In order to clearly understand the differences between certifications and inspections, you many find the following explanation helpful. We provide three levels of inspection to meet the varying needs of our clients.
- Inspection and Verbal Consultation: We can inspect a Private Sewage Disposal System (PSDS) and simply have a verbal consultation with the client, where we have a conversation either in person on site (preferred) or on the phone about the condition of the system and make recommendations. (No written reports.)
- Inspection and Inspection Report: Inspection of the PSDS and a written report that describes the present condition of the system with any deficiencies listed and recommendations for restoration or replacement. (This can be used for negotiating purposes if there are any deficiencies in the system.)
- Inspection and Certification: If we inspect and find a PSDS in operative condition with no signs of overflow or any major deficiencies we will issue a written statment that says in part: "...We certify that the above information is true and correct to the best of our knowledge...". Note: Before a certification can be issued all testing should be complete and all defiencies should be corrected.
Mr. Webster defines certify: To declare (a thing) true, accurate, certain by formal statement often in writting: verify: attest.
Our understanding of what a certification of a Private Sewage Disposal System is: A document that states, to the best of our knowledge, what is true and accurate about the PSDS.
Our Inspection and/or Certification Fee Does Not Include:
- A guarantee or a warranty
- Labor to locate and uncover the system for inspection
- Labor to replace soil and grass, cleanup and minor repairs
- Pumping charges
- Percolation testing if recommended
Please Note: There is no government agency or regulatory commission that sets any standard regarding what constitutes a certification. The statments above are our best understanding of the Inpection and/or Certification process after consultation with Health Department Officials, Health Department statistics, consulting with engineers, sanitarians and based on our own field observations and experiences. These statements refer only to our Inspections and/or Certifications and to our standards for certifications. Other comtractors may have more liberal or more conservative standards based on their opinion of what constitutes a certification.
A Guide To The Process Involved In An Inspection and/or
Certification Of
A Private Sewage Disposal System (PSDS)
When selling a home with a private sewage disposal system an Insepction and/or Certification of the system may be requested or required. The following is a description of the basic process and procedures we will go through in order to Inspect and/or Certify your system.
1. As we begin the process, we will need as much information as possible about
the existing system and basic history of the house. We need to know the
location of the various parts of the system. We will also ask about the
pumping history of the system. Also, any history of overflows or problems
with the system, need to be provided.
2. When we first visit your property or the property to be purchased, the first
step is finding the system. If there are manhole covers or stand pipes on the
various parts of the system, we will be able to make the inspection and
measurements with ease. If you do not know the location or if there are no
openings to the surface, we will then either use an electronic locating device or
probe and excavate in the soil to find and uncover the system. This can be a
costly and time-consuming process requiring several excavations, which could
take several days.
3. Once we have located and opened all parts of the system we will visually
inspect and measure the system. If percolation testing is recommended and
authorized we will preform it at this time.
4. If necessary, we will recommend pumping the septic tank or primary cesspool.
Seepage pits only need to be pumped if overfull. (Note: Pumping should not
occur until after the inspection is made.)
5. At this point upon request we can issue a preliminay insepction report for
negotiating purposes. If repairs or testing are necessary and not yet done we
will make appropriate recommendations and will wither continue on a time and
material basis or we can quote a fixed price for work to be done.
6. Once the inspection, testing and/or repairs have been completed we will backfill
excavations, cleanup and reset sod. The area affected by our work will be left
in a clean condition. Concrete, brick and asphalt will be restored if desired.
7. Upon completion of the above we will issue a final inspection report or
certification.
Note: Be aware that some older systems may be in poor condition. Older systems often require major repairs or replacement of various parts of the system. These repairs or replacements could be costly.
