The most complete inspections use a digital camera in conjunction with a dye test. A septic inspection is not complete unless the inspection is performed by an experienced and certified inspector. In addition, a complete inspection should include pumping the system, which should be performed at the time of inspection.

Our digital TV camera provides many advantages over the traditional form of septic testing. Specifically, the camera allows us to visually examine all important components of the septic system. The camera provides visual confirmation of existing problems deep within the system. Septic inspections without cameras rely on guess work. A septic system may be easily misdiagnosed if a camera is not employed at the site. For example, a minor problem such as a blocked pipe may be misconstrued as a failure of an absorption field. Using a camera at the inspection can avoid these misdiagnosis, which can mean the difference of thousands of dollars in repairs.

A transmitter on the end of the camera helps pinpoint where the problem may be present. The transmitter also helps to locate hard to find parts of the system, such as the distribution box. This capability allows us to locate the components without excavating the yard.

In one instance a client’s seepage pit was located underneath the driveway. Our camera provided the only way to locate this absorption area without excavating the entire driveway.

The physical condition of the tank cannot be assessed below the waste level. Pumping the tank allows us to completely inspect the tank. We recommend having the tank pumped during our inspection, not before, so that the parts of the system can be evaluated under normal operating conditions.

How long does an inspection take? Times will vary based on the complexity of each individual system. Generally the inspection takes from 2—3 hours. Are there standards for septic inspectors? Some municipalities in New Jersey require that a septic inspection be performed by a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, trained by the State of New Jersey. ASI employs individuals with these credentials on staff. At the very least, make sure that your inspector has gone through extensive training. Our inspectors have been trained by the PSMA which is widely recognized as the leading septic system authority in the area.

While it is not required for you to be present, we will need access inside the home. We strongly recommend that you are present for the septic inspection because you can see first hand whether problems are present. You can also see where each part of the system is for future reference.

It is a good idea to schedule the home and septic inspections for the same time. Neither inspection will interfere with the other and you will only need to make one trip to the property. We generally require 2 to 3 days notice to schedule an inspection. However, we can accommodate clients requiring shorter notice.

How long does it take to generate the written report? We can email or fax you a copy of the written report the next business day after the inspection. You will receive the original copy in the mail a couple of days later. If you attend the inspection, you can receive a verbal report onsite. How do you locate all the parts of the septic system? Our inspectors use a variety of methods. Sometimes they can see where ground has been disturbed above the tank or inspection ports in the absorption (leech) field. They use digital cameras and sophisticated locating equipment for the hard to find parts of the system.

We do not recommend using a company that relies solely on a dye test.

A dye test consists of running water from the house and adding a colored dye. This helps track the flow of waste through the system and shows how the leech field is draining.

While we incorporate dye testing into our inspection, some companies will “inspect” a septic system when they are only performing a dye test. ASI uses dye testing as part of the complete inspection process. A dye test alone may overlook significant problems with the system.

If the house is vacant, the septic system is not operating under its normal load and the absorption (leech) field may dry up. A hydrolic load test, which consists of running water approximate to the average daily usage of the house for 2 consecutive days. At the end of the test period our inspectors check how the field handled the water.

Visit www.advwatertech.com for Private Well Testing (PWTA) services and FAQs about the New Jersey and Rockland County private well testing law.

Visit www.atsenvironmental.com for underground oil tank testing, soil testing services and FAQs about underground tanks.