Real estate inspections are an integral part of the home-buying process that should never be overlooked. Crucial home structures, including the septic system, need to be checked for issues so you know exactly what you’re purchasing. If you’re a first-time buyer, you’ll find all the information you need about septic tank inspections below. 

A Guide to Real Estate Septic Inspections 

What is a septic system?

Your septic system includes your septic tank, home piping, and drain field. It’s responsible for treating wastewater from your toilets, showers, and sinks and safely transferring everything to municipal sewers. This is essential for preventing soil and groundwater pollution.

Why are inspections necessary?

An ineffective septic system can create problems for homeowners. Clogged ground piping can eventually lead to costly cracks and breaks. A full septic tank will eventually overflow, releasing waste into the soil, your home, and the surrounding property, creating a health hazard. An ineffective system also won’t properly treat waste. Septic tanks aren’t cheap to repair or replace because they have to be dug up, which is why it’s crucial that you purchase a home with a system that’s already in good condition.

What happens during a septic inspection?

During real estate inspections, a septic professional will find out how old the septic system is and make sure that it’s properly treating and draining wastewater. They’ll look into repair history and cosmetics to get an idea of the general health of the system. They’ll also open the tank to see how full it is and perform a dye test. By flushing dye, they’ll be able to see how well it drains into the septic tank and drain field. Most importantly, they’ll look for signs of future breakdowns or problems.

How should issues be handled?

Septic tanks tend to last roughly 25 years. If issues are discovered or if the septic tank is reaching the end of its life span, you’ll want the homeowners to pay for repairs, buy a new tank, or lower the cost of the home to accommodate anticipated replacements or repairs. Having data from the real estate inspections professional is crucial to this negotiation.

For real estate inspections in the Kerrville, TX, area, turn to A1 Septic Cleaning Service. This locally owned and operated septic pumping and cleaning service provides comprehensive system care for residential and commercial clients. Their licensed, bonded, and insured technicians pride themselves on attention to detail to ensure your system is in good health. Call (830) 257-7867 to schedule septic tank pumping and visit their website to learn more about their services.