Buying your first home can be stressful! Between financing, home inspections, closing, insurance, taxes, and a whole plethora of complicated tasks, first-time homebuyers can easily be overwhelmed. Plus, if your new home has a septic system, it can be confusing to learn about drainfields, septic tanks, septic system cleaning and maintenance, and more.

We want to clear up some of the confusion around septic systems by providing you with a list of items you should know about your new perspective septic system and things to check before signing the final paperwork on the house. We make the process as easy as possible with our PSMA and NOF certified inspections, our No-Hassle Maintenance Program, and quality service! Contact Biros Septic & Drain Cleaning when you’re ready to schedule your septic system inspection!

Basic Information to Know About Your Septic System

Before purchasing a house with a septic system, there are some key things you should know about it. First, if you are new to septic tanks, you should check out our post about the different types of septic systems and how they work for a good overview. Then check back here for a list of items you need to know about septic tanks and septic system cleaning before purchasing a home with one.

Type of septic system: Is it a conventional system where wastewater spreads evenly across the drainfield or a sand mound where waste is pumped into a sand-containing structure to filter it adequately? Perhaps it’s a cluster or community system with some shared components or another type. You need to find out what type of septic system is installed to know how to maintain it.
Location of the drainfield: The drainfield for your septic system needs to be properly distanced from your well and tree roots. A certified inspector, like our team at Biros Septic & Drain Cleaning, will be able to tell you if your drainfield and septic tank are in any danger of damage from being too close to the well or tree roots.
Age of system: Typically, septic systems last 15 to 40 years, so if the septic system of the house you’re buying is older, you may want to consider the cost of a replacement system in your home-buying decision. According to insurance companies, a conventional septic system can cost between $3,000 and $7,000.
Date of last inspection and pump: A traditional septic system needs inspected at least every three years and pumped every three to five years (or more often)by a septic service professional. Knowing when your system is due for its inspection and septic tank pump is essential when buying a home.

Plumbing Issues That Arise When Septic System Cleaning is Needed

In addition to the four critical pieces of information that you need to know about a potential home’s septic system before purchasing it, you should check for several plumbing issues inside and outside the house.

Check for foul odors inside and outside: Often, the first sign of septic issues is a foul odor coming from a clog or other problem in your septic system.
Slow Drains: Fill all the sinks with water and let it drain to see if it’s slow. A slow-moving drain or sinks backing up could indicate a septic system issue or the need for septic system cleaning. Also, flush the toilets to see if they drain slowly. These signs could mean septic system failure.
Gurgling fixtures: Listen to sink and plumbing fixtures while draining water to see if you hear gurgling in the pipes. This sound could also indicate a septic system issue.
Inspect the drainfield: If you notice liquid around the drainfield or septic tank, this could mean a problem with the septic system.
Have a professional inspection: A PSMA-certified inspection, like the ones performed by the pros at Biros, will inspect the septic system. Also, they’ll do the necessary testing, repairs, and camera scope of your septic system to ensure you won’t have any issues in your new home.

Contact the Pros at Biros!

Buying a home with a septic system can be intimidating, but here at Biros Septic & Drain Cleaning, our professionals make the process as easy as possible. Call today to schedule the inspection of your prospective home and trust our No-Hassle Maintenance Program to keep your septic system in tip-top shape. Whether your new home is in Scranton, Bloomsburg, Carbon County, Synder County, Union County, or any of the surrounding areas, you can schedule an appointment to do your septic system inspection and routine maintenance.