Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a photo of the riser from the top of the septic tank. The riser is approximately 12 above the ground surface with no noted damage to it. The tank is located an acceptable distance of 12 from the rear deck. In the background is a absorption area. In summary, the tank is appears in good working order at the time of inspection. I would recommend having the tank pumped since it has been 4 years according to the homeowner.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a septic distribution box that is completely full of debris blocking the flow of effluent. Recommend vacuuming of septic tank and distribution lines. Also recommend home owner to visually monitor inspection ports annual or have a licensed technician complete a full inspection.
Research & Writing Assignment:
This article was over dryer vent safety. It is recommended to install dryer vents per manufactures instructions and to always clean lint from the screen with each use. Lint is one of the leading causes of house fires being ignited from dryers. Always make sure vent lines are not kinked or clogged with lint. Inspections should be done regularly.
Research & Writing Assignment:
A conventional septic absorption field is installed down flow of the septic tank. It is a vital subsystem to the overall operation, the perk test and design are critical to its operation. A properly designed installed and maintenance of the system will ensure proper operation for it life expectancy. Some signs of failure are but not limited to excessive weed or deep green grass or weeds around components, back flow to the lowest drain in the home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of a sand mound. The sewage pipe exits the house and flows into the septic tank. Effluent then runs, or overflows, from the septic tank to a second tank. This is the pump tank. From here, the effluent is pumped to the top of the sand mound, where perforated piping is layed on top of aggregate and sand under about 1 foot of soil. The effluent is absorbed into the aggregate and sand, eventually making its way to the soil under the mound.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The photo attached is of a corroded inlet discovered upon inspection of the septic tank. It is recommended that interested parties are advised to have a qualified professional in the industry further evaluate the condition and make any necessary repairs needed.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose to read the article relating to this course on inspecting septic systems. I learned that a homeowner with a home with a septic system is advised to have a septic inspection annually. Being the owner of a home with a septic tank it was new news to me.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The system was located with the 1000 gallon tank being located 10 foot off the deck which ten goes to 300 feet of drain field as required by code. A sample dye test was done and no dye was found seeping up showing that the leach field is working at the time of the test.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The leach field is at up to 100 foot long. Local codes may require multiple runs to obtain the length required. It is usually built with a perforated pipe placed in stone at least 2 feet deep and also at least 2 feet above the water table.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
A septic tank removes the waste water from a home. It then moves it into a holding tank, with or without an aerator. The solid sink to the bottom while the grey water floats to the top and is leached into the soil.
Research & Writing Assignment:
A septic tank removes the waste water from a home. It then moves it into a holding tank, with or without an aerator. The solid sink to the bottom while the grey water floats to the top and is leached into the soil.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The effluent is distributed to a number of lines in the absorption field,(Per the owner) in the front yard of this home, which was clearly in a flood zone, and water was backed up into the clean out up next to the home. They had a heavy rain two days before, and there is a creek 50 yards to the right side of the home, and it had flooded their yard.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I actually own a home that has a septic system and have always been under the assumption that if a system is working it is fine. I also have a considerable amount of knowledge in the construction field and from this course I have learned that one of the most important items to having a working septic system is a good maintenance schedule for my septic. I am going to correct that issue and try to pass that on to my clients.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The uploaded photo of a flooded leach field / absorption area indicates a malfunctioning septic system. This issue could indicate faulty backfill but is more likely caused by a leaking water fixture in the home such as a continuously running toilet or leaking faucet. Or in some cases, small kids that forget to or can’t turn a faucet off completely which saturates the absorption area leading to possible backup.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article titled “Septic Systems” gives a practical look at what home owners can and should do to adequately maintain their septic system or what to be aware of when purchasing a home with a septic system installed. This article covers information such as how a septic system works, how often to have the system inspected and pumped, and why it is important. As a general home inspector, I am always looking for practical information that makes sense to clients and is “doable”. This article gives both.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a pic of a tank-tee that is on the entry side of a septic tank. The original baffle had broken off and had to be replaced. The entry baffle is very important to the management of a systems wast water in that the tee must extend below the scum line. This helps to keep the system from being agitated and letting the solids continue to the bottom helping to separate the clear effluent out so it can further continue to the drain field by exiting the tank via another baffle or tank tee.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I am writing on the picture in septic tank section. The picture is explaining how to properly measure the different levels of the septic tank. The picture shows the would device used to measure the fluids inserted in the tank as directed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture is a trap that was not flowing correctly because of Septic tank blockage. The blockage is from properly having the septic cleaned in Routine maintenance Manner. This could have been prevented with the proper maintenance on the septic tank being cleaned.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image is of an EIFS finishing system around a door jamb where an existing metal security door was removed.This was not visible until the door was removed and clearly shows past evidence of wdo, most likely termites. No signs of active insects noted at present.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the image of a septic tank we can see the three main layers which fill the tank. The sludge/solids drop to the bottom, the scum layer at the top and a clear effluent layer in the center.There are inlet and outled pipes with baffles.
