Multiple elements require scrutiny when buying a house, starting from the rooftop and going down to its foundation. However, people frequently miss the most important consideration, which is the septic system. The septic system typically operates so well that homeowners neglect to think about it, especially when no apparent issues are present. However, it is not always perfect, and any failure in these systems can produce major complications.
An inspector trained in septic system examination can identify signs of septic system failure even when there are no obvious issues. So, what does a home inspector check in a septic system? Let’s find out about it in detail in this blog.
Understanding Septic System Failure
A septic system is responsible for treating and disposing wastewater from your home. The complete septic system consists of a tank combined with pipes and a drain field. The continuous operation of the system causes wear, which eventually results in system breakdown. The failure of a septic system allows untreated waste to spread inside the home and into the environment, creating health risks and expensive repairs.
Common Signs Of Septic System Failure
Some signs should warn you that a septic system failure may be imminent.
Slow Drains And Toilet Backups
The absolute sign that your septic system requires attention is the decreased flow in your drains. Slow water drains in sinks, showers, and bathtubs may signal a full or clogged septic tank condition. A major indication that the septic system has problems is when sewage appears from the toilet bowl, or you find yourself dealing with toilet backups.
These issues indicate that waste and water in the septic tank are improperly processed. The waste backs up into the home instead of flowing through the pipes and into the drain field.
Unpleasant Odors Around The Property
A putrid smell emanating from your property is one indicator that your septic system requires inspection. A sewage-like smell near the septic tank or drain field means that waste is not properly processed and is potentially leaking into the environment. The situation demands quick intervention because it seriously affects the septic system.
Standing Water
A failing septic system can cause wastewater to surface. It leads to standing water pools and exceptionally dense green grass near or around septic systems. The moist soil becomes muddy, and the lush grass indicates soil fertilization caused by untreated waste.
Home inspectors must monitor these signs of septic system failure because they demonstrate drainage failure in the septic system and leakage of wastewater.
Gurgling Sounds In Plumbing
Gurgling sounds while flushing the toilet, using sinks, or taking showers suggest trapped air inside the pipes. A wastewater tank brimming at full capacity or pipe obstructions between the tank and drain field can cause these sounds. While they do not indicate an impending failure of the septic system, they indicate trouble is brewing underneath.
Drains Backing Up In Multiple Areas
Get professional help right away if your kitchen sink, toilet, and bathtub drains simultaneously experience clogs. Such evidence suggests the problem may be pervasive and not restricted to one or two pipe blockages. It asks for an assessment of the entire septic system. This type of backup can be particularly problematic because it can create a mess in multiple rooms of the house.
Septic Tank Maintenance History
When conducting inspections, home inspectors must review records that demonstrate the maintenance history of septic systems. Without regular maintenance or pumping, the septic tank has a heightened chance of failure. A septic tank not pumped every 3–5 years is more likely to develop problems, such as clogging or overflow.
Homeowners should show the inspector their septic tank’s maintenance records since this information helps identify system problems.
The Importance Of Septic System Failure Detection
The early discovery of septic system failure allows homeowners to avoid extensive expenses and related problems. When homeowners ignore the problem, the cost of repairing or replacing a septic system can reach thousands of dollars. Unattended wastewater pollution develops into environmental hazards that threaten residents and members of the surrounding community.
Inspection at the right time allows you to check if your system functions correctly while protecting your home and the wellness of your household members.
What Home Inspectors Should Do
When inspecting a septic system, one needs specialized and expert knowledge. The following checklist represents vital aspects a home inspector must not forget in an examination:
- The inspector should inspect tanks for signs of wear and examine them for any existing cracks.
- Any smell near the tank or drain field indicates that the system might be experiencing failure.
- A home inspector must test water drainage speed and backup within the home through water tests.
- Water pooling should also be checked in the septic tank and drain fields.
- The inspection requires verification of maintenance records to ensure the system’s proper functioning.
- Check for general system conditions to detect signs that suggest the system is nearing failure.
Conclusion
Home inspectors need to recognize signs of septic system failure since it protects homeowners’ health and safety. Septic system issues remain invisible. Still, experienced inspectors who examine signs such as slow draining pipes, bad odor, and water accumulation will discover potential system breakdowns before severe complications occur.
You can prevent the homeowner from overspending on repairs while eliminating health-related challenges and emotional stress because of septic system failure.
Main Choice Inspections provides comprehensive professional services for septic system inspections to assist customers. Our qualified inspectors possess all the necessary skills to recognize the signs of a failing septic system. Make an appointment right now because putting off an examination means putting your house’s health and safety at risk. Call us now to get things started.