Septic Tank Inspection FAQs

Septic Tank Inspection & Repair Warnings FAQs

Can the seller "fix" a septic tank leak "for the time being" to make it pass inspection?

We are in the process of purchasing a home with a sepic tank. Upon inspecion the tank was found to be leaking.

The seller states there is just a small leak around the seal and that he can "fix it for the time being, to pass inspection."

Then he wanted money from us to help pay for a new tank.

My question is can he fix it just to pass inspection and not have to replace the tank, leaving us the costy fix. We just aren't sure if he can get away with this. On 2015-04-15 by Jason

by (mod) - Yes, but beware

Jason

Yes the seller can get away with what you describe: the seller's intention is being fully disclosed to you. This is a matter to discuss with your attorney.

Watch out: if the only problem is a leak around the septic inlet or outlet pipe, that may be a perfectly reasonable and long-lasting repair, but the seller's phrase "for the time being" sounds to me like a warning that there are or may be other much more costly failures present or repairs needed.

Be sure to readHOME BUYERS GUIDE to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Roots in the septic system were "cleared" by the seller of the house I'm buying: does that mean trouble for me?

I am getting ready to purchase a older house and the septic inspection showed the out line was not discharging properly and a full inspection couldn't be done for it was over full.

The owners had the out line cleared *guessing roots were growing through line" is what we were told and now they said the aeration is 3 in too high in cross over tank? I don't understand...should I run from the deal, fast? On 2016-07-28 by Suzanne

by (mod) - Yes; buying an older home where an "over-full" septic tank prevented tank outlet line from discharging properly

"Guessing" by a seller is worth as much to you as the amount of money I am enclosing with this e-text reply.

Root-clogged piping can be cleared out but the roots will come back within typically about a year;

High waste in a septic tank tells me that either lines out of that tank are blocked or the absorption field is flooded and is likely to be in failure. You can purchase the house but I'd have in reserve money to repair or replace the septic system or at least the fields.

Or obtain an independent, un-biased inspection and report and repair cost estimate before proceediing if you can.

In my OPINION having to repair or replace a septic system is not a reason to run from buying a home, but you need to plan for that expense. Keep in mind that if you run to buy a different home that's no assurance that you won't find or discover costly repairs needed there as well. Such expenses are actually common and normal over the life of a home.

Cameras or Tools to Inspect Septic Tanks FAQs

Tip: See SEPTIC TANK LEAKS - topic home

While the only way to fully inspect the conditions inside of a septic tank is to open the tank, inspect conditions, then pump the tank for further information, but in some circumstances a camera can behelpful: see SEWER / SEPTIC PIPE CAMERAS 

I have a septic tank that I suspect is leaking - how is such a tank inspected?

I have a tank that I suspect is leaking. Access for pumping is a 6” pvc pipe extending down into the 2000 gallon tank

I’m hoping to inspect he inside of the tank by using some type of endoscope camera. Anything that I can purchase does not seem to offer the resolution needed to see what’s happening to the tank. Any suggestions other than calling in some expensive outside help? On 2018-05-23 by Barry Anderson -

by (mod) - Safety warning & where to find septic tank inspection cameras & tools

Barry

At INSPECT the SEPTIC TANK AFTER PUMPING you will see several cameras and tools we recommend for inspecting the septic tank interior. At least three of these, including a simple phone and selfie stick (properly secured) can obtain high resolution images of the septic tank interior.

When looking for a septic tank leak be sure to read SEPTIC TANK LEAKS -

Concrete Chunks, Rocks or Stones Found in the Septic Tank FAQs

What's the importance of chunks of cement or stones in the septic tank?

There were lot of stones. I hope it wasn't cement chunks. Please do not be concerned that I would go near the tank so safe.

So, might there be residual septic odor hovering around the cap? It didn't smell bad during the pumping. Will also check out drains. Thank you. On 2017-09-12 by Jake -

by (mod) - cement chunks in the septic tank may indicate important damage

Jake:

Indeed cement chunks would be a worry that the tank itself had been damaged, or its concrete baffles (ruining the drainfield), or that its cover was damaged (now unsafe). But also it's common for some dirt and rocks to fall into a tank as it is opened - and for that to be removed. And a few rocks remaining on the bottom do no harm.

Yes it's normal for a bit of odor around the tank opening after pumping, from spills or even just from having laid the pumping hose on the ground.

Watch out: If it continues for days or weeks then there's a different issue.

Watch out: if dirt and stones are falling into the septic tank that means either tank is damaged (and possibly very unsafe, risking a cave-in or someone falling into the tank if the cover is unsafe) or there are dirt and stones backflowing into the tank from the drainfield or D-box - suggesting pipe damage or field failure.

Septic pumping seemed to suck up stones or dirt from the septic tank

I asked the pumper guy about the sound of stones being sucked up during the pumping and into the truck. He said it was just some dirt - nothing to worry about. He left, and when putting soil over the caps, the cap had not been reseated properly, I seated it. Five hours later, there is a septic odor.

Scratch the kitchen drain, slow drain.

For what it's worth, I thought I should run some water into the tank, and water is draining very slowly from the unplugged sink. Is there a residual odor after pumping?

I don't recall that from 7 years ago. I also don't recall having a kitchen sink draining problem after pumping. Thank you. On 2017-09-11 by Jake

Reply by (mod) -

Jake:

Most septic pumping trucks can handle small stones that may have fallen into a septic tank. And that shouldn't damage the tank whatsoever.

But the slow drains you describe are worrisome; with an empty septic tank we pretty much rule out slow drains due to a drainfield failure - provided the tank was actually pumped out.

So I'd suspect a blockage between house and tank - a clogged trap, line or ... nobody drove over a shallow sewer line, right?

Watch out: DO NOT open nor lean over nor try to figure out a septic tank by yourself - you can be overcome by fumes, fall in, and die a nasty death.

I'd call the pumper or a septic contractor or plumber who can inspect the tank and drain line for you.

Keep me posted.

Can grass enter a Septic System Distribuition Box?

Can grass enter a ditribuition box? A remediation contractor is telling us it is not tree roots but grass.

The proposed solution is to pour grass killer overthe area. From what I know, I think that could be very damaging. On 2017-08-27 by David

by (mod) - Yes, Grass could get into a D-box, piping, and elsewhere

David,

Grass could get into a D-box, and there are some grass species that have long, aggressive roots that can go more than 6 feet down.

See PLANTS & TREES OVER SEPTIC SYSTEMS

However the steps to remedy matters ought to be easier than if you had to remove trees.

Septic Tank Corrosion FAQs

I am concerned that my septic pumping chamber is being eaten away above the water line - the concrete is chipping

I have a concern my septic tank pump chamber is eating away above the water line and the concrete is chipping away.

The tank is only nine years old. I never noticed this 3 years ago but my neighbor whose house was built about 3 months after mine said he noticed his after six months.

Can you tell me what may have caused this? - Joseph 4/15/12

Reply:

Joseph,

You are describing a concrete septic tank or in this case a concrete effluent or sewage pumping chamber. I'm doubtful that the chipping away (probably spalling) is due to anything you are putting into the septic tank via your wastewater, certainly not in normal use.

If the damage to the concrete tank is significant, you may have a concrete tank that was poured out of a bad mix.

If the damage is superficial, say 1/2-inch or less into a 4" or thicker concrete tank wall, it's not a near term issue.

When the septic tank is pumped, ask the pumper to note the condition of the tank, evidence of cracks, holes, damage, damaged baffles, excessive spalling, or a lot of concrete scrap on the tank bottom.

See SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE for help in understanding how a septic tank is cleaned and inspected, and for examples of defects that can be found on inspection of the septic tank.