05. Managing - Inspections

Most septic system inspections follow the same general procedure however each system is unique and may require a slightly different process depending on the type of system, landscape position, and system components. Each property owner is responsible for ensuring that their septic system is inspected within the time frame established by KWIC and that all of the necessary system components are accessible at the time of inspection.

Below is a general inspection guideline:

A general overview of how to approach each type of inspection:

Zone One

1. You'll receive a reminder letter from KWIC that your septic system is due for inspection in the coming year (this is a courtesy but the property owner is ultimately responsible for making sure their inspection is completed on the year it is due)
2. Contact your preferred septic pumper and let them know you're due for a zone one inspection
3. Your septic pumper should contact a KWIC inspector to coordinate a day and time to perform the inspection
4. You or your septic pumper are responsible for digging up the necessary septic system components (listed in the table above) before the time of inspection
5. A KWIC inspector checks for proper operating level of the septic tank, baffles on the inlet and outlet of the septic tank, a tank that is structurally sound (i.e. no leaks or severe deterioration), and a functioning visual/audible high level alarm on pump tanks.
6. The KWIC inspector will generate a report outlining the findings of the inspection which will be mailed to the property owner in the days following the inspection

Real Property Transfer

*Begin the septic system inspection process well in advance of your anticipated sale/closing date to avoid delays (a property transfer inspection is valid for a period of 6 months)*

1. Contact your preferred septic pumper and let them know you need a real property transfer septic inspection
2. Your septic pumper should contact a KWIC inspector to coordinate a day and time to perform the inspection
3. You or your septic pumper are responsible for digging up the necessary septic system components (listed in the table above) before the time of inspection
4. A KWIC inspector checks for proper operating level of the septic tank, baffles on the inlet and outlet of the septic tank, a tank that is structurally sound (i.e. no leaks or severe deterioration), proper operating level in the absorption area/structurally sound absorption area components, all household wastewater plumbing directed to the septic tank, and a functioning visual/audible high level alarm on pump tanks
5. The KWIC inspector will generate a report outlining the findings of the inspection which will be mailed to the property owner once the inspection payment has been received by the township in which the inspection was performed

Holding Tank

1. You'll receive a reminder letter from KWIC that your holding tank is due for inspection in the coming year (this is a courtesy but the property owner is ultimately responsible for making sure their inspection is completed on the year it is due)
2. Contact your preferred septic pumper and let them know you're due for a holding tank inspection
3. Your septic pumper should contact a KWIC inspector to coordinate a day and time to perform the inspection
4. You or your septic pumper are responsible for making the holding tank accessible for pumping and visual inspection before the time of inspection
5. A KWIC inspector checks for a functioning visual/audible high level alarm on the holding tank (and pump tank if present) and confirms that the tank is structurally sound (i.e. no leaks or severe deterioration)
6. The KWIC inspector will generate a report outlining the findings of the inspection which will be mailed to the property owner in the days following the inspection

New/Replacement Systems (during construction)

1. Have your contractor contact the KWIC inspector two days prior to the start of construction
2. Have your contractor contact the KWIC inspector once system components are installed but prior to covering (failure to do so may incur additional costs for uncovering components)
3. The KWIC inspector will ensure that the installed components match what was detailed on the KWIC approved, engineered plan 
4. The KWIC inspector will generate a report outlining the findings of the inspection which will be mailed to the property owner in the days following the inspection

Aerobic Systems

*All aerobic septic systems within KWIC jurisdiction are required to have a current service contract with a manufacturer's certified representative*

1.  If your system is within 200' of the lake, you'll receive a reminder letter from KWIC that your aerobic system is due for inspection in the coming year (this is a courtesy but the property owner is ultimately responsible for making sure their inspection is completed on the year it is due)
2. Contact a KWIC inspector to coordinate a day and time to inspect pump tank visual/audible high level alarm (if system includes pump tank) and visually inspect absorption area (no digging required)
3. The KWIC inspector will generate a report outlining the findings of the inspection which will be mailed to the property owner in the days following the inspection

Note: the inspection overview for each system type listed above is only meant to serve as a general guide. For more detailed inspection guidelines, refer to the KWIC policies and procedures attached under "Supporting Documents"

Supporting Documents