This U.S. Environmental Protection Agency video is part of a series of SepticSmart Week Quick Tip videos designed to educate the homeowner on the importance of properly using and maintaining their septic system, such as how a septic system works, what not to put down the drain, the importance of getting your well water tested, and more.

In this video, "Protect It and Inspect It," learn about a typical septic system inspection, how often an inspection should be performed, and considerations for advanced systems.

For more information about septic systems, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Since each septic system is installed a little differently, it would be difficult for us to give you an exact how-to on installing each one. That said, the overall process for septic system installation has some similarities.

1. Site Prep

First, you evaluate the site’s size, soil type, water table, etc. so you can decide which type septic system will work best for you. This may require a PERC test to evaluate soil absorption rates. Contact your county health department to find out more information regarding testing requirements in your area.

2. Health Approval

Most states have specific guidelines in place for septic system installation, as sewage naturally could have a large impact on public health and safety. You will need to receive the necessary permits and licenses to continue with the procedure.

3. Excavation

Once you have received the go-ahead from the correct authorities, you may begin excavating the site for system installation. Excavation involves a lot of measuring and drilling so that you can get the pipe to distance ratio correct. You will need to dig a hole large enough to fit the tank into comfortably.

4. Installation

It is important that you refrain from going into the installation blindly. That is, don’t just begin haphazardly digging holes and placing pipes. Call a professional septic system company for advice, or do your research online.

5. Final Inspection

It’s a good idea to have a professional inspect your work once completed. This ensures that everything is up to safety standards and that you won’t run into any unexpected issues.

6. Coverup

Cover everything back up, clean it up, and enjoy your money-saving handiwork!

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: nextmodular.com

Motivated homeowners can certainly remove snow themselves. You can purchase snow shovels, roof rakes, plow attachments and snow blowers at most local home improvement stores.

That said, snow removal can be dangerous and expensive. Snowplow attachments and snow blowers cost hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars each. And falling from your roof while shoveling snow off of it can lead to serious injuries.

Hiring a professional snow removal service is typically a more convenient option, especially if there’s a significant amount of snow to remove. Only attempt to DIY snow removal if you have the proper tools, time and energy. Otherwise, consider hiring out help.

Questions to Ask a Snow Removal Service

Before settling on a snow removal service, ask them some qualifying questions. You can avoid future mishaps, like driveway damage from the wrong type of snow plow, by hiring an experienced and reliable snow removal service.

Important questions to ask include:

• Do you have proof of liability insurance?
• Can you provide references?
• How do you price your snow removal services?
• How many workers do you have?
• Do you have snow removal experience?
• Are you willing to sign a contract?

Before hiring them, check references to make sure the company is reliable and does quality work. Make sure they are insured to avoid a legal mess if an accident happens while they are removing snow from your property.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: forbes.com

Dye testing is a diagnostic procedure used by home inspectors and contractors to identify issues within a septic system, particularly leaks or improper connections that could lead to the discharge of effluent (liquid sewage) into the environment.

The test introduces a non-toxic, water-soluble dye into the septic system and observes if the dye surfaces above ground, indicating a problem.

How Dye Testing Works

Introduction of Dye: A specific amount of dye, typically green or red, is added to the septic system by flushing it down a toilet, pouring it directly into the septic tank, or through other entry points.

Water Flushing: Water is flushed through the system to push the dye through. This helps in tracing the path of the effluent and identifying any leaks or issues where the dye surfaces above ground.

Observation: Inspectors then wait and observe for the appearance of the dye on the ground surface. The presence of dyed water above ground indicates a leak or fault in the septic system.

Applications and Limitations

Leak Detection: Dye testing is primarily used to detect leaks in the septic system where effluent might escape into the environment.

Verification of Connections: It can also verify that new appliances or drains are correctly connected to the system.

Limited Diagnostic Capability: While useful for identifying leaks, dye testing cannot assess the full functionality of a septic system or pinpoint all types of issues. It is most effective when there’s already a suspicion of a problem. Regulatory Compliance: In some jurisdictions, dye testing is required for home inspections or property transfers to ensure no illegal connections or discharges.

Other Inspection Considerations

Inspector Expertise: The effectiveness of dye testing can depend on the inspector’s expertise and the septic system’s specific conditions.

Environmental Safety: The dyes used are non-toxic, water-soluble, and environmentally friendly, ensuring the testing process does not harm the surrounding ecosystem.

Complementary Tool: Dye testing is often used with other inspection methods to evaluate a septic system’s health comprehensively.

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction Industries, LLC. 

Source: homeinspectioninsider.com