Septic inspection - get second opinion?

Question

The county requires a septic inspection every three years. I hired a company, which turns out to be a guy operating solo. He came back with 3K in repairs that will be needed...yet when I asked him if they need to be done now (jetting, install a junction box, etc.) he said well no, not now, but at some point maybe.

To me it looks like he's padding and making stuff up. I find it odd as the property requires inspection every 3 years and no one else has mentioned this before.

Furthermore, the only way I can pay him is giving him my credit card info over the phone....he has no online payment portal.

I still owe him for the inspection ($435) and am hesitant to hire another inspector right now. I'm considering just paying him and calling it good until 3 years from now when it requires inspection again.

Thoughts? Other options?

Jack B. · Answer

Not really. This system is only required to be inspected once every 3 years. Others are supposed to be inspected every year. Which is interesting, I own two other houses on septic systems and have never received any notices to inspect.

From the link that Charles posted:

https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/wastewater-management/septic-system/caring-your-system#:~:text=If%20your%20system%20is%20only,a%20more%20stringent%20inspection%20requirement.If your system is only a septic tank and drainfield, commonly called a gravity system, you need to inspect it at least once every three years. All other types of systems are required to be inspected at least once every year. Your local health agency may have a more stringent inspection requirement.

Jay Hinrichs · Answer

call county health department and verify that this is the rule.

I have never heard of  3year inspections required by a county health department does not mean its not true but I would want to verify that.  I have installed many many systems over the years and they are built to last for decades not just 3 years.

Colleen F. · Answer

@Jack B.  does he send something to the town?   If he does and it says pass you are done unless you want to make the repairs he recommended.  I would be inclined to get a second opinion at some point. Ask him why does he recommend jetting and shouldn't your system already have a junction box?

We have to have a pump out reported to the town every 3 years and if they don't send in the paperwork you get letters from the town on violating the ordinance.

Charles Perkins · Answer

This is new to me.  I just checked online with department of health and found this article.

https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/wastewater-management/septic-system/caring-your-system#:~:text=If%20your%20system%20is%20only,a%20more%20stringent%20inspection%20requirement.

Jack B. · Answer

Best advice. Thanks!

Jack B. · Answer

It's a state law, the county sent me a notice. It's because THIS property has a pressure distribution septic system. I have two other properties that are on septic but apparently not on this type of pressure distribution. It's not like I answered a call from a random septic company with some story about this and hired them on the spot.

Henry T. · Answer

I once hired a company for a pump out that also had a little checklist telling you everything was ok or what needed attention.  So basically, an inspection free with the basic pump fee. Your guy can suggest all he wants, but is the system functioning? If yes, then don't worry about it. Pump it every 5 years, or whatever is recommendedd.

Septic inspection - get second opinion?

Most Popular Reply