INSPECTIONS

Our team at Thomas H Erb & Sons are PSMA certified and licensed to complete septic inspections in central PA. Septic system inspections make sure your system is operating properly. Inspectors will check all of the components of a septic system. Typically, the components of each system are the treatment tank, the distribution system, and the absorption system. Our team will then provide a PSMA inspection report and site sketch.

In general, an inspection will involve the following:

Opening and inspecting all tanks (septic tank, pump tank, distribution box)
Evaluating the septic tank sludge and scum levels and determining the need to pump
Assessing the condition of the septic tank effluent filter (if installed)
Looking for signs of leakage, such as low water levels in the tank
Evaluating the integrity of the tank, inlet and outlet pipes and looking for signs of corrosion
Verifying all electrical connections, pumps, controls, and wiring are intact
Possibly using a camera to look at solid pipes and leach lines for blockages or collapsed piping
Evaluating the drainfield for signs of system failure, such as standing water (surfacing) or unequal drainage
Examining the distribution box for structural integrity and to make sure drain lines are receiving equal flow

In most cases, the treatment tank will have to be pumped. This pumping will take place following the initial inspection.

In order to inspect and pump the treatment tank, we must access the central manhole of the tank.

Our team can help with an inspection of your septic system! Kindly contact our office for more information.

HYDRAULIC LOAD TEST

The purpose of a hydraulic load test is to determine if your absorption system or drainfield can absorb a predetermined amount of clean water in a 24-hour period.

The hydraulic load test is typically a 2 or 3 day test. The treatment tank is first cleaned and inspected prior to the test. This is done so that if water is used in the home during the test it will not affect the results. The first day an observation hole is made to the aggregate or stone of the system. The liquid level in the drainfield is constantly monitored to ensure it will not overfill. Once all the liquid is introduced a measurement is taken. Twenty-four hours later we will return and check the liquid level. Water is then introduced into the system again and constantly monitored. If the liquid level returns to the same level as the day before, the test may be concluded. If it has not, we may choose to return a third day to verify our results. A final hydraulic load test report will be submitted after the conclusion of the test.

COMMON SIGNS OF A FAILING SEPTIC SYSTEM

Water and sewage from toilets, drains, and sinks backing up into the home’s plumbing

Bathtubs, showers, and sinks draining very slowly

Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system

Standing water or damp spots near or over the septic tank or drainfield

Sewage odors around the septic tank or drainfield

Straight pipe discharging untreated wastewater to the ground surface

Bright green, spongy lush grass over the septic tank or drainfield, even during dry weather