Title V is the specific set of septic rules that govern systems in many municipalities. These inspections are most often necessary when you are selling a house with a septic system. The inspection is designed to find any possible problems that need to be repaired before the house and septic system changes ownership.

1. Septic Layout

Your inspector must locate the main components of your septic system. This includes the processing tanks, the drain field, the inlets and outlets, and the main sewer lines that feed into the tank. If you already know the location, you can make this part easier by having the tank lids and other components clearly marked. Alternatively, you can provide the inspector with a system map. 

2. Leak Detection

Signs of system failure that can lead to backups or leaks of raw sewage into the groundwater are a major part of the inspection. Your inspector will check the tank for damage and verify that inlets and outlets are properly sealed so no sewage is leaking out. Further, the scum layer in the tank will be measured to see if a pumping service is due. Lines will be clog tested, as well. 

3. Age and Condition

The age and condition of the tanks and other components will be estimated or verified. This is often the easiest part of the inspection since the information is often a matter of public record. The condition of the system will also be assessed, particularly on systems that are reaching the end of their expected service life. Major damage related to aging can necessitate the replacement of system components. 

4. Drain Field Absorption

The septic system is more than the tanks, the drain field is another important part. Your inspector must check that the field is still absorbing effluent properly and that no raw sewage is rising to the top of the field. They will check for clogs and collapses throughout the field, as well as signs that any part of the drain field has failed. 

5. Water Contamination

The final check is to ensure that no sewage is seeping into groundwater. If you regularly have your well water tested, this process may require little more than looking over the results of the water tests from the last couple of years. If you don't have regular tests, then the inspector will order a water test to check for septic contamination.

Contact a Title V septic inspection service if you need to schedule an inspection for your system.