Most people don’t think much about their septic system unless it needs cleaning or a problem occurs. However, being proactive about maintenance and scheduling regular inspections can save you money and keep your system in top operating condition. Consider these points when deciding on whether to schedule maintenance.

Regular Inspections Help Identify Issues

Preventive maintenance is imperative when maintaining a healthy septic system. With periodic maintenance, you’ll be able to identify potential issues before they become serious, often avoiding messy and hazardous consequences. You’ll also ensure your system complies with local health regulations.

Vigilance Promotes Health and Safety

Identifying septic issues early has additional benefits. Septic systems typically last 15 to 40 years but can often last longer with regular maintenance. By addressing maintenance issues, inspections will help keep your system operating efficiently. You’ll save money by not replacing the tank and the rest of the system components as often.

When you maintain your system, you help protect the environment. Inspections help ensure your system does not release untreated wastewater containing bacteria and chemicals into the surrounding area. You’ll help keep local waterways safe and ensure that wildlife and humans aren’t harmed.

Another result of regular inspections is that you will maintain legal compliance. Some municipalities require routine inspections to ensure these systems are safe and pose no health hazard. Scheduling regular inspections can help you avoid legal issues and potential fines.

What Happens During a Septic Inspection

Inspections include an assessment of initial installation and service records to check the system’s age and any previous issues. Next, the technician will check the tank’s integrity, examining for signs of backup along with scum and sludge levels. These steps will help determine if pumping is needed. Another aspect is assessing the drain field, looking for pooling water or overgrown vegetation to determine the presence of leaks or overflows. Your septic professional should also check the tank and related components for cracks or other breaches and repair or replace them as necessary. Finally, the inspection should include flow testing to determine if any blockages are present. You should receive a printed report noting the system’s condition and any recommended repairs.

Factors Affecting Septic Inspection Frequency

Septic experts recommend that your home receive a septic inspection every three to five years. However, some factors can necessitate more frequent inspections. These include larger households and heavier waste system usage.

Not scheduling septic inspections at the appropriate intervals can cause you more than inconvenience and result in serious problems such as the following:

• Backups and overflows
• Damage to the pipes and drain field
• Bad odors
• Environmental contamination
• Increased maintenance costs

Although your septic tank and system should be regularly inspected to keep on top of problems, DIY septic inspections are risky and discouraged. Call professionals.

For the best septic system inspection in or near St. Pauls, NC, contact us at Marshall Cummings Septic Tank Service to schedule your appointment.