Whenever you are calling to schedule or price a septic inspection the most important question to ask the inspector is "What kind of septic inspection do you perform?". If you hear "dye test" then it is time to move on to another inspector.
A dye test is exactly that, a test to confirm that two points connect, nothing more. It is not an inspection. Quality septic inspectors will use dye simply to verify what is connected to what and it is a small part of the septic inspection process.
Unfortunately many home inspectors who are not educated in septic systems are using the dye test as an inspection procedure then making tons of disclaimers on their inspection reports. In many cases they recommend a real septic inspection by a qualified individual. What is the point of taking your money for the dye test then? Others perform it for free as part of the inspection because they think if they don't charge you then they are not liable. This is very untrue and often leads to a false sense of security for the buyer when the dye test is "good".
Unless there is a very blatant, specific problem that is obvious without dye then a dye "test" is useless when used during a real estate transaction.
The truth of the matter is that most dye test will pass which makes everyone happy because the real estate transaction goes through smoother. Most real estate agents are not aware that the dye test is a bogus, unreliable method but they do know that the inspectors who do them find less septic problems so they are more inclined to use them. Inspectors who do dye tests are doing them to keep the peace with the agents, not for the benefit of the buyer.
Even though a load and dye test is the most common test requested, it is a limited and unreliable method of testing the septic system. This is why we do not perform this type of procedure. We do a more thorough and comprehensive inspection of the septic system. Beware of inspectors who offer to flush dye down the toilet. The septic tank must be accessible for the evaluation and is the responsibility of the seller. A more comprehensive inspection is available and performed to PSMA / NOF standards. The PSMA inspection will require the treatment tank to be pumped AFTER the inspection is complete. Please do not have the tank pumped prior to the septic inspection. This is necessary to view portions of the septic tank that are below liquid level and not visible.
Jeff Remas of REMAS Inspections, Inc. is one of the few certified Advanced Septic Inspectors in the area.
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