Jeff Remas

This is what some of our clients have to say

"What impressed me about Jeff was how he actually enjoyed having us, his clients, there on sight with him. He carefully and patiently taught us the basics of what we needed to know about simple things, such as using a well, and septic system, etc. Every little thing was important to him, during his inspection, and he constantly reassured us that if we ever had any questions or concerns we could contact him (even after the whole purchase was over...). His report was thorough and well-detailed without being unmanageable. During the closing process, as I emailed him about some outstanding questions or issues, he readily responded and offered intelligent advice. It was reassuring and a pleasure having Jeff on our side!" - Richard, Brodheadsville

"Jeff was awesome. Funny, thorough and discrete with any issues. He was also educational, I recommend the "Septic 101" class. Jeff spent over twice the time on site than the Inspector my real estate agent recommended." - Kevin, Monroe County

"What can I say about Jeff that hasn't been said already. If I had to do it all over again. He would be the man to call. I have two co-workers currently building up in PA and I have already given them his contact information. Keep up the good honest work..." - Felix, Henryville

"Jeff is top notch!!! I've been involved in several transactions with him, and he's always responsive, thorough and professional." - Karen, Attorney, East Stroudsburg

"Jeff was both knowledgable and helpful. I was glad that I hired him, and if I am purchasing again, I will hire him again." - Neil, Pike County

"I just wanted to let you know and others that I appreciate the home and septic inspection on our property which we close in the next couple days. I appreciate Jeff's honesty and that he is representing the buyer, and not my real estate agent. Jeff did 2 home inspections for me... but the first property didn't go thru since the sellers didn't want to fix anything. Jeff is a professional who I will be recommending to many friends." - Steve, Pocono Lake

"Just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for all the advice you've given me on my situation. The builder has promised to fix all the problems noted on your report ... including the disasterous deck that everyone can see is completely unsafe. I'm so frustrated with XXX Builders that I'm not even exited about moving into my new home. Thanks to XXX Builders I've paid two additional months in construction loan payments and the bank has informed me that my rate which was fixed for one year will go up. This is because the builders made so many mistakes during the construction process and they've had to undue work that they finished." - Dorothy, Bushkill

"Bottom line is that Jeff has been everything he has claimed here and MORE, and is not just ONE of the best I have ever encountered, Jeff is actually THE best." Joe, Wyoming Valley

"Thanks for such a good job on the inspection , You saved me $5,000 easy in repairs. If you ever need a recommendation feel free to use me." - Ann Marie, Arrowhead Lake

"Jeff was very good. He pointed out several issues with the home that were negotiated and fixed by the seller prior to closing. (Leaky tub into drywall below, septic needing pumping, and carpenter ants.) I would recommend Jeff Remas to anyone. I wish I would have paid him to come back for the final pre-closing walkthrough. We missed a few tricks the sellers pulled, his eyes would probably saved us more $$. Closing day is so overwhelming, easy to get in a fog and miss stuff. " - Joe, Bushkill

"Jeff Remas did a great pre drywall inspection for us. He is thorough, detail oriented, and very knowledgeable. He identified several issues which we were able to take care of prior to going to contract on a newly constructed home. He even researched a code issue that came up during the inspection, and filled us in after the inspection was over. A great service that paid off right away in our case. We look forward to bringing him back again for the final inspection." Ted, New Jersey

"Jeff goes a step farther than he has to, but that's what puts him miles ahead of the competitors. He is really an advocate for the homebuyer and obviously takes pride in his work and reputation, as he should!" - Kim, Texas (now Blakeslee)

"Jeff was very thorough, and at every step of the process, we were very confident that our interests were being protected." - Steve, Attorney, Philadelphia

"Jeff you were very detailed, thorough & informative. Great personality. Thanks for the thorough job!! Great work." - Suzanne, Bushkill

"Everything was explained in great detail" - Michelle, Pittston

"I will be closing on the home in Feb and just wanted to say thanks for the thorough home inspection. The items that were fixed in advance by the seller probably would not have been done if I decided to go it alone without the inspection. My father has had home inspections done in the past with an A+ rating going to you and your professional demeanor throughout the process. Once again - thanks!" - Dave, New Jersey

"The inspection was more thorough than anything we expected" Kim, Plains Township

"Jeff Remas is an excellent, thorough inspector. I have used him for quite a few of my deals and he has been timely and highly knowledgeable" -Alicia, Real Estate Professional, Wilkes-Barre, PA

"Took your time to do a complete and thorough inspection, price was good" - Dave, Ashley

"Very thorough, very helpful at explaining & showing things" - Janae, Lake Ariel

"Jeff Remas' services have also been very much appreciated. He is one of the most thorough and honest inspectors I have ever done business with" -Ruth, Tunkhannock, PA

"Everything was great, I feel you went above and beyond" Rebecca, Dunmore

"Jeff did a great job and I will call for future properties" William, Berwick

Onlot System Operation and Maintenance
(Homeowner's Guide)

The best designed and properly installed onlot sewage disposal system will still malfunction if the homeowner does not properly operate and maintain the sytem. In addition to requiring costly repairs, malfunctioning systems can contaminate surface and groundwaters, cause various health problems, and spread disease as well as create unsightly messes and foul odors when raw sewage surfaces or backs up into the home.

How an Onlot (aka "Septic") System Functions

There are two basic types of anaerobic (without Oxygen) onlot systems; those with gravity distribution systems and those with pressure distribution systems. In both types, there are three major components:

1. the septic tank.

2. the distribution box (gravity system) or dosing tank (pressure system).

3. the absorption area.

Sewage flows to the septic tank, where the primary treatment process takes place. In the tank, the heaviest matter settles to the bottom (forming sludge) and the lighter matter (scum) floats on top of a somewhat clear liquid called effluent. While the sludge and scum must be pumped out regularly, the clear liquid flows out of the tank to a distribution box or dosing tank, and is then directed to the absorption area by gravity flow or through pressurized pipes. Within the absorption area, this effluent exits through pipes into a layer of gravel and then percolates through the soil for additional treatment. The bacteria in the soil neutralizes many of the contaminants in the wastewater.

Signs of an onlot system in trouble include:

• Toilet runs sluggish.

• Sewer odors in the house and/or drinking water.

• Illness, often to household visitors.

• Sponginess around septic tank, distribution box or dosing tank and absorption area.

• Surfacing raw sewage.

• Dosing pump runs constantly or not at all.

• Dosing tank alarm light is on.

• Backup of sewage into laundry tubs or other fixtures.

Many of these signs indicate an onlot system malfunction.

Preventing Malfunctions

Homeowners can help prevent malfunctions and ensure the long-term use of their onlot system by doing the following:

• Conserving water and reducing wasteflow into the septic tank.

• Having the septic tank pumped at least every 3-5 years, depending upon tank size and household size.

• Avoiding putting chemicals in the septic system.

• Not using the toilet to dispose of bulky, slowly decomposing wastes.

• Inspecting the septic tank, pipes and drainage field annually.

• Maintaining accurate records of the septic system (design, installation, location, inspections, pumpings, malfunctions, repairs.)

• Preventing run-off from downspouts, sump pumps, and paved surfaces from getting into the septic system.

• Keeping heavy vehicles, equipment and livestock away form the septic system.

• Not planting trees and shrubs over or close to the septic system.

Conserving Water and Reducing Wasteflow

Onlot systems not only treat and dispose of domestic sewage from toilets, they also receive wastewater from various other household fixtures, including baths, showers, kitchen sinks, garbage disposals, automatic dishwaters and laundries.

Conserving water and reducing the amount of wasteflow from household activities is an important step to ensuring long-term use. The more water-using devices in a household, the greater the burden is on the onlot system.

Following are some helpful water conservation tips and a comparison of water usage between conventional fixtures versus water-saving fixtures.

1. Use the dishwasher and laundry washer only when the are loaded to capacity.

   • Top Loading Laundry Washer 35-50 gal./load

   • Front Loading Laundry Washer 22-25 gal./load

2. Fix leaky faucets and plumbing fixtures quickly. Install flow control (regulator) devices on faucets.

   • Regular Faucet Aerator 2.5-6 gal./min.

   • Flow regulating Aerator .5-2.5 gal./min.

3. Take short showers instead of baths. Install flow control or water saving devices on showerheads and other plumbing fixtures.

   • Conventional Showerhead 3-15 gal./min.

   • Water Saving Showerhead 2-3 gal./min.

4. Reduce water use each time you flush the toilet. Put a heavy device such as a brick in a plastic bag or a water-filled plastic bottle in the reservoir or install a low flow toilet.

   • Conventional Toilet 4-6 gal./flush

   • Water Saving Toilet 3-1.6 gal./flush

5. Use the garbage disposal sparingly. These wastes place a greater burden on the septic system. If you have garden space, compost the material instead.

Pumping Your Septic Tank

A septic tank accumulates solids (sludge) and scum which should be pumped out at least every three to five years. The frequency of pumping depends upon tank size and household size. Larger households generally require more frequent pumpings (every one or two years).

In Pennsylvania, specific tank sizes are generally based on the number of bedrooms in the home because the number of bedrooms is an indicator of household size. For example, a home with three bedrooms must have a 900 gallon or larger septic tank. The more bedrooms, the larger the septic tank.

For more information on the recommended frequency of pumpings, contact your local agency (normally your local township) Sewage Enforcement Officer or the Department of Environmental Protection.

Your Toilet Is Not A Trash Can

Trillions of living, beneficial bacteria constantly treat and decompose raw sewage in a septic system. The effectiveness of these bacteria can be impaired if harmful substances and chemicals are put into the septic system. Harmful substances/chemicals include:

• oils and grease

• gasoline

• antifreeze

• varnishes and paints and solvents

• harsh drain and toilet bowl cleaners

• laundry detergents with high sudsing elements

• bleach

• pesticides

Remember, what goes into your toilet and drains many eventually end up back in your drinking water. So instead of using caustic toilet bowl cleaners or bleach, try mild detergent or baking soda or one half cup of borax per gallon of water.

Also NEVER flush bulky, hard to decompose items such a sanitary napkins, diapers, paper towels, cigarette filters, plastics, eggshells, bones or coffee grounds down the toilet because they can clog the system

Septic System Inspection

A load and dye test is the most common test requested, however, it is a limited and unreliable method of testing the septic system. We do a more thorough and comprehensive inspection of the septic system. Beware of inspectors who offer to flush dye down the toilet. The septic tank must be accessible for the evaluation for a thorough inspection. The seller is responsible for locating and uncovering the septic tank according to the standard real estate contract in PA unless it is altered or amended.. We offer a more comprehensive inspection which is performed to PSMA (Pennsylvania Septage Management Association) / NOF (National Onsite Foundation) standards. Remas Inspections, Inc. is one of the few certified advanced septic inspection companies in the area

Home Inspection

A home inspection includes the non-invasive inspection of the exterior of the home, grounds, roof, foundation, basement, crawlspace, heating & cooling systems, electrical system, plumbing, attic, doors, windows, interior, insulation and more. Our inspections will take from 3-5 hours or longer because we take our time to be THOROUGH for you the client. The report is usually 20-30 pages long and will be emailed to you by the next morning. Our report is in a PDF file format with color photographs.

"Jeff was very good. He pointed out several issues with the home that were negotiated and fixed by the seller prior to closing.(Leaky tub into drywall below, septic needing pumping, and carpenter ants.) I would recommend Jeff Remas to anyone. I wish I would have paid him to come back for the final pre-closing walkthrough. We missed a few tricks the sellers pulled, his eyes would probably saved us more $$. Closing day is so overwhelming, easy to get in a fog and miss stuff." - Joe, Bushkill

Over the past few months, owners of newer homes nationwide have been complaining of drywall that smells like rotten eggs. In several cases, they have had to leave their home because the smell was so bad. In addition to the putrid smell, many homeowners have reported problems with air conditioning and other systems that are likely related to the defective Chinese drywall. This is being called the next EIFS like disaster in the real estate market!

Many have spent hundreds and even thousands of dollars - to have air conditioning, pipes and wiring repaired. Usually, drywall is manufactured in the United States, but a shortage between 2004 and 2006 prompted many builders to buy drywall from China.

Most of the reported problems stem from drywall imported from China during the construction boom years of 2004-2005. Florida and the Gulf Coast states have been the first to report and have issue with this drywall showing up but it also showing up in non-coastal areas.

Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. Ltd. of China, a subsidiary of German-based manufacturer Knauf, is the company at the focus of these drywall problems. If your newer home smells like sulfur or rotten eggs, you may have defective Chinese drywall. The problem is coming from coal ash that was mixed into the gypsum drywall compound. It appears that China was attempting to get rid of their coal ash problems by mixing it with the drywall compound. When the drywall is exposed to moisture, such as high humidity a chemical reaction starts. The result of this reaction is the production of Hydrogen Sulfide and Sulfuric acid gas. This is the rotten egg smell that is present with the drywall.

This drywall is responsible for the destruction of the copper coils in HVAC units in the homes that it has been installed in. The corrosive off gassing is also responsible for damaging many other components in the homes from the copper electrical to the nails and screws that are holding everything together in the home.

If you think that you might have Chinese Drywall, you should contact a reputable home inspector who is familiar with this problem. As this problem is just starting to rear its ugly head, many are not aware of this problem. If you want to learn more, just do a Google search on Chinese Drywall and you will find pages of information on it.