Outdoor Steps in the Septic Inspection & Dye Test Procedure InspectAPedia® -
What, when, where, and how to look for septic failure evidence outdoors during a septic test
How to perform a septic loading & dye test, step by step
What to do before, during, and after the test
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This chapter provides the outdoor checks to be made during a Septic Loading and Dye Test of the function of
a septic system, focused on condition of the effluent disposal section, also known as a leach field, seepage pits,
drainfield or drainage field.
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Trace the sewer pipe, if possible, from the point of apparent exit from
building to locations of apparent or plausible septic tank and absorption
system. Clues such as depressions, rectangular or circular tank outlines,
mature trees crowded together and larger open areas may indicate where
components could possibly have been installed. (Excavating equipment may not
fit among large old trees; very rocky areas may not hold septic components.)
Examine the absorption area for signs of trenches, such as sunken parallel
lines. Do this before starting the test, during the test, after the test,
and up to five days after the site inspection (an added service or an admonition to
the client) since it is possible in odd cases for effluent to appear on a property
days after the initial test. Fortunately, in cases of a failed or marginal system
this procedure often shows breakout in 20-30 minutes.
Dyed effluent usually appears in 20-30 minutes on a failed
system but can take up to five days to show up.
If at a building inspection suspect wet areas are observed I recommend a dye test
even if one was not previously requested. When wet areas are not found (or created by running water into the septic system) on the property
being inspected, dye tests may still be performed to meet requirements of some lenders.
Note the locations of and distance to well, trees, pools, additions to the building, driveways,
etc. that might infringe on the tank or absorption area.
Examine all site areas including property boundaries that could reasonably be reached
by drainfield extensions, nearby streams, ponds, storm drains, edges of mound systems, edges of banks,
rocky areas, steep slopes near the septic fields
Check storm drains and site drains at the property - sometimes septic effluent is leaking into or has even been directed into these improper septic effluent disposal destinations, such as we found in this driveway drain
Do not probe the soil over suspected septic tank locations by using methods that could damage the equipment. Heavy
wrecking bars, for example, can puncture a steel or fiberglass tank cover or break a plastic drainfield line.
When the ground is snow-covered, walk a grid pattern across the drainfield area to watch for septic dye appearing just at the bottom layer of the snow cover.
Here you can see our red septic dye appearing in the snow where we scuffed the surface of the snow-covered area.
When the ground is snow covered and near a wet or swampy area, check the wet area for the appearance of septic dye - actually check here in all weather conditions, but snow cover can actually make it easier to find septic dye breakout provided the ground is not frozen solid.
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Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto, for permission to use illustrations from their publication, The Illustrated Home which illustrates construction details and building components. Carson Dunlop provides home inspection education, publications, report writing materials, and home inspection services. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Pollard Water source of septic system testing tracer dyes
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