Getting your septic system inspected may feel a little like going to the doctor: it’s necessary for the system’s health, but you dread what the report might reveal. However, as with your own health, it’s better to know what’s going on so you can take steps to address any minor issues before they become major problems.
And if you can’t even remember the last time your septic system was inspected, the time to schedule one is now. We provide service in Billings, MT and the surrounding communities in Yellowstone, Stillwater, and Carbon Counties.
The ins and outs of septic systems
Rural life has numerous benefits, but homeowners accustomed to country living know, a little independence comes with a lot of responsibility. One of those responsibilities is maintaining your septic system — because most rural homes feature “well and septic” rather than city water and sewer.
These homeowners should have their waste management systems inspected every one to three years, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
There are two basic types of septic systems: conventional and alternative.
Conventional systems are further categorized as gravity or pressure distribution systems. Gravity is the standard system, in which gravity is relied upon to move effluent through the tank and into the leach field. Pressure distribution utilizes a pump to do the job. It’s used in new systems because it distributes more evenly to the whole drainfield.
Alternative systems include:
- Aerobic Treatment Unit in which oxygen is used to break down solids. It is frequently used in environmentally sensitive areas because it produces cleaner wastewater than conventional systems.
- Mound System, which involves a drainfield raised above ground level. It is used when there’s little soil available for the treatment process.
- Sand Filter System, also used when there’s little soil available for the treatment process. It incorporates a sand filtering system and pump to treat and disburse the effluent.
If your system features pumps, electrical float switches, or mechanical components, the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors recommends an inspection every year.
Septic tank inspections examine these features
We check three elements of a septic system: septic tank, the distribution box, and the leach field. If all three components function properly and are structurally sound, the system will pass inspection.
Our first step is locating the septic system.
After determining the site of your system, we proceed to investigating which includes:
- Conducting a visual inspection of the drain field, looking for cesspools, sogginess, or green or black standing water (indicating mold).
- Flushing the toilet and running water to ensure proper water pressure and even distribution in the septic drain field.
- Looking for potential leaks. It can be necessary to pump the tank in order to get a good look at it. Once it’s pumped, we look for cracked, chipping, rotting, or weathered spots.
- Removing the cover to check the water level. If the liquid in the tank is higher than the outlet pipe, or if it has reached the top of the tank, it is “overfull” and indicates a potential problem with the drain field.
- Measuring the level of solids in the tank, including scum and sludge layers, with the use of sludge judge: a long, hollow pole.
- Checking the baffles to ensure they’re not covered by solids and are several inches higher than the sewage level, with no evidence of previous overflows.
- Checking the distribution box, or D-box for damaged outlets or openings that restrict flow, structural integrity, and tilting or tipping that causes uneven distribution.
Common septic inspection findings and repair costs
Our professional septic system inspection generally takes two to three hours to complete. Some of the common issues discovered during inspection include:
Cracked tank
Septic tanks are typically constructed of concrete, steel, fiberglass, or polyethylene. Steel tanks can rust. Fiberglass and polyethylene tanks can be crushed by traffic or split. Concrete tanks are usually more durable, but can crack.
Damaged wall
Septic tank walls can be damaged by shifting ground, exposure to the elements, or invasive tree roots. Cracks or holes in the wall often result in leaks.
Faulty D-box
The Distribution Box controls distribution of wastewater into the leach field. If it is damaged, problems result down the line. A concrete D-box should last 20 years, but tree roots, damage from heavy machinery, or sludge build-up can shorten its life. Signs of a failed box may look like septic tank blockage or drain field issue.
Pump failure
The septic tank pump helps the effluent flow to the drain field. These wear out and need to be replaced every few years.
Invasive roots
Trees or shrubs planted too closely can actually grow into a septic tank or the pipes. Costs can escalate if the roots have damaged the tank, which needs repair.
Tree roots can sometimes be cut, but if they’re established or large, it’s more likely that the pipes will have to be dug up and replaced.
System is too small for the home
If the septic system is too small for the home, it will quickly become overloaded, as signified by water on the ground surface. Septic system size is based on the number of bedrooms a home has: a four-bedroom home requires a 1,200-gallon tank, for example.
Low bacteria level
Aerobic Treatment Units use oxygen and bacteria to break down waste. If the level of bacteria is low (usually a result of the tank not being used for some time), the system loses efficiency.
Swampy Drain Field
The drain or leach field is a section of your septic system that returns waste water to the soil. If the lawn becomes swampy or produces a foul stench, it’s a sign the field is not functioning properly.
Repair or rejuvenation typically involves pumping the leach field to remove excess water and clogs before adding bacteria and enzymes to renew the field. If the situation is dire, the field may need to be completely replaced.
Tank overflows
The sludge on the bottom of the tank should not be more than 1/3 of the tank’s total volume or rise to the level of the baffles. If the septic tank is full and needs to be pumped, that cost starts at $325 for 1.5 hours of work. If the issue is something more serious, such as invasive tree roots, it will likely cost more.
Septic tank doesn’t drain
If the tank is full of water but won’t drain, it’s most likely due to a blockage. The tank or the pipes may have become clogged with sludge or invaded by tree roots.
Sinking ground around the tank
Sinking ground or a sinkhole around the septic tank is often caused by a leak in the septic tank or the lines to the leach field. depending on the specific cause, such as corroded pipes, a cracked tank, or a blockage or other damage with the leach field.
Leach field leakage
A leach field that is leaking at one end could indicate damage to the tank or the connection or some sort of blockage.
Don’t neglect your septic system
Normally, septic systems are efficient when properly maintained. If they have been inspected and pumped regularly, they can last 25 years or more without replacement.
In general, you should have your septic tank pumped every 3 to 5 years, depending on the size of your household, the size of your tank, and a few other factors such as the drain field’s proximity to rainwater runoff areas and large trees, and usage of your septic system.
Let us save you the hassle and smell of the monthly septic inspection, cleaning, and treatment to your septic filter. With our cleaning service, in addition to conducting the septic tank health assessment, we clean your affluent filter, and perform a system enzyme treatment to ensure your system’s long lasting health. We also recommend cleaning your filter every 1 to 3 months to ensure that your system is functioning optimally.
Ready to get your septic system the help it needs? Contact us today!
And don’t forget to ask us about our system service contracts, neighborhood, military, and first responder discounts.