Why is it important to review system records during an inspection?

• A. To determine owner's credit score.
• B. To check city property values.
• C. To confirm system location, type, maintenance history, and modification records.
• D. To assess interior design choices.

Answer: (C)

Reviewing system records is essential because they provide the factual basis for understanding what is installed and how it has been cared for. By confirming the system’s location, you know exactly where to look for tanks, lids, pumps, and the drainfield, which prevents guesswork during the inspection. Identifying the type of system tells you which components and failure modes to assess and what performance expectations to set.

Maintenance history reveals when the system was pumped, inspected, or repaired, and whether maintenance has been timely and appropriate. This helps you gauge current condition and anticipate potential issues or imminent failures. Modification records show any changes to the original design—such as expansions, replacements, or added components—that can alter capacity, hydraulics, or permit and setback requirements. Ignoring these details can hide risks or code violations. When records align with what you observe, you can evaluate the system more accurately; when records are missing or inconsistent, you note that gap and explain how it impacts the assessment.