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Septic Tank Condition - How to Inspect Concrete Septic Tanks InspectAPedia®  -     Characteristics of concrete septic tanks Types of Septic Tanks: steel septic tanks, concrete septic tanks, fiberglass septic tanks, home made septic tanks - definitions and characteristics of various types of septic tanks

This document describes how to inspect the condition of a septic tank, providing special considerations for inspecting concrete septic tanks. Inspecting concrete septic tanks is a key component in onsite wastewater disposal systems.

This is a chapter of Septic Systems Inspection, Testing our online book about septic system inspection procedures, defects in onsite waste disposal systems, septic tank problems, septic drainfield problems, checklists of system components and things to ask. Also see The Septic Information Website our main page of articles and information about septic systems and onsite wastewater disposal systems inspection, testing, diagnosis, maintenance, and repair.

© Copyright 2010 Daniel Friedman, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use links at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

The photo shows a round concrete septic tank cover being removed to prepare for pumping a concrete septic tank. This is a safe cover and is rated thick enough to be driven-over by a car - but we do not recommend that practice. Of course the area is quite unsafe while the septic tank cover is off - we would not leave the tank cover off and the area unattended. Concrete septic tanks at an existing septic installation are usually viable, but might have damaged baffles or cracks that permit seepage of groundwater in or septic effluent out around the tank. Occasionally we've seen tanks made of poor-quality concrete (insufficient portland cement) which eroded badly. If the tank outlet or absorption system have been blocked, examination of the tank interior may show that effluent is or has been above the top of the baffles (see "baffles" below) thus indicating a system failure discussed next.

Concrete tanks can crack or sections may separate causing leaks with the result of not only improper disposal of effluent (wrong location) but also subverting an attempt at a septic loading and dye test since when the system is un-used the tank liquid levels drop abnormally.

The inspector may detect this condition only if there is a tank inspection port which is readily and safely accessible for before, during, and after inspection when running a loading and dye test.

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SEPTIC SYSTEMS HOME
SEPTIC SYSTEMS ONLINE BOOK
SEPTIC SYSTEM DESIGN BASICS
SEPTIC TANK PUMPING
  TANK PUMPING FREQUENCY TABLE
  WHY DOES A TANK NEED PUMPING?
  EFFLUENT RETENTION TIME
  WHEN NOT TO PUMP A SEPTIC TANK
  SEWAGE LEVELS in SEPTIC TANKS
SEPTIC TANK SAFETY
SEPTIC VIDEOS
INSPECTING SEPTIC TANKS
  SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION CHECLIST
  STEEL SEPTIC TANKS
  CONCRETE SEPTIC TANKS
  FIBERGLASS / PLASTIC SEPTIC TANKS
  HOME MADE SITE BUILT TANKS
  SEPTIC TANK BAFFLES
  SEPTIC TANK SOLIDS & SCUM
  SEWAGE LEVELS in SEPTIC TANKS
MEASURE SCUM & SLUDGE
CLEANING SEPTIC TANKS
SEPTIC PUMPING CONCLUSIONS
SEPTIC LIFE EXPECTANCY
SEPTIC PUMPING REPAIR
SEPTIC TREATMENTS

• Tank Location - How to Find the Septic Tank INSPECTING SEPTIC TANKS - how to inspect septic tanks, a checklist, and the proper sequence of inspection during septic tank pumping MEASURE SCUM & SLUDGE - How and Why to Measure Septic Tank Scum and Sludge in the Septic Tank
• EFFLUENT RETENTION TIME - Septic Effluent Retention time and Effective Septic Tank Volume - Why pump a septic tank before it is "full" of solids and grease?

The Septic Systems Online Book - Where Are We?

More Information on Building Diagnostic Inspections and Repairs

• Inspecting Septic Systems: Inspection, Test, Diagnosis, Repair, & Maintenance: Our Online Septic Book: Septic Testing, Loading & Dye Tests, Septic Tank Pumping, Clearances, details of onsite waste disposal system inspection, testing, repair procedures.
• Tank Location - How to Find the Septic Tank, how deep will the cover be, how to document its location
• Septic Tank Pumping Frequency Table
• The Septic System Information Website - Extensive, Detailed Consumer and Industry Information on Septic System Inspection, Testing, Maintenance, Alternatives for on-site waste disposal
• Alternative & Advanced Designs for Septic Systems for discussion and links to (on-site waste disposal) System Designs for Problem Sites & Soils. Books, Consultants, Engineers, Designers. Alternative septic system designs can substantially reduce the normal required distances between septic system components and wells, lakes, streams, and property boundaries.

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Building Inspection, Problem Diagnosis, Forensic Investigation & Testing, Repair Consulting

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