Do You Need a Septic Inspection Before Closing?

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. You inspect the roof, check the foundation, and test the plumbing, but what’s happening underground often gets overlooked and is easy to forget.

Yet millions of residential homes in the U.S. depend on septic systems. If that system is failing or poorly maintained, repairs can be expensive and unexpected. If you’re buying a property in a suburban or rural area in the U.S., there’s a strong chance it relies on a septic system rather than a city sewer connection. 

And skipping a septic inspection can turn your dream home into a financial nightmare. Repairs can cost thousands of dollars. In worst cases, a failing system can make the home temporarily unlivable.

In this blog, we’ll explain why a septic tank inspection is so important during the home-buying process!

Buying A Home? Schedule Your Septic Inspection!

What Is A Septic System?

A septic system is a private sewage treatment plant that is located on your property. It begins with a main pipe that carries wastewater from the house into an underground tank. Inside this tank, solids (sludge) settle at the bottom, while liquids (effluent) rise to the top. From here, the liquid then flows out into a drain field, where the surrounding soil naturally filters and treats it.

If the home isn’t connected to the city sewer line, it relies entirely on a septic system. Which means that every time someone flushes the toilet, runs the washing machine, or uses the sink, wastewater flows into an underground septic tank. When a septic system works properly, there’s nothing to worry about as the whole process quietly takes place in the background. But if that balance is off, if any part of the system is damaged or overloaded, things get messy and expensive very quickly. 

Why Do You Need a Septic Inspection Before Buying a Home?

1. Septic Repairs Are Expensive

When a septic system fails, the signs are often hidden underground until it’s too late. 

A standard home inspection rarely covers the septic system in detail. If you move in and the system fails a month later, you are fully liable for the damages. Minor septic repairs can cost hundreds, and a full system replacement can cost $8,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the damage.

That’s why a professional septic inspection before closing on a property where you are probably going to spend the rest of your life is so important. It helps you uncover hidden issues before they become your financial burden. Instead of spending on an old and damaged septic system, you can negotiate with the owner to pay for the repairs, or you may also refuse to move forward with the deal if it requires costly replacements.

2. Protecting Your Health and the Environment

When a system overflows, untreated sewage can seep to the surface. As a result, harmful bacteria like E. coli can spread into the surrounding soil and potentially contaminate local groundwater. If you have kids who play outside or pets that run around the yard, this becomes a real concern because you don’t want them exposed to bacteria you can’t even see.

Checking the septic system before buying a home isn’t just about avoiding repair costs; it’s about protecting your family’s health and making sure the property is truly safe.

3. Spotting Quick Fixes and Shortcuts

Sometimes, sellers know the septic system has problems. Instead of fixing it properly, they try to temporarily hide the issue just long enough to sell the house.

For example -

• They may pump the tank right before listing the home. This can make everything seem fine for a short time, even if the drain field is already failing. 
• There may be repairs done that aren’t up to code or weren’t installed correctly.
• The previous owner might have added extra bedrooms or bathrooms, but never upgraded the septic system. More people in the house means more wastewater. If the tank wasn’t designed for that load, the system will struggle and eventually fail. 

A professional septic tank inspection helps uncover all the hidden issues.

What Happens During a Professional Septic Inspection?

When you contact a professional plumbing team for a septic tank inspection, they’ll check every minute detail.

• Locate and open the tank
• Measure sludge and liquid levels
• Inspect baffles (the parts that prevent solids from clogging the system)
• Check for cracks or leaks
• Confirm the tank size matches the home
• Evaluate the drain field condition
• Test water flow
• Review maintenance history (if available)

Some experienced inspectors also perform dye testing or camera inspections to identify hidden issues. A professional team has all the necessary equipment to inspect the septic system in detail.

Septic Inspection Made Easy, Schedule Now!

Septic Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

If you’re walking through a home and notice any of these issues, take them seriously. These are common signs that the septic system may already be in trouble.

1. Strong Odor

A rotten egg or sewage smell near the yard, tank area, or inside the house is not normal. That odor usually means gases or waste aren’t being properly contained, and that the septic system is not working properly.

2. Slow Drains Everywhere

One slow sink might be a simple clog. But if multiple drains are slow or you hear gurgling sounds from toilets and sinks, the septic tank could be full or failing.

3. Standing Water in the Yard

Puddles or soggy patches in the lawn when it hasn’t even rained can mean wastewater is rising to the surface.

4. Sewage Backups

If sewage backs up into tubs, showers, or toilets, that’s a major red flag. At this point, the septic system may have already failed and needs immediate attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. The seller says they just pumped the tank. Do I still need an inspection?

Absolutely. In fact, pumping the tank right before a sale is a red flag. It can hide the fact that the tank is leaking or that the water level returns to a "full" state too quickly. A professional septic tank inspection is the only way to see the actual condition of the components.

2. Will a standard home inspection cover this?

No. Most home inspectors do a visual check only. They aren't required to open the tank or perform flow tests. You typically need to hire a specialized septic inspector or a trusted local plumber who specializes in septic systems.

3. How long does a septic system usually last?

With proper maintenance, a concrete tank can last 40+ years. However, the drain field (the soil part) usually has a lifespan of 20-30 years. If the house you’re buying is 25 years old and has the original system, an inspection is mandatory because it may be nearing the end of its life.

Don’t Risk Hidden Septic Issues, Contact Us Now!

Takeaway

Your home is likely the biggest investment you’ll ever make. It’s also a decision that comes with long-term responsibility. A septic system may be out of sight, but it should never be out of mind.

A proper septic inspection gives you clarity. It shows if the system is in good condition, properly maintained, and truly ready for long-term use, or if you’re walking into an expensive repair.

Spending a few hundred dollars on a septic inspection today can save you thousands of dollars tomorrow on septic system repairs or replacement.

Read More!

1. Sewer Belly Under House Slab? Learn How to Detect and Repair It
2. What is a Sewer Backflow Preventer and How Does It Work?
3. What Leads to Sewer Backups?
4. Indicators of a Broken Sewer Line

Areas We Serve!
Sacramento Plumbers	San Jose Plumbers	Stockton Plumbers
Modesto Plumbers	Oakland Plumbers	East Bay Plumbers

Don’t Let a Hidden Septic Problem Ruin Your New Home - Contact Preferred Plumbing & Drain

If you’re buying a home in Sacramento and want peace of mind, work with experienced professionals who understand septic systems inside and out.

At Preferred Plumbing & Drain, our licensed team of Sacramento plumbers has handled everything from septic failures to urgent drain field issues. Our local plumbers will inspect the septic tank, components, and surrounding areas to make sure there are no costly surprises waiting underground.

Whether you need a detailed inspection, repairs, or emergency plumbing services in Sacramento, we respond quickly and thoroughly.

Call us at 800-414-0340 before signing the closing papers for your new home. We’ll make sure your septic system is truly ready for the long term.