Questions to Ask During a Home Inspection: Septic System Edition

When it comes to buying a home, there are a lot of details to consider. If you’re moving, one of the most important things to examine is your new septic system. To ensure everything is in excellent working order and will last for years to come, it’s vital that you or your home inspector is asking these home inspection septic system questions.

Home Inspection: Septic System Edition

Before you make a down payment, make sure your new septic system meets your specific needs. Don’t seal the deal until you ask the following questions!

Age

Your realtor or the homeowners should be able to answer the following questions:

• What year was the house constructed?
• What year was the septic system installed?

While the answer to these questions might be the same, it could vary depending on the age of the home. For older homes, it’s possible that a new septic system was installed or the existing system was majorly repaired at some point in time. Knowing the age of your home and when the system was installed will help you determine the materials and technology used, as well as the maintenance that may or may not be needed.

You can also ask the owner to produce a copy of the septic system design or permit. This design should have been created when the original system was built or updated when a major repair or replacement was completed. A copy will help you identify many aspects that can be difficult to determine otherwise, including exactly where the tanks are located, especially if they are buried underground.

Maintenance

Consider the following questions for your home inspection septic system:

• Is there more than one system installed on the property?
• How many people occupy the house?
• How many bedrooms does the house have?
• Is the house currently occupied? (And if not, how long has it been vacant?)

All of these questions can identify how the current septic system is being used, as well as the amount of wear and tear it has experienced. For larger families, a septic system built for just one or two people may not offer the services you need.

You’ll also want to ask about the maintenance history of the septic system. It’s important to know how the system has been cared for and if there are any ongoing treatments that are necessary to keep everything in proper working order. You can also ask the current homeowner who they have used for their maintenance and repairs. This service provider should be able to confirm a detailed outline of the system’s history and any preexisting issues.

Purchase with Ease After a Home Inspection Septic System

When you know the right questions to ask, it’s much easier to know how a septic system is performing and how it will continue to operate for your family once you move in. By asking these questions, you can prevent purchasing a home with underlying issues, address any concerns before you move in, and rest assured that your new home will meet all of your needs.
Remember, we’re always here to help you in the maintenance of your current or new septic systems. If you’re experiencing issues with your septic system, contact Tri-County Water Services today.