Septic Inspections for Real Estate Transactions 101

The housing market right now is crazy and many homes are going so quickly, buyers are often willing to forego inspections; but if you're buying a home with a septic system, an inspection is a must. Septic system repairs or system replacements can run you $20,000-$30,000 so it’s necessary to have things inspected to ensure that the system is working properly before you make it to closing day. The last thing you want is a major problem weeks after moving into your new home. Keep reading to learn more about the inspections process or contact us today to schedule your septic pumping in Lancaster, Pa. We service homes and businesses in Lancaster, York, Dauphin, Lebanon, Chester and Berks counties.

A traditional home inspector will walk through your home and check for things like structural safety, air quality, lead paint or mold - everything inside your home. But 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 your Lancaster, Pa septic system experts. Our technicians are PSMA certified and licensed to complete septic inspections in Central Pa, plus we've been in the business for 4 generations so you know when you call John Kline Septic, you're in good hands. After the inspection we'll 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.

We pride ourselves on our timeliness and communication, plus we often work directly with realtors, making the process as simple as possible for all parties. Whether you're buying or selling, we'll perform a thorough inspection to let you know what condition the septic system is in, and if any repairs are needed before closing day. 

When you schedule a septic inspection with us, we’ll identify the location, size and layout of the septic system and answer any questions you may have as a potential home buyer. In most cases we'll perform a routine septic system pumping at the time of your inspection as well. Under normal home sale agreements, buyers are responsible for the cost of a septic inspection, while the current owner is responsible for the septic pumping/clean out.

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. On Day 2, the technician returns and measures the water level in the absorption area and adds clean water for a second time to make sure the tank will return to regular levels.

A Hydraulic Load Test is Needed...

• 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 any home with a septic system (even if it's your dream home and you're up against competing offers!). You'll be glad you did in the long run. For more information, contact us today and ask for Kyle Kline, our certified septic inspector. Kyle works with buyers and sellers or is happy to communicate directly to your realtor to make the process as simple as possible.

For additional information about Central Pa septic tank pumping and prices per township, visit our Pricing page.