Beyond the Tank: Understanding Septic Inspections for Buyers and Sellers

Ensuring Value: The Significance of Septic Inspections in Real Estate

What is a Septic Inspection

A septic inspection is typically conducted as part of real estate transactions and is utilized to gather an understanding of the overall septic system condition and functionality. The on-site septic system plays a crucial role in the overall functionality of the property, and its ability to consistently serve the home is essential.

Understanding the Inspection Process

As part of our septic inspection process, we will coordinate with a local septic pumping company to pump the septic tanks while onsite during the inspection. BC Engineering Group will handle all of the scheduling related to the inspection to allow for a streamlined process and quick turnaround on the inspection report.

During the septic inspection, our inspector will be on-site alongside the pumpers to initiate the process of exposing the septic tank. Following the uncovering of the tanks, either a hydraulic load test or a pump test will be performed on the septic system. Septic systems vary, with some relying solely on gravity for effluent dispersal, while others utilize pumps for effluent distribution across the dispersal area. Before conducting either of these tests, we will inspect the assumed dispersal area, taking note of soil conditions, vegetation, and any observed soil saturation.

Once the test is completed and the results are documented, the septic tank pumping can begin. Pumping the septic tank during the inspection is crucial, allowing our inspector to examine the interior of the tank below the water line. This inspection helps identify potential issues and solutions associated with a tank in need of repair or replacement. After the septic tank inspection, we will re-evaluate the dispersal area to check for any changes in soil conditions after the hydraulic load test or pump test has been completed.

Either a failed hydraulic load test or changes in soil conditions may indicate improper septic system functionality, ranging from a simple clog or crushed pipe to a system reaching the end of its lifespan. If a change in soil conditions is observed, or there are poor results with the hydraulic load test, our office would recommend additional site work, likely performed by a local septic pumping company to waterjet the leach lines. This step can aid overall system performance and serves as an initial measure to determine what may be causing the poor test results or saturated conditions at the dispersal area. Although this may resolve some issues with the poor performance observed during the inspection, it is also possible that the dispersal area is nearing the end of its lifespan, and steps should be taken to begin the process of replacing the septic system serving the property.

Upon completing all essential on-site tasks for the inspection, we will consolidate the results and observations in a comprehensive Septic Inspection Report. This report is then provided to the client upon its completion, and plays an essential role in understanding the overall condition and functionality of the septic system serving the property.

BC Engineering Group: The Local Experts In Septic System Inspections

If you have any further questions or require assistance with your septic needs, our experienced staff at BC Engineering Group have successfully completed hundreds of septic system inspections in support of real estate transactions throughout Sonoma, Napa, and Marin Counties. Feel free to reach out to explore how we can support you in ensuring the optimal performance and reliability of your septic system.