Congratulations! Buying a home is an exciting time in your life, especially when it means moving into a new space that offers the amenities your whole family wants. As you move forward in the process, your realtor will advise you of the importance of a home inspection, but if your new home has a septic system, you might be wondering about the protocol for that, as well.
IS A SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION REALLY NECESSARY BEFORE YOU CLOSE ON A NEW HOME?
As the state of Arizona requires, a septic tank inspection is absolutely necessary before you buy the home. It’s up to the seller to obtain and schedule a qualified inspector who then provides a written report before the sale becomes binding.
Here’s what you need to know before you move into your new neighborhood.
WHY IS A SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION IMPORTANT?
For the same reason you have a general home inspection, a septic system inspection provides valuable information into the health of your septic tank. As a homebuyer, you want peace of mind knowing that all the systems in your home are functioning properly – electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and septic.
Thorough inspections of these systems can prevent you from purchasing a home with faulty wiring, leaky pipes, and a septic system in desperate need of maintenance or costly repairs. And, if the system is in need of major repairs, you can negotiate with the seller about contributing to the cost.
Just like a wellness visit to your family doctor, a septic tank inspection alerts you to any minor problems before they become major issues. Isn’t it better to know that the system may need a few simple repairs to get it up to speed rather than waiting for a septic tank disaster to occur?
Take it from us – septic tank disasters rarely occur during convenient times. In our more than 60 years of inspecting and servicing residential and commercial septic systems in the Greater Phoenix area, we can tell you that most septic emergencies happen at inconvenient times, such as during family gatherings or the holiday season.
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE A SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION
As you get ready to make an offer on a new home, it’s important to ask questions about the age, condition, and maintenance of the existing septic system, such as:
- How often has the tank been pumped?
- Where is the tank located?
- Have there been any previous problems with the system?
- What, if any, repairs have been done to the system?
- How old is the septic system?
Once you own a house with a septic tank, we recommend inspections at least every three years for the health of the entire system and to ensure it’s operating at optimal capacity.
Our inspections include a full analysis of the system from inside the home to the drainfield. We check for cracked plumbing, sluggish drains, and the levels of accumulated sludge, scum, and effluent in the tank itself. We alert you to any potential problems that are likely to become plumbing mishaps if you ignore them.
At Paradise Septic, we’re experienced in all aspects of septic systems, from inspections to installations and repairs. Call us to schedule an appointment or contact us online today, before you sign the papers for your new home.