Well/Septic
Upon request, we can provide a basic well and septic evaluation. In addition, a water sample will be collected from a faucet inside the home to be tested for e Coli and total coliform bacteria. Important: the well and septic evaluation we provide is not a full inspection. The goal is to see if the well and septic systems appear functional. Systems that appear functional can still have hidden problems. We do not provide a more thorough inspection because to do so would take time and energy away from the home and termite inspections. Having said that, our well, water testing service, and septic evaluation can still be of value as problems are often found. See below for what is included:
Well: The above-ground, readily accessible components of the well equipment are evaluated for leaks and overall condition. Water flow is also monitored at several faucets. No tools are used, this is simply a visual evaluation. We do not empty the pressure tank and check its air pressure, nor do we measure the flow, pressure, or yield of the well. We often find defective pressure switches, defective pressure gauges, leaks, and "short cycling" of the pump. The well head is examined for cracks in the well casing, damaged caps, missing cap screws, and exposed wiring.
Septic: If the tank lids and cleanouts are accessible without digging, we remove them. We then perform a septic dye test. A dye test is a relatively low cost, non-invasive method for testing of conventional septic systems. It is a limited, performance based test. A septic dye test is ideally suited for evaluation of septic systems for real estate transactions since the test does not result in damage to the property, (no digging) and provides minimal disruption of the occupant's use of the home during the test. Septic dye is flushed down a toilet in the home. We look for the dye inside the cleanout and inside the tank. We run approximately 150-200 gallons of water at faucets in the home and confirm water is draining without backing up into the home. Later, we walk the property near the tank and drainage field looking for any signs of surfacing effluent. The dye can help distinguish between rainwater/dew or effluent. We do not use septic dye on aerobic systems.