Inspection Services » Septic System Inspection

Septic System Inspection

As per State Law, all Septic inspections and/or certifications are to be provided by Licensed Sanitarians.

Home Inspectors cannot legally perform this inspection unless they have the credentials listed above. If the Inspector does have the proper credentials, it is very important to ensure that his Insurance Policy specifically covers Septic Systems. Consult your Attorney to determine all details and EPA testing requirements prior to closing.

It is paramount to ensure that the individual who conducts the inspection is specifically licensed and insured. Most home inspectors who provide this service are not.

Although Holmes Inspection Service does not perform the actual inspection, we have aligned ourselves with the most reputable Septic Inspection Services throughout the state of New Jersey so that we may offer you significant discounts.

Basically, there are two types of inspections that can be performed:

1. Dye Testing
2. Open-Tank Inspection

Note - Although many mortgage companies will accept the basic dye test, it is important to note it is the least reliable.

The basic procedure for inspecting a septic system is the same for both the dye test and the open tank inspection:

Hydraulic Load Testing
Based on the size of the dwelling (# of bedrooms & baths), a certain amount of water will be run through the system to get it flowing. A licensed professional is the only one who can determine this information. All fixtures (tubs, toilets, sinks, Etc.) are tested to ensure adequate drainage.

If there is a drainage problem, the condition may be the result of one of the following:

• A clog,
• A problem with the piping/venting,
• A problem with the septic tank, or
• A problem with the distribution box, leaching field and/or pit.

Dye Test
If a dye test is being conducted, a non- staining dye will be flushed down the toilet and/or other fixtures so that any back pressure can be observed. If any dye remains in the fixture, this is an indicator that the system is not properly accepting the "waste" (as mentioned above).

Probing
The next step will be to probe...

• The Septic Tank area,
• The leaching field and/or pit area to determine excessive saturation, odor and/or visible effluence.