Private Septic Systems and Inspection Certifications -- What They Are and Are Not

What A Septic Certification Is:
A septic certification is a written document which states that an on-site sewage disposal system has been inspected and found to presently be in satisfactory working condition according to set standards. It identifies the approximate location, size and configuration of the system components if possible.

What A Septic Certification Is NOT:
A septic certification is NOT a warranty or guarantee that the ono-site sewage disposal system will continue to function properly for any given period of time in the future. This is because a contractor who performs an inspection is unable to supervise or monitor the future use or maintenance of the system. It also does not warrant that the system meets local codes, nor guarantees that the soil is adequatly treating the affluent. A reputable contractor, however, will not certify a septic system for the prospective buyer which he/she knows will not function properly due to a problem discovered during an inspection of the septic system.


Why Is A Septic Certification Needed?
Over the last few years, many mortgage companies and lending institutions have begun to request septic certifications for logical and justifiable reasons.

With the constantly increasing costs in both the new and secondary housing markets, the last things that a new home owner needs is the additional expense associated with the repair or replacement of a malfunctioning on-lot sewage disposal system. In order to help insure that such a financial burden is not shifted to the prospective buyer, obtaining a septic certification prior to closing is a nominal, yet sound investment. For most people a home is the single most important and expensive purchase they will ever make.

Costs for on-lot sewage disposal systems have increased greatly. New, alternative systems such as shallow placement, elevated sand mounds, and subsurface sand filters have been added to the standard septic systems. Costs for a new installation or replacement can vary on average from approximately $3,000 to $15,000, but in some situations can be much more.

It is important that prospective home buyers have the on-sight sewage system inspected before they go to settlement, even if the lending institution does not impose such a requirement. The decision to obtain a septic certification before buying may save money and headaches in the future.


Tips on Buying a Home with a Septic Tank
If you are buying a home with a septic tank, it is important to have an independent septic tank certification performed by a state licensed inspector. This certificate is necessary whenever real estate ownership changes hands. This certificate insures that the tank is pumped and is satisfactory condition and that the drain lines are clear and performing as designed. A standard home inspection does not include this type of specialized, intrusive inspection. Septic tank pumping companies often offer pumping and certification services.

It is also important to determine if bedrooms have been added to unfinished space since the installation of the tank, because the number of bedrooms often determines the legal size of the septic tank and field.

Septic tanks should not be used in conjunction with garbage disposals. Food wastes do not properly break down in the tanks and may clog drain fields. Do not allow chemicals that can destroy the nature bacteria that is needed by the system. Also, avoid cooked fats and greases. The undigested solids (sludge) in the bottom of the septic tank should be pumped out at a minimum every two to four years, depending on usage and tank size. If the sludge is not removed periodically, it will eventually carry over into the leach field and cause the field to fail.


How Does A Typical Septic System Work?

The Septic Tank: A container usually made of concrete. It receives wastewater from your bathroom, kitchen and laundry room. Heavy particles settle at the bottom as sludge solids and light materials float to the surface of the tank forming a scum layer. Bacteria in the system help to break down and liquefy the organic matter, which is carried to the absorption field as effluent.

The Absorption (Leach) Field: This consists of a distribution box and perforated distribution lines (laterals) installed below the ground in gravel beds or trenches.

Scope of Work For Septic Certification:
Locate, excavate and uncover the main lid of the septic tank and the distribution box.
Measure septic tank liquid level. Determine system capacity and scum thickness.
Pump out septic tank to inspect the baffles and their condition; to inspect the tank for deterioration, cracks, etc.
Attempt to locate absorption area.
Observe absorption area condition through probing and/or soil boring.
Identify any observed areas of swage breakout, lush vegetation, and odors.
Map approximate location of system components.
Return disturbed area to as close to its previous condition as is possible.
Record available information.
Issue final report and make recommendations for improvement.

Sources:
http://www.delvalseptic.com
http://www.advseptic.com/
NOTE: We make not endorsement or emplied warranty with regards to the above companies.


Septic References:

Do's and Don'ts for Septic Care:
http://www.septictankcertification.com/septiccare.html

Septic Diagrams:
http://www.sescor.net/home.htmhttp://www.bassandsons.com/diagrams.html

The Septic Information Website:
http://www.inspect-ny.com/septbook.htm

Watch a video on the proper installation, operation and maintenance of a septic system:Living With a Septic System (Compliments of South Dakota State University)

Visit my web site for additional resources and services: http://LawrenceYerkes.com

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