Septic System Inspection Services
Several regulations require the inspection of conventional and alternative septic systems. Other inspections are for informational purposes or required by lenders for financing. Whether an inspection is required or requested for a non-regulatory reason, the same basic inspection procedures are the standard of practice for Advantage Septic Service.
Real Estate Transaction Inspections
Most purchasers or lenders require the inspection of a septic system as a condition of purchase or financing during a real estate transaction. There are no state or county regulations that define the requirements of these inspections. However, there are regulations that govern who can perform the inspections. Our team of licensed professionals meet the requirements of the VA State Code for real estate transfer inspections. Our standard inspection includes a check of health department records, septic tank pump out & inspection, evaluation of any pumps and treatment units, a check of the system controls and alarms and a visual walkover and probing of conventional trench systems. If you have a pressure dosed or non-trench system, we cover that also. When distribution boxes are present and need to be inspected, we offer visual inspection by uncovering them and checking the header lines and trenches with a sewer camera for an additional charge. The final report includes a finding of whether the system is functioning as designed or not as well as a list of required repairs or recommended upgrades if identified. Well head inspections and water samples can also be included.
Annual AOSS Inspections
Alternative Onsite Sewage Systems (AOSSs) are required to be operated by a licensed operator at all times and inspected at least annually; some systems require more frequent inspections as enumerated in their O&M manual. Compliance sampling is required within the first 180 days of installing a new system and every 5 years thereafter. There are other required visits when an alarm is on for more than 24-hours, a component fails or there is sewage on the ground. Any routine inspection or reportable incident must be reported electronically in accordance with the regulations. When you choose Advantage Septic Service, you will always have a properly licensed, fully trained technician respond to your call for help.
SAP Inspections
Some local health districts may require any property not served by public sewer to have a Safe, Adequate and Proper septic system inspection before issuing a building permit. The requirement varies for existing houses if the building permit is for living space or another type of improvement or repair. After the inspection, the report must conclude that the system was properly permitted, that proposed improvements or construction won’t negatively impact the system, it is functioning and with proper maintenance can be expected to function as designed. The addition of bedrooms to an existing house is a more complicated SAP inspection and the requirements vary from county to county. When scheduling your inspection with Advantage, be sure to let us know if the addition of bedrooms is part of the plan so we can fully explain the options you may have. In general, remember that all additions, pools, decks, and sheds ordinarily need to be 10 - 20 feet from any septic component or drainfield. Check out our SAP video!
