6 Ways to Tell if a Septic System is in Bad Condition

It is important to pay attention to the Septic System when buying a home. Most tanks can last anywhere from 15-50 years depending on the upkeep and wear/tear of the machine. When you are home searching, make sure to ask when the last time the Septic System was pumped. There are a few things that you can pay attention to when you are looking for a house that has a Septic System. Below are 6 things to look for. 

1.     Check for standing water in the yard

If this isn’t already a concern for you, put it on your list of things to check for. Standing water in a yard can indicate a lot of problems, but one major concern can be that the septic tank is full.

2.     Is there any sewage back up?

Yeah…ew. No one wants sewage where it shouldn't be. This is a huge red flag that something is wrong with the Septic System! Make sure there is no sewage backed up into the house.  

3.     Does the leach fields look more taken care of compared to other parts of the yard?

If the grass is greener and healthier where the Septic System is located, then there is a major concern. This could be a sign that the system is full or broken.

4.     Are there any cast iron components?

Cast iron components often fail, so make sure you ask about this. 

5.     Are there trees nearby?

Keep in mind that roots from trees will grow and spread over time looking for nutrients. If there are trees nearby, overtime (if not already) the roots can penetrate the Septic System. Look for trees that are 25 ft or closer because these roots could potentially cause cracking and spillage.

6.     How old is the system?

Make sure to ask how old the system is. Even if there are no concerns that you see, the age of the tank can still have a factor.  Although tanks can last more than 50 years, it is unlikely they will last that long without issues.

7.     When was the last time it was pumped?

Find out the last time that the tank was pumped. If you can’t find out, ask the listing agent to split cost of an inspection or split the cost of getting it pumped. You will know it needs to be pumped for sure if you can smell it and/or if these is soggy yard. 

Keep in mind that fully occupied homes should have their Septic Systems inspected every 3-5 years. Be aware of how well kept the system is and that it may be an extra expense if the tank is not kept up.

So what do you do if you find an issue with the Septic System?

If you see red flags that point to a problem with the system and it hasn’t been inspected in a while, ask the sellers to split the cost of the inspection with you.

If you are selling your home and you are fearful of a problem with your Septic System, then we suggest having an inspection done before you begin selling so that you are aware of all of the facts and concerns.

If you have any more questions, feel free to contact us. We would be happy to help!