If you’re considering purchasing a home that has a septic tank, there are some things you should be aware of regarding septic compliance inspections.
The same goes for selling a home with a septic tank. State regulations vary on what you’ll need to do, but there are basic rules that apply across the board.
Read on if you want to find out more about septic compliance inspections.
Septic tank inspection basics
First of all, any inspection should be performed only by an inspector who is licensed by the state. Bringing in an inspector is often a necessary hurdle to clear in a real estate transaction.
Septic tanks have been around since the nineteenth century. Today they’re mostly used in rural areas that don’t have access to city water systems. A septic system uses a septic tank, distribution box and drain field or leach field.
Septic tanks are responsible for breaking down organic matter and separating out floating matter like grease, oil and solids from wastewater. The system then discharges liquid from the tank to the distribution box and finally to pipes in the leach field which release the effluent into the ground gradually.
Why septic compliance inspections are important
These inspections ensure that the system is operating as it should. A system that isn’t functioning properly could lead to you and your family becoming sick or to expensive repairs. Septic tank systems are located underground, and it’s an easy thing for potential home buyers to overlook.
But if you purchase a home and the septic system goes haywire in the first week, you will regret it. At best, you’ll be stuck with a costly repair bill to get your home’s wastewater management system back up and running. At worst, you could be looking at replacing the entire system.
When are septic inspections required?
Beyond having the system inspected during a real estate transaction, you should plan to have it inspected once every three to five years. How often you should have the tank pumped depends on the size of the system and the frequency of use. Consult a licensed technician to see how often your septic tank needs to be pumped.
Regular inspections are necessary to ensure that the system is functioning properly. A quality inspector will pinpoint any problems and provide service and repair. If you don’t stick to a regular schedule, you risk the system breaking down early. The full replacement of a septic system could run you tens of thousands of dollars. This cost fluctuates depending on the surrounding soil, groundwater and difficulty of installation. Rest assured that no matter what, it won’t be cheap.
When you need anything related to septic systems, turn to Mike’s Septic & McKinley Sewer Services. For more than 60 years, our family-owned and -operated business has served local communities. Our experienced professionals have seen it all and are ready to help you with all your septic system needs. So call us right now to find out more and get a free estimate.