Home Inspections: Don't forget about the septic system!

If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t give your septic system much thought until something goes wrong, and by then it’s often too late. Repairs can be costly, so if you’re buying or selling a home with a septic system, it’s a good idea to have it inspected to ensure that it’s functioning properly. The last thing you want is a backed up septic system just weeks before closing.

Home inspectors will walk through your home and check for things like structural safety, air quality, lead paint or mold - everything inside your home. Most are not trained to perform an inspection of your septic system or the service is not offered at all. That's why it's important to call a septic expert. Our technicians are PSMA certified and licensed to complete septic inspections in Central Pa. We can provide you with a septic certification, a written document stating that an onsite sewage disposal system has been inspected and found to be in satisfactory condition according to current standards.

When you schedule a septic inspection with us, we’ll identify the location, size and layout of your septic system and answer any questions you may have as a potential home buyer, or seller. We can also perform a routine pumping at the time of your inspection if needed. Knowing the location of your septic system is especially helpful in the event you ever have a septic problem so we'll make sure you know where your pump alarm and other components are at - we can even draw you a sketch to keep with your house blueprints.

Occasionally, in addition to a regular inspection you'll need a hydraulic load test to determine whether or not your septic system is functioning properly. A hydraulic load test requires two days to complete. On Day 1, the technician measures and records the water level in the absorption area and then begins adding clean water. Water is added until the absorption area reaches its maximum capacity or the full specified daily volume is introduced. The technician then measures and records the water level in the absorption area again.

• If you're buying or selling has been vacant for more than 7 days
  
• If there's going to be new sources of waste water added
  
• If there are signs that the tank has been leaking
  

As a homeowner it's important to think of a septic system as another utility, just like your furnace or water softener. You wouldn't buy a home with a broken HVAC system, would you? With that in mind, remember to have a thorough septic inspection completed before buying or selling your home. You'll be glad you did in the long run!