5 Reasons a Septic Inspection Is Important Prior to a Home Purchase

Check out these 5 reasons why a septic inspection should be a vital part of the home buying process.  

For most property sales, a basic home inspection is a common component of the selling process. This oftentimes doesn't include a thorough examination of the septic tank. It may indicate the drainfield location or any visible issues, but a complete inspection by a qualified full-service septic contractor is important. The contractor checks the overall function and vital components of the tank, including:

• Chambers
• Baffles
• Inlet and outlet areas
• Drain pipes

In addition, the size of the drainfield and how well it is draining is monitored closely during a dedicated septic inspection. A final inspection report helps inform the homeowner and interested parties of any underlying issues. 

The drainfield —sometimes called the leach field — often gets overlooked when checking the septic tank. Waste must reach the drainfield it and disperse properly. Any type of clog or overflow can cause multiple issues. Waste contaminants are the biggest offender here. If waste material and debris does not break down properly, it can seep into the surrounding soil and cause bacteria to grow. 

If this happens, the tank can also overflow and leave the ground surfaces unstable and unsteady. This causes severe erosion problems. In addition, if nearby tree roots invade the drainfield, waste water will seep into the nearby ground and well water systems. 

Just because the owner has had no issues with the septic tank doesn't mean the tank is in tip-top shape. The EPA recommends that the average septic tank needs to be emptied every three to five years. If there are no recent records the tank has been pumped, a cleaning is overdue. A septic tank contractor can help assess and determine if that's an issue to address. 

A professional septic tank inspection ensures that all parts of the system are working properly. This includes clogs and underlying damage to the main septic lines. Both can lead to strong odors and sewer water buildup around the home and property. 

One of the biggest issues with a septic tank problem is that sewage could back up into the home. Even after a recent tank clean out, a faulty baffle or underlying crack can cause waste to back up into household drains. 

A septic tank inspector will ensure that the major parts of the home's septic system are functioning properly. They will also check sludge levels to see if drains are working sufficiently. This way, any faulty or outdated parts can be replaced. 

A quick inspection can easily determine if a septic drainfield has an issue, often just by visible standing water around the drain field. In some cases, digging deeper into the issue may determine a bigger problem. One of those possible problems is soil contamination. 

When liquids venture out of the tank or field into nearby soil, it forms a biologically active zone called an infiltration zone. When oxygen meets ammonium nitrogen, nitrification occurs. Nitrate can be dangerous and a threat to human health. A professional sewer contractor will check the soil for nitrate and chloride. If found, it generally indicates a leak somewhere in the sewer system. 

The end goal is to have the entire home buying process flow smoothly. Part of that includes a professional sewer inspection. Replacing an entire septic tank and digging a new drain field can cost thousands of dollars. In addition, cleaning up contaminants in the ground and sewage in the house can cost equally as much.

Prevent future headaches by getting a complete septic inspection by a qualified contractor today. Contact us for all of your home's septic needs.