Re: Inspecting a septic system

On Sat, 29 Nov 2003 16:47:45 -0800, cyber <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:

>We are inspecting a property we made an offer on. What should we look for
>when checking out the septic ?  I don't think we need a pro. NO?

That depends on how messy you want to get - it's not very pleasant
messing around inside those tanks!  If there is a pump system with
float switches and alarms and such, I think you ought to get a
specialist to check everything out. He can do a pump-down test or
whatever it's called to see how fast the tank can pump out into the
drainfield. This will give a good indication of whether or not the
holes are plugged through poor system maintenance. 

I recently replaced a pump - US$1250 for the pump alone. If there are
problems, you _definitely_ want to know about it before buying the
property.

John Davies
Spokane WA USA