Regular Inspections Can Prevent Onsite Systems Failures
Most people know that it is important to visit the doctor from time to time if they want to live a long, healthy life. Regular checkups can uncover physical problems or unhealthy habits before they lead to serious illnesses, yet many people put off going to the doctor precisely because they are afraid of what they might find out.

Perhaps it's only human nature, therefore, that many homeowners put off having their onsite wastewater treatment systems inspected. Homeowners often don't even know what type of system they have or when it was last serviced. After all, onsite systems usually are buried out of sight, which makes them easy to ignore, especially when they seem to be working.

But ignorance about the condition of onsite systems can be costly. Careful examination by a trained professional usually is required to determine whether a system is functioning properly and to troubleshoot and accurately diagnose any potential problems in their early stages before they lead to expensive emergencies.

In fact, regular inspections are as important to onsite system health as medical checkups are to human health. Inspections help homeowners determine when systems need maintenance, which is essential for keeping them in good working order. Inspection results also can suggest simple lifestyle changes, such as conserving water, to help homeowners protect and extend the life of their systems.

Protect Your Home and Family
Inspections not only protect systems but also the health of family, neighbors, and entire communities. Malfunctioning onsite systems can contaminate nearby wells and public drinking water sources, and they can pollute local rivers and lakes, contaminating and killing aquatic life.

Thorough onsite system inspections can help homeowners protect their property investments. Local regulations and lending institutions often require that systems be inspected prior to property transfers, just like termite and structural inspections, to help avoid costly surprises. Imagine the nightmare of moving to a new home only to find that the wastewater system is failing or that it is too small.

Okay, I'm Convinced - What Do I Do?
Inspections may be performed by county environmental health specialists, independent contractors, or people employed by communities, developers, or homeowner associations. Exactly who should inspect your system depends on the type of system you have, the reason for the inspection, and local onsite system regulations.

Choose the Right Inspector
Start with your local health department; they know your local and state regulations and may be able to recommend someone. Compare estimates, check references, and hire someone with experience who is a licensed trained septic technician.

Do-It-Yourself ?
Resist the temptation! Experienced professionals can identify structural problems, and are able to inspect the entire system (including tanks, components, and the soil absorption field). Since your system is buried, it is probably difficult to locate; they have the equipment and expertise to find it. They can provide the homeowner with a written report detailing the results, location, and any maintenance needed. These reports are official documents valuable for showing to banks, insurance companies, and prospective homebuyers. There are also dangers such as poisonous, explosive, and potentially fatal gases and electrical components posing a shock hazard to watch for.

Other Topics:
Sewage Protection Program | Realty Septic Inspections | General Septic Problems | Caring for Your Septic System- Do's & Don'ts | Why Systems Fail | Ten Most Asked Questions About Septic Systems

Adapted in part from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse at 800/624-830.

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