As they get older, septic tanks could be damaged that aren’t evident, but can be a source of problems, like sewage backups, and water source contamination. The septic dye test makes it simple to identify significant issues without resorting to more extensive inspection techniques. While common tests, dye tests are not exhaustive and you should know what limitations this testing has prior to you plan one.
What is a Septic Dye Test Can Tell You
A septic dye test is among of the most effective methods for diagnosing problems with the system of septic. It’s typically used to detect leaks of the septic effluent (liquid wastewater) because of damaged pipes or improper installation, but it can also be used to ensure the new household drain or appliance is properly connected to the system for septic tank.
The person who conducts the test needs to add dye to the septic tank, and then watch to see if it is visible above the ground. If so, it’s a sign that there is a problem. There are many certified home inspectors who offer the test as an additional service, however in certain areas, you may need to employ an accredited septic inspector.
While you may take a test for an individual septic unit, if you believe there’s an issue however, it’s typically performed in conjunction with a home inspection in order to provide the prospective buyer with a sense of in the knowledge that everything is operating in a proper manner. Since improper installation could cause issues, even brand new systems need to be examined.
Although the septic dye testing method is, its value is very restricted. Test failures for dye are very rare and the time a system does fail the system is usually showing indications of leaks or clogs like backed-up drains and toilets as well as sewage smells and stagnant water around the tank as well as the drain field.
It is also possible to obtain wrong results from using either too little or water. Recent snow or rain or a layer of leaves, or tall grass may cover any dyed effluent that is on the soil’s surface to the point that neither you nor the examiner can even notice it. Even when no evidence of dyed effluent is visible but that doesn’t mean that the system functions properly.
Septic systems are required to be pumped out every three to five years. They’re typically examined in the same way. If you’re considering buying property in which the septic system has been recently cleaned and pumped then ask the property owner to provide you with the invoice. It should include any issues identified or repairs completed. If there is no invoice or document is provided, think about abstaining from the test of the dye until the system has enough water to ensure that the drain field is tested efficiently.
Septic tests will satisfy the lender of your home loan however, if you wish to determine the system’s state of repair, you’ll need to conduct an entire septic tank inspection. If you’re considering buying the property, ask the owner if they’re willing to get the system pumped and examined at a cost that which you can both agree upon.
This is the Septic Dye Test Process
The septic test can be carried out through the addition of dyes, typically red or green, into the septic system and flushing water through the system and then checking to see if the dye is visible higher than the ground. It makes effluent visible and trackable. If there’s an issue with your system or the process, then the color may appear on the surface of the drain, in your backyard, or even a nearby waterway.
The home inspector begins by finding what the size of tank, and then calculating the amount of dye needed to color the water. The next step is to find out the flow rate in gallons per minute , based on the source that they’ll use to fill the tank. From this data they will be able to calculate how long they should allow the water to run in order until it is full of septic.
If the objective is to check for the escape of the effluent of septic from any part of the home or elsewhere, the inspector may apply color tablets into the tank for septic and then use the garden hose, or flush the dye through a toilet and then run the faucet. If you’re trying verify the appliance in your home or drain is in fact connected with the system for sewage the inspector should add dye directly to the device or to the drain.
Then they’ll allow the water to run 10 – 15 mins in order to allow the dye to flow into the system of septic after which it will be discharged into the drain. How long the water runs depends on the size of the tank as well as the flow of water from the faucet.
If a pipe, an inlet outlet, pipe, or any other component of the system is damaged the dyed effluent may escape and flow to the surface of the soil in the area of the destruction. In the event that the drainage field has become blocked the dye could appear there or in the vicinity. However the fact that there is damage isn’t a guarantee that the dye will be able to show it.
In the majority of cases, when dye is present, it appears within 15 minutes or less. In rare instances the dye may appear in waterways nearby as long as five days after. The health department or the inspector regulations decide how long you have to wait, however this shouldn’t be shorter than three hours. Certain inspectors prefer to come for updates several days later.
A color that appears on the surface of the soil indicates the system been unable to pass the test. If you’re planning to purchase the property, failing a test for dye could affect the possibility of getting loans without plans for replacing the system. If your home is in the process it’s best to speak with the septic tank company to get guidance regarding what you can do.
A single septic dye test doesn’t prove that the septic system is functioning but it will inform that there are any problems are present. It can also aid in obtaining the loan you need to purchase a home. If you’re thinking of having your dye test done on your system, consult with an expert home or septic system inspector that is certified to conduct the test and interpret the results.
