Iowa DNR Certified Inspector #8810

DO NOT MAKE A 20K (NEW SEPTIC REPLACEMENT) MISTAKE BY SELECTING THE CHEAPEST INSPECTOR YOU CAN FIND- SOME ARE FAILING SEPTIC SYSTEMS SO THEY CAN INSTALL A NEW ONE. I FIND AND FIX WHAT YOU HAVE. Please keep reading below. ( Iowa inspection code 567 chapter 69)

State Certified Inspector

A-1 Waste Water Solutions owner, Corey Groth, is a state certified inspector that can perform a Iowa Time of Transfer inspection when selling your home.  If your septic system does not meet the inspection FAD criteria, he can also consult (and repair as needed) how to make your septic system compliant- OFTEN TIMES WITHOUT NEEDING to replace the entire septic. (Per county Ordinance)
Iowa law requires at least 4 items for an Inspection- without all four someone may have a legal action case against you -sometimes years later.
1- All tanks dug up and pumped- Distribution box opened- Sand filter vents and discharge found- and an Effluent test on any discharging  system
2- Written narrative report
3- As built Map
4- A properly calculated load test from the sites water supply and probing.
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We are using the NEW IDNR digital database for inspections, your report is guaranteed to be submitted.  (March 2022)

Currently most inspections do not have all four of these items and pictures to be used as a reference! Rest assured, you will have a proper inspection completed by me! Don't end up in court over litigation, no one wants to be there. Let me help you save money by finding your septic system!

Need your Private well tested a Home Sale? I can submit to a Hygienic Lab for $75 the same day. Rushed well samples/ septic inspections are available,  additional fees.

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24/7 Scheduling

Schedule Appointment

$449*  - Iowa Certified Septic Inspection- with Narrative/photo Report (Normally $700.00)
*IowaOne call IS CONTACTED BY ME AND will locate main utility lines coming into home ( power, natural gas, phone, cable) but All private utilities (dog fence, detached building power-water drops, LP, power) must be marked prior to inspections. If private utilities are not marked properly and a utility line is hit during the inspection/digging process additional costs will be incurred. Will restore landscaping to original condition to the best of our ability or spread grass seed on some sites. Septic tanks are required to be pumped or cleaned out every 3 years, if this is not the case I can recommend a IDNR approved pumper and coordinate. (additional fee for pumping). Price reflects a $50 gift card for a google review.
$199 - Video Inspection of Pipes- Troubleshoot problems
ARE YOU BUYING A HOUSE IN TOWN? Do you have concerns if your WASTE DRAIN system is working properly? We can checkout the inside of the drain pipes that are accessible to ensure the proper pipe grade or check for other issues.

$250* - Contractor Inspection (No Digging)
This choice is for digging contractors who have all necessary primary and secondary treatment systems exposed. If you are a home owner please do not select this without talking to me. This appointment requires that necessary components are exposed prior to Iowa TOT arriving and is only for individuals that know exactly where and what needs to be dug up- does not include effluent testing if needed.

$59 - Radio detection- Locate all known buried lines (Power drops, LP, satellite, dog fence, lawn irrigation)

$1250-  Get My Expert Opinion. Consulting is available for septic system problems. This is strategic advice about your sites septic system that is presented for consideration and decision-making in litigation cases.  Let me show your attorney what other inspectors are missing.
Contact me with email. Plus travel expenses to any county in Iowa

Providing trustworthy and reliable service is of utmost importance to me. I understand how important a properly functioning septic system is for your home or business. I have been installing, repairing and performing TOT inspections on septic systems for the past 26 years in the Delaware, Dubuque, Jackson, Scott, Clayton, and Linn Counties."
Corey Groth

Time of Transfer Inspections - It's the Law
Effective July 1st, 2009, every building sold in Iowa served by a septic system must have a Time of Transfer inspection prior to the sale and deed transfer of that building. The Iowa Time of Transfer inspections ensure the septic system is functioning properly and not creating a health or environmental hazard.

What Happens During an Inspection?

Every element of your septic system is reviewed by our certified inspector.  A detailed report is provided to you, the County Environmental Health staff and the DNR upon completion.  The County Environmental Health staff determines upon inspection whether or not your septic system passes or fails.  If it is determined that your system does not pass, A-1 Waste Water Solutions can provide a review of what upgrades need to be done in order to bring your system up to current code. Click Here to View Frequently Asked Questions.


What to Know About Septic Inspections Are you wondering how septic inspections work? If you are buying a home with a septic tank, there are some things you need to be aware of. If you sell your home, you could need a septic system inspection.
Septic inspectors must be licensed in many states, so you can’t just have anyone do a septic inspection. Of course, as a property owner serviced by a septic system, it is vital to have proper maintenance so there are no issues now or when it comes time to sell the home.
In some states, a septic inspection is a big hurdle to clear in a real estate transaction.
Let’s examine why septic inspections are essential and what you need to know about them. Both buyers and sellers should have a firm grasp of how septic inspections work.
What is a Septic System? Before we work through what you need to know about a septic inspection, it will be essential to have at least a basic understanding of what a septic system is and how it works.
Most septic systems contain a septic tank, a distribution box, and a leach field. People also refer to a leach field as a drain field. Also very common in Eastern Iowa is a sand filter system after a septic tank if your soil is tight clay. Septic tanks assist in digesting organic matter and will separate float-able matter such as oil, grease, and solids from the wastewater.
A septic system that is functioning correctly will discharge the liquid from the septic tank to a distribution box to perforated pipes that are buried in a leach field. The lines are designed to release the effluent into the ground slowly.
Septic tanks have been in use since the late 1800s. A septic tank, however, did not become more commonly used until the 1960s. Before that time, a cesspool or cesspit was the most common type of waste removal.

Why Having a Septic Inspection is Important So, what is a septic system inspection? A septic tank inspection is vital to buying a home with this type of wastewater treatment system. Septic inspections ensure the system operates as it should so that you and your family don’t get sick, thanks to a leak or other problems.
Since these types of water treatment systems are located underground, a septic inspection is something that homeowners easily overlook. However, if something goes wrong, you will regret not having septic inspectors check your system regularly.
It isn’t only when you are looking to buy a home that septic inspections are needed. A septic tank inspection should be done when you own the home. Otherwise, you could find an expensive repair bill for this vital system in your home.

Who Has Septic Systems? Around a fifth of homes have septic systems installed to deal with their wastewater, but despite this, many home buyers won’t have encountered them before. Most homeowners have lived with public sewers, so having a septic system can be somewhat of an anomaly.
Septic tanks are used to deal with all the wastewater from the home. This includes water from sinks, bathtubs, showers, toilets, and appliances. As mentioned previously, this water is filtered through what’s known as a leach field or sand filter and returned to the ground.
Septic systems minimize the chances of water and soil pollution when working correctly.

How Septic Tank Systems Work The wastewater from the bathrooms and the kitchen leaves the home going to the septic tank. The waste and water separate in the tank, with the solids sinking to the bottom. This will then be broken down by bacteria gradually.
The water at the top of the tank will go through pipes to the drain field or sand filter. This contains gravel that filters the water before it enters the soil. The soil helps filter the water further, ensuring it isn’t contaminated when it reaches the groundwater level.
Many septic systems also use what is referred to as a distribution box.
The distribution box helps the water flow out to the leach bed in the yard.

Three Main Components of a Septic System The three main components of a working septic system are as follows:

• Septic tank/ Dose Tank
• Distribution box
• Leach field/ Sand filter

You could have issues without any of these septic system components functioning correctly. Some can be pretty minor to correct, such as a cracked cover on a septic tank.
Big money comes in when you have to replace a leach field. When a leach field fails, you’ll be looking at big bucks to fix it.
After seeing how costly replacing a septic system or tank is, you will realize how crucial proper maintenance can be.

How Often is a Septic Tank Inspection Required?To ensure your septic system is functioning perfectly, inspect it every 3 to 5 years. This is about the same schedule you will need to keep when having the tank pumped. Septic tank pumping is a vital part of maintenance. Fortunately, the cost of septic tank pumping is minimal, given the expense you will face with a failed system.
If you stick to a schedule like this, your septic tank should continue to work well for the system’s life. If you have a large family, you may want to consider it slightly more often.
Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t stick to a schedule like this—missing septic inspections and not having the tank pumped as frequently as possible. The result tends to be that something goes wrong with the system, and only then the homeowner calls the septic pumper.
However, at that stage, the pumper will likely recommend repair work or replacement of system parts. When this happens, the costs will be much more than the expense of maintaining the system correctly.
A complete septic system replacement can run from around $10,000 to $30,000 on average. These costs can increase based on terrain, existing soils, groundwater, and installation difficulty. Septic systems are much less expensive when the groundwater is not high, and the ground is loam and not clay/ rock.
These costs can often be avoided with pumping and septic inspections being carried out regularly. Correct maintenance will also prevent any nasty faults from developing and should make your home easier to sell when the time comes.
Septic Inspection Near Me
You may be wondering how to find a septic system inspector nearby. If you are working with a real estate agent, you should be able to get a recommendation from a qualified septic inspector. If you sell for sale by owner, you can contact Google for septic inspectors nearby.
I would recommend septic inspection near me, septic tank inspection near me, or septic inspectors near me. There should be multiple results of who can do a septic tank inspection.
The Two Types of Septic Inspections
Visual Inspection ( Illinois )
A county inspector will generally complete a visual inspection of the system. This will include checking the age of the system and maintenance history.
The inspector will also test the system by flushing toilets and turning on faucets to ensure the pressure is good enough. This will also show that the septic system can handle the water correctly.
Visual checks will also be made on the drain field. They are looking for standing water, which means the drain field could need replacement.
While all this indicates the system’s health, it isn’t going to give a full indication of its reliability. To find that out, a full inspection is needed.

Full Inspection  ( Iowa )
A full septic tank inspection will do all the above and go further. This type of inspection will involve opening up the cover on the tank to check the level, and that water is flowing from the house as it should. Sometimes, a dye will show how much enters the tank. The Dose tank will be dug up if you have one and also cleaned. The Distribution box will be located and dug up.
If any water flows back into the tank from the drain field, this will be discovered after the tank has been drained. All of these tests will ensure that there aren’t any blockages in the system and that each stage of the process is working as it should.
If water above the pipe leaves the distribution box, it is a sign that the leach field is no longer functioning as it should. You could be looking at a septic system replacement. If you have a sand filter the vents and discharge line will be found.
How a Septic Inspector Will Locate Your Septic Tank There are a few ways to help determine the location of your septic tank and the rest of your septic system components. You can locate your system as follows:

• Get the septic system “as-built” from the local board of health. The as-built plan shows the exact location of the design on your lot.
• An inspector will use a metal rod to probe the yard for the potential location of the septic tank.
• Inspectors use a RF locator if they have problems finding the tank or pipes- using sewer cameras.
• Locate an area in the lawn where the grass is much greener than everywhere else.

What Does a Septic Inspection Cost?The cost of a septic inspection will vary depending on a few factors. The tank size affects the price, as does the qualifications and licensing required by the inspector.
In some states, like Missouri , licenses aren’t needed, so your costs should be lower. However, it can mean that the inspector doesn’t have the qualifications to spot a problem with your system. However you hire, be sure to check references and reviews of them. There is nothing worse then hiring someone that cost less to come out only to find out they do not do a complete job. Or end up in court with a litigation fees years later when problem are not found, but the new owner floods there basement!
You can expect average septic inspection prices to range from around $400 to over $1100.  If you wait until last minute, costs will always be higher for rush fees or extra service calls. Often times the septic tank pumping is separate from the inspection fees.
Symptoms of Problems With Your Septic System A few things indicate your system needs some money spent on it to keep it working.
Puddles If you find that puddles develop above your septic system or drain field, this can be an indication of a blockage or worse. This puddle could be wastewater, so make sure your family stays away from it. An inspector can tell you if there is a problem with the system and what will need to be repaired.
Green Grass If the grass is greener over the septic system than elsewhere in your yard, it could be a sign of problems. If the drain field or the tank isn’t working as intended, it could result in more water entering the ground. Sometimes during dry spells this is also normal, every home site is different.
While this might benefit your plants and grass, it isn’t suitable for people and indicates repairs are needed.
Plumbing Backups If the water doesn’t drain away as it should, it could be caused by a blockage, which might be a simple fix or worse. It could indicate that the tank needs replacement, and your septic inspectors will find the answer.
Strong Septic Tank Odors If your yard has an awful odor, the cause could be related to your septic system. A septic inspection will assess whether the strong scents you smell are coming from the system.
Making Your Septic Tank Last Longer If you avoid flushing things that won’t break down in the tank, this will help it last. Paper towels, baby wipes, and tampons should be disposed of another way.
Medications, chemicals, and anti-freeze don’t help your tank’s functioning. Avoid putting these down your drain, as they can destroy the bacteria in your tank. Bleach can be put into a tank, but only in small amounts. It would help if you tried buying laundry detergent designed to be used with septic systems.
Building a Home Where Septic System Installation is Required If you buy a piece of land without public sewer, you must have a septic system installed. If you are getting a construction loan, the lender will require seeing a certificate of compliance from the local board of health stating that the system passes the required standards.
When buying land where a septic system is needed, it will be crucial to have a property survey for proper placement. Some cities and towns will have minimum distance requirements on where a septic system can be placed to the house and other structures such as pools.
 Purchasing a piece of land serviced by a septic system can be more challenging because you need to verify that a system can be installed on the property.
Ensuring you are not overpaying for the land will also be essential. If the septic system installation is an extraordinary expense, this should impact what you will pay for the land. It will be crucial to run comps to determine what other properties are selling for.
Buying a Home With a Septic System If you purchase a property with a septic system, you should learn a few things about it and its maintenance. Knowing how old the home is and when the system was last inspected or pumped will help you see if there are more likely problems.
Other questions should include if there has been any standing water near or above the tank and problems with backups. Also, find out about any repairs made to the tank and when.
You will want to hire a septic inspector to ensure the system functions correctly. Spending the money on this type of inspection should ensure you don’t get surprised by a large bill soon after you’ve moved in.
In states where septic inspections are required, there will often be a contingency in the real estate contract between the buyer and seller. If the septic system inspection does not pass, the buyer can get their earnest money back.
When buying a home with a septic system, it is vital to have a licensed septic inspector look over the system! When selling, you might need a septic inspection before the sale. Some states need sellers to have reviews before a deal, and others don’t. Check with your state’s health department or local real estate agent if you are unsure of the requirements.
If you know of a problem with your system and don’t disclose it to the buyer, you could be in for legal trouble. In many states, real estate disclosure laws require informing the buyer of problems you know about. Failure to do so could lead to a lawsuit.
If problems are discovered with the septic system in selling your home, the costs will likely be your responsibility. However, this can be negotiated with the buyer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Septic Inspections1. What is done during a septic inspection? There are three things a septic system inspector will check during an inspection, including the integrity of the septic tank, the proper function of the distribution box, and a secondary system that is working as intended.
If all three components work correctly, you will have passed the septic inspection. You DO NOT NEED TO MEET CURRENT STANDARDS AND CODES FOR A SEPTIC INSPECTION!  You only need to meet those standards for replacement.
A septic inspector will open the septic tank and look around visually. Most of the time, they will pump the tank unless it has been done recently. The inspector will also open up the distribution box and check to see that it’s functioning as intended.
2. How much does it cost to inspect a septic system?The cost of inspecting a septic system will vary depending on a few factors, including your location. Pricing will vary from state to state, and inspectors.
The tank size, generally 1000-2000 gallons, will also bear the cost, as septic inspectors will typically pump the tank as part of the inspection.
You can expect to pay anywhere from $400- $1100. When a septic inspector has to bring in equipment to get to a septic tank, the price will increase.
3. Who pays for septic system repairs, the buyer or the seller?In most states, the seller will be responsible for repairing any issues found during a septic inspection. In Iowa, you cannot sell a home without a passing review unless you meet a exemption requirement.
4. How long do septic systems last?On average, a septic system will last from thirty to fifty years. If you take care of your system, it will last longer.
It is recommended not to have a garbage disposal with a septic system, as it can cut years of life off the system. Solids in the tank can end up in the leach field, eventually causing it to fail. We use effluent filters to help keep this from happening on new systems.
5. Are septic inspections required for FHA and VA loans?With a VA loan, no specific septic system inspection requirements exist. However, the  State of Iowa requires an inspector to verify the system is functioning correctly at the time of sale.
The FHA requires the septic system to function correctly under local ordinances. And the  State of Iowa requires an inspector to verify the system is functioning correctly at the time of sale.
6. What happens if a septic system fails during a home sale?In most states, one of two things needs to happen. Either the seller will need to replace the system, or the buyer’s lender will need to allow an escrow holdback for replacement. When you do an escrow holdback and close as planned, the lender will require a holdback of 1.5 times the replacement cost.
So, if the septic system costs $20,000 to replace, the lender will require a seller to have $30,000 of their proceeds held in escrow. The seller will get these funds back when the septic system has been installed and the local board of health signs off on approval.
Conclusions on Septic Inspections
Usually, septic systems are efficient when adequately maintained. They can last 30 years or longer without replacement if inspected and pumped regularly. You can prolong the life of your system by avoiding putting hazardous chemicals or non-biodegradable items down your drains.

What does the law require?
The new law requires that every home/building served by a septic system have that septic system inspected prior to the sale or deed transfer of the home/building. Those systems that are inadequate must upgrade at time of sale or transfer. What is the purpose of the law? Iowa has an estimated 100,000 buildings with septic systems that do not function adequately. The primary purpose of the program is to eliminate systems with no secondary treatment. These are the septic systems that have a septic tank, but do not have a leach field, sand filter or other secondary treatment device. Generally, these are the systems that pipe raw sewage directly into a road ditch or tile drain that flows to a ditch or stream. These systems are illegal and have been for many years.

Why are properly functioning septic systems important?
A single septic system can deliver between one million and 100 million colony-forming units of bacteria per 100 milliliters of effluent. Put another way, extremely high levels of bacteria come from inadequately performing septic tanks. If discharged directly into a stream or road ditch, these high levels have the potential to expose people, primarily children, and pets to possible pathogens carried in the fecal material. The material coming from poorly functioning septic systems are also high in organic matter. As this material enters a stream it pulls oxygen out of the water as it decomposes, posing a hazard to fish and other aquatic life. As the material is diluted and carried downstream, it is also a potential pollutant for drinking water supplies that draw water from that stream.

What if my system is working, but it is old and not up to code?
If your septic system is working properly when inspected, it will not have to be upgraded to meet today’s code. Older systems may not have adequate capacity to meet current code, but still have a leach field or other secondary treatment that is working. These systems are less hazardous than those that have no secondary treatment and carry raw sewage to a ditch or stream.

Are there any exceptions to the requirement?
There are some exemptions in the law for foreclosure, father to son family transfers, divorce settlements and administration of an estate. For specifics, contact your attorney.

Who can do inspections?
To ensure uniformity of inspections, inspectors must be certified through the DNR.    (Iowatot.com is certified! #8810)

How do I know that inspections will be uniform from county to county?
As part of the certification training, inspectors are taught to use a uniform inspection procedure. They must also use a standard inspection worksheet throughout the state. The inspection law requires that all inspection are conducted according to Department procedures.

Can I check an inspection report for a property that I am interested in buying?
Inspection reports must be provided to the County Environmental Health staff (sanitarian) and the DNR. A copy of the inspection report must be attached to the Groundwater Hazard Statement before the deed can be transferred. Contact your county environmental health office or us for a copy from the database.

What if I am buying a home that has an inadequate septic system? Will that hold up the sale?
There are basically two options if a property you are buying has a septic system that is not adequate.
Option 1 is for the seller to fix the problem by upgrading the system prior to the sale.

Option 2 is for buyer and seller to negotiate on price and who will fix the system. The sale can still go forward if there is a binding acknowledgment between the buyer and the County Board of Health that the system will be inspected and updated if necessary. However, most banks will no longer offer financing with this option. Every home sale can be unique, its best to consult your knowledgeable Realtor/ lender/ inspector as a team for each situation as they have experience with this.

What if weather has caused a delay in the inspection?
​ The Groundwater Hazard Statement has been modified to include a disclosure of septic systems on the property and whether an inspection has been completed. Provisions have been included for weather-delayed inspections. A binding acknowledgement between the buyer and the County Board of Health to conduct the inspection at the first possible opportunity must be attached to the Groundwater Hazard Statement.
THIS IS NOT FOR  GETTING THE INSPECTION DONE LATER IF YOU FORGET IN TIME FOR CLOSING.
THIS IS MOST COMMONLY USED DURING THE MONTHS OF JAN/FEB IN THIS AREA WHEN FROST IS TO THICK TO DIG BY MACHINE.

Contact Us: iowatot@gmail.com