We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Industry

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Septic Tank Inspection?

By Jeremy Laukkonen
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,281
Share

Septic tank inspection is a process of examining for a variety of faults and defects to determine if a unit is functioning properly. This is an essential part of septic tank maintenance. The process of septic tank inspection can determine if a tank is full, and if any of the components have stopped working or are causing trouble. A typical septic tank will include a large drain or seep field, where liquids from the tank are disposed, so this may also be inspected for proper operation. Such an inspection may be performed by the local wastewater authority, health department, or a licensed inspector, depending on the laws in the local area.

Contacting the local government will typically reveal how often a tank must be inspected and by whom. As laws or codes relating to septic tanks vary between differing jurisdictions, a tank in any given area may have to be inspected yearly, not at all, or at any other interval. Since each requires pumping at different intervals depending on size and use, it can be very important to follow the inspection regulations.

One of the main components of septic tank inspection is physical inspection of the waste. This is typically achieved by inserting a hollow pipe into the waste until it reaches the bottom. By examining the pipe, the inspector is often table to determine if the tank needs to be emptied and whether the solids are settling correctly. If he notices any anomalies during this portion of the inspection, it may indicate certain problems with the system.

Septic tanks generally operate through the anaerobic digestion of solid wastes by bacteria. As the solid waste settles to the bottom of a septic tank, it is broken up in an oxygen-depleted environment by bacteria. This allows the tank to hold much more waste than it would otherwise be able to. It also allows the relatively clean and odorless wastewater to enter the drain or seep field without causing the same environmental stress that solid wastes might.

If non-digestible solids, like cigarette butts, are flushed, or extensive organic matter is disposed of through a garbage disposal, the septic tank may fill prematurely. A septic tank inspection will usually turn up issues like this, allowing the tank to be pumped out before a problem develops. A properly operating and correctly-sized septic tank may go for as many as 10 to 20 years without being pumped, though it is still important to undergo regular septic tank inspection. In addition to the fact that many jurisdictions require it, the inspection can allow the tank to continue operating properly.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-septic-tank-inspection.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.