Septic Inspections in St. Louis, MO
A properly functioning septic system is not only essential to keeping your home clean but plays a vital role in protecting the environment. An ordinary home inspector will normally only complete a visual inspection of the system and check the age and maintenance history. If you are in the process of buying a house with a septic tank, a visual inspection is not enough—you need a specialized septic inspection company to perform a full checkup.
We at Superior Sewer Co. are dedicated to providing Warren County, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, Jefferson County, and St. Genevieve County businesses and homeowners with the best service. Our Missouri State Licensed OWTS Inspector’s ensure that your system is functioning as designed and that it meets the state’s criteria for a safe and affective on-site system.
What is a Septic System?
A septic system is a self-contained wastewater treatment system that collects and processes household waste. It is typically composed of a septic tank, distribution method, and drain field, but can also be a much more advanced and technical system.
The tank holds the wastewater from plumbing fixtures such as toilets, sinks, and showers. Solid waste settles at the bottom of the tank, creating a “sludge” layer, while liquid waste floats up, forming the “scum” surface layer. That layer acts as an airtight seal and creates the perfect environment for bacteria to break down the solid waste below. Liquid wastewater flows up and through pipes to be released into the drain field, where it is further broken down by natural bacteria.
Distribution methods include distribution boxes, septic tank outlines, effluent distribution lines, dosing, gravity flow, pressure distribution, and siphons. They all aim to efficiently distribute effluent into the drain field without overwhelming a single area.
Why Having a Septic Inspection is Important
When buying a home, it is essential to have the septic system inspected beforehand. This is a necessary step in protecting yourself and your family from potential problems with the septic system that could end up costing you tens of thousands of dollars in repairs down the line. A professional inspection will detect any issues or deficiencies with the system, such as clogged pipes or a failing drain field, that may not be visible during an ordinary home inspection.
If you already own a home with a septic system, regular inspections will ensure that your system is functioning properly and meets current local health department regulations. Septic systems are designed to last about 25 years. Our technicians can perform routine septic inspections to help you maintain a healthy and efficient system for years to come.
Septic Inspection When Buying a House
An up-to-date septic inspection can serve as an attractive selling point for sellers and provide peace of mind and protection against unwanted costs down the line for buyers.
Before a septic inspection, sellers should supply the inspector with the necessary documents and answers. Critical information such as whether or not the system has been previously pumped, inspected, damaged, or repaired (and by who), plus where exactly on your property is it located, are all important facts to be supplied beforehand.
What Happens During a Septic Inspection?
We strive to provide our clients with high-quality, transparent service. As such, we provide a video of the lateral lines from interior access to your septic tank so you can see what is below the surface.
To determine the health of your septic system, our technicians will:
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Conduct a flow test - this evaluates the movement of liquid through the sanitary pipe.
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If the flow test is successful and sufficient pressure is produced on downstream components of the system, they will proceed with further assessment.
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If there is no or little water coming into the tank, they will investigate each component to determine the issue. The cause could range from plumbing problems within your home to issues with downstream components of your system.
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Inspect the septic tank - they will measure how much of the tank's volume is composed of areas like scum and sludge.
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Generally, each should take up around 30% with 40% being effluent. If this doesn't match, odds are something isn't functioning properly in the drain field.
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Examine the drain field - they will perform a visual inspection, looking for signs like wet areas and pungent odors that might indicate overflows or broken systems.
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By using a special probe, they can test the field’s hydraulic stress level, which helps determine if there is excessive flooding.
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Why Hire Us
A septic system is not just a tank in your backyard. It's a complex network of components, which is why it’s essential to hire experts who specialize in septic inspection and maintenance – not just your standard home inspector.
Our experienced septic inspectors use specialized equipment, such as remote cameras, to gain access to hard-to-reach areas of the system. They will thoroughly evaluate the tank and its various components, from measuring sludge depth to testing for structural integrity. Our technicians will also look for evidence of water leakage or failed septic lines that could impact the function of your system.
From pre-purchase inspections to routine maintenance, our goal at Superior Sewer Co. is to help save our customers time and money.
Contact Our St. Louis, MO Septic Inspection Company
A quick turnaround, transparent pricing, and friendly service are just some of the many reasons customers choose Superior Sewer for septic inspection services in St. Louis. Contact us today!