If you are buying a home with a septic tank, you should have it inspected by a professional septic contractor. We only include this type of specialized intrusive inspection as an Optional System for additional fees, combined with a complete property inspection. This will include inspecting the tank(s), when pumped empty, as well as the leach drainfield(s) or aerobic components. Other evaluations or tests may be necessary upon investigation findings. Full or partially full tanks can not be thoroughly assessed or inspected.

It makes good sense to have the tank pumped at the time of this inspection. A professional septic contractor can perform both the inspection and pump the tank, killing two birds with one stone and assuring that you begin with an empty tank and a system that has been properly inspected. Often, your agent can negotiate with the seller to have the tank(s) pumped before the house is inspected.

Helpful links:

http://recenter.tamu.edu/tgrande/vol8-2/1456.html

http://www.epa.gov/OW-OWM.html/septic/pubs/homeowner_guide_long.pdf

http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/compliance/compliance_support/regulatory/ossf/ossfadvice.html

http://cfpub.epa.gov/owm/septic/home.cfm

http://www.inspect-ny.com/septbook.htm

http://www.inspect-ny.com/septic/buyguide.htm

http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/nsfc/nsfc_septicnews.htm#recordkeeping

We strongly encourage you to accompany the inspector so that you may ask questions and gain a better understanding of the systems in the home.