Septic system inspection field data checklist & worksheets - part 3:

Here is the third of three detailed septic system field inspection and test worksheets to assist in inspecting and documenting the condition of septic systems.

This article is part of our series: Septic Systems Online Book procedures, defects in onsite waste disposal systems, septic tank problems, septic drainfield problems, checklists of system components and things to ask. Septic system maintenance and pumping schedules.

Page top photo: the toop of this concret septic tank has been removed to show that the tank was completely filled with solids. This septic system has failed.

Septic System Inspection and Testing Worksheets

Watch out: Anyone inspecting septic systems MUST be familiar with the hazards and safety concerns discussed at SEPTIC SYSTEM SAFETY WARNINGS

Here we provide the third of series of field worksheets for septic systems: useful during the conduct of septic system inspections for investigations of the condition of a septic system using level 0, 1, and 2 septic inspections.

Septic Inspection & Test Worksheet for Level 1 - Intermediate Septic Inspection

Photo: the septic tank inlet end access cover has been removed to give inspection of a concrete septic tank and its inlet baffle.

The presence of sewage atop the baffle hints that either the septic tank outlet has been blocked or the drainfield is failing, as that shows us an abnormally high sewage level in the septic tank.

 SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION CHECKPOINTS

 TANK INSPECTION: (Tank is located and main access is opened if accessible.)
 TANK LOCATION: (Provide site plan showing tank and other components.)
Depth of Tank below grade: __________

TANK CONSTRUCTION:
Concrete/Steel/FRP/Site-Built:_________________(describe)
Dimensions:______________________________________________

SEPTIC TANK CAPACITY:__________________________  From records; from permit; computed;

TANK TOP: Visible Y/N  Damaged Y/N  Suspect Y/N
INLET BAFFLE:   Visible Y/N  Damaged Y/N  Suspect Y/N
OUTLET BAFFLE:  Visible Y/N  Damaged Y/N  Suspect Y/N

LIQUID LEVEL:   Satisfactory Unsatisfactory

SCUM THICKNESS: ____ Satisfactory Unsatisfactory (risking exiting outlet baffle)
                ____ Distance from top of scum to top of outlet tee or baffle
  
SLUDGE DEPTH:   ____ Satisfactory Unsatisfactory
                ____ Distance from top of sludge to bottom of tank outlet baffle

For AEROBIC SEPTIC TANKS: operation of compressor, propeller, motor, timer, alarm, and electrical components:
Operation:  Satisfactory Unsatisfactory
Support and Wiring: Satisfactory Unsatisfactory

LINE FROM TANK TO ABSORPTION SYSTEM
Visible Y/N  Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory:_____________________________

DISTRIBUTION BOX: (locate on site plan)
  ____ depth of liquid level above outlet invert
  Y/N  liquid flow uniform into each outlet opening
  Y/N  evidence of solids carryover in from tank
  Y/N  evidence of solids carryover out to absorption system

ABSORPTION SYSTEM: Located Y/N   Holding water Y/N  (do not pump)
COMMENTS:____________________________________________________________

SEPTIC TANK PUMPING: If tank has not been pumped within past two years and/or
  if sludge and scum levels exceed 20% of total tank depth, the tank should
  be cleaned. When cleaned, observe if the absorption system runs back into
  the tank. [General rule. See details at Tank Maintenance Chapter ...]

WARNING: A Level-1 inspection is not a warranty or guarantee that the system
will properly function for any period of time in the future; It is not
associated, certified, endorsed, by any government agency; it is not an
assurance that the soil is adequately treating effluent or that it will
continue to do so in the future.

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

Or see these

Septic System Inspection Worksheets

• SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION WORK SHEETS - 3 Septic inspection checklists & data recording sheets help define 3 levels of thoroughness of septic tank and field inspection & testing
• LEVEL 0 SEPTIC INSPECTION WORK SHEET Septic inspection checklist for Level-0 basic septic system inspections
• L-0 SEPTIC INSPECTION ADDITIONAL WORK SHEET  Supplemental septic inspection checklist for Level-0 testing
• LEVEL 1 SEPTIC INSPECTION WORK SHEET Septic inspection checklist for Level-1 septic system inspection
• SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION LEVELS

Suggested citation for this web page

LEVEL 1 SEPTIC INSPECTION WORK SHEET at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

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Citations & References

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.

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