Your home is equipped with a septic system, and you plan to sell it soon. Does this mean you’ll need to get a separate inspection, or can you move forward with the transaction? It depends on your state of residence. Read on to learn more about how home septic inspections work, so you’ll know what to expect in case it’s a requirement before selling your home in your respective state.
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What Is a Septic Inspection?
A septic tank inspection helps ensure the septic tank in your home is in good condition and operating properly. Since septic systems are underground, it’s easy to overlook issues, like leaks that could become very problematic over time.
What Happens During a Septic Inspection?
Here’s what to expect if you have your septic system inspected.
Visual Inspection
It involves a brief interview followed by a visual inspection of:
- Your toilets (including a few flushes to ensure they’re running properly)
- Water pressure (by running the faucets inside and outside your home)
- The drain field (to confirm standing water doesn’t exist)
Also, be prepared to share the age of your home, the date of the last professional inspection and how often the septic system is pumped.
Full Inspection
A full inspection is more thorough than a visual inspection. The home inspector will:
- Assess the water level in the septic tank by removing the lid
- Turn on all the faucets inside the home to confirm the proper flow of water to the septic tank
- Visually inspect the drainage area to determine if there are issues with backflow that could be caused by leakages, blockages or some other issues
Other Things Inspectors Look for During a Septic Inspection
Beyond issues with the drain field, inspectors also pay attention to other factors during the septic inspection.
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Puddles
Standing water indicates an issue with your septic system. Furthermore, it could be toxic to both animals and humans and should be avoided.
Green Grass
Green grass is a dream for homeowners, but too much of it can be a bad thing for homeowners with septic systems, mainly if it’s more apparent in some areas of the yard than others. This could mean your system is pumping an excessive amount of water into the ground, which is good news for your landscaping but problematic for your system.
Plumbing Back-ups
If you’re continuously dealing with drainage issues or plumbing back-ups in your home, it could also mean your septic system is faulty or in need of a repair. The issue could be minor, but it’s worth having an assessment done.
Septic Tank Odors
Stinky septic tanks are never any fun and should not be taken lightly. However, an inspector will usually note any pungent odors they notice and communicate the issue to the seller to have the problem resolved.
How Much Does a Septic Inspection Cost?
It varies by the tank size and type of inspection you have done. You may also find that some companies offering septic inspections charge far more than others. But generally, you’ll spend no more than $600 to have a septic tank of up to 1,500 gallons inspected.
Is a Septic Inspection Required Before Selling Your Home?
As mentioned above, it depends on your state of residence. Check with the Department of Environmental Protection in your state to learn more about requirements that may apply to you. They may also have a list of reputable septic inspectors handy you can use to ensure you comply with the guidelines.
