What is a “Septic System Inspection”?

When you’re dealing with a septic system, knowing when and why you need an inspection is essential. A septic system inspection, or onsite wastewater treatment system inspection, can be required for a variety of reasons, and the specifics of the inspection may vary based on the situation.

Common Reasons for a Septic System Inspection

The most common types of inspections are "Use Permit" and "Transfer of Title" inspections. These are often required by the county, especially when a home is being sold. Their purpose is to ensure that the septic system is properly sized and functioning. Other scenarios where the county may require an inspection include remodeling a home, expanding it, or changing the property’s use (like converting it from residential to commercial).

In these cases, the county will usually have specific regulations, forms, and requirements for the inspector. Some counties handle these inspections themselves, while others rely on certified third-party inspectors, like those accredited by the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT). You can learn more about them at www.NAWT.org.

Beyond county requirements, there are many other reasons you might want a septic inspection. The EPA recommends getting your system inspected at least every 3 years (www.epa.gov/septic/frequent-questions-septic-systems), and many designers and regulators suggest or require annual inspections. Mortgage lenders sometimes require one, or a new home buyer may want a more thorough inspection than what a standard home inspection provides. A septic inspection can also help identify the cause of a malfunctioning system. At Ruby Septic, we perform detailed inspections and provide comprehensive reports with photos and notes to help clients understand their system’s condition and any issues it may have.

What Happens During a Septic System Inspection?

Now that you know why an inspection might be needed, let's walk through what an inspection actually involves.

1. Pre-Inspection Research

The first step for any inspector is to gather information. This includes checking county records for the septic system’s details, such as its design, age, and size. In Colorado, septic systems are sized based on the number of bedrooms in a home. The inspector will verify this and check for any additions that might have been made since the system was installed. If complete records aren’t available, the inspector may research satellite images, old real estate photos, or even contact the system’s installer.

2. Physical Inspection of the Septic Tank

Once the paperwork is sorted, the inspector heads to the property to physically inspect the septic system. They will begin by locating the septic tank (if it’s not already known) and exposing the access lids to examine the tank. The inspector will focus on several key elements:

  • Liquid Level: The tank’s liquid level should be consistent with the inlet and outlet elevations. If the level is off, it may indicate a leak, a clogged line, or an issue with the soil treatment area.

  • Structural Integrity: The tank should be free of cracks, deformations, or deterioration, including the tank lid, risers, and access lids.

  • System Components: Depending on the system’s design, the inspector will check important components like baffle walls, effluent filters, high water level alarms, and pumps.

  • Size: The tank should be correctly sized for the number of bedrooms in the home, as documented by the county.

3. Inspecting Other System Components

The septic system isn’t just the tank, it’s a collection of components that work together to treat wastewater. Some systems include advanced elements that need to be checked during the inspection:

  • Distribution Boxes & Valves: These control the flow of effluent to the soil treatment area.

  • Effluent Pumps & Controls: If the system uses pumps to move waste to higher areas or regulate the flow, they’ll be checked along with their electrical controls.

  • Advanced Treatment Units: These are systems like aerobic treatment units, media filters, and other advanced technology designed to treat wastewater before it reaches the soil treatment area.

  • Soil Treatment Area: This is where the liquid waste is absorbed into the ground, and it’s crucial for the system’s function. The inspector will look for common signs of distress or failure, such as:

    • Strong odors (indicating trouble with waste treatment)

    • Wet areas or pooling (signs of poor drainage)

    • Vegetation issues (excessive plants, lack of vegetation, or over-irrigation)

    • Signs of damage (traffic, construction, or livestock in the area)

4. Reporting and Next Steps

After the inspection, the inspector will provide a detailed report. For county required inspections, the inspector will complete the necessary forms and submit them to the county to obtain the permit. If the system has deficiencies, the inspector will work with you to find solutions, which could involve minor repairs, installing risers, or, if the system is severely damaged, replacing it entirely.

If the inspection was for other reasons (like a home sale or a malfunction), the inspector will provide a full report on their findings, including photos, and offer recommendations for repairs or maintenance.

Ruby Septic is here to help with septic inspections, repairs, and all your wastewater needs along the Colorado Front Range. If you have questions or need an inspection, feel free to reach out to us!