New Hampshire septic inspections. Including all of New Hampshire, Southern Maine and Eastern Vermont. Inspection includes, Stone and Pipe, Trench systems, Drywells, Chambered systems, Fabric Based systems, Large Diameter Gravelless Pipe systems, Eljen Geotextile sand filter and Aerobic Treatment Units.

There is no licensing of septic inspectors in New Hampshire, please don't be fooled by inspectors who say they are licensed or certified by the state of New Hampshire, but your inspector should be trained and have prior experience with septic systems. 

Proper septic inspection method:

Evaluate the plumbing components inside the home:

I inspect all of the interior plumbing fixture for proper connections. I also make sure all the waste lines are properly discharging into an approved waste system. Water treatment systems can be harmful to septic systems and I evaluate where the discharge of these systems go.

Examine the inside of the treatment tank:

I open the tank and examine the inlet and outlet baffles and determine the volume of the treatment tank. I inspect the visible parts of the tank for cracks, water infiltration, corrosion, and leakage. I also take a sample from inside the tank with a sludge sampler. Similar to what is used in waste water treatment facilities. By examining the sample I can determine the amount of sludge, liquid level and scum layer. This allows me to understand whether the tank is healthy and if it needs pumping.

Distribution Box:

I inspect the distribution box for corrosion, leakage and cracks. I also make sure the D-Box is level to ensure equal flow to each pipe in the leaching field.

EDA, ( Effluent Disposal Area ) or leach field. 

I will determine the location and size of the EDA. Test hole's are hand dug in different locations throughout the EDA. This allows me to examine the condition of the EDA as well as how much saturation is present. A full evaluation of the EDA is critical in determining the overall condition of the septic system.

Vacant homes:

Septic inspections can still be performed on vacant homes. Sometimes a hydraulic load test will be done by running approximately 150-200 gallons of water into the system. Septic dye may also be used to determine flow.

Reports:

My New Hampshire septic system report is comprehensive and easy to read. I include digital photographs for a better understanding of the system, components and condition. 

    The following photo's are from actual New Hampshire

             septic  inspections that I have performed

Overgrown EDA                                                                               View of a D-Box

 View of a invert/clear from D-Box

Two examples of systems that failed during the hydraulic load test and backed up through the tank

Both were caused by clogged filters in the outlet baffles, once cleaned the system functioned fine. 

  Example of a flooded EDA

Typical outlet baffle                                                                       Typical tank cover

Damaged D-Box                                                                 Example of a clean EDA

Typical New Hampshire drywell                                           Typical Maine drywell

Older inlet baffle/cover still intact

Example of a failed EDA                                            Example of a failed New Hampshire septic system

Please feel free to contact me about your New Hampshire septic inspection, with or without a New Hampshire home inspection.

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services video, Septic System Management for Homeowners.

http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/wweb/homeowner_video.htm

Home owners guide to septic systems: http://www.epa.gov/owm/septic/pubs/homeowner_guide_long.pdf