
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, April 23, 1995                   TAG: 9505080005
SECTION: AMERICAN HOME WEEK                    PAGE: 14   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: BOB POFF, PRESIDENT INSPECTIONS, INC.
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

PRIVATE WATER, SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Due to the rural nature of the New River Valley, many homes are served by private wells or springs and use septic tanks instead of public sewer. Real estate contracts require the seller to provide the buyer with a septic inspection certificate and results of a bacteria test on the water.

During a septic "walkover" the inspector will look for signs of damp areas or offensive odors in the leaching area. Wet spots can denote a failing septic system. The state health department recommends that an owner have the septic tank pumped every three to five years. Regular pumping of the septic tank can extend the life of the system.

Failure to regularly pump the septic tank can allow the sludge to build up inside the tank and enter the lines in the leaching field. The sludge will clog up the holes in the lines and cause the system to fail. Regular cleaning of the tank should be considered "insurance" against the more costly replacement of theleach field lines.

A water sample is collected at the house and tested at a state certified laboratory for coliform bacteria. If coliform is found in the water, a simple disinfection of the water system usually corrects the problem. However, in some instances the installation of a permanent disinfection system is required. Health professionals recommend that private water systems be disinfected at least once a year. Contact your local health department, extension office, or the author for instructions on proper disinfection techniques for your water supply.

For buyers obtaining an FHA insured loan, new regulations require testing for the presence of lead in water. The presence of lead can be caused by the leaching of lead from brass submersible pumps, brass faucets, or the use of lead solder in the plumbing system. Allowing the water to run at the faucet for a few minutes usually flushes the lead out of the system. A reverse osmosis filtering system is one of the methods which can be used in more serious circumstances.

Rural homeowners enjoy their privacy and the beautiful scenery of this area. They should take steps to protect their investment by maintaining their septic system, and by insuring a supply of safe drinking water.

(Bob Poff is president of Inspections, Inc., a local firm providing septic walkover, water sampling, radon testing, and home inspection services.)

by CNB