Septic Load and Dye Testing 

As a Licensed Septic Professional with over 20 years of experience, I can assure you that a "dye test" is a total and complete waste of time, because it doesn't accomplish anything in terms of evaluating the condition of an existing on-site disposal system. To be clear, the only way to accurately determine the condition of a Residential Septic System, is to dig test holes in the Leaching Area or Drainage Area of the yard. Although a "flow test" is an important part of a Septic Inspection, as a general rule, it doesn't require running the water for more than 20 to 30 minutes. Typically, that's about double the amount of time a person spends in the shower, because the average person showers in 15 minutes or less. In any case, if the water from the house is flowing into the Septic Tank normally, and the Water Level in the Septic Tank is normal, then what's really the most important part of an inspection is locating the Leachfield or Drainfield. A Licensed and/or Certified Septic Inspector should be able to identify the type of Leaching Field and it's condition by digging anywhere from 2 to 4 test holes. In other words, if the Septic Inspector doesn't bring a shovel to the party, then he's not doing his job, and no matter how many times the toilet is flushed or how long the faucets run, you can't accurately assess the condition of a Leaching Field without actually seeing it. Not even a Camera or "scope" is a satisfactory substitute for digging holes in the Leaching Field. That being said, I have nothing against using a Camera to inspect the Outlet Pipe and/or Distribution Box, but keep in mind, not every system has D Box. In fact, many modern Leaching Fields have a manifold or use "serial distribution" instead of a Distribution Box. The bottom line is you really need an experienced Septic Professional who knows what to look for, and understands what he's looking at, when he finds it.