Septic Inspections for Home Buyers: What You Need to Know

In this brief article brought to you by Septic Blue, we offer some insight into septic system ownership. We’ll review maintenance tasks such as septic tank pumping and cleaning as well as potential issues to beware.

The role of septic system components

There are many moving (and constant) parts that go into a septic system, but the three primary players are the septic tank, drain field, and vital bacteria:

• Septic Tank: Wastewater flows from your home into a buried septic tank. There, the solids settle to the bottom and form sludge while oils and grease rise to the top as a scum layer.
• Drain Field: Meanwhile, the partially treated wastewater flows out of the tank and seeps through a drain field where soil filters contaminants even further.
• Bacteria: Natural bacteria in the tank break down organic waste into space-saving, dense sludge.

Why septic inspections are essential

A professional inspection provides insight into the system’s condition and helps identify potential issues before you close the deal. During the inspection, the septic specialist will examine the tank for structural integrity and any signs of wear or damage. They’ll also make sure the drain field is functioning correctly and isn’t waterlogged or clogged.

The inspector will also evaluate the septic system’s age and capacity to make sure it can handle another year of containing and treating the waste and wastewater from your property. Older systems or tanks that are too small for the household size can spell trouble down the line.

Septic system maintenance tasks

Annual inspections are essential in making sure your septic system is operating as intended, but routine maintenance is what ensures smooth-sailing. Here are the key tasks every septic system owner should know about:

• Septic Tank Pumping: This tasks involves removing the excess sludge, solid waste, and scum from the tank. The tank should be pumped once every 3 to 5 years depending on your household size and water usage as well as the tank’s capacity.
• Septic Tank Cleaning: This is more comprehensive than pumping. It involves pumping the tank as well as deep cleaning the walls, pipe baffles, and so forth.

In addition to performing routine maintenance, make sure to practice water conservation and be mindful of goes down the drain. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items and harsh chemicals.

When to hire a septic specialist

Annual septic inspections and routine maintenance once every 3 to 5 years are fundamental, but you should also watch out for signs of trouble that indicate you need an urgent septic tank repair. Warning signs include slow drainage in multiple drains, backups in multiple sinks and tubs, and patches of overly lush and green grass in the yard.

If you need urgent assistance, then call the professionals at Septic Blue of Lakeland to request an emergency dispatch. We are ready when you are.