ALTERNATIVE ONSITE SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION
$500.00
Our alternative septic inspection includes checking the sludge levels and all operational components of your Alternative Onsite Sewage System (AOSS) and determining if it needs pumping or repairs, and providing routine maintenance like filter cleaning or peat moss turning or Blower cleaning. Also included in the inspection is filing a report with your county health department and sending a copy back to you in about 4 weeks afterwards. We do not pump tanks and if needed can provide you some names of septic pumpers in your area who can pump you or choose your own pumpers. Above price is for most homes located in central Virginia including the Alleghany, Amherst, Appomattox, Botetourt, Bedford County, Campbell County, Pittsylvania, Roanoke & Franklin Counties and near by vicinity. Please Contact us with your address, phone numbers and email and provide us as much info about the system and its age, condition and recent photos of components as you can. Any recent servicing or pump outs and plans or documents on the system. Also include special arrangements for access or incase of big Dogs or any other hazards.(ie leaky faucet)
An Initial inspection inspection (first visit) may uncover issues (minor and/or major which need work on. Your repor needs to ne issued in a timely manner so that we can provide some repairs and recommend others for them but if we cannot confirm the system is operational we will file a failed report. in some cases It may take more then one visit to determine the conditional operation if components in your system are not working. the inspection fee is charged each time we visit, or as stated under servicing and repairs and non routine inspections. at $200 per hour plus mileage and counting drive time. We add 15% or more on all materials we use and purchase) The routine inspection cost does not include troubleshooting, any repair costs and/or labor for said repairs or anything considered extra heavy maintenance due to normal use or an extended length of time in between routine servicing. If repairs or troubleshooting are possible on day of routine inspection we will charge an additional hourly rate of $200 per hour. Including things like deep cleaning the system. It normally may take multiple visits and even multiple pump outs if system are neglected or left in disrepair for a long time. I cannot make estimate over the phone or warranty septic system performance or estimate life of a system. We provide a yearly service maintenance and snap shot in time of the condition we see on the day of the visit. Generally it is not our fault if the system alarms after visiting or after pumping tanks.
Warranties - We are happy to provide the best service and support for your system. New installed have 5 yr warranty by Orenco but this covers defect and doe not pay our labor cost. Most system have a 1 or 2 year waratny from day of install. Again it doe not cover our labr just some materials and will likely require 2 visits from us and maybe multiple trips from a pumper. Warranty claims for pumps vary by manufacturer, Most are 1 year and only covered when purchased locally or direct from the manufacturer by us. We aim to repair all system to fully working condition but due to age of system the can have multiple failures which require a multi step repair procedure, fixing one part may allow us to see more or other repairs needed after pumps and controls are opperating normally. At 10 to 15 years old many systems will need replacement of components, just like you car needs to change out system.
Replacing an entire alternative treatment system will easily cost $25k-40k or 60k in 2022. We can help you the owner by advising you and make recommendations based on our knowledge and experience. With the final goal to alleviate any issues discovered. The state of Virginia requires a yearly inspection be preformed on all systems considered an alternative treatment system. We highly recommended everyone with a traditional septic system to have riser and lids installed ASAP and have at least a minimal inspection done on your own septic system every 3 to 5 years on schedule. The state and many counties require a 5 year pump out but if inspection is completed yearly and you do not need to pump it out until it is really if full of shit. :)
All Traditional septic systems inspections without any access maybe more expensive on the first visits. If no access to the septic tank or d box and if they require digging and location of the lids. This is at the labor rate of $200 an hour. plus another equipment fee if excavators are required. So we recommend every one get riser lids installed and effluent filter installed on your septic tank to keep the drainfield cleaner and free from blockage.
We provide a service agreement for owners of Alternative onsite sewage system. Now when we have time we are inspecting traditional septic system or a traditional pump up septic system and providing realestate septic inspection services. These are part of the mandated laws in Virginia for septic system owners.
Following an initial inspection we will conduct a Routine yearly inspection which is scheduled for a day when we will be in your area, based on our schedule. While we would like you be home it is not required generally most clients are at work when we visit. Most often all the components are located outside the home and we dont need acceses in your home. We do like to have access to a water spigot for cleaning in available. We ask you provide a hose and remove anything covering the tank lids. If just 3 inches of soil please dig it aweay prior to our arrival. If you have statues, rocks, planters, yard art, mulch and any brush or briers covering the lids of a system you must remove them first. We are not responsible for components buried or unable to be located. (example under a deck or with not lid accses on the grade of the surface. It is the owners responsibility to provide us a plat or the design plan of your septic system. you can obtain this from your local health department and it may take 1 week to pbtain so get it as soon as you become a client so we can keep it in our records. The routine inspection generally takes 1 hour onsite plus or minus as well as office time before and after to work on your reports.
Scheduling - A routine visit can be longer or shorter then the average, Some Peat systems may take longer but the routine maintenance is different for each system. If we plan 5 inspections for 1 day we can provide a window of arrivasl time but our time frame often shifts due to many unknowns we uncover at each previous inspection on any day in question. Again this routine inspection cost is not including an heavy maintenance, repairs or other time required to upkeep a system due to age. Any repairs will be billed additionally
For the routine flat rate routine inspection, We include 2 hours on site plus 2 hours of drive time for the Routine service and maintenance for all types of alternative systems. It includes cleaning filters, scubbing tubes, turning peat moss and testing components as needed.
Real-estate SEPTIC Inspection includes Pumping
$1,250.00
This inspection is conducted by a state licensed individual and includes an inspection for the sale of a home in Bedford County VA and areas between Roanoke and Campbell counties, as well as pumping out 1000-1500 gallons as needed from the tanks. It does not include D-Box uncovering and inspection. This is extra if interested. It does not include refilling the tanks with water. If the system needs to be turned off after pump out to prevent alarms sounding for days afterwards until it naturally fills with water. At added cost you/us can arrange water delivery to refill your system or use your own water if on city supplied water.
A written report will be provided to the owner/seller/interested buyer or agent of a home describing the condition of the system as a snap shot in time . If you want us to provide estimates for future repairs or further services or if repairs are needed we will need to make a return trip. Repairs to septic systems can be expensive, we recommend contacting us months ahead of any closing date to perform this inspection so that all work can be completed. Afterwards an official inspection report will be filed with the county health department. No longer are walk through septic inspections allowed in Virginia. As of 2020 all homes in Virginia require a licensed septic individual to inspect a system. This is highly recommended when a bank is financing a loan for a home due to the cost of repairs on failed septic's being easily up to $60k.
Phone it in! "Septic Advice"
$50.00
This is for anyone anywhere in the state of Virginia. A call to us can help you understand the process and guide you to a better understanding of your septic system, the issue at hand or other septic related questions. We will point you in a direction to find service providers in your area and run you through your treatment system. We can advise ahead of design on what maintenance cost are like and what to expect. We can provide numbers of Inspectors/Operators/Installers or Designers in your area of the state. From any tip or corner of Virginia. We will provide names of state licensed and approved people only but do not know the quality of there work. We do not know them so cannot speak to the quality of their work but can say they are licensed and approved, which is more then 50% of the others in the field. Paying for experienced individuals often pays for itself in the end. We try to provide a few names for you to choose from but due to the rural areas being far from providers sometimes not many choices of people are not available. We help by providing contacts for you to move forward with your situation, you choose who you like after speaking to them. This payment includes one 15 minute phone call/time at this price with the licensed septic doctor. We may need to return a call if unavailable to answer or schedule a time in the morning, afternoon or evening if busy and in the field when you call.
About Us
What we do
We are licensed to inspect and evaluate septic systems, perform maintenance and file health department reports on the operation of private and commercial septic systems in the state of Virginia:
The service we provide during an inspection is necessary maintenance and testing for the system. This keeps your septic system operating in the designed specifications and keeps your ground water and drinking water clean. Bio-Filter cleaning, manifold and spray nozzle cleaning, recirculation splitter valve cleaning, turning of peat moss or cleaning of any filter media or peat system are just some of what is included in some systems inspections we conduct. This is part of the normal inspection.
Permitted AOSS - Alternative Onsite Septic systems in Virginias are required by law to have a yearly inspection completed for the health deptartment each year. This is not required on pump up systems and standard conventional septic systems, however they can benefit from annual or semi- annual inspections. Treating any issue even tree roots before they block pipes is a very good idea. Minimizing grease and oils put into the system and not putting any flushable wipes into the system are all good ideas to maintain a healthy septic system.
- We inspect septic systems requiring additional DEQ permits for direct discharge, commercial, rental, and UV light systems.
We service Brand names such as-
Advantex, Orenco AX20 , AX20RT, AX25RT, Puraflo, Ecoflo, Multiflo, AquaKlear Presby, Eco-Pod-N, Whitewater, Delta Environmental, BioMicrobics FAST® systems, MicroFast, High Strength Fast, Infiltrator, etc.
What we do -
- We test all the components of your septic system during an Inspection, including operational testing and can also provide needed maintenance on septic systems to keep them running in the design parameters as set by the design and as per state regulations. After the inspection we file reports with the appropriate state agency and send a copy to the customer for their files. We also offer consultation about AOSS and conventional septic systems upgrades and repairs and provide real-estate inspections for clients who are purchasing or selling a home.
What we do
We are licensed to inspect and evaluate septic systems, perform maintenance and file health department reports on the operation of private and commercial septic systems in the state of Virginia:
The service we provide during an inspection is necessary maintenance and testing for the system. This keeps your septic system operating in the designed specifications and keeps your ground water and drinking water clean. Bio-Filter cleaning, manifold and spray nozzle cleaning, recirculation splitter valve cleaning, turning of peat moss or cleaning of any filter media or peat system are just some of what is included in some systems inspections we conduct. This is part of the normal inspection.
Permitted AOSS - Alternative Onsite Septic systems in Virginias are required by law to have a yearly inspection completed for the health deptartment each year. This is not required on pump up systems and standard conventional septic systems, however they can benefit from annual or semi- annual inspections. Treating any issue even tree roots before they block pipes is a very good idea. Minimizing grease and oils put into the system and not putting any flushable wipes into the system are all good ideas to maintain a healthy septic system.
- We inspect septic systems requiring additional DEQ permits for direct discharge, commercial, rental, and UV light systems.
We service Brand names such as-
Advantex, Orenco AX20 , AX20RT, AX25RT, Puraflo, Ecoflo, Multiflo, AquaKlear Presby, Eco-Pod-N, Whitewater, Delta Environmental, BioMicrobics FAST® systems, MicroFast, High Strength Fast, Infiltrator, etc.
What we do -
- We test all the components of your septic system during an Inspection, including operational testing and can also provide needed maintenance on septic systems to keep them running in the design parameters as set by the design and as per state regulations. After the inspection we file reports with the appropriate state agency and send a copy to the customer for their files. We also offer consultation about AOSS and conventional septic systems upgrades and repairs and provide real-estate inspections for clients who are purchasing or selling a home.
We are located in Central Virginia
At the foot of the Peaks of Otter Mountains,
25 min from Big Island, Va
45 mins from Smith Mountain Lake.
35 mins from Lynchburg, Va.
55 mins from Roanoke, Va.
1 hour+ from Leesville Lake, Va.
1.5 hours from Danville, Va.
2 hours 40 min from Richmond, Va
Inspection, Maintenance and Monitoring Service Agreement
1 year Service Agreement - for Operation and Maintenance
-includes a yearly state approved septic system inspection, cleaning filters, provide maintenance as required, and if equipped, active online monitoring. After the completion of an inspection, a copy of the inspection is provided to the customer and reports are filed with appropriate government and state agency. A standard inspection includes 4 hours total for inspection and drive time combined. Generally Prices are $400 based location and type of system.
Any time over spent over 4 combined hours includingg return drive time during an normal routine scheduled inspection or if during the inspection we discover other repairs are required you are then billed at parts +15% and time at $200/hr on top of the agreed inspection rate.
Extra cost for each if any helpers applies at $25/hour. At least 15% will be added to all invoices we receive on subcontracted work to cover any liability and time involved per hourly rate.
Emergency Calls and Initial inspections: an additional minimum $250 for first 2 hours and $200/hr hourly rate from portal to portal plus mileage rate
Initial Inspections- first time visits- fresh installs- for all new AOSS owners and non-clients we highly recommend an initial inspection of any and all existing AOSS systems. This fee is $500 plus per $200/hr onsite and .60c/mile travel mileage and any distance over 30 miles travel time will be counted as additional labor.
Online Monitoring
If your septic system is equipped with Online Monitoring (such as an Advantex Orenco AX20, AX-20 AX-RT, AX20-RT or AX25-RT ) add $50 per year. Active 24hr monitoring is recommended as it helps to reduce the cost of expensive repairs detecting them before they become an emergency issue.
Adding Online Monitoring to an Advantex
To add internet monitoring to an existing Advantex system you have a few options. It depends on the age of an existing system if it supports upgrading. Older systems will require upgrade the motherboard and additional router installed. This cost approx. $1500+ to complete if the internet connection(a cat 5 cable with workng singla and wire end) is provided already to the inside of the Orenco control panel (CAT5). If no cat5 wire has been run to the panel you may need to have your internet provider run cat 5 wiring to the septic control box or a wireless ap router to provide a lan based wifi signal to the box at it's location, if it is far away. (Orenco does not support any issues with wifi configuration problems, this is for your own provider of wifi ap's to properly configure. We recommend a LAN hard wire cat5 or cat6 connection ) If your control box is newer you maybe able to add the Cat5 or Cat6 internet connection monitoring with only the additional Router upgrade kit This completed cost approx $1200 including labor, but may vary based on distance and any connectivity issue and also requires the owner to provide a cat 5 cable to the box for connection.
Additionally Monitoring of your system will cost $100 per year.
ROOTS
Root intrusion in septic systems is very common, and a very expensive repair, sometimes requiring an entire new drain field or whole entire septic system.
We recommend ROOTX as a safe and cost effective way of first treating/preventing roots in a system. Roots in a septic system can easily cost $2000 to $6500 or more in replacement of sewer lines. If you think roots are getting in your system or have trees on or near the sewer line, it is a good idea to use a 2lb treatment of Root X once in a while to keep system pipes clear. One 2lb kit costs $85 and one $15 funnel is required for mixing. If we do this during an inspection no other cost apply. If we need to come back for a service call there will be a time and mileage fee from portal to portal.
It's recommend 1 treatment for small root intrusion and to reapply treatments or try 4lbs or 6lbs for larger root issues. More application maybe required over time if the root causing plants continue to grow. Roots killed may also block up the septic lines. Preventing roots is best .
RAIN (Rain Water Intrusion / Rain infiltration)
Very often a big issue with any septic system is water leaking into a drain field. The remove, redirect and using berm or walls and protect the septic system from any water source intrusion, infiltration or even a natural spring or wet spot may help extend pumps and drain field life.
Leaking toilets are a #1 source of issues. Most conventional systems never know what is wrong and a toilet can be a silent killer of drain fields. Test the toilets by using regular cake food coloring. Add 10 drops or so to the top tank and wait and see if the color leaks into the lower bowl any sign of color indicates a leak and how much of a leak. You will want to fix this asap.
Rain can leak into fitting and tank and lids. It is always best to direct all runn off and water away from a septic system and never leave it dug up like a funnel. This will invite water to flood it. Homes without alarm never know.
Alternative Septic Systems
Called Alternative Onsite Sewage Systems (AOSS)
An alternative septic system is a system that is different from the common traditional style septic system. An alternative system is required when the site and soil conditions on a property are limiting, or when the wastewater strength is too strong for the receiving environment
Alternative septic systems are different from conventional
Alternative systems “clean” the wastewater before going to the drain field. Thus Alternative systems require less soil for a drainfield because the water leaving an AOSS is cleaner, the drainfield can be smaller, and closer to water table and other soil limitations.
With conventional septic systems, the soil is “cleaning” the wastewater just as much as the septic tank. With alternative systems, 95% of the “cleaning” is taking place in the advanced treatment unit, which is a tank or container with pumps, blower and/or filtering media some having recirculation tanks and computer and internet connected monitoring.
Alternative Septic Systems Require Maintenance
Alternative septic systems require a variety maintenance because they are more advanced. Septic system maintenance is key to operating as designed and producing a clean effluent. More equipment, different processes. Aerobic septic systems are sufficiently complex systems in a sensitive environment. Improperly functioning alternative systems affect public health and welfare. The risk of failure is high if they are not properly maintained.
Routine maintenance & septic inspection by a licensed operator (or service provider) optimizes treatment and dispersal, reduces the likelihood of costly repairs, and protects the environment (surface water and ground water). The Virginia Department of Health has performance requirements for alternative systems. The owner must follow the system’s Operation and Maintenance Manual, and have the system inspected by a licensed operator at least annually.
Alternative Septic System Contract
A service agreement for an alternative septic system is a recurring annual signed agreement between the septic system owner and a licensed system maintenance professional. The licensed professional routinely cares for your system based upon manufacturers specifications. Providing septic system maintenance can keep you system running smooth without any interruptions in life. Aerobic septic systems produce an effluent that is often 99% cleaner then traditional septic system, provided the septic system maintenance is kept up to date. Septic pump repair and replacement is an emergency call, often to determine the cause for failure and repair the pump if possible. Septic pump repair usually requires two trips to the home and may require a pump truck to pump down the tanks. It may also require an excavator to repair plumbing.
All septic systems require maintenance, and the health department's rational in requiring contracts. Alternative systems are more complicated with more chances for failure, which poses a greater risk to public health and the environment. Having your system monitored by a licensed professional reduces risk for potential system failures. This in turn saves you money by reducing the risk for large costly problems, and protects the environment from potential harm.
Share the big news
Have you opened a new location, redesigned your shop, or added a new product or service? Don't keep it to yourself, let folks know.
Display their FAQs
Customers have questions, you have answers. Display the most frequently asked questions, so everybody benefits.
PAY YOUR INVOICE
Please pay your invoice in the amount you were charged on the invoice(pardon is says it is a donation and we are working to correct this. We prefer a check in the mail but here is option #2 for payments to us
Find an Operator in your Area using Virginia Dept of Health
Click on link to external VDH website
by following the link you can choose which state licensed alternative onsite sewage system operator you are looking for based on a map of virginia. You may contact them directly and they are not associated with us or this website.