The septic system is a home’s most expensive fixture. Get an Asheville septic system inspection before buying or sell a home..
Recently we’ve explored several kinds of home inspections that should be performed prior to buying or selling a home. In addition to a “regular” home inspection, we’ve looked at radon and pest inspections. We’ve even discussed the importance of water testing. Now it’s time to explore an often-overlooked but essential part of many rural homes – the septic system.
A septic system is the most expensive household fixture, and it needs regular maintenance to prolong its useful life. Used primarily in areas where homes cannot be connected to municipal facilities, a septic tank performs the task of flushing wastewater out of your house into an underground tank, where it receives natural treatment. Two chambers separate liquid and solid waste. Bacteria break down solid waste, and water remaining after separation and treatment exits though a series of perforated pipes into a drain field, where it returns to the water table.
A septic system is invisible when working properly. However, if it breaks down from lack of maintenance, it becomes like the proverbial elephant in the room. Backed up drains, odors, and raw sewage in your home are just a few of the sudden surprises that a malfunctioning septic system can deliver.
This brings up an important question. Is an Asheville septic system inspection necessary when buying or selling a home? The answer is a resounding yes.
Why you need a septic tank inspection
Over time a septic tank builds up too much solid waste for adequate settling to occur. For this reason, the tank should be pumped out every three to five years. If too much solid waste builds up, wastewater backs up and bacterial processes no longer function to decompose solid waste. Hazardous, untreated wastewater can enter the water table. It can also cause expensive property damage if underground pipes become clogged and the drain field needs repair or replacement. Additionally, a septic tank could have cracks or leaks that prevent it from doing its job.
When you are about to buy a home, make sure you get an accurate, up-to-date inspection of the septic system. You need to know if the system components – the tank, perforated pipes, and drain field – are functioning properly. If they are not, a qualified inspector can assess what’s wrong and give an idea of what you might expect in repair costs to solve any problems. At the very least, an inspection can tell you how full of solids the tank is, and how soon you may need to get it pumped out.
Who pays for septic tank inspection?
Most of the time the buyer pays the cost for this inspection. Some sellers may choose to do the inspection prior to listing the home for sale, as an incentive for buyers to know they are getting a home that’s free of any septic system problems. This is rare, however, and it’s usually the buyer who orders and pays for a septic system inspection. An Asheville septic system inspection is well worth the cost.
Septic tank maintenance tips
Since septic tanks are buried out of sight, sometimes they are forgotten. Here are a few tips to keep your septic system in good shape.
√ Only bath tissue should be flushed down the toilet. Do not put tampons, paper towels, cigarette butts, or anything else in the toilet. Never flush or dump household chemicals in the sink. Detergent and bleach can be used in moderate amounts.
√ Use a beneficial bacteria booster, such as Rid-X, every few months. This enhances the system’s ability to decompose solid waste.
√ Have your system pumped out every three to five years.
Contact us to arrange an Asheville septic system inspection
If you are about to buy a home, a septic system inspection is worth the cost. You’ll feel more confident about your upcoming purchase, and if the inspection reveals any problems, you may gain some leverage in negotiating the home’s purchase price.
Never try to open, inspect, or repair your septic system yourself. Septic tanks are dangerously unsanitary, and methane fumes can be fatal. Always use a certified professional to inspect, pump, or repair your system.
Need an appointment? Call Peter Young Home Inspections at 828-808-4980 to arrange a septic system inspection in Asheville and surrounding areas of Western North Carolina. Or click the button below to schedule an appointment.
