How often should OSSF systems typically be inspected?

The best practice for inspecting On-Site Sewage Facilities (OSSF) is to conduct inspections annually or as recommended based on the specific system and its usage. Regular annual inspections are essential to ensure the system is functioning properly, to identify any potential issues early, and to ensure compliance with local health and safety regulations. This proactive approach helps maintain system efficacy, protects public health, and can prevent costly repairs due to neglected maintenance.

Certain factors, such as the type of OSSF system, the volume of wastewater generated, and environmental conditions, may influence the frequency of inspections. In some cases, systems that serve larger households or experience higher loads may require more frequent assessments. Thus, annual inspections align with best management practices in the industry.

While inspections every few years or only during installation may appear to be cost-saving, they can lead to undetected problems that could escalate into more significant issues if not caught in time.