When house hunting, you have so many questions. But if there is a septic tank on the property, you’ll need an entirely separate list. Our Sorrento septic service team compiled the most important questions to ask before buying a home with a septic system.
Have you found a home that you love? Everything is perfect and you’re about to put in an offer. But it has a septic system. Before you sign a contract, you should ask a Sorrento septic service company these questions to ensure that your septic system is in good working order.
Where Is The Septic Tank?
Sometimes the lid to your septic tank is easy to spot; sometimes it’s not. If the property is overgrown or the area where your septic tank is buried hasn’t been mowed in a while, it can be like hunting for Easter eggs trying to track it down.
You may be able to get the septic plans from the homeowner or the Sorrento septic service that has been performing maintenance on the system. But if you and your realtor have given up your search, call our septic services team at Acme. We’ve been working on septic systems for over 30 years and we’re very good at spotting them.
How Old Is The Septic System?
With proper maintenance, a septic system can last for decades, but you need to know when it was installed so you’ll know when to expect that you’ll need a replacement. If the homeowner can’t give you a good answer, you should be able to track down when the installation permit was approved by the city or county.
If you find that the septic system is more than 15 years old, you should consult with a Sorrento septic service to evaluate its condition and plan for an eventual replacement. There’s no need to cross the house off of your list just because it has an aging septic system. Our team at Acme can help you plan for repairs and replacement if needed down the road.
When Was The Septic Tank Last Cleaned Out?
The homeowner should have records of the septic system maintenance history. If they can’t remember the last time it was cleaned out, that may be a red flag. Septic tanks should be cleaned out every three to five years (that schedule can vary depending on factors such as the size of the tank and water usage).
Our septic team at Acme can inspect the septic system as part of the home inspection process and let you know how full the tank is and how immediate the need for a cleaning may be.
Where Is The Drain Field?
If you’ve located the septic tank, the drain field shouldn’t be too far away. Look for a large, open area with no trees, plants, or flowers. Your Sorrento septic service will need to know where your drain field is located if they need to perform any repairs. By the way, if you ever have standing water over your drain field, you could have a leak and you should call in the professionals right away.
What Company Last Performed Maintenance?
Your realtor should be able to get this information from the homeowner. The septic company that has worked on the system in the past should be able to tell you the cleaning schedule as well as any repairs that have been done on the septic tank or the drain field. You’ll want to keep these documents for your records.
Who Should Perform My Sorrento Septic Service?
If you want to keep using the company that has worked on the system in the past, that may be fine. After all, they understand the system and know its history. However, if you’re looking for a septic company with a stellar reputation that knows how to work on any type of system, contact our team at Acme. We’d be happy to inspect the septic system, clean it if needed, and put you on a regular pumping schedule to keep it worry-free for years to come. We look forward to hearing from you. Best of luck in your house hunt!