A well/septic inspection is a crucial step and a vital process for homeowners using a well water and septic system. Routine checks prevent water contamination, so clean water is useable and will prevent septic system backup. But how long does a standard well and septic inspection take?
Pre-Inspection Preparations
Certain formalities are needed before the actual inspection starts, which takes some time. To perform the well inspection, the housing or caps, in case of any, should be easily opened and accessible. In the septic inspection, the technician needs to identify and guarantee that the compartment’s access points are open –usually covered by a few inches of dirt. All of this preparation could take 30 to 60 minutes.
Inspecting the Well
A standard well inspection focuses on several key areas. The inspector will:
- Check for signs of wear and tear; pressure and flow rate tests should also be conducted on the well cap and casing, the vent, the pump, and the pressure tank. This takes 15 to 30 minutes.
- Perform onsite water tests on bacteria and nitrates, generally taking 15 to 30 minutes. Water samples may also be taken and analyzed in a laboratory, and their results will be available in several days.
- Review well construction documents and other records, including construction reports and maintenance records, taking 5 to 15 minutes.
The well inspection portion requires at least one hour if only basic onsite water tests are conducted. If more specimens are obtained during the laboratory, the analysis results can take several days.
Inspecting the Septic System
A standard septic inspection includes:
- Identifying System – The inspector must identify the septic tank, distribution box, drain field, and all pipes that connect the system, which may take 15 to 30 minutes. If access points of the tank are buried, then GP imaging might be incorporated.
- Tank Inspection: The inspector will apply pressure to the septic tank by pumping it and examining for corrosion or cracks on the exterior/interior of the tank, investigating the interior components, and observing the flow in draining/refilling. This takes 30 to 45 minutes.
- Dye tracing, pressure testing, and soil analysis during drain field testing are used to see if there are any issues with the septic system. This adds another 30 to 45 minutes for what can be a complex process in most, if not all, organizations.
- Record review - Looking at the design specifications and history of pumping/repairs will take roughly 5 to 15 minutes.
- A complete septic inspection, in most cases, may take about two to three hours. This encompasses the time it takes to pump out the tank. If something else needs a closer look, the inspector will investigate blockages and the type of soil, which can take more time.
Total Time to Inspect a Well and a Septic System
If you intend to perform a routine well test and septic inspection in conjunction at one location, then you should allocate at least three to four hours for a complete examination. Record reviews after the inspection, document studies before the inspection, and investigation by the inspector will be adequately included as time spent working at the site. Typically, the average time for an inspection does not exceed six hours, even with recommended repairs or with further water or soil tests to be conducted.
Is it Possible to Increase the Time Spent on the Inspection?
Specific scenarios can increase the time investment needed for a well and septic inspection:
- Older systems with incomplete records-- Still require more testing and imagery scans in order to assess the total value of the system.
- Extensive property requiring lots of equipment movement: Introduces time of transition between different system elements.
- Issues found requiring diagnosis-- Other tests are used when diagnosing issues with web systems.
- Detailed lab sample reports-- Systems that require offsite analysis and reporting enlarge the process by several days.
- Specialized systems--Sophisticated equipment or systems that serve several locations take longer to test than the former.
However, given that no two inspection situations are ever the same, this should serve as a general guide to how long a standard well and septic inspection take. So, it is necessary to know the average time to prepare for accessing the place, coordinating with an inspector, and managing your finances.
Key Takeaways:
- Pre-inspection preparations, depending, take 30 to 60 minutes
- A well inspection takes about 1 hour if only simple water tests are performed
- A full septic inspection requires approximately 2 to 3 hours of the professional’s time
- Altogether, the well and septic inspections take approximately 3 to 6 hours of your time
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