Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you will make, so you want to avoid any surprises after you purchase the home. Just like your furnace, the septic system is expensive to repair or replace so you want it to be in good condition when you buy the home. Have the system inspected by a septic system service provider before you purchase a home. Inspections may be required by your local or state government or by your mortgage lender. Inspection results can help you decide if the home is right for you.
What should happen during a septic system inspection?
The inspector will check for the following:
- Pumping and maintenance records;
- The age of the septic system;
- Sludge levels and scum thickness in the tank;
- Signs of leakage, such as low water levels in the tank;
- Signs of backup, such as staining in the tank above the outlet pipe;
- Integrity of the tank, inlet, and outlet pipes;
- The drainfield, for signs of system failure like standing water;
- The distribution box, to make sure drain lines are receiving equal flow; and
- Available records, to ensure the system complies with local regulations regarding function and location.
For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.
Source: EPA.gov
