How And When To Do A Full Septic System Inspection
Some parts of the septic system are harder to inspect than others, but there is certainly a time when all components need to be inspected. Here is some information about how and when to inspect the different components of the septic system.
The Septic Tank Exterior
Problems with the septic tank's exterior are often obvious to the naked eye, but they may take a bit of examining. Look at the exterior if you are noticing a leak, if the grass under the tank has changed colors, or if you are experiencing a sewage smell in your yard. A good septic tank professional will examine the tank any time they make a service call. Catching cracks early could save you a lot of money.
Inside the Septic Tank
The inside of the septic tank is somewhere you may have thought you'd never see, especially if the tank is underground. You can look into the septic tank using specialized cameras that take images of the tank's interior. This should be done by a professional. They will put the camera at the end of a long pole that goes through the septic tank lid. From there, they can diagnose any issues that would prevent the septic tank from emptying, such as clogs. They can also determine sludge levels and tell you if the tank needs to be emptied.
The Drain Field
You may need to have the drain field looked at if it's flooding. Likely, that has to do with the amount of sediment clogging the field. It could also be damaged when there is a major flood that keeps the water levels high for a significant amount of time, changing the bacterial composition of the drain field. Your septic tank drain field is a delicate balance of bacteria that helps break down solid waste, and it needs to stay in tact and active for your septic tank to work properly.
Septic system inspection should always be done by an expert. A septic tank releases noxious fumes that could cause you to pass out. And, if you aren't sure what you're doing, you might damage part of the drain field or other component while you do your inspection. A septic system inspection team can do their inspection at the same time as your next cleaning, or even earlier if you are noticing a problem and suspect damage.
Contact a business like Rob's Septic Tanks Inc for more help.