Did you grow up within the city or town limits? If you grew up in the city, your house was likely connected to a municipal sewage system. But when it comes to suburban areas—especially in places like Alabama and Georgia—many homes rely on septic tanks for wastewater management.
Now, if you’re hesitant about buying a house with a septic tank—that’s understandable. FYI, more than one in five households in the U.S. depend on a septic tank.
When buying a house with a septic system, you must also get a septic inspection. Remember, septic systems are…well, just “systems,” like any system, different things can potentially go wrong with them. With the septic inspections in place, you can learn about their condition. Also, it is always better to get these systems tested as they might have issues that require costly repairs and complex replacement. So, scheduling a septic inspection is the best choice to save yourself from such a costly nuisance.
This blog will discuss these inspections in detail and highlight key reasons to schedule septic inspections when buying a house.
Why Get Septic Inspection When Buying a House?
Getting a septic inspection when buying a house ensures you avoid costly repairs, protect your health and the environment, and gain peace of mind. Let’s explore these reasons in detail below:
Avoid Costly Repairs
One of the most obvious benefits of a septic system inspection is preventing costly repairs and ensuring your system’s longevity. During the inspection, inspectors look for signs of wear and tear, blockages, leaks, or other malfunctions that could lead to system failure (if left unchecked). Trust us, you don’t want to experience the cost associated with septic issues—they’re literally a costly nightmare. But with regular septic system inspections, you can identify and address potential problems before they escalate into major ones.
Health and Safety
When we mention this benefit to the homebuyers, they often seem confused – asking questions like “What’s the link between health and safety with septic systems?” If you’re wondering the same, let us tell you that they are clearly linked. A malfunctioning septic system can pose serious health risks. If your septic tank is not in the correct working order, it will contaminate the groundwater, and may affect the drinking water supply. All of this can cause different health problems for you and your family. So, if you or anyone in your family starts experiencing gastrointestinal issues, septic systems are most likely the reason.
Negotiating Tool
A septic inspection gives you leverage in negotiations. If significant issues are found, such as a failing leach field, you can negotiate price with the seller or request repairs.
By the way, the leach field issue is just an example. Your inspection can uncover other expensive repairs during the process, giving you leverage to better negotiate with the seller.
What Happens During A Septic Inspection?
The septic system inspection begins with collecting information, which can be considered more of a pre-inspection. At this stage, you will gather the documents and finalize the questions you must ask before the inspection. This helps the inspector better understand what they will be looking for.
The On-Site Inspection
Once the pre-inspection processes are done, the inspector inspects the system in real-time. They start with a flow test, where they turn on all the valves and taps in the house as it would be during the usual days. This verifies the condition of the sanitary pipes (that deliver wastewater to the septic tank).
How are the results interpreted? It’s pretty easy. If little or no water reaches the tank, it is possible that the home’s water well, plumbing, or (most likely) the sanitary line could be clogged. But if the water rises quickly, then the problem might be downstream in the system. So, checking different system components and ensuring proper liquid movement through the system becomes easier with a flow test.
After this, a professional inspection can also include a dye test. A fluorescent dye is flushed into the system to detect breaks or leaks, with inspectors observing the ground above the tank and leach field. Also, the septic tank’s sludge and scum layers are examined to ensure proper balance and prevent solids from clogging the leach field.
As a final step, the leach field is visually inspected for wet areas and foul odors, and a probe test checks for hydraulic stress. The distribution box, which evenly distributes effluent to the leach field, is also inspected for settling or clogging.
By now, it is pretty obvious how thorough and detailed these inspections are. In fact, this is one of the reasons why we emphasize getting these septic system inspections before buying a house. They help with regular maintenance, prevent costly repairs, and ensure the septic system’s longevity.
How Long Does A Septic Inspection Take?
Usually, a septic inspection takes between 2 to 3 hours, depending on different factors, including:
- System size
- System’s complexity
- System’s condition.
Conclusion
Scheduling a septic inspection before buying a house is an important step that you must not overlook. It helps you avoid costly repairs, protects your health and the environment, and provides valuable negotiation leverage with the seller.
These thorough inspections provide peace of mind that the septic system is in good working order. By understanding the importance and process of septic inspections, you can make an informed decision and ensure a smooth home-buying experience.
Remember, investing in a septic inspection now can save you from future headaches and significant expenses, making it a wise choice for any prospective homeowner.
With Ally Property Inspections’ comprehensive septic inspection services, ensure your new home is safe and sound. Our experienced inspectors will thoroughly evaluate your septic system, identifying any potential issues before they become costly problems. Don’t leave your peace of mind to chance—schedule your septic inspection with Ally Property Inspections today and make a confident, informed home purchase. Contact us now to book your appointment!