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Septic Systems: Preventing a Stink
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McCord recommended checking with the National Sanitation Foundation for a list of qualified wastewater contractors. Your county health department may keep a list of licensed contractors, too. Some jurisdictions, such as Prince George's County, have inspectors who do on-site evaluations. Montgomery County inspectors will evaluate septic problems as part of the $256 repair permit.
Thomas Miller, with the University of Maryland's Cooperative Extension Service, said: "Don't settle for walk-around inspections. Be present when the inspection is done."
The inspector should run water into the system from the house and check each opening for signs of backup or leaks. Are the baffles, which control flow into and out of the tank, in order? The sludge level should be measured.
It's better if the tank is not pumped just before the inspection because you want to know whether it's operating properly after a period of use and whether it has been properly maintained.
The distribution box, if there is one, should be checked to see that each pipe is draining properly. There shouldn't be any sign of solids in the box. Well water should be tested for signs of contamination.
A properly operating septic system is like a clean litter box: There should be no odor. However, odor doesn't always mean something is seriously wrong.
Miller noted than an inside odor could be caused by an unused sink or toilet. Normally, water collects in the U-trap beneath a sink or toilet to prevent septic gases from backing up into the house, but if a bathroom goes unused, that water can evaporate. To clear the trap, simply run water through it.
An easily fixed cause of outside odor is a roof vent pipe that is too short, allowing downdrafts. The solution: Extend the pipe.
More serious outside odors are caused by effluent leaching up to the topsoil, usually because of a clogged drain field. If the grass over the drain field is lush and green during a drought, that could be a sign that something is amiss.
Other signs of trouble include soggy areas on the property, basement or toilet drains backing up, drains that empty slowly, and gurgling in pipes in the house. Ask neighbors whether they know of past problems on the property or in the area.
The Right Questions
Here are some of the questions you should ask the inspector or investigate yourself.
¿ What kind of a septic system is it?
