Septic System Performance Analysis:

• Real Estate Sales
• Troubleshooting
• Second Opinion
• Alternative Technology System Inspections

Whether the property has a Conventional Gravity Fed system, a Mounded system, Peat Moss Biofilter system or other alternative technology, our goal is to perform a thorough analysis of the performance on all present components.  A septic system is underground and it’s important to gain access into the distribution box (if present) and laterals of the disposal field to obtain the full story on the “health of the system”.   We will determine the ability of the septic system to properly treat, filter and dispose of all the wastewater that is produced by the home. This wastewater is produced every time a toilet is flushed, showers are taken and when dishes, laundry and hands are washed.

Brief description of Analysis:

The type of septic system present on the property will determine what kind of analysis is performed.  This is a description of the most common analysis.

(see system diagrams and component photos below)

• The septic tank will be pumped and checked for cracks, leaks & deterioration. The inlet and outlet baffles inside the tank will also be checked.
• If a pump tank is present, electrical components and floats are checked.
• If property has a conventional, gravity fed system, a camera will be run from the outlet baffle of the septic tank through the delivery line and into the distribution box (if present).  The camera will help locate the distribution box and check for delivery line breaks or blockage. 
• The distribution box will be dug up and exposed for investigation. This will provide important information on the “health of the system”.  Is the system contaminated with sludge, is the water level too high, is the disposal field saturated?
• Next, the camera is sent down each lateral in the disposal field.  The disposal field is where all the wastewater is filtered through layers of gravel (stone) and select fill (sand) before percolating down to the groundwater.  Each lateral will be checked for possible breaks, standing water, root growth, sludge build up or signs of high water table. 
• Over years, sludge particles float out of every septic tank (unless an effluent filter is installed) to the disposal field, causing contamination and eventual failure.  By going beyond the minimal NJDEP guidelines, we will verify any contamination or high water conditions that have exhausted the disposal field’s capacity to properly filter and clean the home’s wastewater.
• A detailed report will document findings and explain recommended maintenance, required repairs or reasons for malfunction.
• If the report describes required repairs or reasons for malfunction, New Jersey Septic Management Group can provide estimates to resolve any septic system issues.
• See Replacement Components for diagrams and descriptions of common septic system repairs.

Conventional, Gravity Fed Septic System
Available technology for properties with normal permeable soil conditions

Septic Tank to Distribution Box to Laterals in the Disposal Field

Pressure Dose (pump) Mounded Septic System
* Available technology for properties with high water table conditions

Septic Tank to Pump Tank Chamber to Laterals in a Mounded Disposal Field

Cesspool & Seepage Pit Septic Systems
* Outdated technology found only on older properties. No longer used or recommended.

Septic Tank to Cesspool where wastewater weeps out of open channels into the ground.
If a septic tank is absent, it is called a Seepage Pit System

See a diagram of an Eco-Pure Peat Moss Biofilter septic system,
The Green choice

Need a Second Opinion?
Need to find the problem's cause?

Our expertise is frequently called upon to further investigate and identify septic system problems.  We are available to review other companies’ inspection reports or to follow-up when “further investigation” is indicated.  We will offer our professional opinion as to the cause of any identified problem(s).  Fax or email the report, along with your contact information, and our Licensed Sanitarian (inspector) will review the findings.

Fax:  908-874-4697        E-mail: info@nj-septic.com

Commercial Septic System Performance Analysis Available Call for information

Residential Septic System Performance Analysis
includes, but is not limited to:

A professional septic tank pumpout will be provided to empty contents so it can be inspected.  If tank is larger than 1,000 gallons, an additional gallons charge is added.

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All present septic tank(s), pump tank(s), electrical connections, pump floats, distribution box, laterals and disposal field conditions are all thoroughly evaluated. A written report will be processed and sent out to the client within 2 business days.  Any concerns will be detailed and recommendations made.

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Payment is due at time of inspection.
No reports will be released until full payment is received.

Contact Us to request more
information on our SEPTIC SYSTEM PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS

Septic System Component Photos, Diagrams & Description

	A typical SEPTIC SYSTEM LAYOUT includes a septic tank, distribution box and laterals located in the disposal field.
	A concrete 24” diameter RISER is used to bring the opening of the septic tank (lid) to grade for easy access when servicing.  The height of a riser is determined by how deep the septic tank is buried.
	Cross-section diagram of how a riser brings TANK ACCESS to grade for easier servicing.
	Construction photo of a concrete, two-compartment SEPTIC TANK with one lid directly over the inlet baffle and a second lid directly over the outlet baffle.
	DELIVERY LINE is any underground piping used to connect septic system components.  A delivery line leaves the house foundation (sewer line) and connects to the septic tank.  Delivery line will leave the septic tank outlet baffle and connect to either a pump tank and/or distribution box and/or disposal field laterals.
	Cross-section diagram of a two-compartment septic tank.  All waste-water leaves the house and enters the septic tank through the INLET BAFFLE.  Heavy matter settles to the bottom (SLUDGE) and a SCUM (toilet paper, hair, grease) layer forms on top.  The EFFLUENT (dirty water) will then leave the septic tank through the OUTLET BAFFLE and is carried out to the distribution box.
	Inlet and Outlet Baffles are important components inside the septic tank.  All the waste-water from the house enters the tank through the INLET BAFFLE.  This baffle needs to be intact so it can direct the flow of waste-water down towards the bottom of the tank.  Without an inlet baffle, the waste (solids and liquids) will splash and make it difficult for existing sludge particles to stay settled, allowing more than normal amounts of sludge to escape the septic tank (unless a septic tank filter is installed).   The OUTLET BAFFLE is even more important because it prevents the scum layer from leaving the tank, contaminating the disposal field.
	Septic tank outlet baffles should have a GAS DEFLECTOR.  The gas deflector is attached to the bottom of the outlet baffle and is present to help prevent methane gas bubbles that contain sludge and scum particles from floating out of the septic tank.
	Many systems built after 1990 have a PUMP TANK.  The pump tank comes after and is connected by a delivery line to the septic tank.   A pump tank is needed to pump wastewater that flows out of the septic tank up to the top of a mounded disposal field or is used to control the amount of effluent being dosed over a disposal field. Pump tanks have an electrical pump and moving parts such as alarm floats that need to be checked periodically.  The pump and/or floats will at some point malfunction due to age and need replacement. Pump tanks should be pumped out once every other time the septic tank is pumped to remove sludge & scum particles that have floated out of the septic tank.
	Construction photo of a concrete DISTRIBUTION BOX.  A distribution box is one of the three main components of a septic system.  Once the effluent (dirty water) leaves the outlet baffle of the septic tank, it is carried out to the distribution box.  Here the effluent is distributed to all the laterals that are buried in the disposal field in a layer of gravel.  The effluent filters down through underlying select fill (sand) and will percolate down to the water table.
	Actual photo of the inside contents of a DISTRIBUTION BOX once the lid was dug up and removed.  Effluent levels are normal but shows signs of sludge contamination.
	SEPTIC TANK EFFLUENT FILTERS in 4” and 6” diameters made of PVC plastic and polypropylene bristles.  Filters are installed in the OUTLET BAFFLE of the septic tank to prevent sludge & scum particles from leaving the tank and contaminating the disposal field.  Installing a filter is the most proactive step a septic system owner can take to help prolong the life of a septic system.  They are very effective at collecting floating sludge and scum particles that would normally float out of the tank and  require annual cleaning to prevent clogging. Click here to learn more about Filters for Septic Tanks.

4 Easy Steps to proper septic system maintenance

1. Install a septic tank effluent filter.
2. Install a riser and locking lid to bring all septic tank access lid(s) to the surface (grade) for ease of regular servicing.
   
3. Enroll in our affordable, Septic System Service Program
   
4. Schedule septic tank pumpouts every 1-3 years, depending on number of occupants and household habits. Neighborhood discounts available.

CONTACT US to request more
information on our SEPTIC SYSTEM PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS