Questions & answers about how to inspect the condition of a septic tank:

These septic tank inspection FAQs discuss when, where, how and why to inspect the condition of a septic tank.

We discuss specific septic system inspection details and concerns for steel septic tanks, concrete septic tanks, home made septic tanks, fiberglass or plastic septic tanks, and the condition of septic tank baffles.

Septic Tank Inspection FAQs: Inspect the Condition of the Septic Tank

Questions and answers about septic tank inspections, approvals, certifications, tests

These questions & answers about pumping and cleaning septic tanks were posted originally

at SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE - be sure to see that article.

On 2018-05-23 by (mod) - 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 - https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Septic_Tank_Leak_Causes.php

On 2018-05-23 by Barry Anderson - I have a septic tank that I suspect is leaking.

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 2018-01-25 1 by (mod) - eco-friendly home sellers avoid cleaning their septic tank?

"Echo friendly" leaves me echolating in the dark. The claim, which probably meant to say Environment friendly or "eco-friendly" is by no means a specification of the septic system design, capacity, nor maintenance requirements.

Whether or not the tank needed to be pumped after 8 years depends on the tank size and the level of usage - number of home occupants. See SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE

I can understand that a seller doesn't want the yard of a home on the market to suffer a dug up, messed-up yard just to ease the worries of a buyer, as well as the hope that if the buyer can be dissuaded from looking a problem that might or might not actually exist wont' be discovered.

If I were a seller I'd either put in the access and permit tank inspection and service (if needed) but I would perhaps want a buyer to indemnify me if their own agent or pumping company drove in and ruined my yard, leaving the marketability of my property impaired should the present buyer bolt.

On 2018-01-24 by Mandy

We are buying a house with a concrete two chamber septic tank buried in the garden. Access is covered by lawn. Seller has not had it cleaned out or serviced for 8 years.

We have asked for an access point, for it to be checked and emptied. They are reluctant to carry this out as they say they are very echo friendly and it doesn’t need to be touched. Can you give us some advise please.

On 2017-09-12 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. If it continues for days or weeks then there's a different issue.

On 2017-09-12 by Jake - 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 (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?

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.

On 2017-09-12 by Anonymous

Scratch the kitchen drain, slow drain.

On 2017-09-11 23:29:05.880125 by Jake

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.

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 2017-08-27 5 by (mod) - 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 at https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Plants_On_Septics.php

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

On 2017-08-27 18:12:18.590494 by David

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 2017-01-21 by (mod) - can an engineer say my perfect septic tank is ok to use for a pizza home delivery business?

Corey,

We'd need more information to answer your question, including

1. Local building codes and regulations, zoning regulations about operation of a takeout food business from your home - ask your local building or zoning department about permitted uses of your property before spending money on anything else for this idea, as you'll need to operate legally both to avoid getting in trouble and worse, to avoid making someone sick by making a health-mistake.

2. If the use is permitted, you'll need to review any changes in the anticipated wastewater volume at your property as that may exceed the capacity of your septic system.

I apologize that it sounds a bit glib, but as long as a property use is permitted, you can usually do almost whatever is needed - if you are able to spend enough.

An "engineer" isn't the person who approves your septic system for an expanded use, that's your local health, building, or code department.

However you might need a septic engineer to describe what's installed and its capacity to assert that it meets the local requirements, or to give you a plan to make it meet what's required.

Search InspectApedia.com for STEEL SEPTIC TANKS to see details about metal septic tanks and their common hazards and problems. I would be careful about making assertions that the septic tank is in "perfect working order" without inspection and testing of both the tank and the drainfield.

On 2017-01-21 by Corey

I have a steel septic tank that is in perfect working order...but I'm trying to open a pizza takeout in my home and need to get an approval from an engineer to get my food establishment permit...is this possible?

On 2016-08-21 19:49:07.178361 by Anonymous - advantages of adding an outlet filter at the septic tank

SCM

An outlet filter at the septic tank is a good design improvement at any time and would be expected to extend the life of the drainfield. The filter reduces the passage of small solids out of the tank and into the absorption area where such solids clog the soil and shorten the field life.

Be sure to discuss the ease of access to and frequency of maintenance requirements for the new filter. Installing a filter of limited capacity that needs frequent service would be a pain and might not in fact be maintained as it should. That can in turn lead to a sewage backup. Search InspectApedia for SEPTIC TANK FILTERS to read details.

If by"t-box" your tech meant the baffle or tank tee found at the septic tank outlet end, if that's missing or damaged it's very important to repair as otherwise large solids, grease, scum flow out of the tank and ruin the drainfield.

Search InspectApedia for SEPTIC TANK TEES to read details.

If the tech meant "D-box" or distribution box, search InspectApedia.com for SEPTIC TANK D-BOX to read details.

On 2016-08-21 18:07:40.900507 by S. C. M.

Recently had my septic system (1000 gal. concrete / condition good / circa 1998) pumped. At time of inspection, the second access port for the septic outlet filter checked. The tech. alerted no removable filter / "t-box" (concrete) that presented as in poor condition. Have been advised to have that removed, and a filter added.

The original leech field quite old (unsure of date) but given dyanamics of the property would seem to work well / no issues ever noticed (in the area of the front year / very open lawn area facing a road, land area slopes gently on other side of road. The tech. indicated that the system seemed to be working well overall, but that a current outlet filter would be prudent.

Both access ports provide clear access / inspection. Have owned the property (Ellsworth, Maine) since 2004. The home is a combination of new stick build and (from the sills up) restructuring of the original property (2 bath / two bedroom with den / bedroom).

Given that the system has continued to work well to this point (pumped every 4 yrs. on average), add the filter? (as a rule one / two occupants...care taken as to what is flushed / drained. Perspective appreciated.

On 2016-08-06 15:24:29.713838 by (mod) - pumper says there is a leak in our concrete septic tank because the level is low

Jim the pumper's surmise is reasonable; why not check the tank levels when it's in use, then check it again when it's been out of use for a few months; normally the tank level will fall very little as there is little evaporation out of a closed septic tank.

I am not aware of any septic tank with a bottom drain feature. To me that makes no sense at all and sounds more like a suburban legend. Where would that drain drain-to? How would one access such a drain? Why would it be used? How would opening a tank bottom drain remove inches or more of settled sludge nor floating scum from a septic tank - the objectives of cleaning a septic tank?

When the tank has been completely pumped and cleaned out your pumper can inspect the tank for visual evidence of damage, cracks, holes. Certainly steel septic tanks rust out and leak; concrete tank leaks or fiberglass/plastic tanks are more rare.

On 2016-08-05 19:42:07.117788 by jimolsen

Pumper claimed there is probably a leak in my concrete septic tank due to a low level of scum/effluent.

Not sure how much below it was from the outlet pipe invert. Home was used by six people for one week about 2 months prior to pumping. Other than that it is used just once a year for a week or two.

House/septic tank is 40 years old with good maintenance.
Neighbor states some tanks have a drain hole in the bottom that may be plugged or unplugged, if unplugged, letting water drain out slowly.

On 2016-07-28 17:54:20.676247 by (mod) - 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.

On 2016-07-28 13:32:16.522887 by Suzanne

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 2015-11-08 16:52:14.921973 by (mod) - septic tank alarm keeps going off

Ryan

I've been thinking about your question;

Start by looking at the pump alarm floats to be sure a float is not stuck "up" - that would keep the alarm on.

If the wastewater level is anywhere above the highest that the high level float will reach then the float should turn on the alarm and the system is telling you a pump repair is needed. The intent is to tell you early enough - before the pumping chamber is full-to-overflowing - that you can get a repair done without having to risk a sewage backup into the building.

I don't know the "safe limit" for the second tank as I've no design data for your system but as I said, see where the floats are in re the sewage level. That'll tell you if the float and its switch and alarm are doing their job or rather need repair or replacement.

Basically if the float that turns on the pump is not turning the pump on, then the float, switch, pump or wiring are in trouble and need repair.

Details are at SEPTIC PUMP ALARM SYSTEMS - https://InspectAPedia.com/septic/Sewage_Pump_Alarms.php

On 2015-11-07 19:45:36.900454 by ryan

we have moved to a new home in the country , we have a 2 part septic tank. My high level alarm has been going off .

Stopped using water for 16 hours to see if this would do anything , The tank remained the same . Pulled the pump and alarm out both seem to work fine . what is the safe limit for water in the second tank ? it about 6 inches over the pump and 2 feet from the solid side over flow is this normal amounts ?

On 2015-09-26 19:04:15.764732 by (mod) - special concerns when starting to use a home where septic was un-used for two years

On opening the tank check the sewage levels. A drop of a few inches below the tank outlet may not mean trouble as there will be a *little* liquid loss over a couple of years of disuse.

If the sewage level is lower than that the tank may be leaking and damaged.

If the sewage level has been high in the tank, say overflowing the baffles, the drainfield or piping is blocked or failed.

On 2015-09-26 18:20:27.349591 by Bill

House was unoccupied for 2 yrs and septic not used. Are there any concerns or special considerations we should be aware of before pumping out septic tank?

Question: My septic tank was cleaned out, then received about two feet of wastewater - the level never dropped. Is something wrong?

I had my septic tank emptied and left the lid off so I could monitor what was going on . soon there was 2 feet of liquid in it ..

I then left town for 2 weeks and when I came back , the 2 foot level had not dropped at all ... if this tank is a 2 compartment tank does that mean that the water level must get a lot higher to spill over to the part of the tank that heads to the leach field ? also , if that is true then by putting in liquid that would help clear up my leach lines wouldn’t do any good until the level is much higher ?

can you give me any comments about this please ? thanks for the help. P.D.

Reply:

A competent onsite inspection of the septic tank by an expert usually finds additional clues that help accurately diagnose a problem with the tank, its baffles, piping, or the septic drainfield. That said,

Watch out: you should never leave the lid off of a septic tank. Doing so risks killing someone. Anyone, adult or child, who falls into an open septic tank is likely to die very quickly due to asphyxiation from methane and other gases in the tank. Details are at SEPTIC SYSTEM SAFETY WARNINGS

Now, a properly functioning septic tank is water tight. The liquid or sewage or wastewater level in the septic tank won't drop below the tank outlet opening unless the tank is damaged and leaking. A normal septic tank is always full of waste up to a level just below the outlet opening.

In a two compartment septic tank the wall separating the two compartments will have an opening that allows liquid effluent to flow into the second compartment, keeping floating scum and settled sludge in the first compartment (mostly). The entire tank, both compartments, will need to be filled with wastewater before any effluent will begin to flow out of the septic tank and into the drainfield or soakaway bed.

So when you observed about two feet of waste in the septic tank, then left the system unused, you'd expect to find exactly the same amount in the tank weeks later. Only a very slight drop in level might occur, less than an inch - caused by evaporation - because you left the tank open (and dangerous).

Please see SEPTIC TANK LEVELS of SEWAGE for details about how to interpret abnormal levels of sewage found in the septic tank (too high or too low).

Question: 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 pump chamber is eating away above the water line and the concrete is chipping away have any idea and 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 u help me as to what may have cause 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.

On 2015-04-15 22:04:48.282770 by (mod) -

Jason

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

On 2015-04-15 by Jason

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 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 2015-03-19 by (mod) -

Jeff I am sorry but don't understand the question.

What wall?
What "grey and black water"
What kind of tank - what kind of system. I'm just unable to make out what we're talking about. \

On 2015-03-18 by Jeff

Buying a property where owner said there was erosion on wall above the water line between grey and black water and there is an erosion hole between the grey and black water tanks. Does this mean replacement?

On 2014-11-01 by (mod) -

Remarkable - not many people get away with never pumping the septic tank.

The oil might be just that: oil - from some fool dumping used oil into a drain, toilet, floor drain, etc.

It could be other oily products: cooking oil for example.

If the quantity is significant and thus there may be significant disposal costs involved, I'd take a small sample to a testing lab to have the material identified. Then if appropriate you might have to hire a waste disposal company to pump just the oil out of the septic tank.

Then the tank should be able to be pumped and cleaned normally.

On 2014-10-31 by Mr Wilson

I called the local septic tank company to have them pump the septic tank. It has been maintenance free for twenty years without any problem until now. Upon arrival he located and removed the inspection lid. In addition to normal sludge there was a liquid substance that looked sort of like used motor oil.

To make a long story short the first company refused to pump it. When the second companies truck arrived he too, was confounded by this oil looking substance and said he didn't want to pump the tank without knowing what the substance was because it could possibly make a difference in the disposal. Oh and by-the-way, only two people have lived at this residence. What do you think the substance might be? Thank you.

On 2014-10-10 y John (No pun intended)

My septic tank has been pumped out every couple of years for 20 years. I just found out they have been pumping it through the 6" inspection pipe. The last company said that that's not the right way to do it and said to dig down to the clean out top so they can do it the right way. I did that and they pumped it out.

They told me to install a riser so I don't have to dig again (about two feet down) I installed the riser and noticed that there was two big 3'X3' floating very hard scum chunks at the top of the water. Shouldn't they have broke them up and pumped them out too? He did dig down in the tank with a shovel and stir it up while he was pumping. I was thinking I should call them back? Should I? Or just wait until next year and make sure they break up the scum? Thank you for the awesome information!

On 2014-09-02 by (mod) - a septic system that "Passed inspection" and "could use some repairs" sounds like doubletalk

Anon:

Frankly, "Passed inspection" and "could use some repairs" sounds like doubletalk intended to cover the tail of the inspector without upsetting the seller or realtor.

Adding 3-5 inches of concrete, without reinforcement, to a septic tank lid sounds like questionable advice that may leave the septic tank unsafe or is a makework project. I would want to know the condition of the existing lid, thickness, reinforcement, intended loads, actual loads, signs of damage.

Risers to give access to a septic tank at its cleanout ports are installed top the existing lid by removing the existing septic tank lid openings (typically there are at least two, maybe three) and installing a large diameter riser pipe sealed to the tank lid and covered with a new, childsafe, vehicle-safe lid.

Using dirt as a concrete form sounds amateur to me.

You will know if risers were installed by uncovering their access lids.

On 2014-09-01 18:10:36.563370 by Anonymous

My tank passed inspection when I bought my home but the inspector said it could use some repairs. He said he would rebuild the separation walls and the outside walls, add 3 to 5 inches of concrete to the lid and add risers and new lids.
We were gone for one day and he said he completed the work in that one day. The lid is mounted on the lid to the tank (we dug it up because to see if any work was done).
Wouldn't the lid be raised OFF the lid if "risers" were installed?

How do you rebuild a separation wall? Don't you need forms to do that and doesn't it take more than a day before you can remove the forms?

He dug around the outside of the tank and poured concrete. He said he used a narrow shovel and used dirt as the forms for the exterior walls. Charged us $2600 which is FINE with us IF the work was done.
Our main contention is the risers. How can we tell if risers were actually installed?

On 2014-08-07 01:43:02.298390 by (mod) -

Donna I can't reliably answer the question from just an e-text. Methane gas or hydrogen sulfide can indeed be health concerns or respiratory irritants, but one would need to have a more clear of the exposure levels in the case you describe.

On 2014-08-06 22:58:53.533840 by Donna Miller

My neighbors septic tank has leaked and smelled very strong for years, I have chronic sinus infections since I've lived here, could there be a connection

On 2014-04-21 04:15:56.672420 by (mod) -

We have posted guidelines on septic inspections, septic inspection levels, and offered some interpretation of what assurances one can take or not take at different inspection levels.

Most home inspection associations do not require inspectors to perform septic tests but most have also published minimum inspection advice for those who do offer the service, and the topic is regularly taught at home inspection seminars, occurs in such publications and in similar sources.

A few states such as MA have actually established law and procedures for septic inspection and testing, and license inspectors accordingly but most have not.

On 2014-04-21 02:30:43.692290 by Mike

Are there standards for what a septic company should check when inspecting a septic tank for the sale of a home?

...

Continue reading  at SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE
• SEPTIC TANK LEVELS of SEWAGE What Do the Levels of Sewage in the Septic Tank Mean
• SEPTIC TANK PUMPING PROCEDURE
  • CLEANING SEPTIC TANKS
  • WHEN to CLEAN THE SEPTIC TANK
  • WHEN NOT TO PUMP A SEPTIC TANK
  • FIND the SEPTIC TANK, HOW TO
  • HOW TO OPEN a SEPTIC TANK
  • INSPECT the SEPTIC TANK BEFORE PUMPING
  • INSPECT the SEPTIC TANK DURING PUMPING
  • INSPECT the SEPTIC TANK AFTER PUMPING
  • SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION PROCEDURE
  • SEPTIC TANK LEVELS of SEWAGE
  • PUMPER TRUCK OPERATION PROCEDURE
  • PUMPING the SEPTIC TANK
  • RECORD SEPTIC TANK LOCATION
  • SEPTIC PUMPING CONCLUSIONS
• SEPTIC TANK SAFETY

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