The Case for Point-of-Sale Dawn Struse Long

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THE CASE FOR POINT-OF-SALE INSPECTION
Dawn Struse Long
ABSTRACT
Point-of-Sale (POS) inspections as mandated by the Arizona Department of Environmental
Quality (ADEQ) Comprehensive Septic Tank Inspection Program protect all involved parties.
Inspection reports reduce risks, avoid liability issues, and minimize consumer complaints.
My presentation presents photographic evidence supporting the necessity for the ADEQ’s rule.
All examples are from 278 point-of-sale inspections conducted between 1 July 2006 and 31
December 2007.
KEYWORDS
Point-of-Sale Inspection, ADEQ Comprehensive Septic Tank Inspection Report, Notice of
Transfer, Realtors, National Association of Wastewater Transporters Inc.
INTRODUCTION
The underworld of septic tanks is a beautiful thing, so much so that it ignited my passion for
septic sleuthing. From the many breathtaking colors and designs above the waterline to the scum
and alien objects found in it, my fascination compelled me to document everything I saw (Figs.
1-2).
The operation of each tank is unique based on design, installation, functionality, and
maintenance. Observing these conditions makes pumpers a good judge of the system’s operating
efficiency. After inspecting several systems in Cochise County for the transfer of real estate, I
saw that many buyers were inheriting landfills instead of properly operating onsite septic
systems. The reason is that septage is no longer a composition of human waste and water.
Fig. 1. Breathtaking colors
are created as a result of
digestion within the septic
tank.
Fig. 2. This plastic gallon
jug wedged in the outlet
baffle prevented normal
flow out of the tank. Full
exposure is necessary for
a thorough inspection and
troubleshooting.

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Septage today includes grease, garbage disposal solids, plastics, medications, dental floss,
feminine hygiene products, condoms, nut shells, vegetable and fruit seeds, egg shells, coffee
grounds, disposable wipes, cat litter, cigarette butts, drug paraphernalia, excessive toilet paper,
and many other indigestible items (Figs. 3-4).
Until administrative code R18-9-A316 became effective on 1 July 2006, onsite inspections at
best consisted of pumping the tank through the 4-inch inspection port. At worst, flushing the
toilet without causing a backup demonstrated the system’s functionality. Witnessing these
inspections inspired my mission in life: to protect homeowners and their investment by providing
the most thorough onsite inspection possible.
In 2001, I enrolled in the National Association of Wastewater Transporters (NAWT) inspector
training program and became a certified inspector. The NAWT inspection course is
comprehensive and covers the construction, operation, and maintenance of conventional and
alternative systems. It is elementary enough for a beginner to learn the basic concepts of septic
inspecting, yet there is always new information for the seasoned inspector. Currently in Arizona,
the only accepted inspector certification course is the NAWT certification program.
Several states and many government entities across the country have adopted rules based on their
specific needs, but as of this date there are no national standards for POS inspections, no
standardized training for inspectors, and no rules adopted as to who can perform the inspection.
Educating realtors was a slow process, but one-by-one, eye to eye, we made progress. Today,
Cochise county realtors acknowledge that septic inspections reduce risk and avoid liability
issues, thereby protecting them and their clients.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
My inspections include observing the design, installation, maintenance, and functionality of the
components to spot potential issues affecting optimal performance and longevity. For example, I
note dipped, crimped, or broken delivery pipes caused by careless installation and recommend
their repair. I check the inlet and outlet baffles for proper position and function, as they are
critical to the system’s longevity. Cracked and leaking tanks are disclosed on the inspection
report and replacement recommended (Figs. 5-8).
Fig. 3. Disposable wipes
gather on the blades of our
mechanical agitator.
Fig. 4. Indigestible items
plug up hoses and make
pumping difficult.

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I am able to do thorough inspections because the ADEQ rule states, “Each septic tank or other
wastewater treatment container on the property must be pumped or otherwise serviced to
remove, to the maximum extent possible, solid, floating, and liquid waste accumulations at time
of inspection” (Figs. 9-10).
Fig. 5. This crushed,
broken outlet delivery was
caused from careless
backfilling at construction.
Fig. 6. Mal-positioned
baffles do not allow
optimal functionality of
the septic tank.
Fig. 7. Ettringite (hydrogen
sulfide) is the white flaky
substance that appears at
the outlet end of the tank.
Fig. 8. A 1970 tank, outlet
baffle is deteriorated.
Fig. 9. The front chamber
of this tank contained only
solids and “FOG” fat, oil,
and grease.
Fig. 10. Full access is
needed for a thorough
removal of floating and
settled solids.

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Furthermore, the inspection must take place within six months prior to transfer of ownership. A
Notice of Transfer form, which is actually a permit to operate the system, must be submitted to
ADEQ within 15 days following the property transfer.
Using the Comprehensive Septic Tank inspection disclosure report, American Septic Service
collected data and digitally documented 278 systems for point-of-sale inspections over 18
months. The seven-page report includes facility permits or records, occupancy, bedroom count,
age of system, design flow, effluent level, chambers, scum and sludge measurements, condition
of tank and baffles, root intrusion, effluent screens, pumping of tank, risers present, and repairs
recommended (Figs. 11-12).
When the location of the septic tank is not obvious, the permit and the as-built design may help
find it. If not, we use our SeeSnake video push rod camera inspection system to locate the inlet
of the tank. The camera head has a 512 Hz transmitter that sends a signal to our receiver wand.
Occasionally, I’ve threaded the camera head through a roof vent, as no other access to the sewer
line was available. We also use our camera to inspect delivery lines leading in and out of the
tank, the distribution box, and leach lines (Figs. 13-14).
Fig. 11. Cracks caused by
protruding rebar allow
these small hair-like roots
to penetrate tank.
Fig. 12. Effluent screen is
plugged by dead drain
flies and their larvae.
Fig. 13. SeeSnake allows
us to view distribution
boxes, delivery and leach
lines.
Fig. 14. Here we fish our
camera head into the main
vent stack on the roof.

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Of the 77 systems inspected which had tanks from 1970 and earlier, I recommended the
replacement of three tanks. Of the 117 systems inspected which had tanks from the 1980s and
1990s, I recommended 12 tanks for replacement. All of the tanks from the 1980s and 1990s
were manufactured by the same precaster. From 2000 forward, only 2 tanks qualified for
replacement (Figs. 15-18).
I recommended the replacement of 8 systems from the 1960s and 1970s, and 4 drainfield repairs.
However, 20 drainfields were repaired previous to this study, all but one was from the 1960s and
1970s.
I identified 108 baffle issues, which accounted for 39 percent of the deficiencies checked. The
baffles were dipped, crimped, severed, or missing. Concrete deterioration affected 33 of the
systems from the 1960s and 1970s. These were repaired with plastic tee baffles (Figs. 19-20).
Fig. 15. A root cracked
the sidewall of a 1970s
tank.
Fig. 16. Root invasion on
the bottom, 1990s tank.
Fig. 17. Underside of lid
cracked, 2000s tank.
Fig. 18. Clam shell cracked
at vertical seam, 2000s
tank.
Fig. 19. 1970s deteriorated
outlet baffle allowing
solids to flow into the
field.
Fig. 20. Plastic tee
replaces concrete from
inside the tank with a
special fitting.

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The most discouraging discovery occurred in systems installed from 1999 onward. The tanks
were cast with floating plastic baffles rather than those fixed or cast-in-place. Only 30 percent of
the floating baffles were plumb. The offsets ranged from 5 degrees to 22 degrees. Without fail,
such offsets restrict flow, causing backups (Figs. 21-22).
The tanks from the 1960s and 1970s had never been serviced, and the combined levels of scum
and sludge averaged 30 inches. Their normal operating level was 48 inches. The inspection form
asks for documentation of the effluent level before pumping as well as scum and sludge
measurements. Solids this thick are difficult to remove, so we use a mechanical agitator to slurry
them, enabling us to pump the tank with minimal hose obstruction and wear on our expensive
vacuum truck. Forty or 50 years ago, the philosophy was “out of sight, out of mind,” which
explains the absence of access ports and manholes. These tanks had half-ton lids with a small
peep hole at each end. Lacking any sign of their location at grade, it is easy to understand why
homeowners built additions, porches, patios, and other structures over them (Figs. 23-24).
Another common finding on these tanks is that the precast baffles are corroded by sulfuric acid,
which attacks the top of the baffles first. Had the systems been inspected regularly, the baffles
Fig. 21. This outlet baffle is
offset by 22 degrees and the
delivery just outside the tank
is crushed and broken.
Fig. 22. This build up of
scum is caused from the
inlet baffle being offset by
22 degrees and no scouring
of delivery pipes.
Fig. 23. This 1970s tank
was never serviced and
mechanical agitation was
used to make slurry.
Fig. 24. Tank with 2 half
ton lids and small peep
holes, the center seam
allowed this root plenty of
nutrients over the years.

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would have been replaced and many of these systems would not have suffered premature failure.
We also see exposed aggregate on the sidewalls above the waterline. Although, most of these
tanks are not leaking, they have outlived their design life by 15 to 20 years. When the tank is
pumped we find exposed rebar. Furthermore, sewer lines from this era were orangeburg pipe, a
papier-mâché material born of necessity during World War II, when all iron products went for
the war effort. Besides deteriorating with age, no cleanouts were installed between the tank and
house. When backups occur, we must clear the stoppage from the roof vent (Figs. 25-26).
The 1980s brought a new problem with locally precast tanks; manufacturers extended the outlet
baffle down tube 8 inches above the floor of the tank. Proper installation is at least 20 percent
and not more than 40 percent into the liquid level. The velocity and flow of incoming sewage
pushes sludge against the outlet wall of all tanks. Consequently, the normal flow of effluent out
of the tank was restricted (Figs. 27-28).
The 1990s revealed another casting problem. Although ADEQ mandated dual-compartment
tanks in 1989, a local precaster failed to add an extension into the liquid level on the inlet tee. As
a result, the scum mounted and blocked the inlet, causing frequent backups. A decade passed
before anyone discovered the reason for the backups. Since the tee baffle is inaccessible from the
manhole, American Septic Service designed a tool to add an extension to the tee baffle without
entering the tank. The extension produces a quieter tank with less floating solids and better
Fig. 25. Exposed rebar. Fig. 26. A look at orange-
burg pipe.
Fig. 27. The extension on
the outlet tee is 8 inches
above the floor of the
tank.
Fig. 28. Sludge build up
against the outlet wall
restricts normal flow.

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quality effluent. Our observation and digital documentation enabled us to expose the flaw and
correct it (Figs. 29- 34).
Even if all the components are perfect, a bad installation will cause systems to fail. For example,
while backfilling, installers have dropped large rocks and even boulders on delivery lines, which
they fail to bed. When the backhoe replaces the soil over the components, the lines are dipped,
crimped, cracked, or severed. The systems are damaged before the first flush. Worse than that,
the condition can remain undetected for years, allowing wastewater to filtrate into the soil. It
takes a backup or ponding to expose the situation (Figs. 35-36).
Fig. 29. Extension tool has
a platform for the pipe.
Fig. 30. Extension pipe is
fitted on the platform.
Fig. 31. Extension pipe is
lowered into the tank.
Fig. 32. Extension under
tee, Don hooks the ring on
platform. Pulls pipe in
place.
Fig. 33. Inlet tee before
extension.
Fig. 34. Inlet tee with the
extension.

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RESULTS
A thorough inspection is imperative for the longevity and optimal functionality of any septic
system. Onsite systems that would have been ignored until failure occurred, are now observed
and inspected for the transfer of the property. Deficiencies are disclosed and repairs are
recommended.
The POS inspection identifies systems that are discharging outside of Arizona’s Aquifer
Protection Permit. A few of the examples American Septic Service has found include: leaking
septic tanks, exfiltration from damaged delivery lines, straight systems running into a ravine,
stream, or mine shaft, and antiquated septic tanks (Figs. 37-38).
Raw data compiled from the 278 ADEQ inspections revealed poor installation technique.
Specifically, failure to bed delivery lines resulted in various mal-functions inside the tank
(baffles) and outside the tank (failed delivery). Manufacturing of septic tanks from 2000 forward
showed marked improvement in their integrity. Sidewalls were straight, reinforcement was
properly placed, and there was no evidence of leaking between the compartments (Fig.39-40).
Fig. 35. Outlet delivery
damaged at installation
allows exfiltration and
pounding.
Fig. 36. Crimped and
severed pipe.
Fig. 37. Septic tank from
the 1940s installed on
bedrock and discharging
into a mine shaft.
Fig. 38. Straight system
discharging into a ravine.

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Installed in
1990s 30%
Installed
in 2000's
30%
Installed in 1970s
or earlier 28%
Installed
in 1980s
12%
278 Point-of-Sale Inspections 1970s: 77 systems
1980s: 34 systems
1990s: 83 systems
2000s: 84 systems
Data compiled by Maranatha Struse
Fig. 39. POS inspections by year of system installation
Baffle
problems
39%No problem
identified
50%
TR
6%
SR
3%
FR
2%
108 Baffle Problems Identified
17 Tank Replacements (TR)
4 Field Replacements (FR)
8 System Replacements (SR)
Data compiled by Maranatha Struse
278 Point-of-Sale Inspections
Fig. 40. POS inspections by problems identified

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As an inspector, I reach a conclusion about an onsite system by observing its physical and
operational condition. As requested in the ADEQ inspection summary, I rate it “functional,
functional with concerns, or not functional.”
DISCUSSION
Mandated inspections are viewed by many as an unnecessary intrusion into what is believed to
be a personal choice. My focus is to insure that the new owner inherits a functional onsite system
and in turn the POS inspection will contribute to the protection of the aquifer. The POS
inspection presents an opportunity to home buyers to be onsite when the system is being
inspected and has given me countless opportunities for homeowner education. A standardized
POS inspection is the first step to the integration of maintenance and management of onsite
systems.
Before Arizona’s POS inspection became law septic tanks were rarely accessed to remove the
solids. “Pump and go home” was the motto.
Resistance to the rule came from all corners. Homeowners saw no need to dig something up that
was not giving them trouble, especially if it meant destroying their landscaping or disturbing
their decorative rocks.
Pumpers complained that it was costing their company more money to access the top of the tank,
or they had to buy more equipment and spend more time on one job.
Realtors theorized that uncovering a problem with the onsite system could break the deal if the
buyer demanded its repair. American Septic Service followed all our escrows through
completion and there were no cancellations of contracts due to an onsite issue our company
disclosed.
Although there are still a few holdouts, most homeowners have accepted the fact that if they
want to sell their property, they must agree to the inspection. Pumpers have found that they can
charge for the new service. Realtors have some comfort knowing that their buyers will be
permitting a system that was thoroughly inspected.
Arizona’s lingering Wild West attitude is still alive and well, but it’s long overdue onsite
inspection program has brought our state to the forefront of the procedure and is serving as a
model for the rest of the country.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Scottie Dayton for her constructive criticism and support; Kitt Farrell-Poe, PhD., for being a
mentor; and Maranatha Struse for collecting and organizing the raw data.
LITERATURE CITED
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Comprehensive Septic Tank Inspection Program
www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/engineering/not.html
American Septic Service. “Case for Point-of-Sale” raw data. www.americansepticservice.com

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Dayton, Scottie. “One of a Kind.” Onsite Installer May 2006: 56-57.