Septic Systems

[Rick Sovastion]

I'm pulling what little hair that I have left out. I'm looking for an inspection agreement for septic systems. I checked the archives but found nothing. Anyone have one that I could model mine after.

[John McKenna]

This is some text of what I use in Texas...

Inspection includes tank(s) and systems that proceed out of from
the tank(s) only. Also be advised that septic systems need to be
cleaned out and(or) maintained as needed.

Tip - Septic System installed after 1988 should have a State permit. Tank(s)
should be accessible and records of system maintenance verified. This is a
VERY LIMITED visual inspection and much of the Septic System cannot be
seen because it is underground (our opinion should not be taken as an exhaustive
evaluation and we suggest further inspections by a Licensed Septic Professional
if a higher level of inspection is needed) Please read the following information
put out by the EPA to obtain more information:

http://cfpub.epa.gov/owm/septic/homeowners.cfm


Check with local athorities to see if they require further inspections according
to their requirements before closing on the sale of property.

BTW....

Are you qualified to inspect septic systems?
Just asking.

[rsovastion]

Yes,,,,We have no certification in our state to inspect. Our health departments who license the installers regulate everything except inspection. Our Legislature has not addressed this. The local county health departments will do it for a small fee are getting out of the business because they don't have the time or manpower. Could be a little niche.

[John McKenna]

OK... I was just wondering. The more you can do, the more the
customers will select you over your competition.

[Rick Sovastion]

I hope so. Do you have a vender that saves you money on your supplies. Been trying to find one that deals in bulk.

[John McKenna]

What type of bulk are you talking about.

These folks give a NACHI discount if you email them before you buy
and tell them what you want to buy.

5% below $300.
10% over $300.

Barb x2557
Professional Equipment
Info@professionalequipment
Ph-800-334-9291
Fx-888-776-3187

http://www.professionalequipment.com

[Barry Adair]

Originally Posted by Rick Sovastion

I'm pulling what little hair that I have left out. I'm looking for an inspection agreement for septic systems. I checked the archives but found nothing. Anyone have one that I could model mine after.

Rick,

I just finished taking NAWT cerification this weekend.

Their inspection agreement depends on the regulations of your state, county, municipality, association SOP and the extent of your evaluation.

[Peter C. Russell]

Rick, how are you doing these inspections?

I have done many back in the mid 90s but those were just a flow type of test which I believe is not acceptable today.

Thanks

[Rick Sovastion]

As a result of our state not having many standards we use the flow test. I understand that it is only a small snap shot and my agreement that I wrote up includes this. Our health dept currently use this also.

[Rick Sovastion]

This damn thing says that I'm a member and then not a member. ??????????????????????

[Scott Gilligan, CMI]

Hello Rick,

I happen to have a couple of documents that I came across one day and saved on my computer. Maybe these will help you out a little. I can't remember exactly where I found them though.

septic.pdf

Septic-Inspection-Report.pdf

Hope these can be of some help.

[rsovastion]

Wow!!!
Thanks Scott I will put this to work. I may change a few things and hope I get more from others that will help me put something together.

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Originally Posted by badair

Rick,

I just finished taking NAWT cerification this weekend.

Their inspection agreement depends on the regulations of your state, county, municipality, association SOP and the extent of your evaluation.

Barry, how do you feel about doing septic inspections now that you've taken the NAWT course?

[Barry Adair]

Originally Posted by kshepard

Barry, how do you feel about doing septic inspections now that you've taken the NAWT course?

I feel CRAPPY!

but I always thought and knew there is more involved to these systems than just the evacuation and redistribution of waste water from the home

soils, chemistry, occupants, size, type, land area, surrounding systems and terrain features...

better be getting some Great $$$ if you're doing them otherwise leave them to the PROs

I can't understand the "inspectors" that take on the liability and do these for a few bucks, it the same with pools.

[John McKenna]

I live out in rural east Texas and get a lot of full home inspections because I
include septic systems, when many others do not. I only charge a small fee,
but get a lot of full inspections because it is part of the ancillary package that I offer.

My mentor showed me some methods of reporting and testing that has
worked for him, and others for over 15 years with no call backs.

I really spend a lot of time at the site explaining the limitations of the inspection
and the various levels of dealing with problems (the gray world of what
works and what is legal). I warn them about several factors that I cannot
see and put the system through a flood test. I fail approx. 50% or call for
further evaluations from a Specialist. Older systems out here in the country
are poorly installed and almost never maintained properly.

I explain to people that even if their system passes the flood test, it does
not mean it will pass a full code inspection. Most will fail as soon as the
Septic Specialist walks on the property. In other words, even if it
passes, it may still be a marginal system that is not up to today's standards.

I make them understand that they are still buying a wild card after I
do my inspection, unless it is fairly new and meets today's standards.

I always warn them that they should not be surprised if the system fails
a few months after they buy the property, because my inspection is
so limited and general in nature.

Most seem to appreciate my honesty and some go to the next step
and get a more exhaustive inspection from a Specialist. I used to
work with some installers doing systems many years ago, so I understand
most of the Septic Systems in the ground out here east Texas, first hand.

I also offer pools, boat docks, retaining walls, sprinklers, out buildings,
water wells, and include thermal imaging. It's all available with very
simple prices to understand. My prices are about double that of most
inspectors in my area.

But, it takes me less inspections to make the same money, and I do not
try and please any Realtor (period). Some people are looking
for that kind of inspector and are more than willing to pay extra for it.

I think we should all raise our prices and watch it work it's wonder.

By the time I average out what I make for ancillary inspection, my
price per inspection is approx. $500.00 +

Plus, with thermal imaging... I get calls to travel several hours and
will charge from $650 to $900 for these (single home inspection).