Why Every Home Buyer Needs a Professional Septic System Inspection
Home is not just a financial investment; it is a shelter and sanctuary of memories and nostalgia for you and your family. Much goes into building the most important structure you will ever own, and the functioning of the septic tank is one of those considerations. Many people overlook septic tank maintenance and neglect to conduct a proper septic system inspection from time to time. Yet this process is important to maintain the health of the septic system. Your septic system handles gallons of water every day and becomes vulnerable to damage and sludge buildup. Septic tank inspection should be mandatory and at the top of everyone’s priority list.
Septic System Inspection Overview
A septic system is a wastewater management system that manages waste liquids from homes and stores them safely and prevents them from contaminating the normal water supply. Septic systems are more commonly used where public sewer lines are unavailable or too expensive to build. The septic system consists of two parts: the tank and the drainage system, known as the leech system. The septic tank is a water-tight containment unit that stores the wastewater or any liquid coming from the home and stores it safely. The thick, viscous materials descend to the bottom, forming the sludge and the fat, grease and oily substances floats to the top forming the scum. The liquid settles in the middle and is removed through the drain pipes. The drain pipes are an interconnected group of perforated pipes that carry the liquid to the treatment plants. The toxic substances are removed there and released into the groundwater.
A septic system inspection involves investigating the septic tank and drainage system to gauge their condition and health. The inspectors carry a septic system inspection checklist that comprehensively checks the health of all the septic system components and fixes existing problems. The purpose is to ensure the proper functioning of the septic system. The professionals carrying out the operation have to obtain septic system inspection certification.
Reasons to Get a Septic Inspection
Long-term Cost Savings
Inspecting the septic system has a cost-saving impact on the homeowner. Inspecting the septic tank and drainage system can detect problems before they become permanent issues. Regular septic system inspection decreases the chance of permanent damage. Permanent damage can force you to replace the septic system, which can be expensive. Regular inspections also prepare you for emergencies and prevent their occurrence.
Health and Safety
A faulty septic system is a danger to the safety and health of the resident. Leakages and damage can contaminate the clean water supply. A septic system contains waste products and toxic substances, which can cause pathogenic diseases such as malaria and swine flu. It smells and increases the chances of survival. They can also leak into your neighbour's house and lead to unsanitary situations.
Protecting the Environment
Septic tanks and the drainage system are closer to the groundwater than you think. Leaks are not always apparent and can contaminate the groundwater, the only water source for most consumers. Furthermore, damaged septic systems can leak into nearby streams, lakes, or even natural reserves. It can lead to a toxic ecosystem, harm marine life, and pollute essential water supplies. Regular inspections can prevent that from happening before the situation escalates.
Gain Negotiating Power
Septic tank inspection is beneficial if you are buying a new home. Septic inspection can reveal flaws or damage to the system. This information can help you to compare houses or enable significant negotiating power on your side. You can negotiate to lower the cost of the house or gain significant concessions, especially by making the seller bear repair charges. Having a damaged septic system can legally compel the seller to bear the significant cost of replacement or necessary repair.
Legal Compliance
Septic system regulations change over time due to new revelations or advanced technologies. Town, cities, states, countries, and any other jurisdictions make septic inspection mandatory. This inspection ensures that your septic system is up to date with the new codes. Some authorities make it compulsory for property owners to inspect their properties before selling. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties and monetary loss for the sellers.
Understanding the System Capacity
No one type of septic system is suitable for all homes. Thus, inspection reveals whether the current septic system is adequate for the home or not. Inspection can reveal where you can cut down the excess, saving you costs, and where to invest in the aspect better suited for the house. The number of residents in a home impacts the load for the septic system. You also do not want your septic system to collapse because of overloading.
Expanding the Longevity of the System
Solving issues before they escalate leads to better longevity of the system. However, most problems do not become apparent until it's too late. Routine inspections can prevent that and make the issues with the septic system more exposed before they get out of hand. Such methods might sound expensive, but they would save money in the long run.
What a Professional Septic Inspection Includes
Professionally vetted experts are the best way to inspect a septic system. They know how to inspect a septic system and identify problems non-experts cannot. Professionals also have a better chance of identifying the structural vulnerabilities of the system and where future problems can arise. Professional inspections can ensure proper maintenance and appropriate pumping recommendations. Professional septic inspection includes the following:
Record Review: The inspectors first review the records of your home, including blueprints and changes in ownership and renovation details. They would also check other inspection records and maintenance logs.
Tank Inspection:
Locating the Tank: The inspector locates the septic tank, which can be tricky it lies underground and shows no outward signs. They generally get access through the access port.
Tank Integrity Inspection: The inspectors check the tank for structural integrity and damage. They check for sludge build-up, rust accumulation, leak detection, and clogged pipes.
Pumping inspection: They check sludge and scum levels and determine if the tank needs pumping.
Baffle Inspection: The inspector checks the conditions of the baffles that control the inward and outward flow of water.
Drain Field Inspection: The next process involves the inspection of the drain field. That’s done in three ways
Visual inspection: The inspectors check for visual signs of anomaly, such as a clogged drain, slow movement of flow, or foul smell.
Soil probing: Soil saturation levels are a major method to check whether the drain field is working or not.
Distribution Box Inspection: The distribution box distributes the effluent to the trenches and takes it to the treatment plants. This box is tested for its functionality.
Effluent Inspection: The inspector assesses the effluent discharged from the house for its toxicity levels, which can harm the septic system.
Functional Tests: Simulations are run to test the functionality of the pipes and the storage by running water through the pipe.
Report Generation: The inspectors then produce a comprehensive report on the health of the septic tank and recommended steps.
Please note that these inspectors have to obtain septic system inspection certification, and thus, they are seasoned professionals. There is no DIY process that you can use to gauge the condition of your system.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Foul Odors: Odd smells and foul odors are the primary red flags for a faulty septic system. They are strong indicators that the system has problems.
Standing Water: The system might be broken if the water is flowing too slowly or is stagnant. This indicates that the pipes are clogged.
Gurgling Sounds: Sounds are a good indicator of the health of the system. Gurgling noises are a major red flag for the system's condition, which means that air might be trapped inside.
Lush Vegetation: Lush vegetation is areas around leaks and faulty drains in lawns and other areas where it shouldn’t be.
Lack of Maintenance Records: An absence of maintenance records can indicate the system hasn’t been checked, or at least not by professionals.
Conclusion
Professional septic system inspections can feel expensive to some, but the investment is worth it. Professional inspections save money in the long run by preventing expensive repairs or replacements. Inspection of the septic system is also a community and legal requirement for many. Faulty septic systems can contaminate neighbourhoods, local ecosystems, and disrupt livelihoods. It is also mandatory for some jurisdictions to do so before selling properties. Professional inspections are better because they are certified and can provide proper recommendations. Their verdict is credible, and they can guide you towards the proper path. So, hire a proper septic system inspection and maintenance service for the job.
FAQs
1. Do I need a septic inspection if the home looks fine?
Yes. Septic issues are often hidden underground and may not show surface signs until the damage is extensive and costly. A professional inspection is the only way to confirm the system is functioning properly.
2. When should I schedule the septic inspection during the home buying process?
Schedule it during the due diligence or contingency period, ideally as early as possible. This gives you time to negotiate repairs or walk away if major issues are found.
3. What happens if the septic system fails the inspection while buying property?
If the inspection reveals problems, you can negotiate with the seller for repairs, request a price reduction, or choose not to proceed with the purchase.
4. How often should a septic system be pumped or maintained?
On average, every 3 to 5 years, depending on the tank size and household usage. Regular maintenance extends the life of the system and prevents costly issues.
