Evaluations and Certifications:
For home sales in California you probably need to have an evaluation of your system regarding the functionality of your septic system. The inspection consists of locating, digging, and pumping the system: The following are components of the report:

• The general layout and placement of the septic tank.
• Analysis of its operational effectiveness in relationship to all of the factors that are specified.
• A description of the tank including; material, condition, tees, and lid accessibility.
• Measurements from the house, foundation, and well.

The septic inspection and pumping are done at the same time and the report is usually done within a few days. We can bill directly to the title company and be paid from escrow for your convenience.

HOW A SEPTIC SYSTEM WORKS:
Septic systems are buried in the ground near the home they service. They have two main parts: The septic tank and the absorption field. (Leach field). The tank receives the wastewater from the home and separates most of the solids. The liquid passes through to the leach field and soaks into the ground without clogging the soil pores.

THE SEPTIC TANK:
The tank hold approximately 1000 - 1500 gals. and is usually made of concrete. It has manholes on the top to permit inspection and cleaning. The sewage creates its own bacteria and will break down creating a layer of scum on the top of the tank and sludge in the bottom of the tank. Gray water flows from the clear space between the scum and sludge layers to the back side of the tank and out into the leach field.

THE LEACH FIELD:
Wastewater is distributed throughout the absorption system by pipe, then flows through to the trench or pit and soaks down into the ground. The soil both treats and disposes of the wastewater. Blockages in the pipe between the home and the tank can usually be cleared with plumbers’ tools. If your plumbing backs up suddenly under normal use in dry weather this is probably the problem.

However, some pipe blockages caused by tree roots entering the pipe or detergent buildup, can develop over a period of time. More serious difficulties occur when the absorption system becomes clogged or saturated. The most common cause of absorption system clogging is carryover of solid from the septic tank. When sludge and scum are not periodically removed from the tank, they accumulate until they are washed out into the absorption field. Eventually pores in the earth walls of the soil become clogged.

A leach field that is only partially clogged may work well during dry weather, but when winter rains soak the ground, or when household use is high, the system becomes overloaded and failure becomes apparent. You may be able to clear blockages in the distribution pipe, but once the soil becomes clogged it will no longer accept the wastewater and you will need a new absorption system. It’s a lot cheaper to keep your system working well through proper maintenance.

You can suspect a malfunctioning system if:

• There are odors, persistent wet spots, or lush vegetation in the area of your system
• Your plumbing becomes sluggish over a period of time
• Your plumbing becomes sluggish when it is being heavily used during wet weather
• Problems persist even though your tank has been cleaned recently

OTHER MAINTENANCE TIPS:

LOCATION: Record the location of your septic tank. Once you have found your tank, make a diagram showing exactly where it is. Keep a copy where it will be handy.

INSTALL RISERS: Normally a tank is 18" - 24" under the ground. You can install risers on your tank to bring the lids to ground level for easy access. However, it is a personal preference if you want to look at the lids in your landscaping. If your tank is deeper than 24" it is always recommended to install risers. They are usually made from concrete pipe or plastic pipe with a lid on top.

MINIMIZE THE LIQUID LOAD: The less wastewater you produce, the less the soil will have to absorb. Water conservation is the cheapest and easiest way to protect your septic system.

Repair leaky fixtures. Check your toilet by dropping food dye in the tank and seeing if it shows up in the bowl without flushing;

Wash clothes only when you have a full load. Avoid doing several loads in one day.

Take shorter showers;

Use a water saving device on your toilet;

Don’t let water run while washing teeth, hands, vegetables, dishes, etc.;

Don’t let rain water drain onto the leach field area from higher ground;

Be alert for other sources of water saving ideas.

MINIMIZE THE SOLID LOADS: A good rule is: “don’t use your septic system for anything that can be disposed of some other way, the less you put into your tank, the less it will need pumping.”

Avoid using your garbage disposal. Compost scraps or throw them out with the trash.