08/05/2026
How to Buy a Home with a Septic System:
If you are shopping for a home in an area where septic systems are common, then you should be prepared to treat the septic system as its own entity. Be prepared to take this on and become fully educated on the process to avoid a costly mistake.
1.First, talk to the homeowner. Do this before even making an offer on the home and ask the following questions about the septic system:
How often do you have the tank pumped?
What septic tank company services your system?
Ask to see documentation supporting the maintenance.
Ask if the system is original or if it has ever been replaced and when.
2. Next, take a close look at the area around the septic tank. Do you smell an odor or is the ground very wet? These are initial signs that something is not functioning properly.
3. Hire a Septic Inspector – Mason's Professional Septic Service After you are in contract, you should hire an independent septic inspector that is different from the general home inspector. This may be a septic company that currently does not provide service to the home.
This is an added cost but will also help to identify anything that may be in need or repair. If the inspector believes the system needs to be replaced, they may be able to give you an estimate at that time which can help with the negotiations.
The age of the tank and the drain field should be an indicator as to how much longer the system will last.
4. ATTEND THE SEPTIC INSPECTION – This is something you absolutely should witness yourself. The inspector will likely try to load the system with water to see if it comes to the surface in your yard (Hydraulic Load Test). He may add a dye which would make the water more visible.
Use this time to ask a lot of questions of the inspector. You may be able to get more from him during this time versus what you will see on a report.
