Planning to buy a new home soon? Some homes don't connect to
the sewer system. Instead, they rely on the septic tank for sewage disposal.
A septic tank works as a system, and a system is prone to
failures. Thus, as a homebuyer, have a professional inspector look over the
septic tank before buying the house. The inspection process should coincide
with the general property inspection. Discover why an inspection is necessary,
what the costs of an inspection are, and what the features of an inspection
process are.
The Reasons for a Septic Tank Inspection
Should you do a septic tank inspection before you buy your
dream house? Absolutely! Hire a professional inspector to give you an
up-to-date status of the septic system. Therefore, do a septic inspection for
these three reasons:
- The
challenges of the tank: The report will identify any problems that the
tank has. A system that needs extensive repairs is a detriment for your
interest in buying that house. This report will help you avoid unnecessary
repair or replacement costs.
- The
tank's capacity: The inspection report identifies the septic tank
capacity. You will be able to determine if the tank meets your sewer
requirements. And, you can adjust the tank capacity if you find any
capacity deficiencies.
- The
health of the occupants:
A septic inspection report is crucial in
identifying health risks in your home. The risks can be bad odor around
toilets, wet areas in the lawn, and slow drainage all around the home. You
have a guarantee of the health of your family members if you identify the
health risks during the inspection process.
The Costs for Septic Tank Inspection
The inspection cost varies with the location of the house,
the pumping rate of the region, and the level of inspection. Also, the cost of
additional services such as removing the tank lid might attract extra charges.
Finally, the inspection costs depend on the depth of your tank. The buyer of
the house usually bears the cost of the septic inspection.
The Process for a Septic Tank Inspection
The process usually has two major inspection approaches.
The Visual Inspection
A professional inspector should conduct a visual inspection.
It is a quick process, but it is not always comprehensive. The process can be
done as follows:
- The
house inspection: First, the inspector will ask general maintenance
questions. They should record the age of the house and the frequency of
emptying the tank.
- The
appliance tests: Your inspector will run quick tests on several
appliances in the house. The professional will flush all the toilets and
run all the water in the house. This is to check the pressure levels and
the drainage test.
- The
outside inspection: The inspector will do a visual inspection of the
drainfield. Here, they have to confirm if there is any stagnant water.
The Full Inspection
The inspection process focuses on the actual septic tank and
the whole septic system. The process can go as follows:
- The
drainage test:
The inspector will remove the septic tank cover and
check the water levels. From the water level analysis, the professional
will determine the tank's drainage effectiveness.
- The
water flow test: The inspector runs the tap water in the house to
confirm if it flows from the house to the tank. Also, they can introduce a
dye in the water and let it run from the house to the tank. They will see
how much of the dyed water enters the tank. More water flow is a sign of
an effective flowing system.
- The
septic tank test:
The inspector will check the backflow from the
absorption area on the tank. A blockage is a sign of a problem in the
drain field.
Before you buy a house that has a septic tank, contact Pete's Flow Technicians
for
an expert opinion. Then, order your septic tank inspection services
immediately.
