Septic Inspection Service
Experts say you should get a septic system inspection every year. But lots of homeowners never get their septic systems inspected unless there is a notable issue (toilets not flushing, bad smells out in the yard). By then, the problem could be enormous. The benefit of doing an inspection every year is to avoid those major problems.
One full year is also the maximum amount of time you should let your septic system go without being looked at. I have been to gravity systems where inspections are due every 3 years, and after 2 years, they clog. Because of this I offer a filter cleaning service for $50. I'll put you on an annual schedule and once a year I come by and clean that filter (on gravity systems only).
Our inspection service starts by looking at the county's website to see what they have on file to get an idea of the set up you have. When we get to your house, we do the inspection which is from the inlet of the septic tank to the end of the drain field lines. Once the inspection is done, I can send your report to the county via their online program - you'll be good for another year.
One full year is also the maximum amount of time you should let your septic system go without being looked at. I have been to gravity systems where inspections are due every 3 years, and after 2 years, they clog. Because of this I offer a filter cleaning service for $50. I'll put you on an annual schedule and once a year I come by and clean that filter (on gravity systems only).
Our inspection service starts by looking at the county's website to see what they have on file to get an idea of the set up you have. When we get to your house, we do the inspection which is from the inlet of the septic tank to the end of the drain field lines. Once the inspection is done, I can send your report to the county via their online program - you'll be good for another year.
The Inspection Procedure
Do NOT let your filter get this dirty.
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The inspection of the septic system at this property consisted of:
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There's a new way to look at your reports that are entered to the county records as of June 2023. It is on a website called OnlineRME. ( onlinerme.com )
Here is a short video I made so you can check on yours. It helps if you have your tax parcel number.
https://youtu.be/shAptehZh74
click on any image to enlarge
Here is a short video I made so you can check on yours. It helps if you have your tax parcel number.
https://youtu.be/shAptehZh74
click on any image to enlarge
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FAQs
Most people have no idea what is involved in septic inspections. We've tried to take the fear and guessing out as much as possible. Here are the Top 10 questions (keep in mind, these are general answers and may not fit every circumstance):
- What is done during a septic inspection? Look at every part of the system from the house out and inform of how things look and what can be done to improve treatment, if anything.
- How much does a septic system inspection cost? On Lopez Island- Gravity $200, Pressure $280, pressure system with sand filter $295, and most Proprietary systems is $345 (Advantex $368). Prices vary on other islands.
- How long does it take to do a septic inspection? I allow about an hour
- Is the home buyer or seller obligated to pay for an inspection? Typically it is the seller, exceptions are made in specific situations.
- What is a full septic inspection? One that includes checking all of the parts of the tank are accounted for and in good condition, measuring solids, cleaning the filter and pump components, and checking the drain field for saturation, ponding, and maintenance components.
- What does a pumpout involve? It includes checking all of the parts of the tank are accounted for and in good condition, measuring solids, cleaning the filter and pump components, and pumping all of the contents out to make sure the solids on the bottom are removed as well as the top.
- What close do you need to be to do the pumpout? We carry 300 feet of hose on the pumper trucks.
- How long do septic systems last? With proper maintenance, forever!!
- How do I know if my drain field is failing? You'll smell it.... Or see "ponding" in area's you know your not supposed to. Technically, effluent on the ground surface is a failure.
- Does a home inspection include well and septic? No. it doesn't include septic.
- I'm single, but my neighbor has 5 kids. Do we need the same annual maintenance? Yes (It is a county and state regulation), but the neighbors will be more involved... and more cleaning typically.