Type of tank
Steel tanks are
rated as poor due to frequent collapses and condition of tanks removed. Any
steel tank should be replaced.
Concrete tanks are
the primary type of existing tanks and most often used in replacement.
Other types include
old homemade tanks that may or may not be structurally sound (indicated in
tank description) which includes stone, cinderblock, slab, etc. Also plastic or
fiberglass tanks are used typically in areas with special conditions.
Multi Compartment tanks
have more than 1 chamber that need to be accessed for proper pumping.
Size of Tank
-
Typically, residential tanks range from 1000-1500 gallons. Amounts are
approximate and some older systems may have tanks as small as 200 gallons and
pumping more than 1500 gallons is possible if leach fields are not absorbing
all water causing tank to run over full.
Depth of tank below ground surface
- If depth exceeds
1' the State Code requires installation of risers
to 1' or less. Ask our technicians for information regarding your situation.
Riser - Depth to cover
on riser and
in what cover riser accesses.
Tank
condition as best
evaluated by the technician.
Good rating is reserved
essentially for new tanks.
Acceptable covers most
tanks: concrete, fiberglass or plastic.
Poor indicates potential
for collapse or need for repair. Our technicians inspect with mirrors and can usually
detect cracks caused by improper installation or heavy objects dropped, placed
or driven over tank.
Depth of solids - Solid
material in tank whether scum or sludge should not exceed 12-14" or 25% total,
an important factor in determining frequency of pumping.
Baffles - Inlet baffles
slow flow from house to tank, inhibit disturbance and agitation of solids in
tank. Outlet baffles keep solids in tank from flowing to leach fields by
allowing the best quality effluent (in middle of tank) to flow out. If damaged
or missing outlet baffles must be replaced as soon as possible.
Inlet pipe - Carries waste
from house to tank,
describes the type of pipe used, if visible, and condition. PVC and Cast
Iron are most effective. Orangeburg is susceptible to collapse, settling, and
root intrusion. Clay is susceptible to root intrusion at joints.
Fields - Condition
determined primarily by level of liquid in tank and visual inspection of
approximate field area. True determination of field condition can only be made
by a complete real estate inspection.
Tank level - Normal
indicates the liquid level is at the same level of outlet pipe. Slightly above
indicates a level which is rising up the outlet pipe due to slowing absorption
rate in fields or slight obstruction of outlet pipe. Considerably above
indicates failure or inability of fields to absorb water used or at best a
broken or clogged outlet pipe. If water running back is observed then typically
the outlet pipe is clear and the fields cannot hold water used or there is a
severe infiltration of ground/surface water. Tanks considerably above are more
likely to back up into house due to inlet being submerged.
Measurement noted indicates
distance from inside top of tank
to liquid (air space).
Vacant Homes
-
Prior history would be critical: Tanks of vacant homes at normal level may
disguise septic field problems simply due to lack of water used. Vacant homes
with tanks that run overfull could indicate ground water infiltration.
Recommended time is
estimated by amount of solids, number of people in house and field condition. A
recall notice will be sent to address at time recommended.
If a system appears to be failed
or not functioning properly to
some degree, further
investigating would be
necessary; this would require
excavation. At this point, the
distribution box or boxes should
be uncovered and soil tests
conducted to determine the cause
of the problem and the solution.
This work must be scheduled with
the local Health Department. Our
cost for test holes is currently $400.00
plus town fees.
On our inspection cards there is a
statement in red ink encouraging a phone call with any questions you may have.
