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Everything Homeowners Need to Know About Septic System Inspections

- Friday, August 21, 2020
Morse Engineering and Construction Industries - Septic System Construction

How often should you get a septic system inspection?

Experts say you should get a septic inspection every three years. But here's a dose of reality: Most homeowners never get their septic systems inspected unless there is a notable issue.

But that means homeowners get an inspection only when issues that may signal big trouble arise, such as when the toilet backs up, water takes too long to drain, or there's an actual septic system leakage. The benefit of doing an inspection every three years is to avoid major problems.

The three-year mark is also the maximum amount of time you should let your septic system go without being pumped out.

A problem caught at inspection can save you from having to replace the entire septic system. It's especially important to keep your septic system in good shape if you plan on selling. During closing, a certified inspection will be performed and you don't want any last-minute surprises.

Who should perform a septic system inspection?

You're going to want to hire a professional septic contractor for the inspection.

General home inspectors do only a limited, visual-only inspection of the septic system.

A septic contractor will look for cracks in the tank indicated by a low level of liquid, the amount of solids inside the tank using a measuring device called a "sludge judge," and possible ground contamination.

Is the home seller or buyer obligated to get an inspection?

The person who's responsible for carrying out the inspection is determined based on where you live. In Massachusetts it is the seller's responsibility to get an inspection.

Bottom line: Ask your local real estate professional about your obligation regarding the septic system inspection.

Is the seller obligated to fix any septic problems?

The responsibility to pay for septic repairs typically falls to the seller. However, repairs of any kind found at inspection are generally negotiable. Contract terms usually dictate the course of action, but sellers may have such options as doing the repairs themselves, splitting repair costs with the buyer, giving the buyer a closing credit equal to the amount of the repairs, or refusing to do anything. If an agreement on repairs isn't reached, the buyer does have the legal right to walk away from the transaction.

Don't forget about disclosure

In all states, sellers are required to disclose any known problems with a home to potential buyers. If there's a septic issue after closing that the sellers knew about, they will be liable for the entire cost of the repairs.

For that reason, it's good practice for all sellers to perform their own septic system inspection. That way, the seller is protected from any future septic issues after the closing.

For more information on a septic system inspection, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

realtor.com


Get a Septic Tank Inspection Before Buying a Home

- Thursday, August 13, 2020
Morse Engineering and Construction - Septic Tank Inspection

If you’re considering buying a house with a septic tank, include the septic system in your home inspection. A septic inspection will give you peace of mind and prevent any costly headaches after moving in.

A septic system inspection includes the following:

  • Date of the last inspection to determine if it’s properly maintained
  • The level of sludge in the tank
  • Location of the drain field, it should not be located near the well or any body of water
  • Confirmation that the system is large enough for the home that it serves
  • Presence of liquid waste on the ground surface
  • Tank and lid are free of cracks or leaks
  • Baffles are firmly connected to inlet and outlet pipes
  • Drain lines each receive the same amount of water

For more information on a septic system inspection, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: redfin.com


The Benetits of Buying a House with a Septic Tank

Joseph Coupal - Friday, August 07, 2020
Morse Engineering and Construction Industries, LLC - Septic System in Sturbridge, Fiskdale, MA

Cost-efficient:

Living within town limits, residents pay a monthly utility bill to cover sewer costs. With a septic tank, you don’t have this recurring expense.

Self-maintaining:

With proper care, a septic system lasts for decades. Lifestyle choices like conserving water, limiting the use of bleach, and being careful about what goes down the drains, not only protects your septic but also the environment.

Safe:

In the unlikely event you have a blockage that causes waste to back up into your home, with a septic tank you know where that waste came from. On a municipal system, a back-up can bring pathogens from the entire community into your tubs, sinks, and toilets, depending on the location and severity of the backup.

Environmentally friendly:

In addition to promoting environmentally conscious behavior on the part of the homeowner, a septic system by design is an environmentally friendly home feature. If a leak were to occur, it would affect only the local property. If a leak occurs in a municipal system, the damage is more widespread.

Get a septic tank inspection before buying a house

If you’re considering buying a house with a septic tank, include the septic system in your home inspection. A septic inspection will give you peace of mind and prevent any costly headaches after moving in. A septic inspection includes the following:
  • Date of the last inspection to determine if it’s properly maintained
  • The level of sludge in the tank
  • Location of the drain field, it should not be located near the well or any body of water
  • Confirmation that the system is large enough for the home that it serves
  • Presence of liquid waste on the ground surface
  • Tank and lid are free of cracks or leaks
  • Baffles are firmly connected to inlet and outlet pipes
  • Drain lines each receive the same amount of water

For more information, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: redfin.com


Septic System FAQs

Joseph Coupal - Thursday, August 06, 2020
Morse Engineering and Construction - Septic System Inspection

How long does a septic system last? Properly maintained, a septic system should last for decades.

How often should you pump a septic tank? Have your septic system inspected and the tank pumped every three to five years. Check with your local health department to see what they recommend for your area.

What can I put in my septic tank? Hopefully, only your greywater and blackwater will go into your septic. Things like cigarette butts, diapers and wipes, sanitary products, paper products other than toilet paper, or a high level of cleaning products that will destroy the healthy bacteria in the tank should never be flushed or sent down the drain.

Do they need to dig up my lawn to pump my septic tank? If your tank doesn’t have an exposed lid, yes, they’ll have to remove the grass to access it. Though this will only be a small section of your yard and not the entire thing.

Does my septic need additives like Rid-X? No. A well-maintained system has everything it needs to break down the solids and create a healthy septic flora. However, seasonal homes may not get enough solid waste to produce the microbes needed for a healthy system. Only then, do experts recommend the use of additives in your septic tank. Check with your local septic tank servicer to find out their recommendations for your home.

Can I plant anything over my drain field? Yes, but be careful. The root systems of trees and shrubs can damage the underground pipes. Vegetable gardens could also become contaminated from the drainage. However, landscaping over and around a septic drain field with native plants is an appropriate use of the space. For more information on septic system inspections, contact Morse Engineering and Construction.

Source: redfin.com