Questions to ask the homeowner:
- Do you have a copy of the septic system permit?
- When was the last time the septic tank was pumped out? Are there records of system maintenance (tank pump-outs, system repair)?
- Have there been any problems with the septic system: system backing up, foul odours, effluent on the surface, soggy ground in the leaching bed, system freezing, toilet and drains gurgling or draining slowly?
- Have there been any potable water quality problems (E. coli, faecal coliform, nitrate)? This could be due to infiltration of the well by leakage from the septic system and could indicate a malfunctioning system. Results from the water quality samples that you take of the well water may help indicate septic system problems.
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