Septic Inspection Services

United Inspection Service offers services for title V septic inspections by licensed inspectors. For more information and pricing please call us.

What is a septic system?
A septic system consists of a tank and a drainfield, or a seepage pit. Usually a distribution pit box is installed between the tank and the drainfield to distribute the sewage evenly to all the drainfield piping. The septic tank itself can be made of concrete (considered the most durable), steel (no longer available), or fiberglass, and can hold 500 to 1500 gallons.

The septic tank separates the solid and liquid wastes so that the solid material does not flow into the drainfield. Sewage flows through the tank inlet where solids settle to the bottom and form sludge, which is broken down by anaerobic bacteria. Liquid waste lies above the sludge and a layer of scum forms between baffles at the top consisting of buoyant greases and detergents.

A working septic tank should always be filled, up to the level of the outlet pipe. As the liquid level rises in the tank, it will flow through the outlet pipe and into the drainfield. The drainfield consists of perforated pipes buried in gravel-filled trenches. The length of the drainfield depends on the absorption rate of the soil and local building codes. Generally, the drainfield must be at least 100 feet from a well or other water source and the tank should not be any closer than five feet to the house.

Seepage pits are used where soils drain poorly or when a building site doesn't have enough room for a drainfield. The septic tank's output pipe runs into the seepage pit. The pit is lined with a perforated masonry liner or stones that disperse the waste liquid to be absorbed by the soil.

If properly installed and maintained, which means getting it professionally serviced every two to four years (depending on the number of people in your family and how heavily the system is used), your septic system should operate efficiently for 20 years or more. Be sure to keep a record of when the septic or seepage pit was last pumped out, as well as its present condition. A drainfield that emits odors and has soggy soil may have reached the end of its useful life.

General Tips
Here are some general tips to help prevent unnecessary plumbing problems and costly repair bills:

• Clean pop-up sink drains and strainers, and pour a pot of boiling water down drains every month to prevent clogging.
• Try to keep fat, greases and coffee grounds out of drains and dishwashers.
• Never pour paint or chemicals down drains. They may damage pipes or interfere with the proper functioning of septic systems.
• Flush the garbage disposal with one pot of hot water and a half cup of baking soda each month.
• Make sure your sump pump (if present) is connected to surface grade or to a storm drain and not a septic tank or sewage system. Those systems are not capable of handling large amounts of water at one time. The pump should also have its own (dedicated) electrical outlet.
• Ensure your water conditioning / filtration system (if present) is compatible with your septic system. Some conditioning systems back flush, clean, the system by periodically introducing chemicals to clean the system which can be harmful to the operation of your septic system.

• For detail current regulations, review the state's Title 5 regulations.

GOTO Wastewater Management (Title 5) Publications.

SEPTIC CREDIT

An owner of residential property who occupies the property as his or her principal residence is allowed a credit for expenses incurred to comply with the sewer system requirements of Title V. The amount of the credit is 40 percent of the cost for design and construction expenses (up to $15,000) for the repair or replacement of a failed cesspool or septic system. Taxpayers are allowed to claim a credit of a maximum of $1,500 per taxable year. Any excess credit may be carried over to any of the next succeeding three taxable years. The maximum amount of the credit which can be claimed over the four-year period is $6,000.

Refer to the DOR's website for official information.

GOTO DOR Website