The typical residential wastewater system consists of two elements, a pre-treatment (two compartment septic tank) and the soil absorption system (field). The Building Sewer line connects to the inlet of the septic tank. The first compartment of the septic tank separates floating and settling materials (solids) from the liquid. The effluent then seeps over a divider in the tank to the second compartment. From here the effluents drain in to the outlet of the tank to the drain field (soil) of the septic system. Via the Disposal Sewer for final treatment and disposal. The absorption area consists of a buried lines with 7/8 inch holes placed in various location along the drain pipe. Washed sewer rock (sands removed) surrounding the line and depth of the field. A layer of ground cover is placed over the rock to prevent dirt from entering the leach rock. Which will cause the sewage field to prematurely fail. Then the field is covered with dirt. The above ground site of the septic system are the riser lines minimum one field or more, two tank & foundation clean out risers. There are many styles of septic system on the market but this is a basic system set-up.
The purpose of a septic system test is, mainly to test how fast or slow the drain field drains its water inches to minutes. These measurement are recorded on a report for a pass or fail result.
- I utilize an infrared-thermal imaging camera to ensure that nothing is overlooked
- I utilize a camera for septic inspections (on request)
My procedures are to:
- Connect a garden hose to an exterior spigot with a water meter.
- I measure the depth of the existing field and septic tank including the riser heights
- This will give me the level of water in the system and levelness of the tank and field.
- I run the hose to the septic field riser and start introducing water. At this point I will take a measuring test at different intervals while the water is introduced to the drain field
- Once the desired amount of water is induced to the drain field the water is stopped and measurements are taken as the water recedes in the drain field.
- The water sample is drawn and taken to a lab for testing for E-Coli & Coliform per Alaska standards.
Fill out our form below or call 907-460-2822 to schedule an appointment to check your septic system.