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There are a lot of important inspections to be done when you’re buying a property, and the septic tank is not one you want to overlook. A faulty system may result in costly, debilitating issues, including slow drains and sewage backups. Below, the team at B & B Riley Septic Service in West Plains, MO, shares a few tips for going through this process.

How to Conduct a Septic Tank Inspection When Buying a House

1. Ask for Paperwork & History

The homeowner should have the paperwork for the septic system and be willing to share it with you. This includes warranty information, a maintenance schedule, and details on any issues that the tank has had in the past. Ask them to confirm the age of the tank — most will last between 25 to 30 years — and request a copy of the county septic permit.

2. Bring in Professionals

septic tankIf you’re bringing in a home inspector of your own, know they likely won’t check the septic tank thoroughly. Even if they do give it a quick glance, they won’t have the experience to properly analyze the system’s condition. Bring in a licensed septic service contractor to inspect it and provide you a comprehensive report.

3. Know Your Costs

Have your contractor provide you written estimates for any work they recommend on the system. You can ask the homeowner what their annual costs have been in maintaining the system or request an estimate for this from the contractor as well. Having these costs in writing will help you analyze whether the property is still a smart purchase for you.

B & B Riley Septic Service will take all the guesswork out of buying a home with a septic tank. They can perform a thorough inspection for you as you navigate your purchase. They’ve worked with these systems for over 12 years and are fully licensed and insured. Once you have your own system, they will handle all your services from septic pumping to percolation testing. Call (417) 256-5062 or visit them online to schedule an appointment today.

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