1. Well Yield Test
a. Occasionally, without any fault of HLE, the well pump may fail during the testing process. Mechanical failure of
the well pump may lead to water being temporarily unavailable in the home.
b. Corrosion may cause a hose bib or water valve to be broken during inspection.
c. Leaks in water lines may be uncovered (for example in a vacant property where water has been shut off).
d. These mechanical failures occur most often due to the well pump, hose bibs, or water lines reaching the end of their respective expected life. HLE shall not be liable to Customer or the property owner for any such failure.
e. Mechanical failures are not warrantied and can occur at any time. HLE does look to notice any obvious defects in the mechanics but this is not a mechanical inspection; more so a stress test as we test the well’s yield and/or well capacity.
f. Sediment may be visible during a well yield and could potentially clog aerators afterwards. It is recommendedthat all fixtures and sediment filters be checked and cleaned, if necessary, by Customer upon completion of a well yield toensure maximum possible water pressure. HLE is not responsible for sediment that may be trapped in filters or fixtures orthe residual occurrence of sediment after a well yield is completed.
g. A yield is not a warranty or guaranty for future well yield and pumping system performance.
2. Water Testing
a. Payment or any portion thereof will not be refunded once a water sample is taken. Results are returned to theCustomer when at the reasonable discretion of the lab and turnaround time is not guaranteed.
b. If the lead instructions are not followed, an $125 fee will be assessed if a return trip is needed to accurately collect the lead sample.
c. Functionality of onsite water conditioning systems will not be inspected during a well yield or water quality test.A visual inspection will be performed of the well casing if when possible. Voids or damage to the casing may be hidden due to grass or other items blocking the view of the inspector.
3. Septic Testing
a. A $100 fee will be assessed per foot for any additional digging over the included amount .
b. Improperly placed or unmarked utility or irrigation lines may be damaged. We ask that the current homeowner
disclose non-permitted or private utility underground lines or wires.
c. Gardens, and tree roots may be disturbed if they are located in close proximity to either the tank or the absorptionsystem
d. Components of the tank such as the lid or baffle may be broken during the inspection.
e. The hydraulic load test could cause a backup in the system if it has been poorly maintained.
f. If a regular septic evaluation is ordered, HLE will not be responsible for omissions due to not ordering a more thorough camera septic inspection.
g. At the time a camera septic inspection is ordered, Miss Utility will be contacted to mark the grounds at the property. HLE will dig by hand to observe the back end of the septic tank and if possible, the distribution box of the system. If the system does not have access at grade for these components, HLE will provide our best efforts to diminish any disturbances to the areas above these locations.
h. If the camera cannot gain access to either the septic tank nor distribution box, the inspection will be completed to the best of our ability. Depth of tank components, structures on the property, driveways, landscaping features, roots, and soil variations could all obstruct access.. Please note that pricing differs by county. If the septic tank cannot be accessed, and there is no reasonable, deeper than 3 feet, access to the tank, the tank will be labeled unacceptable, and a manhole riser will be required before the system can go through a follow-up inspection and be labeled as “Acceptable”. In this instance, if the camera is used to locate the septic tank the full price will be collected, an ‘Unacceptable’ mark will be given on our report and HLE can provide a re-evaluation once a manhole riser is installed to grade. There will be an $125 trip fee assessed for any return trip to the property. The fee will increase if the camera is utilized at the re-inspection. Depending on the access installed, HLE may still not be able to utilize the camera at the re-inspection.
i. If a camera inspection is ordered the camera will be used in one direction only. Lines will not be viewed in both directions during an inspection.
j. If there is no access and a request is made to remove a toilet a $125 charge will be added to the inspection fee.Every effort will be made to replace the toilet to its original condition. Complications such as a broken flange are not the responsibility of HLE as they may occur from the normal removal and reinstallation of the toilet.
k. If a scale drawing is provided it does not reference property lines. HLE inspectors are not surveyors and therefore all measurements are relative to structures on the property and septic components.
l. Cracks may occur to either the tank or distribution box lid at the time of inspection.
m. A homeowner interview is sent to the client and/or buyer’s agent at the time the inspection is ordered. It is theclient and/or buyer’s agent’s responsibility to forward to the seller and/or listing agent for completion and return. All ordered inspections will continue regardless of whether or not the homeowner interview is returned.
4. Holding Tank System
a. Please be advised that high water table conditions cannot be predicted nor tested and may cause a holding tank to leak during the wet season. HLE’s holding tank inspection is not a guarantee that the system will be water tight with rising water tables. Water tightness will be evaluated, but high-water tables during the wet season may in rare cases expose a holding tank system to ground water infiltration. The result is the owner must pay for the groundwater that enters the holding tank system to be pumped out and properly disposed which can be extremely costly.
b. HLE’s inspection is a visual inspection only and not a leak test of the system.
c. Homeowner disclosures should be relied on as well as contacting the system installer for any warranties or maintenance records for the system.
d. If all parties involved were not previously aware that a holding tank system is installed on this property, we suggest you check the property listing and confirm the holding tanks were properly disclosed. This will affect the appraised value of the property, as holding tanks required a higher level of maintenance; but at the same time reduce the risk of future failures. The contract of sale for this property should not include an OSDS Inspection addendum, holding tanks typically are an alternative for a septic system. In all cases, please confirm with the current property owner that the prospective buyer clearly understands if there is a second wastewater system on the property.
5. Sewer Scope
a. Inspection is limited to what is visible by the camera.
b. toilet to its original condition. Complications such as a broken flange are not the responsibility of HLE as they may occur from the normal removal and reinstallation of the toilet. If there is no access cap, $125 will be added to remove a toilet for access. Every effort will be made to replace the
c. No discount will be given if toilet removal is refused.
d. HLE will not be responsible for any cracks or repairs needed to the sewer stack or lines as a result of the inspection
6. Radon
a. A non-interference agreement is requested but not required. Non-compliance of the terms of that agreement may compromise test results. Seasonal changes and weather conditions may have an effect on test results.
b. HLE cannot guarantee the necessary conditions were maintained during the test period. There can be uncertainty with any radon measurement due to statistical variations and other factors such as changes in the weather and operation of the dwelling.
c. While HLE makes every effort to maintain the highest possible quality control, and include checks and verification steps in our procedures, HLE makes NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, for the consequences of erroneous test results.
d. It is recommended that multiple tests be conducted when the lowest level of the structure is greater than 2,000square feet or the building is on multiple foundations. HLE will do its best to inform the client when these conditions exist, however, it is the responsibility of the prospective buyer to order additional radon tests if necessary.
7. Mold Sampling/Inspections
a. Accurate air sample counts are dependent upon proper field sampling and reporting. Air volume, time of sample, location, etc. are information obtained by the field sample. Failure to properly document the field data will lead to inaccurate counts. High levels of particulate matter may also interfere with counts by obstructing the view of some spores. Air samples are only representative of a certain area during a certain period of time. Additional spores may be present but were not engulfed by the air sampler. Outdoor spores may vary seasonally.
b. Accurate identification of spores on surface samples are dependent upon proper sampling and reporting. Results can vary depending upon the location of the sample, pressure applied during sampling and the type of surface sampled.High levels of debris may obstruct the view of some spores. Spores may be lost when transferring swab samples during sampling and analysis. A chain of custody containing all appropriate information must accompany all samples.
c. No sample will be taken in areas which required the breaking apart or into, dismantling, removal of any object, including but not limited to: moldings, floor coverings, wall coverings, siding, ceilings, insulation, furniture, appliances and/or personal possessions; nor were samples taken which were obstructed or inaccessible for physical access on the date of inspection.
d. Crawl spaces, attics and/or other areas may be deemed inaccessible if the opening to the area is not large enough to provide physical access for the inspector or if a ladder was required for access. Crawl spaces (or portions thereof) may also be deemed inaccessible if there is inadequate clearance from the bottom of the floor.
e. We conduct a non-intrusive inspection. This means we will not damage any property This includes removal of drywall, carpet, etc.
f. HLE will use infrared guns, hydrometers, moisture meters, and other tools in attempt to assess non-visible areas.
g. It is the responsibility of the client to ensure all areas to be inspected are accessible. HLE may not remove storage items, furniture, appliance, etc. in order to access an area.