When you purchase a home, the mortgage lender may require a home inspection before closing on the loan. However, not all lenders require a septic system inspection. Even if this isn't mandatory, scheduling it before completing the transaction alerts you to potential issues, allowing you to negotiate the final price or have the seller fix them before you move in. Below are several advantages of this type of inspection.

Why Should Homebuyers Receive Septic System Inspections? 

1. Learn About the System 

If you have never owned a home with a septic system, having a professional check the tank, pipes, and drain field gives you valuable information about maintenance. For example, they can tell you how full the tank is and provide an estimate of how often you will need to pump it. Additionally, they can inform you about any existing problems, such as damaged percolating pipes that aren't filtering the sewage properly. Even if the inspection doesn't reveal immediate issues, it helps you prepare for the future. 

2. Ensure the Proper Size

One of the most important considerations when installing a septic system is ensuring that it can adequately meet the needs of the household. For example, if you have more people living in the house than the previous owners, the tank may not be large enough for the increased amount of waste. If the home was renovated since the septic system was installed, the addition of new bathrooms could overwhelm the tank. This could require you to pump it more frequently or replace the entire system.

3. Avoid Contamination

Problems with the septic tank can contaminate the nearby property and the home's water supply. For example, if the drainfield is damaged, sewage may leak into the yard before it is filtered. Alternatively, a tank that is too full can back up into the home, creating an unhealthy, unsanitary mess. A septic system inspection checks the condition of each component to alert you if these problems are occurring or likely/

If you're planning to buy a home with a septic system, contact Twin City Home Inspections Inc. in Texarkana, TX. These licensed and insured home inspectors have more than 10 years of experience helping prospective homeowners. They handle everything from initial loan inspections to foundation, water well, and septic system inspections. Visit them online for more information about their services, and call (903) 276-9566 to schedule an appointment.