Highlights of MO Department of Health Rules Changes for Onsite Residential Sewer Inspections Effective January 01, 2009

1.  If a residence has a private well and an onsite sewer inspection is performed, then a well inspection is required and vice versa. 

2.   The language referring to septic drain fields,   “Do not perform hydraulic load test on homes vacant more than 60 days” is reiterated and better defined.  There is an expectation to the rule that states an alternate dye test may be performed on homes vacant for more than 60 days only when … “the house is situated on a lot with limited setback distances and is adjacent to a lake or stream”.

3.   All sewer systems will be inspected to current standards.  This means no more grandfathering of old systems and/or systems on at least three acres.  Since the onsite inspector is not a regulator, he/she will not require repairs, but will notify the parties in a real estate transaction as well as the state/ local regulatory authorities of any defects.  However, the state and/or local authority can take action if the sewer system is found in violation of a State code due to a defect if a complaint is received by an “aggrieved party or adjacent homeowner” that the system presents a nuisance and/or endangers health.

Newly added State defined deficiencies:

·    The septic tank and/or all of its components are not visible.  In this case, the inspector should recommend the pumping of the tank for complete observation.  (A second trip by the inspector to the property may be necessary.)

·    There are no inspection ports above inlet and outlet of septic tank.

·    Manhole access on a septic tank is more than 18 inches below ground level.

·    Open discharge of sewage (even if the sewer system was grandfathered-in before because of age or because the system is on at least three acres).

·    If a waste line including gray water is not piped to the septic tank.  An expectation would be a water softener.

Please feel free to contact James at Braun Inspection Consultants at (573)761-3581 or jbraun@mo.nachi.org  with questions regarding these changes.