Inspections To Make On A Septic System During Home Purchase
You should have a septic contractor inspect the system before buying a home with a septic system. The inspection will help you understand the system's condition and remaining life span. Below are three inspections the contractor will make as part of the assessment.
System Design
A good septic design is necessary for its durability and efficient operation. The drainfield and tank size are particularly important. The design determines the waste volume the septic can handle at any time. The sizing and design depend on the:
- Property size
- Household size
- Land slope
- Soil condition
- Building code
For example, a four-bedroom house requires a bigger tank and drainfield than a two-bedroom house. The contractor should assess the design to confirm it can adequately serve the home. Otherwise, you might have to install a new system after buying the house.
Conditions of Different Parts
The contractor should also evaluate the current condition of different parts of the system. Below are some parts to check.
Electrical System
Some septic systems use electricity to pump waste from the tank to the drainfield. These systems have a distribution box with a pump that distributes waste to different septic system parts. The contractor should confirm that the pump, cables, and associated parts work as they should.
Tank
The septic tank holds untreated waste, so its integrity is crucial. For example, a damaged tank might leak untreated waste into the surrounding environment or groundwater. An inspection to confirm the tank's integrity is necessary.
Drainfield
Besides the tank, the drainfield is critical to the system's operation since it absorbs waste. However, the drainfield might lose its ability to absorb waste over time due to flooding, soil compaction, or solid waste clogging. Therefore, drainfield inspection should be part of the process.
Maintenance History
Lastly, the contractor should confirm that previous property owners properly maintained the septic system. Even a properly designed system might lose its efficiency over time if you don't maintain it well. Good septic maintenance includes regularly pumping the tank to clear accumulated solid waste, efficient water use, and responsible waste disposal.
The contractor will examine the maintenance records and the system while assessing its maintenance history. For example, the level of solid waste in the tank can reveal its maintenance history.
You should be present during the inspection. Use the opportunity to ask the contractor questions to understand the septic system's condition. Hopefully, the inspection will not reveal major issues with the system that the contractor cannot resolve.
Contact a local service to learn more about septic system inspections.
