Whether you’re buying or selling a home with a septic system, you may be wondering if an inspection is really necessary. Often, septic tanks stay out of the mind of homeowners since they are usually located underground and stay out of sight. However, after a lot of use, your septic system could fail without proper maintenance, which is why inspections are so important. In fact, if you’re planning to sell your home, a septic inspection is required.
Frequency of Septic Inspections
You might be wondering how often you should have a septic system inspection. A general rule of thumb is that you should have it inspected every three years, but many homeowners go much longer without one. Often, people won’t get an inspection until they run into a major problem like their toilet backing up or water taking too long to drain. With a thorough inspection, you can catch some of these major problems before they arise and potentially save yourself a lot of money on costly repairs. For most homes, you should have a septic inspection performed at least every three years.
Who Performs Inspections?
A professional septic company should be hired whenever you need to have an inspection done. General contractors will typically only do a visual inspection, which won’t catch any hidden damage. A professional inspector will look more closely at your system and check for any leaks or damage. They will likely pump the system as well to ensure that everything is working at the proper levels and there are no hidden structural issues inside the tank.
Other Helpful Info.
While prices may vary depending on the size of your tank or your location, a basic septic system inspection should only set you back around $300 to $600. That’s a small price to pay in exchange for peace of mind. Some jurisdictions allow the local health department to perform inspections at a lower cost, so check your local area. If you’re planning to sell your home, you will be responsible for getting the inspection and providing the results. There are some states who require the buyer to order the inspection, but in most areas, it’s up to the seller to get it done.
Remember that it’s up to you to ensure that your septic system is working properly. With regularly scheduled inspections, you can catch any serious issues before they get worse, and you’ll be able to sell your home confidently whenever the need arises.
If you live in the Greenville or Anderson areas and need help with septic system installation, maintenance or repair, remember to call Palmetto Pumpers at 864-385-3933 and schedule an appointment today.
