What Happens During a Septic Inspection?

Septic systems are widely used in rural areas where homes aren’t served by traditional sewer systems. If you rely on a septic system, Lakeland Septic Company of Lakeland, FL, would like to share with you what happens during a proper septic inspection.

Key Elements Of A Septic System Inspection

Inspections are important for all types of septic systems. They allow the technician to spot early signs of trouble, diagnose the problem and then make the needed repairs or parts replacements.

A good septic system inspection will include the following tasks:

Toilet And Drains

Your septic inspector will check the toilets and drains inside your home to see if they’re flushing and draining efficiently.

Water Levels

After removing the septic tank cover, the inspector will check if the water level is higher than the outlet pipe and getting close to the top of the tank.

Leaks

The septic tank and pipes will be checked for leaks that have yet to make themselves known to you (see signs of malfunction below).

Measuring The Sludge

Septic technicians use measuring poles to tell how much sludge (solid waste material) is in the bottom of the septic tank.

Pumping The Tank

Cleaning out the septic tank will allow the inspector to check for areas that are cracked, rotted or worn.

Pipes

The inspector will look closely at the pipes to spot deterioration and loose connections.

Drain field

A visual inspection of the drain field includes watching for standing water, damp ground, sunken ground and cesspools.

Baffles

Septic inspectors look at the baffles to determine if they’re blocked by sludge and see if there’s evidence of previous overflows.

Distribution Box

This component between the tank and the drain field will be checked for blockages and structural integrity.

Lift Station

If your system uses a lift station pump, your inspector will make sure all its parts are working correctly.

Consultation With You

Just like when a doctor asks you how you’re feeling, your septic inspector will ask you about issues you’ve noticed related to your septic system. Common signs of system malfunction include:

• Standing water and soggy ground near the tank or drain field
• Slow sink and tub drains throughout the house
• Toilets that flush inefficiently
• Sewage in the sinks or toilets
• Strong sewage odors inside the home or outside near the system
• Lift station alarm going off
• Extra-lush grass growing only over the tank or drain field

These are often the first clues that homeowners have about trouble with their septic system. If you notice any of these signs, tell your septic provider about it and schedule an inspection.

Septic Tank Pumping

Along with regular inspections, you should arrange to have your septic tank pumped out according to schedule. The frequency of pumping will be based on the size of your tank and the amount of waste it has to process. Your septic technician will help you determine the optimal pumping schedule – typically every three to five years.

All The Help Your Septic System Needs

Lakeland Septic Company can inspect for and resolve all the above-mentioned issues. For more than 15 years, we’ve served the greater Lakeland, FL, region with expert septic tank pumping, inspections and quality repairs. We also install new residential and commercial septic systems.

If it’s time to have your system looked at, give us a call. You can also reach out through our contact form.