Home buyers often overlook the importance of inspecting a septic system when buying a new home. Even the most careful home buyers disregard a critical system that forms an essential part of the home and could cost thousands of dollars to replace: the septic system.
Just because the sinks drain and the toilets flush doesn’t mean everything is working fine. There is much more to a septic system that needs to be analyzed by an expert. A septic system consists of three main components: the septic tank, a distribution box, and a drainage field. The septic tank is usually made out of concrete, steel or fiberglass and is a rectangular box buried a few feet underneath the ground. Septic systems should last roughly 25 years with proper maintenance and care. Here are a few suggestions you should follow before buying a home with a septic system:
- Ask about it: Ask questions about the location of the septic system, the maintenance history, what type of septic system is installed, how long they’ve lived in the home, and how old the septic system is
- Look for any visible signs of trouble: Visually inspect the outside of the property by looking for any wet or smelly areas. Step inside the home and observe how the sink drains and the speed of the flushing of toilets. If you notice any unusual sounds or an odor, you should be concerned.
- Hire professionals to inspect the septic system: Home inspections do not include septic system inspections, this must done by a professional. Hire a professional to inspect the home’s septic system and determine if there are any issues with it. This way you will know the condition of the septic system and save yourself from spending thousands of dollars on a septic system replacement, or even tell the seller to reduce the price if the septic system needs to be replaced.
A septic system inspection should include a review of the system permit, an inspection of the tank, distribution box, and drainage field as well as a home inspection and discussion with the homeowner about the history of the septic system’s service and repairs. The professional septic tank inspector will compare the size of the tank with the expected water use (depending on family size). The inspector will also look for any cracks or leaks, check for signs of standing water or biomat growth and inspect all mechanical equipment.
Jones Septic Services has provided reliable and efficient septic system services since 1950. Jones Septic Services operate 24/7 and have the experience and equipment necessary to service any type of septic system whether it is residential or commercial. They offer services for Septic Pumping Milan NY, Septic Pumping Millerton NY, Septic Pumping Wingdale, NY, Septic Pumping Hopewell Junction, NY, Septic Pumping Rhinecliff NY, Septic Pumping Patterson NY, Septic Pumping Hyde Park NY, and Septic Pumping Wappinger NY. Contact Jones Septic Services today for all of your septic system needs.
