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Septic Tank Inspections

Septic Tank Inspections

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Puyallup Septic Tank Inspections

Regular inspections will determine if your septic system is in proper work order or not.

They are one of the best ways to significantly prolong the life of your septic wastewater system and can save you a lot of money down the road. Failing septic systems are expensive to repair or replace, and poor maintenance is the leading culprit. An unusable or failing septic system will lower your property value and could pose a legal liability.

 

Inspecting the Tank

As part of your regular septic system maintenance program, FloHawks recommends that a trained professional complete a thorough inspection of the entire septic system at least once per year. First, the inspector will locate the septic system and its components. This will be helpful if you aren’t already familiar with your system’s layout. The inspector will uncover the tank’s cover and inspection ports. They will also check connections to ensure that your household plumbing is all going to the system and working correctly.

Most importantly, the inspector will verify how full the tank is and measure the levels of scum and sludge in your tank so you can get a more accurate idea of how often it should be pumped. The inspector will check the condition of the baffles or tees, the walls of the tank for cracks, and other parts of the system. Remember that toxic gases produced inside the tank can be very dangerous. Be safe and leave the inspections to the trained professionals.

Inspecting the System

Regular inspections can reveal problems before they become serious. In addition to inspecting the tank, our FloHawks technician will check out the drain field for any signs of failure. Our skilled professionals have the trained eye to identify the most telling signs of septic system failure. They will check for any pooling water or muddy soil around your septic system or in your basement. They will ask you whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry. You might also notice strips of bright green grass over the drain field, which can also be indicative of septic system failure.

It is very important to keep a detailed record of all inspections, pumpings, permits, repairs, and any other maintenance to your system along with a sketch of where your septic system is located. Having this information for future service visits can save you both time and money.

FAQs

How often should my septic tank system be inspected?

The State of Washington requires that a gravity system be inspected every 3 years. Any alternative system should be inspected annually (or per manufacturer recommendations). Your county may have individual regulations that could be more stringent. If you are unsure what type of system you have, or what your county regulations require please call us at 1-800-356-4295. We are very familiar with all types of regulations throughout the Puget Sound area and will help you cut through any red tape.
 

What should I expect when I have my septic tank inspected?

 
Generally it will depend on the type of system that you have. If you tank is accessible and uncovered then an inspection can be relatively straightforward and should take no more than 30 minutes. If you system has multiple tanks, an inaccessible or uncovered tank, electrical components and/or an alternative system then the inspection process may be more involved. Inspections of an alternative system follow manufacturer recommendations and could take an hour to 1.5 hours. Once the tank is located and uncovered, the FloHawks technician will look at the solids build up in the tank and see how much is in there. What are the liquid levels? Are they are at normal levels (too high or too low is not good.)? Are the baffles (where the liquid comes in/goes out) intact? Are they working properly? While they are there, a technician may clear a baffle or screen and inspect the drainfield area for odors, wet spots, or surfacing sewage, which are all potential signs of an improperly functioning drain field.
 

How much does an inspection cost?

 
In general, an inspection for most of our residential customers starts from $250+, depending on accessibility and availability. All pricings are estimates only and do not include any county or state fees or taxes.
 
Call us anytime or use our convenient Schedule Your Service tool, which allows you to set an appointment that best fits your schedule!
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CONTACT US

    OUR SERVICES

    Isaiah Taylor

    Service Advisor

    Tacoma native Isaiah Taylor has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor, he focuses on building strong relationships with customers and making sure they feel confident in the solutions being provided.

    Isaiah believes the company’s culture sets FloHawks apart. He appreciates working alongside people who genuinely care about customers and take pride in doing the job right.

    At 26, Isaiah is focused on building his career and continuing to grow in the industry. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find him in the gym lifting weights and staying active.

    Kevin Elbert

    Service Advisor

    Born in Olympia and now living in Lacey, Kevin Elbert has spent 11 years serving customers with FloHawks. As a Service Advisor, he is focused on helping homeowners and businesses find solutions when plumbing or septic issues arise.

    Kevin’s favorite part of the job is working with customers who need help and finding a path forward that solves the problem. He values being part of a team that takes pride in delivering dependable service when it matters most.

    In his free time, Kevin enjoys staying active outdoors. Hiking, camping, fishing, photography, soccer, and travel are some of his favorite ways to spend time when he’s not at work. At home, he stays busy with his four teenagers.

    Stephen Redford

    Service Advisor

    Stephen Redford was born in Tacoma and now lives in Gig Harbor. With 14 years at FloHawks, he’s built a reputation as both a trusted Service Advisor and a key contributor to the company’s growth and outreach.

    Stephen plays a role in business development, trade shows, and marketing while also supporting service operations across multiple areas. He appreciates FloHawks’ unique culture and commitment to customer service, believing the team consistently goes above and beyond what most companies offer.

    Outside of work, Stephen enjoys walking, playing golf, and riding motorcycles. He’s married to his wife, Lori, and is the proud father of three children.

    Janie “J” Kirkland

    Service Advisor Assistant

    Janie “J” Kirkland was born in Miami, Florida, and now calls Roy, Washington, home. Despite being newer to FloHawks, joining the team mid-2025, she has already become a valued member of the Service Advisor support team.

    J enjoys the strong sense of teamwork at FloHawks and the relationships she has built with the people she works alongside each day. That collaborative spirit helps the team deliver the dependable service customers count on.

    Outside the office, J loves spending time outdoors, especially at the beach, as well as making memories with her family. She’s the proud mother of two sons and a grandmother to four grandchildren.

    Carl Evanson

    Service Advisor

    A Puyallup native who now lives in Spanaway, Carl Evanson has been helping customers at FloHawks for more than 13 years. As a Service Advisor, he brings deep experience and a practical approach to solving plumbing and septic challenges.

    Carl takes pride in helping customers find real solutions to their problems. At FloHawks, the philosophy is simple: if water runs through it, the team can handle it, and Carl has spent more than a decade proving that to customers across the region.

    When he’s not working, Carl enjoys camping and spending time with his growing family, which includes two grown sons and seven grandchildren.

    Luke Schneider

    Service Advisor Assistant

    Originally from the Midwest and now living in the Puyallup area, Luke Schneider has spent the past three years supporting the FloHawks service team as a Service Advisor Assistant. His role focuses on logistics and administrative coordination, making sure the details are handled so the team can deliver excellent service in the field.

    Luke especially enjoys the moment when everything comes together to solve a customer’s problem. Helping turn a complicated situation into a clear plan and a successful outcome is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

    When he’s not working, Luke loves hosting and entertaining with his wife. Much of their free time is spent with family, often gathered around the table for board games and good conversation.

    Crystal Lyons

    Service Advisor Assistant

    Born and raised in Tacoma and now living in Puyallup, Crystal Lyons has been part of the FloHawks team for four years. As a Service Advisor Assistant, she helps keep operations running smoothly while making sure customers feel supported every step of the way.

    Crystal’s favorite part of the job is simple: helping people. Whether she’s assisting the service team behind the scenes or making sure customers get the answers they need, she takes pride in being part of a company that puts people first.

    Outside of work, Crystal enjoys camping and spending time with her family. She’s married, and the proud mom of one daughter, and she also helps care for her niece, keeping family at the center of everything she does.