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septic tank repairs

Septic Tank Survey

DASA helps property owners get the most out of their septic tanks through annual health checks. Similar to a vehicle MOT, a septic tank inspection can identify developing problems and provide evidence that you have maintained the system responsibly.

An inspection, sometimes referred to as a septic tank survey, can also provide useful information when buying or selling a property with an off-mains drainage system.

Why have your system checked?

If your septic tank needs an inspection or you think there may be a problem with the system, DASA has experienced engineers who can help. Septic tanks are underground wastewater treatment systems that require regular maintenance to reduce the risk of blockages, backups and expensive repairs.

An inspection involves an experienced engineer examining the tank and its connected components. A DASA engineer will assess the tank’s structural integrity, check for visible leaks and review its general condition. They can also examine the drainage field or soakaway for signs of wastewater reaching the surface, poor absorption or unusually wet ground.

As septic tanks are underground, early signs of damage or poor performance can be easy to miss. Regular inspections allow smaller issues to be identified before they cause damage to the tank, drainage field or surrounding property.

DASA also provides a full range of septic tank services covering repairs, replacement, inspection and cleaning:

Inspections when buying or selling a property

An inspection can provide useful information about an off-mains drainage system before a property purchase or sale is completed. It can help establish the visible condition of the tank, whether its capacity appears suitable for the property and whether there are signs of poor drainage or previous damage.

An inspection may also identify rainwater entering the septic system, unsuitable connections or discharge arrangements that may require further investigation. Understanding these issues before completing a property transaction can help buyers and sellers make informed decisions about any maintenance, cleaning or repair work that may be needed.

What impacts how often your system should be inspected?

How often your septic tank requires an inspection depends on several factors, including the size and age of the tank, the number of occupants using the system and its maintenance history. DASA recommends an annual health check, although an engineer may suggest a different schedule based on the condition and use of your system.

During the inspection, the engineer may recommend additional work such as pumping or cleaning the tank. Regular emptying can prevent solids from building up and entering the drainage field, where they may cause blockages and contribute to system failure.

Inspection services can help property owners identify problems early and reduce the risk of unexpected repairs or replacement. By using DASA for regular septic tank surveys, you can gain a clearer understanding of how your system is performing and what maintenance it may require.

What happens during a septic system inspection?

An inspection gives you a clearer understanding of the condition of the tank, connected pipework and drainage field. The checks carried out will vary according to the type, age and accessibility of the system.

During the visit, a DASA engineer may assess:

  • The tank walls, lid, risers, covers and access points for visible damage
  • The design and capacity of the tank in relation to the property and number of occupants
  • Inlet and outlet pipes for blockages or poor flow
  • Baffles and other components for wear, damage or movement
  • Sludge and waste levels within the tank
  • Signs of cracks, leaks or groundwater entering the system
  • The condition of the surrounding ground
  • The drainage field or soakaway for pooling water, odours or poor absorption
  • Signs that wastewater is backing up towards the property
  • Rainwater or guttering connections that may be directing water into the tank
  • Cross-connections or appliances that may be discharging into the wrong part of the system
  • Visible discharge arrangements and signs that further compliance checks may be required

If further investigation is needed, our engineers can explain the available options and recommend suitable repairs, cleaning or replacement work.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a septic tank be inspected?

DASA recommends an annual septic tank health check. Older systems, heavily used tanks or properties with a history of drainage problems may require more frequent inspections.

What are the signs that a septic tank needs an inspection?

Common warning signs include slow drains, foul odours, wet or soggy areas around the drainage field, wastewater backups and gurgling sounds from plumbing. Arrange an inspection as soon as possible if you notice any of these signs.

What does the inspection include?

Our inspections can include checks of the tank’s structural condition, sludge levels, pipework, covers, drainage field and surrounding ground. We can also look for leaks, unsuitable connections, poor drainage and signs of system failure.

Should I arrange an inspection when buying a property?

An inspection is strongly recommended when buying a property with an off-mains drainage system. It can help you understand the visible condition, capacity and performance of the system before completing the purchase. It may also identify maintenance or repair work that should be investigated further.

How long does a septic tank survey take?

The time required varies according to the size, condition and accessibility of the system. Our engineer will carry out a thorough assessment and explain the findings once the inspection is complete.

leak detection services

How much does a survey cost?

The cost of a septic tank survey depends on the size and type of system, its accessibility, the checks required and whether a written report is included. DASA can provide a quote after discussing the property and the scope of the inspection.

Does a septic tank need to be emptied before an inspection?

A septic tank does not always need to be emptied before a routine health check. However, emptying may be required if the engineer needs to inspect areas hidden by waste or assess the internal structure more closely. DASA can advise you before the appointment.

Will I receive a report after the septic tank inspection?

The information provided will reflect the inspection service booked. This may include photographs, observations about the tank and drainage field, and recommendations for cleaning, repairs or further investigation. DASA will confirm what documentation is included before the inspection.

Can the inspection check the drainage field or soakaway?

Yes. Where the area is accessible, the engineer can check the drainage field or soakaway for pooling wastewater, unusually wet ground, foul odours and signs of poor absorption. Further testing may be recommended if the cause cannot be confirmed through a visual inspection.

What happens if the inspection finds a problem?

The engineer will explain the issue, how it may affect the septic system and what action is recommended. Depending on the findings, the system may require emptying, cleaning, repairs, further investigation, replacement or conversion.

Book an inspection with DASA

DASA can help with emergency septic tank problems and routine inspections. Our experienced engineers support residential customers, businesses and insurance providers across the UK.

Contact our team using the form below or call 0333 554 6405 to arrange a septic tank inspection or discuss concerns about your system.

    • Site Investigations

      Our site investigation processes and technologies are supported by the same market-leading, live site reporting options as our drainage teams. This means that we are able to share image, video and audio files between field and review engineers in seconds, greatly reducing the traditional lag-time between attendance, decision and next steps.

    • Reporting

      DASA engineers attend a property within 24 hours, fully equipped to undertake a variety of non-invasive investigation techniques in the first instance. This might include electro-acoustic ground microphones, tracer gasses or thermal imaging cameras depending on the scenario presented on site.

    • Remedial Works

      DASA utilise numerous mains water replacement and repair technologies which enable us to isolate and repair targeted sections with the absolute minimum of above-ground disturbance. This includes, moling and pipe-pulling systems which eliminate the need for traditional trench excavations in many cases.