What is a N.A.W.T. Certification on a Septic System? 
                                          
For many years, Texas Mortgage Companies have been requiring homeowners with septic systems to have their systems inspected as part of the requirement of loan approval to purchase the property.

Over these years, it has never really been clear as to WHO is qualified to do these inspections and of WHAT, exactly, the inspections are to consist.

By 2001, the National Association of Wastewater Transporters (N.A.W.T.) had developed a training school and a national certification so as to standardize what constitutes such an inspection and to certify qualified persons to carry out such a service.

What the inspection is: It is a statement, from a certified professional, as to the proper FUNCTIONING of the system as it appears on the day of the inspection.

What the inspection isn’t: 
    1. It is not a CODE COMPLIANCE inspection, i.e., it is not a comparison between the system and current septic system regulations.
    2. It is not a GUARANTEE of any type by any person that the system will  function properly at anytime in the future. **************************************************************************************
                                       TEXAS REAL ESATAE COMMISSION 
                                                      March 1, 2004

When a home that is on a septic system is being transferred to a new owner, the lending community requires that the system be inspected. Problems have arisen, however, in these areas:
    1. WHO is qualified/certified to perform such an inspection?
    2. Of WHAT, exactly, is the inspection to consist (tank pumped, drainfield be     excavated, dye tests be used, etc.) and what determines whether the system PASSES or FAILS the inspection?
    3. What FORMAT should the report take?

The septic system industry in Texas, called the Texas On-site wastewater Association (TOWA), has adopted a CERTIFICATION PROGRAM to be applied throughout Texas that deals specifically with this issue. It represents the INDUSTRY STANDARD IN THE AREA OF REAL ESTATE SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTIONS.

Answers to the above questions:
    1. A person certified through TOWA’s Septic Inspection Program is best qualified for this and will work the most towards protecting the liabilities of the realtors and lenders that are involved.
    2. During the inspection, the tank must be pumped to determine whether water is properly flowing from the house to the tank, if the tank is structurally sound and if the drainfield is working properly.
    3. The TOWA approved format is herein used as a standard for the industry.
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These are some of the reasons why your septic system might FAIL a N.A.W.T. Inspection:

·         The tank cannot be located.

·         The tank is not accessible for pumping.

·         The tank’s lid is cracked or damaged such that it is no longer water tight.

·         The tightline from the home is obstructed. (Possibly evidenced when the home plumbing runs slowly or does not flow correctly into the empty tank).

·         There exists sewer drops that are exiting the home but not pouring into the tank. (The only acceptable exception is the washing machine line.) (Possibly evidenced when sewage flows from the house but not into the tank.)

·         The tank is cracked and is not watertight. (Possibly evidenced by a low water level in the tank, roots in the tank and/or black lines on the tank walls.)

·         Electric motors do not come on/cut off properly.

·         Either baffle is missing in the tank.

·         There is ponding over the tank.

·         Odors present over the septic system (indicating sewage exposure to the atmosphere or an incorrectly operating treatment unit.)

·         Failure of the pumper to be on location at time of inspection.

National Association of Wastewater Transporters, a national certification to inspect septic systems for the purpose of loan approval.

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Rick Stautzenberger of A & R Septic Service, located in Pipe Creek, is a Certified Septic Inspector and Pumper, serving the Texas Hill Country, San Antonio and surrounding areas. ***************************************************************************************