Some home inspectors offer septic inspections as part of their service, but wise home inspectors realize the liability of the limited inspections that they offer. As we all know, general home inspections are just that — general. If you really want know the condition of the septic system at a home, you need a specialist.
Visual Inspection vs. Full Inspection
Let’s say you want to buy a used car. You walk around the vehicle and it looks pretty good — the tires are in good shape and there are no major dents. You purchase the car without test driving it or popping the hood.
If you really want to know the condition of that car you’re buying, however, you inspect it inside and out for potential problems and take it for a spin.
The first situation is comparable to a “visual” septic inspection (also called stress test, dye-test, etc). Most home inspectors offer visual inspections by running water and flushing commodes; the system is assumed acceptable if the house does not experience any backup or seepage over the yard.
Learning the true condition of a septic system requires opening and checking the tank, and in most cases pumping it to check for backflow from the absorption area. This is a “full” septic inspection, and uncovers many common septic system problems that a visual inspection misses.
Visual Inspections Can Be Risky
Accepting a visual inspection is a big gamble because you’re basically purchasing it “as is” with the home. We have found major problems even with newer systems and tanks that have been recently pumped, so don’t let that information fool you into thinking everything is a-okay.
A new septic system can cost $12,000 to $15,000 or more in the San Antonio area, so there are many reasons to get the septic system inspected before purchasing a home.
Need An Inspection?
Our technicians are NAWT certified inspectors, and perform over 300 inspections every year. Please call us or contact us online to discuss scheduling a septic inspection.
For 86+ years, Van Delden Wastewater Systems has withstood the test of time as the leading Wastewater System company, providing San Antonio, Boerne, and the surrounding Texas Hill Country with services you can count on now and in the future.
Call us for any of your wastewater systems needs and let our professionals help you with your septic installation and maintenance requirements
Recent Blog post
Customer Reviews
Peter was personable, professional and thorough. Highly recommend Van Delden. You might be able to find a cheaper company but not better!
On time. 100% professional, knowledgeable, and courteous. Very helpful and straightforward. That is the bar all businesses should strive for.
It has been a pleasure working with your company. Not only did y’all communicate very well but your workers were always polite! Thank you!
“I thank Van Delden for such prompt service. Honest people are hard to come by these days. I will certainly recommend Van Delden to anyone! Jesse is an upstanding young man and very nice to talk to. I thank everyone at Van Delden for taking such good care of me.”
This is just a note to thank you for explaining the problem with my system. You didn’t have to be so kind and I appreciate your good business ethics and time spent. In the future you will have mine in return!
Blogs
Stay updated with our latest blog posts.
