Why should you have it inspected?
As a homeowner, it’s recommended to have your septic system inspected every 3-5 years, even if there are no backups or weird smells being emitted. These systems aren’t meant to last forever, and lack of regular maintenance greatly decreases their life expectancy. However, most people only have it done when they smell trouble. (See what we did there?) This is one of the many reasons buyers purchasing a property with a septic tank should have it inspected during the due diligence period. Replacing or repairing a septic system can be expensive and stressful, so save yourself the trouble and make sure you’re getting one in good working order before buying the property (or at least get the repair money negotiated into your deal).
Other things you can do as a buyer are:
- Ask for any maintenance records regarding the septic inspections or repairs
- Check the seller’s disclosure for any problems indicated
- Run the water while you’re at the house to check for any backups. Look for any pooling, excess water or extra green grass around the location of the tank.
What does a septic inspection involve?
When it comes to the inspection, you want more than a visual inspection where the inspector just walks around the yard and flushes a toilet or two. You need someone to inspect the entire system from the tank to the distribution box and drain field. A good inspector will be looking for any cracks in the tank, low or very high tank levels, and any excess water in the yard around where the tank is located. They will also use a tool to measure the amount of sludge, ie solids, in the bottom of the tank and make sure each pipe is taking on an equal amount of liquid.
What does it cost?
According to Thumbtack, a thorough septic inspection can cost anywhere from $200-$600 depending on the size and depth of the tank. For a potential home buyer, this is more than a chunk change, but well worth it when you compare to the cost of replacing an entire septic system, which can cost up to $10,000.
In most areas where the inspection is being ordered as part of a real estate transaction, it is the buyer’s responsibility to fork over the payment for any inspections they want done. However, everything in a contract is negotiable, especially when the inspector finds that the tank needs to be pumped or repaired.
