If you’re in the market for a new home, you’ll soon find out if the home you’re interested in has a septic system or not. If it has a septic system, don’t be intimidated. In some cities, septic inspection is required before a sale is complete. Make sure that septic system inspection happens, and be sure to read over the results. Here’s what you can expect during a septic inspection and what you can do with that information moving forward.
What is a septic system?
A septic tank system is usually underground in which sewage decomposes before draining into an underground drain field. During a septic system inspection, the professional and licensed inspector will be looking at the septic tank itself, the distribution box, and the drain field.
Perhaps you are new to the idea of septic systems, let’s take a moment to paint a simple picture of what they are and how they work. All drains in your home lead to the septic system. A septic system doesn’t just hold household waste, it treats it with microbes to help process and decompose the contents. Excess treated water is distributed to pipes in a leaching field otherwise known as a drain field. The soil accepts the treated water and discharges to groundwater.
What does a septic system inspection entail?
The septic tank will need to be opened to perform a visual inspection. This may mean a little bit of digging if the access point is underground. Some things that will occur during inspection include taking a look at the tank at its operating level, an inspection of the system’s mechanical and electrical components, pumping and cleaning of the tank, a determination of the size of the tank, and inspection for any structural issues, cracks, or holes. Further tests may be performed. If the inspector only flushes a few toilets and takes the lid off of the septic tank, it is not a thorough inspection.
While it might be on the pricier side to have your septic system inspected, we do believe it’s worthwhile. If there are any issues, you as the potential buyer can make a better informed decision. If you purchase the home, you’ll want to take action. Give Lion Home Service a call to sort out a plan to fix any issues or to get started on regular maintenance to make sure your tank is in great working condition.
What’s next?
If you’ve never lived in a home with a septic system, here are a few pieces of information to go forth with! You’ll need to have your septic tank pumped about every three years depending on the number of people living in your household. Be mindful of what you flush or put down the drains, and schedule regular maintenance to keep everything safe and in working order. Read more about septic systems here!
