Septic Inspection

Septic Inspection questions

Do I need a septic inspection when buying a house?

Yes, if the home is on septic. A standard home inspection does not evaluate the septic system, and a failed system is one of the most expensive repairs a buyer can inherit. Inspect it during your option period, while you can still negotiate or walk away.

What does a septic inspection include?

We evaluate the tank condition and liquid levels, the baffles and components, and the drain field, and we look for signs of failure or backup. You get the findings in plain language along with maintenance recommendations, so you know both the current condition and what the system will need.

Does a septic inspection include pumping?

No. We inspect and report on condition; we do not pump. Those are separate jobs, and keeping them separate matters: a company that profits from pumping has a reason to tell you the tank needs it. If our inspection shows pumping is due, you hire a pumper of your choosing.

How often should a septic tank be pumped?

The EPA recommends inspecting a septic system every one to three years and pumping every three to five. The real interval depends on household size, tank size, water use, and whether a garbage disposal is used. Your inspection report tells you where your tank actually stands rather than guessing from the calendar.

What are the signs of septic system failure?

Slow drains throughout the house, sewage odors indoors or over the drain field, gurgling plumbing, and standing water or unusually green grass above the drain field. Backups are the late sign. On a home you are buying, these are worth checking before closing, not after.

How much does a septic inspection cost?

A septic inspection is a flat $295, regardless of the size of the home. We confirm the price when you book, and it can be scheduled alongside your home inspection so there is one visit rather than two.

Who pays for the septic inspection, the buyer or the seller?

In Texas the buyer normally pays for inspections, because the buyer is the one who needs the information and chooses who performs it. Sellers sometimes pay for a pre-listing inspection to avoid surprises. Either way, the person who orders it receives the report.