| Buying a home in Texas? This might mean that | | | | inspector uncovers the tank lid or lids and then |
| you're buying one that has a septic system. As | | | | pump the tanks. After this has been done, the |
| part of the home inspection process, I always | | | | inspector checks the tank visually to make sure |
| recommend that the buyers order a septic | | | | the structural integrity of the tank is good. If the |
| inspection from a licensed septic servicing | | | | septic system is an aerobic one, the inspector will |
| company early in the option period of the | | | | run water through the entire system to test all |
| contract. | | | | valves, mechanical parts and the sprinkler heads. |
| A septic system inspection isn't inexpensive, but it | | | | If something is discovered about the septic |
| can prevent future headaches. The price may be | | | | system that isn't in good condition, the buyers can |
| anywhere from $400 to $750 depending on the | | | | get an estimate of what it will cost to make |
| type and the size of the system. The more | | | | repairs. This can then be used to negotiate the |
| expensive inspection is for aerobic septic systems. | | | | contract or you can walk away from the sale. |
| There are several types of inspections that a | | | | If the septic system is close enough to a body of |
| septic company can do. A walk-over is a very | | | | water, an authority determined by the state may |
| simple inspection and really doesn't tell you much. | | | | require an inspection so that the new owner can |
| For about $250, an inspector will open many | | | | obtain a license to operate the system. A Buyer's |
| faucets in the house to flood the septic system. | | | | Agent should be able to assist buyers with this in |
| When the inspector is certain that the system | | | | addition to the regular inspection. |
| has water flowing from through the septic tank | | | | Repair or replacement of a septic system can be |
| to the drain field, he walks over the drain field to | | | | very costly. This is exactly why I recommend |
| see if there is any visual evidence of sewage at | | | | that buyers order a full inspection. I would rather |
| the surface. | | | | see them spend $500+ during the option period |
| I recommend ordering a more detailed inspection, | | | | even if the pull the plug on the contract than |
| which usually takes about two hours. The | | | | $15,000+ later for repairs. |
