One in five homes in the US has a septic system in Whidbey Island, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t actually understand the importance of professional septic inspection.Â
It’s obvious that septic systems can only treat wastewater effectively if they are maintained properly. Their effectiveness drops immediately when one or more components malfunction. To prevent these failures or malfunctions, you need to hire a professional service for routine septic system inspections in Anacortes, WA.Â
And if you can’t even remember the last time your septic system in Oak Harbor, WA, was inspected, the time to schedule one is now, particularly if you plan on listing your home for sale.
What is the importance of a well-functioning septic system?
A septic system in Oak Harbor, WA, treats and disposes of unwanted drain water and solids from a property’s plumbing system. Solids are partially down into sludge within an Anacortes septic tank and are separated from effluent (water) and scum (grease, oil, and fat). Effluent regularly exits the septic tank into the leach field, is naturally filtered by healthy bacteria, and reentered into groundwater.Â
What are the Signs of a Failing Septic Tank?
Septic systems in Anacortes, WA, often fail without warning, but some visible signs of a failing system are:
- Pooling, standing water, or soaked areas above the tank or near the drain field
- Foul, strange sewage smells near the Oak Harbor septic tank or drain field
- Wastewater backing up into the home
- Slow-draining plumbing fixtures or toilets
- Sewage smell in the property.
What does a septic system inspection involve?
Camera Inspections
Reputed septic companies like Dirty Deeds Septic offer camera Septic Inspection in Oak Harbor to provide customers with the ability to see with their own eyes exactly what might be causing an issue with their septic system in Oak Harbor, WA, and fully understand what necessary methods will be to repair their system. It also has the added benefit of allowing contractors to go right where the fix needs to happen, saving time and money!
Visual Inspections
When buying or selling a house, the septic home inspector in Whidbey Island, WA, usually completes a visual inspection.
A visual inspection includes asking questions like how old the property is, how often the owner pumps the septic system in Oak Harbor, WA, and when the last inspection was.Â
The inspector will flush all the toilets and run all the water in the house to ensure the water pressure is okay and everything drains properly. Finally, they will go out to the leach field to ensure there’s no standing water, which can indicate a cesspool.
Full Inspections
A full septic inspection in Anacortes, WA, includes everything a visual inspection includes and more. It needs to be done every three to five years.
Inspectors will remove the septic tank cover in a full inspection, check the water level, and then run water in the house to ensure it properly flows to the septic tank. They can also use a dye test during this part of their inspection, where the septic inspector will introduce dye into the water that’s being drained to check how much of it enters the septic tank.
From there, the septic tank will be pumped, and the inspector will look for backflow from the absorption area. The flow level is then checked again to ensure every aspect of the septic system in Oak Harbor, WA, is in working order and there are no blockages.
How often should a septic system be inspected?
The septic system in Anacortes, WA, needs to be inspected once a year, including as soon as the property is put on the market for sale. This will enhance its value and avoid liability issues resulting from a malfunctioning or failing septic system in Whidbey Island, WA. Think about it: it’s in the prospective buyer’s interest to insist that the septic tank be inspected before they purchase the property if it hasn’t been done recently.
How long does a professional septic inspection last?
Expert septic contractors in Anacortes, WA, reveal that septic system inspections can vary depending on several factors, including,
- Size of the septic tank and concerned property
- Location and complexity of the septic system, andÂ
- The specific regulatory requirements in your area.Â
What to expect during a septic inspection?
The test itself involves four key checks:
Leaks & Blockages
Top septic contractors in Whidbey Island, WA, reveal that the local authority septic inspector inspects all pipes for leaks and ensures a safe level of sludge and scum in the tank.
Drain Inspection
The drain leading to the septic tank will be checked to ensure that drain water enters the system and is treated correctly. The septic inspector in Oak Harbor, WA, will also ensure that no additional water enters the tank.
Percolation Inspection
The percolation area around the septic tank in Anacortes, WA, will be reviewed for any excess standing water, which can indicate a clog or blockage. Leading septic contractors in Oak Harbor, WA, reveal that any hedges or drains around the percolation area will also be inspected for signs of illegal wastewater dumping.
Other Irregularities
The septic inspector in Oak Harbor, WA, also looks for any strange, foul odors from the septic tanks or the percolation area. They will also monitor the leach field, tank, pipes, and drains for any uncommon noises.
Final Takeaway
Hire a credible, reliable, qualified septic service like Dirty Deeds Septic for septic inspections in Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island, and Anacortes, WA. We’re a veteran-owned and operated service providing professional and quality septic tank pumping to residential customers in Western Washington. The foundation of our business is our reputation for providing fast, dependable, and friendly service at affordable prices.
We value our clients and want to offer you the best septic service experience with experienced, fully trained, friendly technicians, affordable pricing, 24-hour service, seven days a week, and emergency service.Â
