When you are buying a home, it’s important to fill those first few days—your option period—with as many inspections as you need to learn about the home and feel comfortable with the purchase. Along with a standard home inspection and wood-destroying insect inspection, it’s important to add a septic system inspection to the calendar. You can learn more about the maintenance, performance, and safety of the system, which tells you if you need to budget for repairs, can confidently move forward with the purchase, or need to back out of the deal entirely. You can also gain a bit of knowledge for yourself by going through this checklist of five places to check.
What Is a Septic System?
Septic systems are private wastewater treatment systems. If a home doesn’t have access to a public sewer system, it can install a septic tank that separates solids and sends liquids to a drainfield or leach field. All of the home’s drains will run to the septic tank. Properly maintained septic systems can separate waste and treat liquid effluent so it doesn’t present a health or environmental risk.
What to Check: New Home’s Septic System
While septic systems are designed to work properly for decades, they do need routine maintenance to stay in good condition. Whether you’re considering buying a home with a septic system or you just got a home on septic, there are some things you can check on your own to assess the condition of the tank and the drainfield. Start with these five:
1. Check for Wet Spots, Unusual Odors, or Bright Green Grass
Wet spots around the tank or patches of thick, healthy grass indicate a leak, especially if the surrounding ground is dry and has less vibrant grass. Leaking tanks or overwhelmed drainfields may also have a slight sewage odor. You can also check the drains in the home’s fixtures to determine if there are unpleasant smells potentially related to the septic system.
2. See How Old the Septic System Is
Old systems can run fine, but knowing the age gives you a lot of general information about a septic system’s condition, requirements, and capacity. As a general rule, septic tanks older than 20 years will need to be replaced soon. You can check the aboveground portion of the tank for the manufacturer’s label, which shows the age, or you can request installation documents from the owner.
3. Flush All the Toilets and Run Water
Test the system’s daily performance by flushing the toilets and running the sinks in the home. If you see slow-draining fixtures, encounter odd smells, or notice other signs of poor drainage, the septic system needs a closer inspection.
4. Know Where the Tank and Drainfield Are Located
When you own a septic system, you need to know where everything is. Locating the tank and drainfield can help you assess its condition better. You also need to know where the drainfield is so you never drive over it, store heavy machinery above it, or try to build an outdoor living space above it.
5. Ask for a Maintenance Record and Permits
The current owner should have clear records regarding the system’s installation, pumping appointments (approximately every three to five years), repairs, and current warranties. All of this information helps you learn more about the system’s conditions and what expenses you might incur after taking ownership.
The Importance of Professional Septic System Inspections and Regular Maintenance
While this quick five-point assessment is helpful for prospective buyers, it can’t replace a professional inspection. At Helton Ingram Septic, we specialize in inspecting septic systems in East Texas. Our technicians can inspect the tank and drainfield, evaluate its current condition, and give you more insight into whether the system is in purchase-ready condition or if your realtor should negotiate for repair funds.
What Occurs During a Septic Inspection?
Professional septic inspections usually include:
- Tank and pipes check
- Drainfield evaluation through visual inspection
- Measuring current scum/sludge levels in the tank
- Testing water flow
- Inspecting the distribution box
Contact Helton Ingram Septic Today
Signing an offer on a home with a septic tank? Reach out today to schedule an inspection with Helton Ingram Septic so you can get more insight into the condition of the system and what repairs you need to consider. Our team is standing by to help.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Home with a Septic System
What is a septic system?
A septic system is a private wastewater treatment system. If a home doesn’t have access to a public sewer system, it can install a septic tank that separates solids and sends liquids to a drainfield or leach field. All of the home’s drains run to the septic tank, and a properly maintained system separates waste and treats liquid effluent so it doesn’t present a health or environmental risk.
Should I get a septic inspection when buying a house?
Yes. Along with a standard home inspection and wood-destroying insect inspection, it’s important to add a septic system inspection during your option period. A septic inspection tells you about the maintenance, performance, and safety of the system, helping you decide whether to budget for repairs, move forward with the purchase, or back out of the deal.
How can I tell if a septic system is leaking?
Wet spots around the tank or patches of thick, healthy grass often indicate a leak, especially if the surrounding ground is dry and has less vibrant grass. Leaking tanks or overwhelmed drainfields may also produce a slight sewage odor. You can also check the drains inside the home for unpleasant smells that may be related to the septic system.
How old is too old for a septic system?
As a general rule, septic tanks older than 20 years will need to be replaced soon. Old systems can still run fine, but knowing the age gives you general information about the system’s condition, requirements, and capacity. You can check the aboveground portion of the tank for the manufacturer’s label, or request installation documents from the current owner.
How often should a septic tank be pumped?
Pumping appointments should happen approximately every three to five years. The current homeowner should have clear records of past pumping appointments, which can help you understand the system’s maintenance history before purchase.
Why do I need to know where the septic tank and drainfield are located?
Knowing the location of the tank and drainfield helps you assess the system’s condition. It’s also important so you never drive over the drainfield, store heavy machinery above it, or try to build an outdoor living space above it — all of which can damage the system.
What happens during a professional septic inspection?
A professional septic inspection usually includes a tank and pipes check, a visual evaluation of the drainfield, measuring current scum and sludge levels in the tank, testing water flow, and inspecting the distribution box.
Can I skip the professional inspection if I check the system myself?
No. While a five-point buyer’s assessment is helpful, it cannot replace a professional inspection. A technician can evaluate the tank and drainfield’s current condition and give you insight into whether the system is in purchase-ready condition or whether your realtor should negotiate for repair funds.
What septic records should I ask the seller for?
The current owner should have clear records of the system’s installation, past pumping appointments, any repairs, and current warranties. This information helps you understand the system’s condition and what expenses you might incur after taking ownership.
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