In order for your inspection to go as smoothly as possible, please have these items available:

• Septic permit
• Location of the tank clearly marked
• History of past pumping and a seller’s disclosure
• Knowledge of any obstructions to the tank (i.e. landscaping, underground wires and lines etc.)

Scope A and B and C Below

Scope B (standard) will be performed for our customers unless another scope is requested in writing.

This describes the septic assessment process and lists the process involved, in an outline format, to best inform our buyers as to the process and value of the septic assessment. The State strongly suggests we uncover each system tank. This is not always possible and is limited by various factors: depth, location, budget and sometimes obstructions.

Scope A: Septic Inspection with Pumping (OPTIMAL)

1. Obtain septic permit
   1. Please note that permits may not always be available through the Department of Environmental Health. This puts a limitation on the inspection process when the inspector is not able to determine the type of system in place, location, size, and parameters.
2. Review septic permit
3. Examine main waste line
4. Examine building sewer
5. Probe building sewer
6. Probe tank
7. Observe setbacks
8. Uncover lid/s
9. Pump Tank
10. Inspect tank, inlet, outlet and processing or performance
11. Probe for D box
12. Probe leach field
13. Stress system
14. Dye test if standing or running water is observed
15. Make assessment of potential non- permitted dumping of system
16. Report findings

This assessment is an inspection of the septic system and a pumping of such. The pricing is normally based on an inspection of both the home and septic system. Fees will change if no building inspection is being performed,  and you will need to contact the inspector for pricing. 

Scope B: Septic Inspect – No Pumping (STANDARD)

1. Obtain the septic permit.
   1. Please note that permits may not always be available through the Department of Environmental Health. This puts a limitation on the inspection process when the inspector is not able to determine the type of system in place, location, size, and parameters.
2. Review septic permit
3. Examine main waste line
4. Examine building sewer
5. Probe building sewer
6. Probe tank
7. Tank lid accessible or digging performed during assessment
   1. Use tools to remove and replace lid (slight damage to lid is always a consideration when removing lids)
   2. Lids not exposed when performing this inspection will revert to plan c or further assessment.
8. Observe setbacks
9. Probe for D box
10. Probe leach field
11. Stress system
12. Dye test if standing or running water is observed
13. Make assessment of potential non- permitted dumping of system
14. Report findings

This assessment is an inspection of the septic system without a pumping; however, access of lid/s is performed for an inspection of the tank lids and visible interior components when digging is possible.

Cost will vary based on complexity of the system. A great deal of work goes into performing this service. We begin with investigative attempts to produce necessary documents for the inspection, as well as studying the site by probing to find the system, as well as adjacent sites. We use  our years of experience to make a determination of the condition of the system. We understand it is underground and can’t be definitive when not uncovered, but you can be reassured we can offer the best opinion available for you to consider the real-estate purchase and want you to be confident in our determination so you can move forward. Because you are relying on our expertise and competence, we will render an opinion of condition. An inability to uncover the tank because of  extenuating circumstances does not constitute an incomplete inspection and so cannot be refunded. In this case, we will require that the seller pump the system and perform needed maintenance before the inspection continues. Once this occurs, the inspection will be finalized.

Scope C: Septic Inspect – No Pumping No Excavation (LIMITED)

Further Assessment May be Needed

1. Obtain septic permit
   1. Please note that permits may not always be available through the Department of Environmental Health. This puts a limitation on the inspection process when the inspector is not able to determine the type of system in place, location, size, and parameters.
2. Review septic permit
3. Examine main waste line
4. Examine building sewer
5. Probe building sewer
6. Probe tank
7. Observe setbacks
8. Probe for D box
9. Probe leach field
10. Stress system
11. Dye test if standing or running water is observed
12. Make assessment of potential non- permitted dumping of system
13. Report findings

Cost will vary based on complexity of the system. A great deal of work goes into performing this service. We begin with investigative attempts to produce necessary documents for the inspection, as well as studying the site by probing to find the system, as well as adjacent sites are performed. We use  our years of experience to make a determination of the condition of the system. We understand it is underground and can’t be definitive when not uncovered, but you can be reassured we can offer the best opinion available for you to consider the real-estate purchase and want you to be confident in our determination so you can move forward. Because you are relying on our expertise and competence, we will render an opinion of condition, however no refunds are given when tanks are not uncovered.

General:

This is not a septic system evaluation as evaluations imply future performance. This is only an assessment to determine if any further evaluation is needed for real-estate transfer repairs. This report in no way warrants the future worth or performance of the system inspected. Only an excavation inspection will give a description of the system design, layout, condition, and materials. Only an inspection using a sound locator or camera can definitively determine the location of the septic leach field and is not included in this assessment. Our assessment assumes that perk tests, suitable soil elevations, setbacks, and compliance with permitting requirements have been met. If in doubt, these conditions should be investigated by the concerned parties.  

Minimum distance requirements from the well to the septic tank, leach field and/or system have not been measured and will not be considered by the inspector as part of the assessment. A layout or design of the system must be provided to streamline the inspection process. We will pull the permit from the county if it is available, however, they are not always readily available from the Department of Environmental Health.

If our report indicates either that the system is not performing its intended function, defects were found, and/or leaching was observed in the leach fields; then further evaluation and repairs are necessary. If this is the case, we recommend that a qualified repair technician make a second assessment to make needed repairs prior to the acquisition.

The inspector cannot comment on the future integrity of any system, especially one that is tested in a vacant dwelling. This is a large limitation to the inspector’s ability to evaluate and we recommend considering re-evaluating after six months of occupancy. If the number of occupants increases, the system will be under additional stress and the test of time will determine its future integrity.

The inspector is licensed by the state of North Carolina. Although there is currently no licensing requirement in South Carolina, the North Carolina standards of practice will be observed by Building Sciences 16:3 regardless of location. However, while in South Carolina, we will consider the differences in installation and customs.

There are several areas of general maintenance to be considered. Septic systems should be pumped and serviced every three to five years as systems are known to malfunction throughout the year. Also, always ensure that tank lids are properly secured as improperly secured lids can be a serious hazard.

You are paying for our experience, knowledge, and expertise and to document deficiencies and limitations as well as potentially recommending further assessment when limitations are present. The discovery of deficiencies, limitations in the system, or conditions that prevent further discovery such as: obstructions, a tank that is difficult to discover, and no record/permit/layout from DEH for review will be recorded in the report. The scope of the report will include, in part, the discovery and definition of these limitations.  In case of these limitations, the inspection may be considered concluded and will not provide a definitive view of the systems inspected. 

Respectfully,

Mark R. Berardelli BCT