to three pipes that make up the leach field. The system was inspected with a video scope and was found to be functioning. there was however a small crack found on the pipe going to the d-box that is in need of repair. The tank was also pumped during the inspection and it is recommended that the tank be pumped every five years.
Research & Writing Assignment:
“Septic System Inspections”
When you’r in the process of purchasing a house a septic inspection is very important. Understanding as much about your septic system prior to purchasing your property can give you valuable insight on whether the system will hold up to your families needs or whether the system may need to be upgraded or even replaced. An inspection is also useful in determining the layout of the system if the previous owners don’t know or if records aren’t available.
