During the 2022 Legislative Session a new State Board was approved and there have been many ongoing changes since then to the On-Site Wastewater Sector in Maryland. State Board of On-Site Wastewater Professionals (maryland.gov)
One of the biggest changes has been requiring licensing and education of those performing inspections of the On Site Wastewater Systems, also known as Septic Systems. These particular inspections are mostly used when property is being transferred (sold). Many loan companies require them, but it is also important to have a septic systems inspection because it is the biggest appliance a home has.
The 1st step to a septic inspection is to be sure you hire a licensed inspector. This can be verified at
Working Master – Google Sheets (maryland.gov)
There is a standard form that can be used provided by the State. We choose to still use our own form and make sure that all the information that is required by the state is covered. Prior to the inspection time the office researches the property of the inspection, including but not limited to pulling records from the local Health Department, pulling tax records to verify information such as age of home, ownership etc. Also pulling pictures to look for septic access.
Upon arrival of the property the inspector will make contact with the client. Locate the septic access and start the hydraulic load test. This allows the inspector to push water into the system to be sure it can handle a normal day of flow without issues. During this test the inspector will verify plumbing fixtures are all connected to the septic, as well as location of the water source for the property. Noting distances from buildings, water source and other markers on the property is important to be sure the system is up to code.
The inspector will verify the components of the systems, no every system is designed the same. Some have BAT systems, Pump Pits, Mound Systems, etc. Looking over all components of the system and verifying that they are in good working order is pertinent to the inspection. The client being on site can be helpful to educate the client on how their system works and being able to answer questions on site.
Once the hydraulic flow test is complete, it is important to pump out the septic tank. This allows for the inspector to visually see the interior of the septic tank. Pictures will be taken and the structural integrity of the tank will be noted. Many times there may be cracks, roots, or debris below the water surface that may not be seen if the pump out is not done at this time.
Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will return the system how it was found. Within 24 hours our client receives a written 3-4 page report with all findings, pictures, and Health Department records for their reference.
Each system will have one of 3 results as per MDE:
Satisfactory – The evaluated component is consistent with what was permitted and there are no observable deficiencies.
Unsatisfactory – The evaluated component is not consistent with what was permitted or there are observable deficiencies with this component that must be fixed/replaced so that component functions properly.
Satisfactory with Concerns – The evaluated component is consistent with what was permitted, but it has observable deficiencies that indicate this component is at the end of its service life.
If there are follow up repairs or concerns Cullison Excavating will also send over an action plan on our suggestions to move forward to repair/investigate the system. Both these items will be addressed in future blogs so stay tuned!
