How Does a Septic System Work - Soluo

How Does a Septic System Work?

Pre-purchase inspection - Soluo septic solutions

A typical septic system consists of a septic tank, which is responsible for retaining solids and performing an initial treatment of your wastewater through bacterial activity, and a leaching field, which purifies the water by allowing it to infiltrate the soil where further bacterial treatment occurs.

These systems play a crucial role in treating domestic wastewater, thus protecting public health and the environment.

The lifespan and efficiency of a septic system can vary significantly based on several factors such as the technology used, the frequency and quality of maintenance, and the characteristics of the surrounding soil.

For example, the lifespan of a conventional leaching field ranges from 20 to 30 years if used at full capacity, although some well-maintained systems may last longer.

The lifespan of your leaching field depends on the types of treatments preceding it (type of septic tank, presence of secondary treatment systems such as Ecoflo, Bionest, System O, or Hydro-Kinetic) and how it is used over time. A thorough inspection can reveal how these factors influence the current state of your septic system.

Why Conduct an Inspection - Soluo

Why schedule an inspection?

It is advisable to have your septic system inspected when signs of end-of-life appear or when purchasing a new property.

Signs Not to Ignore:

  • Bubbling noises are heard when using water in the house.
  • Water drains more slowly than usual (bathtub, shower, sink, washbasin, etc.).
  • Backflow occurs in the residence.
  • The lids of your septic tank, sump pit, or any secondary or tertiary treatments are damaged, emitting foul odours.
  • Water overflows from the lids of your tank or one of the secondary or tertiary treatments.
  • When you open one of the lids, you notice that water and sludge cover the pipes.
  • Vegetation or grass has become significantly greener where your leaching field is located.
  • The surface of the leaching element is unusually waterlogged.
  • Water is present at the bottom of the leaching element’s slope.
  • Foul odours are noticeable where the leaching element is situated.
  • A dark trace or mud flow seems to be escaping from the leaching element.
Why Conduct a Pre-Purchase Inspection - Soluo

Why schedule a pre-purchase or pre-sale inspection ?

A septic system inspection is not just a good practice; it is essential. A damaged or poorly maintained septic system can lead to significant unexpected expenses for a new homeowner.

Detecting potential problems in advance can save you high repair or replacement costs and ensure a smooth real estate transaction. Furthermore, as a buyer, an inspection revealing anomalies will provide a strong negotiation tool.

Note that the number of disputes concerning defective septic systems and hidden defects is on the rise in Quebec, often leading to costly and time-consuming legal proceedings.

Our Septic Installation Inspection Process - Soluo

Our Septic System Inspection Process

Inspecting your septic tank and leaching field involves a thorough examination of each system component.

The inspector will check the septic tank for signs of failure, assess the condition of the leaching field, and ensure all pipes and drainage systems are functioning correctly.

Generally, all inspections follow the same procedure, although they are adapted to your installation. For instance, a metal tank will show different signs of degradation than a concrete tank, but the inspection steps remain the same.

The Inspection Report - Soluo

The Inspection Report Will Include:

  • The current state of the septic system
  • The condition of key system components
  • Maintenance cost presentation
  • Replacement options analysis
  • Replacement cost presentation
Important Points Checked and Discussed During Our Inspection - Soluo

Key Points Checked and Discussed During Our Inspection

1

The Septic Tank

General condition examination, looking for signs of leaks or corrosion. Confirming that the water level does not exceed the outlet pipe and that immediate emptying is not required. Inspecting the outlet pipe for signs of sagging.

2

The Leaching Field

Ensuring the leaching field is free of excessive vegetation, debris, or seepage. The grass above the field should be uniformly green, indicating good drainage. If necessary, probing the leaching field to detect excessively high water levels.

3

Pipes and Fittings

Inspecting pipes and fittings to ensure they are intact, leak-free, and crack-free, and that they adequately transport water to the septic system components.

4

Pumping Station

Checking the pumping station (if present) for proper operation, condition, and absence of obstructions.

5

Any Signs of Failure

Attention to failure signs such as sewer odours, slow drains, puddles around the septic tank, or plumbing elements backing up.

6

Local Regulations

Presenting local septic system regulations if needed and certifying that the system complies with them. Contacting the municipality for more information on the septic system being inspected if necessary.

Septic Inspection in a Real Estate Transaction - Soluo

Septic Inspection in Real Estate Transactions

Unlike a conventional building inspection, which focuses on the structure and internal components of a property (plumbing, electricity, roofing, etc.), a specialized inspection of your septic system will examine in detail the condition and functionality of your wastewater treatment system. This is a crucial step to avoid future issues and costs.

Inspection de fonctionnement | Soluo

Septic inspection service

Operational Inspection

If your septic system was installed before the provincial regulations came into effect in 1981, your town or municipality might not have records related to the type of septic system in place at your residence. This is why they may require you to undergo an operational or regulatory inspection to ensure that your current septic system is not causing pollution.

A Soluo expert will assist you in meeting your municipality’s requirements and allow you to keep your current septic system if it is not polluting.

Vacant land inspection - Soluo septic solutions

Septic inspection service

Land inspection

When buying land, you will want to know what type of septic installation will be possible to build and therefore what the possibilities of building construction will be on this land.

A Soluo expert will accompany you to ensure that coveted land is meeting your current and future ambitions.

Existing property inspection - Soluo septic solutions

Septic inspection service

Inspection for existing residence

When buying a home, for a septic installation has an average lifespan of between 20 and 25 years, it is important that you know the possibilities of replacing your septic installation with an septic tank inspection service because it will have to be in a different place then the last installation.

It is therefore essential that you schedule a pre-purchase inspection with a Soluo expert to ensure the feasibility of a new installation when the time is right and that you are aware of the average cost of that installation.

Choosing a Specialized Inspector - Soluo

Choosing a Specialized Inspector

Selecting an inspector specializing in septic systems is crucial. Soluo is a team of professional experts with proven expertise and significant experience in the field of wastewater treatment systems. We guarantee an accurate and reliable evaluation!

Qualified Experts in Septic Installation and Inspection - Soluo

Our Team of Qualified Experts:

  • Has recognized experience in the field
  • Is not affiliated with any system manufacturer
  • Is a member of a professional order
  • Holds liability insurance
  • Possesses an RBQ licence
Team of Experts in Septic Installation and Inspection - Soluo

Contact Us

Conducting a septic system inspection before purchasing a property is an essential step to secure your real estate investment. It allows you to identify and resolve any potential issues, saving you from unexpected expenses and contributing to environmental protection.

For specific information or to schedule a septic system inspection, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts is at your disposal to assist you through this sometimes complex process.

So, ready for the inspection?

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Bionest
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