Why have your System Inspected

The purpose of an inspection is to evaluate the present and future performance of the existing system. Running water into a tank, performing a flow test, dye tracer, or pumping the tank through a 4 or 8 inch inspection port, does not fully evaluate the system and does not remove solids.

American Septic Service performs an enhanced inspection disclosure. Your tank is properly accessed and pumped, removing both solids and liquids. The functionality of your system is determined by observing several points of interest, including the age of the system, the effluent (water) level, amount of solids, integrity of the septic tank, risers, filters, inlet and outlet baffles, design flow, date of construction, capacity of the tank, roots or exposed rebar present, and distribution box.

Electronic Locating

Most problems begin in the tank and can be diagnosed by gaining access and pumping the tank. In most cases, the tank has to be located. American Septic Service locates all tanks electronically with our “SeaSnake” video camera and locator. Sometimes we have no other entrance into the system and we thread the camera head through the roof vent.

SeaSnake	Threading our Camera

Probing the ground with a rod and water is a formula for disaster. There can be water, electric, phone, and cable lines, over, near, and around the tank. In Cochise County there are still many seepage pits still in use and the concrete over them has deteriorated. One whack with a large bar could have you dropping into a 15ft deep pit of sewage.

ADEQ Inspection

As of 1 July, 2006 the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) mandated that all septic systems, regardless of their age, will be inspected within 6 months prior to the sale of the home. This is called the “Comprehensive Septic Tank Inspection Program.” The inspection report is presented to the buyer with a “Notice of Transfer of Ownership” which is actually a permit to operate the system. The transfer is sent in to the state with a fee of $50.00.

For further information go to www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/engineering/not.html

Inspectors are required to be certified by a state recognized course. At this time, the state recognized course is administered by the National Association of Wastewater Transporters (NAWT).

Effluent Screens or Filters

Systems installed and permitted 1 January 2001 and later have an effluent filter in the outlet chamber of your tank. This filter is to prevent materials from clogging your distribution box and ruining your disposal field. This filter requires periodic maintenance. The time intervals for maintenance for the filter will vary with the size of your family and the usage. The filter should last for many years. Pull it gently from the housing, hose it off (not in the tank), and replace it.

Drain Flies

These pesky critters make their home in sewer lines and septic tanks. They do require oxygen and they are found in tanks that have been previously accessed for proper cleaning. They are also found in the newer systems because as a rule, these systems are shallower than the older systems and there is more oxygen for them. These flies are often found in systems that are installed with chambers rather than the traditional rock and trench fields. The drain fly larvae and dead flies pictured on the filter below caused the filter to be plugged and caused a backup of the system. Although the homeowner is a good user, the dead flies and larvae have plugged the filter and a backup occurred.

Risers: What are they and when should they be installed?

American Septic Service recommends that all septic tanks have some immediate access to the surface. Why? Because you will know where the tank is and there will be no more digging to service it. Digging even a few inches in Arizona soil can be grueling. When there are more openings to see into the tank, problems can be identified easily and immediately. Having risers to the surface also eliminates disruption of your landscaping.

Risers should be installed to manufacturer’s specifications. This means no concrete lids on plastic risers.

To schedule a service or evaluation of your septic system, contact American Septic Services right now.