Septic Inspections in Boise, ID

Whether you own a commercial property or a residential home with a septic system, you may come across a time when you find yourself in need of a septic inspection. Septic inspections are a wonderful service to utilize before buying or selling a home, as a professional will be able to give you an update on the condition of the septic system as well as any foreseeable repairs. You may also consider getting a septic inspection done as regular maintenance on your home, as they can identify any issues before they escalate. Our team of experts at ASAP Septic can help you figure out when to get an inspection here in southeastern Idaho, as guidelines differ based on the system’s age, size, usage, and local regulations. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend getting your septic system inspected once every three to five years; the exception to this rule is if you notice any signs of problems, such as slow drains, foul odors, sewage backups, or standing water in the yard. If you see any of these signs, they may be an indication of more serious problems that need to be addressed ASAP to prevent further harm and potential health hazards, so give us a call as soon as you notice them!

That being said, many people find themselves at a loss as to what to expect during a septic inspection. It doesn’t have to be a mystery, so today, we will be walking you through what to expect during a standard septic inspection. 

During a septic inspection, a qualified professional--such as a team member at ASAP Septic--will evaluate the condition and functionality of the septic system to make sure it’s working as it should. In general, here are the steps we take: 

1. Visual Examination. First and foremost, the inspector will quickly review the overall condition of the septic tank, drain field, and associated components to see if there is anything significantly wrong that can be quickly and easily identified by a visual check. They will search for signs of damage, leaks, and structural issues or breakdown.
   
   

2. Tank Inspection. The tank is arguably the most important element of the septic system, as the holding tank for sludge and scum as well as where gray water is siphoned off to seep back into the ground. If the tank is easily accessible, the inspector will open the septic tank and examine its contents. They will assess the level of the sludge and scum layers, which will indicate whether or not it’s time for the tank to be pumped. They may also inspect for cracks, deterioration, or other defects that may have developed over time.
   
   

3. Distribution Box and Pipes. If your septic system has one--and not every system does--the inspector will take a look at the distribution box and the pipes connecting the septic tank to the drain field. They will take careful note of any signs of clogging, leaks, or damage that they may find in these parts of the septic tank.
   
   

4. Drain Field Evaluation. The drain field is the area where a network of perforated pipes allows gray water to seep back into the ground. An inspector will assess the drain field’s condition by looking at the vegetation, checking for any odors that may indicate that something is amiss, and by using specialized tools to measure the soil’s ability to absorb water, which may be hindered if the ground is oversaturated. These indicators will help the inspector draw conclusions about whether the drain field is functioning properly.
   
   

5. Functionality Testing. The inspector may run a series of tests to check the system’s performance, like running water to check for proper flow and monitoring the water level in the tank before and after water usage to make sure that the water is flowing to where it needs to.
   
   

6. Reporting. After conducting a thorough inspection, your inspector will provide a detailed report that outlines all of his or her findings, including any issues that need to be addressed, recommendations for repairs, maintenance, and any other actions that should be taken in the foreseeable future. 

Septic inspections are a fantastic way to identify potential problems, assess your septic system’s overall condition, and get a check-in to see if there are any repairs or maintenance that needs to be performed to ensure peak performance. Catching septic system issues early on can help prevent costly issues down the road. We serve our friends and neighbors in Boise, Caldwell, Garden Valley, Middleton, Lowman, Payette, Meridian, Mountain Home, ID, and all surrounding areas. Call (208) 991-7184 or fill out our online contact form for a consultation or for more information today!