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How Often Should You Get a Septic System Inspection? Costs, Precautions, and More
A septic system inspection is one of those home maintenance tasks that you might put off, and then put off some more. Because septic systems are underground in the backyard, they are often out of sight, and out of mind. But letting it go too many flushes without an inspection can result in some major problems if the system fails.
Florida does not require a septic inspection when a property is sold or bought, commercial or residential, but buyers should always ask for one before closing. Even if you aren’t selling, keeping your septic system in good condition can save you thousands of dollars in repairs if anything does go wrong.
How often should you get a septic system inspection?
The EPA recommends having a septic system inspected by a professional at least every three years. But here’s a dose of reality: most homeowners never get their septic systems inspected unless there is a notable issue.
That means homeowners get an inspection only when issues that may signal big trouble arise, such as when the toilet backs up, water takes too long to drain, or there’s an actual septic system leak. The benefit of an inspection every three years (depending on the number of bathrooms and the size of the tank) is to avoid major problems like these.
Most systems need pumping every three to five years, depending on the size of the tank and how many people live in the home.
A problem caught at inspection can save you from having to replace the entire septic system (read: shell out a ton of money). It’s especially important to keep your septic system in good shape if you plan on selling. Most buyers will ask for a septic inspection, and you don’t want any last-minute surprises.
Who should perform a septic system inspection?
You’re going to want to hire a professional septic contractor for the inspection.
General home inspectors do only a limited, visual-only inspection of the septic system. We provide the service of emptying the tank and evaluating the system and its operation, to the extent access and space allow.
A septic contractor will look for cracks in the tank, indicated by a low liquid level, and check the amount of solids inside the tank. We empty and clean the tank so all areas can be properly seen.
How much does a septic system inspection cost?
Cost depends on how extensive the septic inspection is as well as the size of the tank, which is usually either 1,000 or 1,500 gallons. But a basic septic system inspection typically runs between $500 to $700.
Is the home seller or buyer obligated to get an inspection?
Neither is required to by Florida law. In Florida, the buyer usually arranges and pays for inspections during the inspection period in the purchase contract, as part of their due diligence, unless the contract says otherwise.
Bottom line: ask your real estate professional whether there is a septic system at the property, and request maintenance records and information from the seller before the inspection. It’s extremely important to ask for the location of the tank and whether it is accessible. Locating a tank and its access will add to the cost.
Is the seller obligated to fix any septic problems?
Who pays for septic repairs depends on the purchase contract. Repairs of any kind found at inspection are generally negotiable. Sellers may have such options as doing the repairs themselves, splitting repair costs with the buyer, giving the buyer a closing credit equal to the amount of the repairs, or refusing to do anything. If an agreement on repairs isn’t reached, the buyer may be able to walk away from the transaction during the inspection period, depending on the terms of the contract.
Commercial properties
In most of our commercial inspections for investors buying restaurants, there’s always going to be either a septic or a grease trap system, and we inspect those too. Let us know and we will include an estimate for the inspection.
We provide residential & commercial inspections tailored to the needs of the customer. Call us to schedule and get more information.
To schedule an inspection, call (954) 802-8524
