Understanding and Inspecting Septic Systems
October 5, 2023

A septic system is an underground network of pipes that regulates the movement of water and waste into and out of a home. The septic system takes water and waste from the home and filters it before redistributing it to the soil via sinks, showers, toilets, and washers. This procedure aids in reducing the quantity of water and soil pollution in the home and surrounding environment. Because the septic system controls all waste coming in and out of the home, a septic inspection is essential for your home and your health. 


Because a home's septic system is hidden below, an inspection is the only way to accurately assess its health. Bacteria and mold can contaminate the water in a clogged, backed-up, or broken septic system, posing major health dangers. It is extremely advised that all house purchasers obtain a septic inspection before proceeding with the purchase. Regular inspections ensure you and your family do not get sick due to a leak or other problems with your septic system. 


Since these wastewater systems are located underground, homeowners may overlook having a septic inspection. Routine inspections help prevent expensive repairs to your system or avoid a sewage backup in your home. In many states, a septic system must be inspected with the transfer of real estate. (1) This examination should take place during septic tank pumping Chattanooga


Regular septic tank pumping Chattanooga, TN, is an important step in protecting the safety and health of your septic system. This process works best when you hire experienced septic tank pumping companies in Chattanooga area.

Different Types of Septic Inspection

Full Septic Inspection

A full septic inspection is a detailed and thorough evaluation of a home's septic system and is an excellent approach to guarantee your septic system is in good functioning order. A full septic inspection covers all of the tests performed during a visual inspection but goes one step beyond. The inspector will remove the septic tank cover and record the water level. They will also run the water in the house to ensure that the levels in the tank do not rise. 



The inspector may also perform a dye test, which involves coloring the running water with a dye and noting how much of it enters the septic tank. If too much new water is being introduced, it could be a sign of a problem. Following these tests, the inspector will pump the septic tank to ensure there is no backflow from the drain field into the tank. Backflow may indicate a problem with the house's drain field.

Visual Septic Inspection

A visual septic inspection is often performed when a residence is purchased or sold. During this inspection, an inspector will ask some general questions, such as how old the septic system is, when the last inspection was, and when the tank was last drained. The inspector will then turn on the water and flush all of the toilets to test the water pressure and drainage. Finally, the inspector will evaluate the drain field to ensure there is no standing water. 


Basically, a visual inspection only focuses on the visual elements of the septic tank and doesn’t give the buyer full details of the septic system.

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How Often Should You Inspect Your Septic System?

To verify your septic system is in good working order, inspect it every 3 to 5 years. This is about the timeline you'll need to follow when it comes to Chattanooga septic tank pumping. If you follow this timetable, your septic tank should continue to function properly for the duration of the system's life. If you have a large family, you may want to think about it more frequently.


Unfortunately, many homeowners do not follow this schedule, skipping septic inspections and not pumping the tank as frequently as they should. As a result, something goes wrong with the system, and only then does the homeowner call the septic inspector. However, the inspector would most likely propose system repair or replacement at that point. When this occurs, the costs will be substantially more than the cost of properly maintaining the system. 


A complete septic system replacement costs between $10,000 and $60,000. These prices may rise according to terrain, existing soils, groundwater, and installation difficulties. Septic systems are substantially less expensive when the groundwater is not high and the ground is gravel rather than clay. The high cost to pumping septic tank in Chattanooga, TN, is frequently avoided by performing regular septic inspections and septic tank pumping Chattanooga


Correct upkeep will help keep any terrible flaws at bay, making your home easier to sell in the future.

How Much Does a Septic Inspection Cost?

The cost of a septic inspection varies depending on several factors. The tank size and the inspector's qualifications and licensing influence the pricing. Licenses are not required in some places, which lowers the charges. However, it could imply that the inspector lacks the qualifications to detect an issue with your system. 


On average, septic inspection costs can range from $500 to more than $1000. If this appears to be too expensive, you can find that your local health department offers inspections at a lesser fee.

Signs of Problems with Your Septic System

A few things may indicate your septic system needs some work. These include:

Puddles

If you notice puddles forming above your septic system or drain field, this could indicate a clog or worse. This puddle could contain wastewater, so keep your family away from it. An inspector can tell you whether there is a problem with the system and what needs to be addressed.


Green Grass 

If the grass next to your septic tank is greener than it is elsewhere in your yard, this could indicate a problem. If the drain field or tank is not functioning properly, more water may enter the ground. While this may benefit your plants and grass, it is unsafe for people and shows that repairs are required.


Plumbing Backups

If the water does not drain as usual, it could be due to a blockage, which could require a simple remedy or something more serious. It could mean that the tank needs to be replaced, and your septic inspectors will figure it out.


Odors from the Septic Tank

If your yard has an unpleasant odor, the source could be your septic system. A septic examination will determine whether the system causes the strong odors.


For more information on Flush Fellas Septic & Excavating and our services, feel free to reach us via phone today: (423) 498-9839.


About the author

Charles Chandler

Charles Chandler is the founder of Flush Fellas, a septic and excavating company based in Chattanooga, TN. With a passion for providing top-notch services to his clients, Charles has established himself as a prominent figure in the industry. He has extensive knowledge of septic systems, excavation, and drainage solutions, which he uses to offer customized services that meet the specific needs of his clients. Charles is committed to providing exceptional customer service and building long-term relationships with his clients. He is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and innovations to ensure that Flush Fellas continues to offer the best services possible.

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