There are two main ways a home can be set up to deal with wastewater: a sewer connection or a septic system. The second usually has more maintenance needs than the first in exchange for some benefits. Still, you should pay attention when the home inspector goes over this part of the property to make sure you understand its condition before signing a contract.

What Is a Septic System?

A septic system consists of a septic tank and a drain field. When water goes down a toilet or drain in your home, it will flow to the septic tank. There, solid waste separates from the wastewater. The solids stay in the tank, while the water continues to the drain field. The water is distributed through the soil of the drain field, where it filters naturally through the dirt to return clean water to the environment.

What Are the Benefits of a Septic System?

A septic system means your home doesn't rely on a connection to the local sewer system. This is ideal for homes located too far from municipal supplies. It also uses less energy than large-scale wastewater processing.

What Problems Can Arise With a Septic System?

Because solid waste builds up in a septic tank over time, you'll have to contract with a septic company to empty it. This needs to happen every two to three years, depending on the size of the tank and the number of people in your home. If you don't empty the tank regularly, the waste can build up, leaking or clogging the pipes.

Why Should I Get the Septic Tank Inspected Before Purchasing a House?

If you're buying a home with a septic tank, consult with a home inspector first. You need to know how long it's been since it was pumped and factor that into negotiations. Also, depending on what it's made of, the tank's life span might be anywhere between 15 and 40 years, so you need to know if it's close to needing replacement.

Finally, the exact location of the tank and drain field in the yard matters, because you can't plant trees or shrubs in those areas in case the roots damage the system, and you can't place heavy objects, such as parked cars and trailers, on top. A home inspector will do all of this research for you so you'll be prepared to care for the tank and be forewarned of any problems with it.

If you need a home inspector in Texarkana, choose Twin City Home Inspections Inc. Serving Texas and parts of Arkansas since 2007, they have an Arkansas Home Inspection Certification as well as being certified by the Texas Real Estate Commission. They are the buyers’ and sellers’ choice throughout their service area for their thorough and quick reports, detailing all problems with a property. To schedule a home evaluation, call (903) 276-9566, or see a list of their services online.