Ask me anything about inspecting septic systems...

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

At the end of October I'll be starting a series of interviews with a few people with major knowledge about private wastewater treatment plants (septic systems) for a video. This video will be included with the many other Internachi videos under the NACHI.TV subscription.

My first interviewee started his career with a degree in chemical engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and was trained over the next 25 years in commercial and industrial wastewater treatment consultation by GE. He travels all over the world advising global corporations involved in the energy industry... power companies, oil companies, etc. about wastewater quality, but he's a local... a down to earth guy who knows a lot about residential systems... all kinds of systems... and is willing to talk specifics about what inspectors can and can't do to inspect them.

I'll have a few more interviewees, too...

There's a lot of misunderstanding and bad information out there about inspecting septic systems. A bad deal, since they can be one of the most expensive systems in the home to replace and most of the components are underground- invisible, so their inspection carries a lot of liability.

Get the straight skinny. Post detailed questions on this thread and I'll ask them for you.

[Stephen W. Stanczyk]

Does Mr Hanky appear in homes with septic tanks or only those on sewer?

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

I think the use and appearance of Mr. Hanky is more a personal thing. I don't intend to ask this guy that kind of question. I'd elaborate, but that would be thread hijacking. Try Google, Stephen.

[Greg Bell]

Every inspector should check with the local authorities to see if they are allowed to inspect septic systems. In Florida a home inspector is not permitted to inspect them.

[Michael Larson]

Are septic system "energizers" of any use?

[Michael Larson]

Should a garbage disposal be used if you have a septic system?

[Michael Larson]

Does a leech field "repair" itself if left unused for a period of time?

[Michael Larson]

Can wash water and dish machine water overload a septic system?

[Wayne B. Wilson]

1.Are dye test accurate way of testing a septic tank that has not been in use for more than 3 months, if not what is suggested .
2. Adding chemicals to septic systems really work to help reduce solids.
3. What is the rule of thumb ( 2 bathrooms ) run of drainage pipe.
4. How often should be tanks be Pumped out Based on occupancy
5. Now here is one why shouldn't you have a disposal on a septic system .
6, What would the recommend distance from a body of water like a river or creek for a system .
7. Typical distance for a well head from a system
8. Should you use harsh chemical that contain acids for cleaning
9. What ply of paper is suggested.
10. Should a tank be pumped and checked with a purchase of a home.

Just thinking if you are putting something together Kenton
Some of these questions are what we get asked all the time.

[Wayne B. Wilson]

lol You beat me to it Micheal I guess i shouldn't of sat on the can reading

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Should a garbage disposal be used if you have a septic system?

Septic system disposals are now on the market...
http://www.google.com/products/catal...CAcQ8wIwADgA#p

[ldapkus]

Where does all the poop go? You know, the big hard turds.

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by ldapkus

Where does all the poop go? You know, the big hard turds.

Ya...let's get right down to the nitty gritty of poop happenings...

[Russell J. Hensel]

What about the drain fields that have the black perforated leach pipe. How can they be inspected?

[Stephen W. Stanczyk]

Originally Posted by ldapkus

Where does all the poop go? You know, the big hard turds.

Chicago?