The spokeswoman on Washington state’s Septics 201 video has a perky, upbeat delivery as she trains homeowners to become qualified onsite system inspectors in 24 minutes.

“If you’re watching this video, you probably can’t wait to inspect that septic system. I know it sounds like a smelly job, but if your septic system is functioning properly, it’s really not that bad,” she explains.

“If you’re a do-it-yourselfer like me, or just don’t want to hire a professional, you may be able to do your own inspection,” she continues. In the event that your local county health department requires an inspection certification test, she says, “It’s not too hard. In fact, I’ll give you all the answers.”

The trainer shows the necessary tools, how to build scum and sludge sticks out of PVC pipe, and then reviews every step involved in the inspection of gravity flow, mound and sand filter septic systems. She even tells homeowners how to go online and complete inspection reports required every year or three years, depending on the location.

On the face of it, the video seems like a good tool to empower homeowners in the care of their decentralized wastewater systems. This issue of Pumper is dedicated to onsite septic systems and maintenance, and we can all agree that increased homeowner awareness of septic system care is a worthy goal.

The video does a nice job of mixing graphics and live demonstrations to illustrate how the most commonly used systems in Washington state treat wastewater and distribute effluent. Further, the video gives great tips to help homeowners determine the location of their system components and protect drainfields from damage. The spokeswoman also shares helpful tips about how to best utilize the system and what items to avoid flushing down the drain.

In many ways, the video provides a great service to homeowners and pumpers alike and should lead to systems lasting longer and performing better. But there is another side to this story.

RISKY BUSINESS

Time and time again, viewers are cautioned about the potential dangers of do-it-yourself inspections. The script refers to the “four F’s of septic system inspections” — friend, fumes, falling and infection. The trainer explains that breathing fumes from the septic tank can be deadly and that lids opened during the inspection can lead to injuries or death if the inspector falls in or allows children or pets in the area. There are many warnings to avoid contact with septage to prevent the spread of dangerous infections.

Also, the trainer frequently advises the do-it-yourselfer when it’s appropriate to stop the job and call in a professional pumper. If the scum layer is more than 6 inches, call a professional. If the sludge layer is more than 12 inches, call a professional. If you’re uncomfortable cleaning the effluent filter, call a professional. If the interior of the control panel is in bad shape, call a professional. If the D-box is uneven, call a professional. It goes on and on; you get the picture.

After viewing the video, my reaction is this: Most homeowners should skip this “do-it-yourself’’ project and follow the advice to call a professional. And we as an industry should stress the great value, assured safety and solid results homeowners will receive by calling on a septic service professional from the start.

For most homeowners, embarking on this complicated inspection process is pure folly. While a few people will thoroughly follow all of the steps outlined in the video, the vast majority may not understand the steps or recognize sometimes telltale signs of a failing system. And a three-year inspection will almost always result in the need to call a septic service professional to pump the tank anyway.

Washington state’s homeowner inspection program is the epitome of the old phrase “penny-wise and pound-foolish.” The aim of the program must be to save homeowners a few dollars; the goal certainly can’t be to get more complete and accurate inspection reports that professional technicians would provide. So what kind of investment would a do-it-yourself inspection require?

YOU GIVE VALUE

First, a layman inspector has to spend time – although very little time – watching the training video. Then they must buy necessary tools and safety equipment and build the aforementioned scum and sludge sticks. Also, as the video recommends, they should obtain as-built drawings of their system from the county health department. At that point, they can start digging up lids, checking inspection ports and cleaning the effluent filter.

So they might spend $100 for supplies and several hours to complete the inspection, and still likely need to call a pumper to empty the tank or make other repairs. Figure in time, money and dangers of the job and it would be prudent in many ways for the homeowner to call you to complete the inspection.

I’d wager the inspection portion of your pumping bill would often add up to less than what the homeowner spent to get started down the do-it-yourself road. You work faster, are insured against workplace mishaps and have years of experience to uncover subtle problems in onsite systems. Just one missed severed pipe, cracked tank or intermittent pump problem in a homeowner inspection could result in a failure and a costly system replacement down the road. Why would a homeowner take a chance like that?

I’d encourage your customers to watch the Washington state video, which can be seen here: http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/WastewaterManagement/SepticSystem/DoItYourselfInspectionVideo. While it promotes do-it-yourself onsite inspections, it also – perhaps inadvertently – makes a good case for hiring your company to perform this important task. You can start a discussion with customers about the risks and pitfalls homeowners face when performing their own inspections and the great value you offer with your complete service.

JOB DONE RIGHT

The threat to the environment is my biggest concern when homeowners are certified to perform their own septic system inspections. Will they miss a sign of a failing system? Will self-inspectors cut corners to get the job done faster? Will some homeowners ignore problems and close the lid, hoping they can put off costly repair or replacement of failing systems?

These scenarios are all possible when people with little training, no experience and a vested interest in the outcome are allowed to declare their systems fit and in compliance.

On the other hand, you are a trained, experienced and impartial professional and nobody will question the results of your inspection report. Homeowners should realize it’s a smart and fiscally responsible move to call a septic service professional to inspect and pump their systems.