Septic Dye Test Information Page

What is a septic dye test? The purpose of a septic dye test is to locate obvious, catastrophic septic system failure. During a septic dye test, fluorescent dye is flushed into the system. This is followed by an inspection of nearby surface waters for the next 1-2 hours. If the dye can be seen in nearby surface waters, the septic system is failing.  Two key things to remember about a septic dye test are: 1. Your system could very well be failing even if the septic dye test does not indicate it.  2. It is only one part of a proper, thorough septic system inspection. Many real estate agents and others, however, will only use a septic dye test and not do a thorough inspection. If you are buying a house, we strongly encourage you to do a proper, thorough septic system inspection or it could really cost you.  As you may know from researching this topic, failing Septic Tanks are a major financial and environmental problem in this country. Expensive septic repairs can often run from $5,000 to $20,000 or more and a large number of systems are failing throughout the country. For news stories related to failing Septic Tanks and tightening regulations you can go to: http://www.laundry-alternative.com/failingseptic.htm You also can't sell your home if it has a failing system. For more information on how to properly maintain your Septic Tank, go to: http://www.laundry-alternative.com/septic_system_maintenance.htm