|
The Well Inspection:
Our inspection is focused on looking for visible defects at the time of the inspection. But because the well is underground it is impossible to see visible defects below the surface. Therefore, our inspection does not include removing the well pump (which is at the bottom of the well) and sending it out for testing. However, there are things that we can inspect for, that will give us clues about the condition of the well pump, such as the pipe coming from the well pump.
We look for visible signs of problems like- Is it noisy or vibrating? What is the reading on the well pressure tank gauge when the water is running? Does the well pressure tank recover quickly or is it sluggish and slow? We test for system pressure, volume and look for leaks.
For each of our clients, we recommend that a water sample be taken with every well inspection. Not only do you need to know if the well equipment is operating properly, you need to know that the well is producing healthy, clean water that will not make you sick. Although it is an extra charge, many of our clients request a well water test to inform them about bacteria, nitrates (contamination) and mineral composition of the water.
The Septic Inspection:
Again our inspections focus on looking for visible defects at the time of the inspection, of course much of the septic system is buried. With a septic system, our visble inspection includes looking for damage to visble septic system components, including looking for odors. Some inspectors will flush dye down the drain and look for evidence of leakage of the dye... a visible defect.
We encourage our clients to consider specific testing and cleaning by a state certified sanitarian. A company that is state certified will make sure the tank is pumped, inspected and evaluated. Further when they do a septic inspection for you they will also give you literature about your septic systems location and how to maintain a septic system.
It is important to have the septic pumped for a thorough and complete septic inspection. Only by pumping the septic system can the sanitarian/septic inspector see the baffles inside the tank that separate the solids from the waste water. If the baffles are deteriorated it will allow the solids to clog up the drain field. Drain fields are very expensive to replace. The sanitarian/septic inspector also needs to examine the inside of the septic tank for cracks or tree roots that can cause problems with the septic system. The isanitarian/septic nspector will also evaluate the location and the condition of the drain field. Sometimes a long rod will be placed down inside of the view ports on the drain field to check for standing water.
Because the specialized inspections of wells and septic systems are beyond the scope of our general inspection, if we see evidence of problems, we may encourage you to seek additional information by having further testing done. Of course you can always choose to have these additional services done to give you peace of mind.
You can find some suggestions for local professionals in the field of water well and septic systems in our "Other Professionals" page. If nothing else, you can at least call and ask questions to find out if an additional specialized inspection is right for you. They can tell you the scope of their inspection, the benefits to you and their warranties.
|
