A septic system inspection is one of those home maintenance tasks that you might put off, and then put off some more. Because septics exist underground in the backyard, they are often out of sight, thus out of mind. But letting it go too many flushes without an inspection can result in some major problems if the system fails.

Plus, septic system inspections are also generally required if you plan to sell your home. Even if you don’t know if you’re going to sell, keeping your septic system in good condition will save you thousands of dollars in repairs if anything does go wrong.

All-American Septic Pumping & Services can provide your Septic System Inspection Certification and Septic Tank Pumping in one convenient appointment. A septic certification is a document that states that the on-site septic system has been inspected and found to currently either be working or not working to set standards at the time the inspection is completed. Please be aware that a Septic Certification is not a guarantee that the septic system will continue to function properly for any given period of time in the future. This is because conditions can change due to causes beyond our control and any change in usage of the system could cause the system to malfunction.

What does the inspection consist of? First, the technician will remove both lids to the septic tank and check the liquid level in both access areas. After the initial review, water from a garden hose will be added to the first compartment of the tank. This is the water test portion of the inspection. The water runs for approximately 30 minutes while our technicians observe the liquid levels in both compartments of the tank. In a properly functioning septic system, the liquid level will not rise, indicating that the drainfield is taking on as much liquid as is being added to the tank.

After the water test has been completed, we will pump out both compartments of the septic tank, ensuring that all waste is removed.

Once the pumping has been completed, the inspector will look over the inlet/outlet pipes, the baffle (divider) wall, lids, tank walls, and tank top to ensure that all of the septic tank components are in acceptable condition. Anything that is of concern to the inspector is notated on the inspection worksheet, as well as suggested repairs.