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Home Inspectors and Septic Systems

By Jerry Schmidt

Home Inspector with Sunview Inspections Inc. TREC 9102 & 9437

March 23, 2007 10:52 AM

Depending on state requirements, additional licensing and/or certifications may be required in order to fully inspect septic systems. While home inspectors should operate plumbing inside the house and note potential drainage issues, they may only do a superficial inspection of the area around the tanks and drainage fields and/or lines. Because of additional licensing/certification requirements many home inspectors do not uncover or open the septic tanks and do a complete inspection of the septic system. Ask your home inspector what specifically he inspects for a septic system. If you or your client is concerned about a home's septic system consider contacting a professional septic system contractor for complete evaluation if your inspector can't do a full inspection. It may be well worth the additional opinion and inspection fee!

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Mike (Inspector Mike) Parks

Inspector Mike - Circleville, OH

Inspector Mike

In Ohio:

New sewage treatment system rules in effect
As of Jan. 1, 2007, new Sewage Treatment System rules are in place in Ohio's Administrative Code. These rules establish standards and guidelines for new and replacement household septic and sewage treatement. Read more.

http://www.odh.ohio.gov/odhPrograms/eh/sewage/sewage1.aspx

Mar 23, 2007 11:13 AM

Tim Maitski

Atlanta Communities Real Estate Brokerage - Atlanta, GA

Truth, Excellence and a Good Deal

Jerry, How much does a septic inspection cost? What exactly do they look at?

Mar 23, 2007 02:12 PM

Jerry Schmidt

Sunview Inspections Inc. - Georgetown, TX

Licensed, Professional Property Inspector

Tim, it will depend some on where you are, but here in Texas the septic inspection (by a septic pumping company or contractor) is normally around $300 dollars and includes pumping the tanks. I'm not sure of all of the specifics but I know they actually uncover the tops of the tanks and pump and inspect the tanks and other associated components that are not accessible during a normal home inspection. A pumping or installation company can give you more specifics on what they look at. There are system types other than the standard that we are all familiar with also, such as an aerobic system which which is more sophisticated having sprinkler systems, pumps and electronic controls and monitoring systems which would need to be checked also. Aerobic systems are common here in the hill country of Texas because of the soil composition but you may not see them in Atlanta. The link below has some info and pics regarding septic inspections.

http://www.agnr.umd.edu/users/wye/personel/Miller/goodinspection.html

Jerry

Mar 23, 2007 02:47 PM

Tim, I forgot to mention that both my wife and I grew up in the Atlanta area and our families are still there. It's a great place to live! Hope you are enjoying Atlanta. Jerry Schmidt

Mar 23, 2007 02:51 PM

Home Inspectors and Septic Systems

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