Many homeowners who are selling their homes or the buyers of those homes are looking for an inspection of the septic system to ensure that it is functioning properly. These inspections should be carried out by a certified onsite wastewater practitioner as a septic inspection is significantly different than a house inspection.

What is involved?

The septic system needs to be in good working condition and must meet the regulatory framework of the time in which it was designed and installed. So, if the septic system was installed in 1995 for instance, it would have to meet the regulations in place that year; a system installed today must meet 2025 regulations.

A septic inspection should include the following at minimum:

• Check the integrity of the tankage to ensure no cracks or leaks (this will require the tank to be pumped).
• Check the condition of the baffles and lids.
• Is there an effluent filter present? If so, does it need cleaning?
• What type of dosing is being used?
• Is the pump functioning? Check amperage and run a pump cycle.
• Is there a high-water alarm installed? Is it working?
• Does the soil treatment component appear to be in good condition?
  • Is there slumping of the soil between the laterals?
  • Are there signs of saturation, such as standing water, sponginess and wet grass?
  • Is the pressure distribution system working well? This will require a squirt test to check that the effluent is being pumped fully to the end of the laterals.
  • Is there standing water in the observation ports?

If the septic system is using more advanced technology such as a packaged treatment plant, then there are additional components to check such as:

• Blowers and aerators – are they functioning?
• Effluent quality – test it to ensure the system is performing as intended.
• If the system utilizes disinfection, is the lightbulb working?

Many people think that maintaining a septic system just means having the tank pumped out regularly, however the above tasks are part of a maintenance inspection as well as a real estate inspection. To ensure your real estate inspection is as informed as possible, share any maintenance reports you have with the inspector. A well-maintained system provides added value to your property.

For more information on this and other homeowner information, visit our website: Home Owners – WCOWMA