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THE CASE FOR POINT-OF-SALE INSPECTION

Dawn Struse Long

ABSTRACT

Point-of-Sale (POS) inspections as mandated by the Arizona Department of Environmental

Quality (ADEQ) Comprehensive Septic Tank Inspection Program protect all involved parties.

Inspection reports reduce risks, avoid liability issues, and minimize consumer complaints.

My presentation presents photographic evidence supporting the necessity for the ADEQ’s rule.

All examples are from 278 point-of-sale inspections conducted between 1 July 2006 and 31

December 2007.

KEYWORDS

Point-of-Sale Inspection, ADEQ Comprehensive Septic Tank Inspection Report, Notice of

Transfer, Realtors, National Association of Wastewater Transporters Inc.

INTRODUCTION

The underworld of septic tanks is a beautiful thing, so much so that it ignited my passion for

septic sleuthing. From the many breathtaking colors and designs above the waterline to the scum

and alien objects found in it, my fascination compelled me to document everything I saw (Figs.

1-2).

The operation of each tank is unique based on design, installation, functionality, and

maintenance. Observing these conditions makes pumpers a good judge of the system’s operating

efficiency. After inspecting several systems in Cochise County for the transfer of real estate, I

saw that many buyers were inheriting landfills instead of properly operating onsite septic

systems. The reason is that septage is no longer a composition of human waste and water.

Fig. 1. Breathtaking colors

are created as a result of

digestion within the septic

tank.

Fig. 2. This plastic gallon

jug wedged in the outlet

baffle prevented normal

flow out of the tank. Full

exposure is necessary for

a thorough inspection and

troubleshooting.

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Septage today includes grease, garbage disposal solids, plastics, medications, dental floss,

feminine hygiene products, condoms, nut shells, vegetable and fruit seeds, egg shells, coffee

grounds, disposable wipes, cat litter, cigarette butts, drug paraphernalia, excessive toilet paper,

and many other indigestible items (Figs. 3-4).

Until administrative code R18-9-A316 became effective on 1 July 2006, onsite inspections at

best consisted of pumping the tank through the 4-inch inspection port. At worst, flushing the

toilet without causing a backup demonstrated the system’s functionality. Witnessing these

inspections inspired my mission in life: to protect homeowners and their investment by providing

the most thorough onsite inspection possible.

In 2001, I enrolled in the National Association of Wastewater Transporters (NAWT) inspector

training program and became a certified inspector. The NAWT inspection course is

comprehensive and covers the construction, operation, and maintenance of conventional and

alternative systems. It is elementary enough for a beginner to learn the basic concepts of septic

inspecting, yet there is always new information for the seasoned inspector. Currently in Arizona,

the only accepted inspector certification course is the NAWT certification program.

Several states and many government entities across the country have adopted rules based on their

specific needs, but as of this date there are no national standards for POS inspections, no

standardized training for inspectors, and no rules adopted as to who can perform the inspection.

Educating realtors was a slow process, but one-by-one, eye to eye, we made progress. Today,

Cochise county realtors acknowledge that septic inspections reduce risk and avoid liability

issues, thereby protecting them and their clients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

My inspections include observing the design, installation, maintenance, and functionality of the

components to spot potential issues affecting optimal performance and longevity. For example, I

note dipped, crimped, or broken delivery pipes caused by careless installation and recommend

their repair. I check the inlet and outlet baffles for proper position and function, as they are

critical to the system’s longevity. Cracked and leaking tanks are disclosed on the inspection

report and replacement recommended (Figs. 5-8).

Fig. 3. Disposable wipes

gather on the blades of our

mechanical agitator.

Fig. 4. Indigestible items

plug up hoses and make

pumping difficult.

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I am able to do thorough inspections because the ADEQ rule states, “Each septic tank or other

wastewater treatment container on the property must be pumped or otherwise serviced to

remove, to the maximum extent possible, solid, floating, and liquid waste accumulations at time

of inspection” (Figs. 9-10).

Fig. 5. This crushed,

broken outlet delivery was

caused from careless

backfilling at construction.

Fig. 6. Mal-positioned

baffles do not allow

optimal functionality of

the septic tank.

Fig. 7. Ettringite (hydrogen

sulfide) is the white flaky

substance that appears at

the outlet end of the tank.

Fig. 8. A 1970 tank, outlet

baffle is deteriorated.

Fig. 9. The front chamber

of this tank contained only

solids and “FOG” fat, oil,

and grease.

Fig. 10. Full access is

needed for a thorough

removal of floating and

settled solids.

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Furthermore, the inspection must take place within six months prior to transfer of ownership. A

Notice of Transfer form, which is actually a permit to operate the system, must be submitted to

ADEQ within 15 days following the property transfer.

Using the Comprehensive Septic Tank inspection disclosure report, American Septic Service

collected data and digitally documented 278 systems for point-of-sale inspections over 18

months. The seven-page report includes facility permits or records, occupancy, bedroom count,

age of system, design flow, effluent level, chambers, scum and sludge measurements, condition

of tank and baffles, root intrusion, effluent screens, pumping of tank, risers present, and repairs

recommended (Figs. 11-12).

When the location of the septic tank is not obvious, the permit and the as-built design may help

find it. If not, we use our SeeSnake video push rod camera inspection system to locate the inlet

of the tank. The camera head has a 512 Hz transmitter that sends a signal to our receiver wand.

Occasionally, I’ve threaded the camera head through a roof vent, as no other access to the sewer

line was available. We also use our camera to inspect delivery lines leading in and out of the

tank, the distribution box, and leach lines (Figs. 13-14).

Fig. 11. Cracks caused by

protruding rebar allow

these small hair-like roots

to penetrate tank.

Fig. 12. Effluent screen is

plugged by dead drain

flies and their larvae.

Fig. 13. SeeSnake allows

us to view distribution

boxes, delivery and leach

lines.

Fig. 14. Here we fish our

camera head into the main

vent stack on the roof.

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Of the 77 systems inspected which had tanks from 1970 and earlier, I recommended the

replacement of three tanks. Of the 117 systems inspected which had tanks from the 1980s and

1990s, I recommended 12 tanks for replacement. All of the tanks from the 1980s and 1990s

were manufactured by the same precaster. From 2000 forward, only 2 tanks qualified for

replacement (Figs. 15-18).

I recommended the replacement of 8 systems from the 1960s and 1970s, and 4 drainfield repairs.

However, 20 drainfields were repaired previous to this study, all but one was from the 1960s and

1970s.

I identified 108 baffle issues, which accounted for 39 percent of the deficiencies checked. The

baffles were dipped, crimped, severed, or missing. Concrete deterioration affected 33 of the

systems from the 1960s and 1970s. These were repaired with plastic tee baffles (Figs. 19-20).

Fig. 15. A root cracked

the sidewall of a 1970s

tank.

Fig. 16. Root invasion on

the bottom, 1990s tank.

Fig. 17. Underside of lid

cracked, 2000s tank.

Fig. 18. Clam shell cracked

at vertical seam, 2000s

tank.

Fig. 19. 1970s deteriorated

outlet baffle allowing

solids to flow into the

field.

Fig. 20. Plastic tee

replaces concrete from

inside the tank with a

special fitting.

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The most discouraging discovery occurred in systems installed from 1999 onward. The tanks

were cast with floating plastic baffles rather than those fixed or cast-in-place. Only 30 percent of

the floating baffles were plumb. The offsets ranged from 5 degrees to 22 degrees. Without fail,

such offsets restrict flow, causing backups (Figs. 21-22).

The tanks from the 1960s and 1970s had never been serviced, and the combined levels of scum

and sludge averaged 30 inches. Their normal operating level was 48 inches. The inspection form

asks for documentation of the effluent level before pumping as well as scum and sludge

measurements. Solids this thick are difficult to remove, so we use a mechanical agitator to slurry

them, enabling us to pump the tank with minimal hose obstruction and wear on our expensive

vacuum truck. Forty or 50 years ago, the philosophy was “out of sight, out of mind,” which

explains the absence of access ports and manholes. These tanks had half-ton lids with a small

peep hole at each end. Lacking any sign of their location at grade, it is easy to understand why

homeowners built additions, porches, patios, and other structures over them (Figs. 23-24).

Another common finding on these tanks is that the precast baffles are corroded by sulfuric acid,

which attacks the top of the baffles first. Had the systems been inspected regularly, the baffles

Fig. 21. This outlet baffle is

offset by 22 degrees and the

delivery just outside the tank

is crushed and broken.

Fig. 22. This build up of

scum is caused from the

inlet baffle being offset by

22 degrees and no scouring

of delivery pipes.

Fig. 23. This 1970s tank

was never serviced and

mechanical agitation was

used to make slurry.

Fig. 24. Tank with 2 half

ton lids and small peep

holes, the center seam

allowed this root plenty of

nutrients over the years.

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would have been replaced and many of these systems would not have suffered premature failure.

We also see exposed aggregate on the sidewalls above the waterline. Although, most of these

tanks are not leaking, they have outlived their design life by 15 to 20 years. When the tank is

pumped we find exposed rebar. Furthermore, sewer lines from this era were orangeburg pipe, a

papier-mâché material born of necessity during World War II, when all iron products went for

the war effort. Besides deteriorating with age, no cleanouts were installed between the tank and

house. When backups occur, we must clear the stoppage from the roof vent (Figs. 25-26).

The 1980s brought a new problem with locally precast tanks; manufacturers extended the outlet

baffle down tube 8 inches above the floor of the tank. Proper installation is at least 20 percent

and not more than 40 percent into the liquid level. The velocity and flow of incoming sewage

pushes sludge against the outlet wall of all tanks. Consequently, the normal flow of effluent out

of the tank was restricted (Figs. 27-28).

The 1990s revealed another casting problem. Although ADEQ mandated dual-compartment

tanks in 1989, a local precaster failed to add an extension into the liquid level on the inlet tee. As

a result, the scum mounted and blocked the inlet, causing frequent backups. A decade passed

before anyone discovered the reason for the backups. Since the tee baffle is inaccessible from the

manhole, American Septic Service designed a tool to add an extension to the tee baffle without

entering the tank. The extension produces a quieter tank with less floating solids and better

Fig. 25. Exposed rebar. Fig. 26. A look at orange-

burg pipe.

Fig. 27. The extension on

the outlet tee is 8 inches

above the floor of the

tank.

Fig. 28. Sludge build up

against the outlet wall

restricts normal flow.

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quality effluent. Our observation and digital documentation enabled us to expose the flaw and

correct it (Figs. 29- 34).

Even if all the components are perfect, a bad installation will cause systems to fail. For example,

while backfilling, installers have dropped large rocks and even boulders on delivery lines, which

they fail to bed. When the backhoe replaces the soil over the components, the lines are dipped,

crimped, cracked, or severed. The systems are damaged before the first flush. Worse than that,

the condition can remain undetected for years, allowing wastewater to filtrate into the soil. It

takes a backup or ponding to expose the situation (Figs. 35-36).

Fig. 29. Extension tool has

a platform for the pipe.

Fig. 30. Extension pipe is

fitted on the platform.

Fig. 31. Extension pipe is

lowered into the tank.

Fig. 32. Extension under

tee, Don hooks the ring on

platform. Pulls pipe in

place.

Fig. 33. Inlet tee before

extension.

Fig. 34. Inlet tee with the

extension.

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RESULTS

A thorough inspection is imperative for the longevity and optimal functionality of any septic

system. Onsite systems that would have been ignored until failure occurred, are now observed

and inspected for the transfer of the property. Deficiencies are disclosed and repairs are

recommended.

The POS inspection identifies systems that are discharging outside of Arizona’s Aquifer

Protection Permit. A few of the examples American Septic Service has found include: leaking

septic tanks, exfiltration from damaged delivery lines, straight systems running into a ravine,

stream, or mine shaft, and antiquated septic tanks (Figs. 37-38).

Raw data compiled from the 278 ADEQ inspections revealed poor installation technique.

Specifically, failure to bed delivery lines resulted in various mal-functions inside the tank

(baffles) and outside the tank (failed delivery). Manufacturing of septic tanks from 2000 forward

showed marked improvement in their integrity. Sidewalls were straight, reinforcement was

properly placed, and there was no evidence of leaking between the compartments (Fig.39-40).

Fig. 35. Outlet delivery

damaged at installation

allows exfiltration and

pounding.

Fig. 36. Crimped and

severed pipe.

Fig. 37. Septic tank from

the 1940s installed on

bedrock and discharging

into a mine shaft.

Fig. 38. Straight system

discharging into a ravine.

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Installed in

1990s 30%

Installed

in 2000's

30%

Installed in 1970s

or earlier 28%

Installed

in 1980s

12%

278 Point-of-Sale Inspections 1970s: 77 systems

1980s: 34 systems

1990s: 83 systems

2000s: 84 systems

Data compiled by Maranatha Struse

Fig. 39. POS inspections by year of system installation

Baffle

problems

39%No problem identified

50%

TR6%

SR3%

FR2%

108 Baffle Problems Identified

17 Tank Replacements (TR)

4 Field Replacements (FR)

8 System Replacements (SR)

Data compiled by Maranatha Struse

278 Point-of-Sale Inspections

Fig. 40. POS inspections by problems identified

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As an inspector, I reach a conclusion about an onsite system by observing its physical and

operational condition. As requested in the ADEQ inspection summary, I rate it “functional,

functional with concerns, or not functional.”

DISCUSSION

Mandated inspections are viewed by many as an unnecessary intrusion into what is believed to

be a personal choice. My focus is to insure that the new owner inherits a functional onsite system

and in turn the POS inspection will contribute to the protection of the aquifer. The POS

inspection presents an opportunity to home buyers to be onsite when the system is being

inspected and has given me countless opportunities for homeowner education. A standardized

POS inspection is the first step to the integration of maintenance and management of onsite

systems.

Before Arizona’s POS inspection became law septic tanks were rarely accessed to remove the

solids. “Pump and go home” was the motto.

Resistance to the rule came from all corners. Homeowners saw no need to dig something up that

was not giving them trouble, especially if it meant destroying their landscaping or disturbing

their decorative rocks.

Pumpers complained that it was costing their company more money to access the top of the tank,

or they had to buy more equipment and spend more time on one job.

Realtors theorized that uncovering a problem with the onsite system could break the deal if the

buyer demanded its repair. American Septic Service followed all our escrows through

completion and there were no cancellations of contracts due to an onsite issue our company

disclosed.

Although there are still a few holdouts, most homeowners have accepted the fact that if they

want to sell their property, they must agree to the inspection. Pumpers have found that they can

charge for the new service. Realtors have some comfort knowing that their buyers will be

permitting a system that was thoroughly inspected.

Arizona’s lingering Wild West attitude is still alive and well, but it’s long overdue onsite

inspection program has brought our state to the forefront of the procedure and is serving as a

model for the rest of the country.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Scottie Dayton for her constructive criticism and support; Kitt Farrell-Poe, PhD., for being a

mentor; and Maranatha Struse for collecting and organizing the raw data.

LITERATURE CITED

Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Comprehensive Septic Tank Inspection Program

www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/engineering/not.html

American Septic Service. “Case for Point-of-Sale” raw data. www.americansepticservice.com

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Dayton, Scottie. “One of a Kind.” Onsite Installer May 2006: 56-57.