Please do a septic tank inspection.

We work with a lot of first time home buyers and I don't think I have ever had one of them ask me if they should do a septic tank inspection. Now, keep in mind that many homes are hooked up to city sewer but if you are looking at a house that is in the country, odds are it has a spetic tank. Most people don't think about this but this is a major system for your home and it needs to be properly maintained.
Things you should know:
1. How often has the tank been pumped. Yeah, that's right, it needs to be pumped out every so often to maintain a healthy drain field. If you have four people living in a house I would recommend having the tank pumped every 4 to 5 years. If there are just two of you in the house then every 5 to 6 years. Price for this service ranges from $185.00 to $250.00. The company should also check both ends of the tank, examine the T valve and clean the t valve filter. Most new tanks have a filter installed and most old tanks have a concrete t valve that needs to be replace if the tank is 10 or more years old. Cost for replacing a t valve is usually around $125.00.
2. When you buy a house alway get a certified inspector to examine the tank and the drain field. The inspector will usually charge about $250.00 for a real septic tank inspection. I recommend not letting your regular home inspector inspect your tank because it will not be the same type of inspection that a real certified septic inspector does. The septic inspector will ask you if you want to pump the tank. Sometimes the tank does not need to be pumped but my advice is to always pump it out. You can't check for a leaking tank if you don't pump the tank. This will add another couple of hundred dollars to the inspection but you will be better off spending $500.00 to find a problem now than finding it after you buy the house. If the tank is found to be inferior then it is the home seller's responsibility to have it repaired or replaced. Cost to replace a small 1000 gallon tank can easily run $2,500 and up. If there is a problem with the drain field then add 3 to 4 thousand more. This $500.00 inspection can be the best money you spend.
I could go on for several pages with information about the various types of systems but I'll leave it at what has been said. If you have any questions about spetic systems please contact me. Thanks, Steve Gillham