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Author Archives: Garrett Hand

Categories Home safety

What to Expect During a Septic System Inspection

Septic System Inspection

Septic systems are a critical part of everyone’s home, whether you’re a prospective buyer or current owner. And as we talked about in our previous post, a septic system is something you definitely want to maintain.

Neglecting your system could mean a major financial hit for you and your family. Getting a septic tank inspection is an important homeowner duty that should happen every 2-3 years and be done by a certified professional!

There are two types of inspections that you can request: visual and full. You should have both inspections done at some point.

Today we’ll break down what full and visual inspections mean and give you a heads up on what to expect when you have an inspection.

Before diving into what the inspection entails, try to familiarize yourself with the septic system. This will come in handy and make sure you have a basic understanding of your home’s functions.

Types of Inspections

  1. The first type of inspection, and most common, is the visual inspection.

While necessary, many experts believe that visual inspections are limited in their ability to reveal risks or issues. This inspection ensures the tank is working properly by:

  • Turning on the water.
  • Flushing the toilets.
  • Locating the tank (if the access lid is exposed).

In the end, this type of inspection won’t tell you much except for no superficial problems are visible.

It may be worth it to opt for the full inspection because you will locate the more costly issues.

  1. The full inspection is far more meticulous and will give you a better idea of the state of your septic system.

During the full inspection, inspectors will:

  • Open the tank and check liquid levels
  • Observe water flow from tank to absorption area
  • Pump the tank to make sure there are no clogs. If you have a garbage disposal, you should be pumping once a year. Homes without will be fine with one pump every three years.

Pumping your tank is crucial to the functionality of your septic system. Sticking to a regular inspection schedule will contribute to the life of your system.

Preparing for Your Inspection

After you schedule your inspection there are some steps you can take to make certain your inspection runs smoothly:

  1. Pull out your septic tank plans and have a copy ready for the inspector.
  2. Make a clear path to the tank by avoiding storage of kind on or around the tank cover and remove any brush blocking the cover.
  3. Locate your system filter and save you and your inspector’s time.

Still not sure if you want to get the inspection? Check out the average costs of repairing problematic septic systems and consider how much money you’ll be saving in the long run.

Invest in the future of your home by ensuring your septic system is fully functioning. Call us today, and we’ll give you the peace of mind that your system is good to go!

We guarantee an inspection within 48 hours!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Foundation Repair

Ways to Avoid Costly Foundation Repairs

Foundation

If someone asked you what the most important aspect of your home was, everyone (hopefully) would state without hesitation that it is the foundation. When buying or selling your home this will be a huge factor in closing the deal.

We’ve talked about the warning signs to look for in potential foundation issues, but now we want to review the importance of preserving a solid foundation as well as its connection to the value of your home.

If you’ve come across any of the warning signs in your home, don’t waste any time and use our easy online scheduling tool to get in touch ASAP.

Foundation Types

If you’re not familiar with foundations, take a look at this broad explanation for the most common types. Foundation type will vary based on region as well as climate.

The expansive clays found in most soil across North Texas can really take a toll on your foundation, constantly altering the position of your foundation which can spell out trouble for your home.

For many reasons, foundation repairs can add up to an outrageous amount, and small issues with the foundation are enough to scare away potential buyers, lending a hand to the idea that foundation does indeed affect your home’s value.

Maintaining a Strong Foundation

Your home can be your biggest investment, but it doesn’t have to be your biggest headache. Luckily there are a few things you can do to maintain a strong foundation:

  1. Take a walk around your house and check for any small cracks (they’re easier to deal with when they’re smaller), mildew, or wood rot.
  2. Retain consistent moisture level around your foundation by applying for a water control program with a lawn sprinkler or water hose to prevent the soil from expanding or shrinking too often.
  3. On the other hand, too much water can also be problematic. Install a solid drainage system to direct water away from your foundation.
  4. Consult your landscaper about trees root size and moisture need. While trees are beautiful and can add to the aesthetic appeal of your property, they are constantly draining water from the soil. Ensure that any tree is at least 15’-30’ away from your house.
  5. Yearly plumbing inspections can save you a lot of trouble as one of the biggest causes of foundation damage comes from plumbing leaks.

These are just a few hands-on tips that you can implement to preserve a functioning foundation.

We Can Help!

If you come across any issues or you’re looking to buy a home, a professional foundation inspection will be necessary.

In Texas, inspectors are required to give their opinion about the foundation, but at Elite Inspection Group we go the extra mile and give you factual data that you can use to help you with your huge purchasing decision or for necessary upkeep to your current home.

At EIG we go farther than the typical visual inspection and utilize the latest technology, the Zip Level Pro-2000, the same equipment used by Professional Engineers to determine the true levelness of your foundation.

You can use our simple, quick quote tool to get an idea of what you’re in store for.

If you have any concern at all, don’t hesitate to contact us today and we’ll be performing your inspection in 48 hours or less!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home safety

5 Ways to Avoid Septic System Issues

Septic System

While septic systems aren’t exactly the flashiest part of a home, they’re pretty important. Every time you turn on a faucet, flush your toilet or do laundry your septic system is working for you.

Ensuring that it carries water and its waste out of your home is crucial.

A well-maintained and constructed septic system will better withstand the stresses of everyday usage, heavy rains or flooding.

Regular inspection can guarantee that your septic system is properly functioning and will save you the headache of dealing with a backup or overflow into your yard.

Some signs that your septic system is functioning poorly include:

  • Slowly draining sinks
  • Toilets drain slowly
  • Floor drains overflow
  • Sewage becomes visible outside the home

We’re going to go through a few common issues and enemies to septic systems. You can keep an eye out for these to maintain a smooth running septic system and your home problem-free.

1. Excess Water

Inefficient water usage can lead to a septic tank holding more water than intended, which can lead to a number of nasty problems. Thankfully, there are plenty of easy ways to combat this issue.

  • Keep laundry to 1-2 loads per day.
  • Low flow shower heads or shorter showers.
  • Dual flush toilets.

Implementing these changes in your home can help fight excess water in your septic tank.

2. Too Much Detergent

Using too much detergent can actually encourage algae growth in your distribution pipes, causing a blockage, as the phosphates from detergents act as a fertilizer. If you overuse products, then you can’t ensure your machine will properly dilute or wash away all of the residues.

  • Avoid powdered detergent.
  • Install a lint filter in your washer’s drainage line and clean regularly!

3. Vehicle Damage

If you live in the country and repeatedly park your car in the yard or have guests coming in and out, take note that repeated pressure on top of septic tanks can cause real damage.

Farm vehicles and large trucks are the perfect size to cause a collapsed septic tank.

4. Flushing the Wrong Products

Putting non-biodegradable products in your tank is a big no-no. They won’t go away naturally and will take up space in your tank, raising liquid levels.

Flushing things like paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or even cigarette butts can do some serious damage.

You should also keep kitchen waste out of the system, including greases or oils.

5. Keep an Eye on Your Trees

While trees and shrubs add aesthetic value to your property, be aware that their roots can actually grow through septic tank walls.

This can lead to some seriously unwanted issues and prevent the system from functioning properly.

There are a few preventative measures you can take to avoid a tree root problem, such as monitoring the type of tree you choose to plant on your property.

Willow, Poplar, and Birch sprout roots quickly and therefore may not be a great choice.

We Can Help!

Knowing the location of your septic tank as well as the inlet and discharge pipes are also important steps in preventing the root damage.

Experts recommend getting an inspection every 2-3 years, less if you have a large household.

If you’re moving into a new place or concerned about your current septic system, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!

Schedule an inspection with us, and we’ll see you within 48 hours!

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection

Kicking Off the Summer!

crawfish boil

Last Thursday, we got together with some of our most valued partners and customers to kick off the summer with an authentic Cajun crawfish boil!

While the threat of storms may have scared off a few, in the end, 100 people showed up to help us celebrate!

The guys at Louisiana Hot Tails showed us just how the pros really do crawfish and set us up with an awesome spread.

There were tons of prizes, and everyone had a great time. A huge thanks to all of our sponsors who made the event possible and especially to everyone who showed up.

EIG Crawfish BoilIt was a true Texan night full of good food, great music, and even better company!

If you couldn’t make it this time due to weather or otherwise, you were missed! Be sure to keep an eye out for an invitation to next year’s event!

At EIG we love to find any opportunity to have a good time.

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Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
Categories Home Inspection

Guess What Robin From Re/Max Just Said

In today’s environment where contractors, really good quality contractors are hard to find in our growing metroplex, many times sellers who hire contractors to complete repair work that has been agreed upon between sellers and buyers will get a receipt for work performed and think the work has been done.

Lately, I have been recommending to my buyers to not just rely on receipts provided and to hire their home inspector to reinspect the items that were repaired. We cannot tell if the roof repairs were made or if the electrical was repaired properly, etc.

I just had one in Prosper where there were roof repairs, HVAC repairs, etc. My buyer hired Elite Inspection Group to go back out to reinspect Elite Inspection Group’s inspector walked the roof and only 1 shingle had been replaced. None of the nails were sealed and the flashing wasn’t properly nailed down. There was dripping water coming from the secondary drain line for the AC.

It just gives peace of mind to a buyer that repairs were done properly. The roofing company and HVAC company that the seller hired had NOT done the job they were hired for, they were paid by the seller and seller thought they were completed.

If you are representing a buyer and seller made repairs, hired the expert, such as Elite Inspection group, to reinspect the items because you just don’t know if they were truly done!

Realtor Robin E. – Re/Max

Garrett HandAuthor Garrett Hand
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