How to Inspect a Sewer System
Let's face it, most of us have no idea or any care of what happens to the water after it flushes down the toilet. For those of us in the business, it can sometimes be frustrating attempting to explain to the public the importance of maintaining their sewer system. While you cannot conduct an official sewer system inspection for home loans or an anything legal, you can still inspect it and have peace of mind. We will mainly be focusing on mechanical sewer systems in this article. We will go over the areas that need to be looked at when inspecting your sewer system.
- Difficulty:
- Easy
Instructions
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1
Start with the motor/blower/aerator (all refer to the same thing). I know this sounds simple, but make sure the motor is running and pushing air. You can check if it's running by simply listening to the motor hum, or you can touch it for vibration. You can check to see if it is pushing air by disconnecting the rubber hose that sends the air into the system. You should be able to feel the air.
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2
Lift the access port to the tank where the motor is pushing in air. This is the aeration zone. In this step you will want to make sure that the motor is pushing air into the system and it should be causing the water in the sewer system to move, churn or bubble. If the water is stagnant, something is wrong. The water should only be stagnant in the clarifier which is the last section of the system before it discharges.
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3
Check water clarity. If the system is operating properly, it should appear the color of a yoohoo. Water appearing too clear, black or full of solids is a sign of improper usage or maintenance. Black/clear water is a sign of lack of usage. These systems are designed to receive waste/food daily to sustain microbial life which breaks down the sewage. If the aeration zone is full of floating solids, it probably needs to be pumped out.
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4
Check the clarifier. The clarifier zone is the last compartment before the sewage exits the system. In the clarifier, the water should be calm and clear. If an abundance of solids are seen in this zone, the system probably needs to be pumped.
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5
Check the discharge pipe. This is the last part of the inspection and it is very simple. Ensure that the discharge pipe is not covered by mud. If the discharge pipe is not cleared, it can cause sewage to drain improperly and raise the water level in the system which affects the balance and treatment. It could also cause sewage to back up into the home.
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Tips & Warnings
Mechanical sewer systems should be pumped out about every five to eight years for optimal performance and depending on the usage.
