Buying a Home with a Septic System in Schuylkill County: What You Must Know Before You Close

Buying a home can be an exciting experience, but if you know your new property has a septic tank system, then there are a few considerations you need to think about. In Schuylkill County, PA, a lot of rural homes rely on septic tank systems, as opposed to being connected to the public sewer system. If the septic tank at the property has been neglected over the years, or if it’s failing, repairs can quickly stretch into the thousands. That’s why it’s so important for you to ask the right questions before you sign on the dotted line, and to also make sure that you’re working with a professional who not only understands septic tanks,  but also the maintenance required to keep them in top shape.

The Importance of Septic Tank Maintenance in Schuylkill County

Homes that aren’t connected to the municipal sewer system rely on private wastewater management. Every time you shower, do your laundry, or even flush the toilet, the waste will flow into the septic tank and drainfield. As a lot of homes in the area are on rural roads, are surrounded by woodland, or are on larger lots, septic systems are a standardized way to manage waste. With that said, some systems are decades old, and although they may be functioning, that doesn’t mean that they’re not quickly approaching the end of their lifespan. As septic systems are hidden underground, you’re not usually able to pinpoint issues until it's too late, at which point a major repair is needed. 

This results in yards looking normal, but if the drainfield underneath is struggling, you may find that you experience slow drains, soggy ground, and odor. The unfortunate reality for those buying a home with a septic tank is that issues like this often go unnoticed until you move in. 

Accessing Inspection Reports when Buying a Home with a Septic System 

If you know that you’re intending on buying a home with a septic system in Schuylkill County, then one of the first things you need to ask for is the documentation that shows the maintenance history of the septic tank. If you have a septic tank that’s been well-maintained, then the risk of experiencing issues is much lower. After all, a well-maintained septic tank can last for decades, with regular pumping and servicing. If the current owner of the property is not able to provide you with inspection records, then this is a big red flag.

A responsible owner should be able to tell you basic information, such as when the tank was last pumped, whether or not any repairs have been carried out, how old the system is, and whether there have been any issues with the drainfield.

When working with a company like Sonlight Services, we make sure that any reports are put into a digital format and submitted directly to the municipality, which means that records can never be lost, and so paperwork doesn’t become an issue when selling the property on your own.

Is A Septic Tank Inspection Mandatory when Selling a Property in Schuylkill County?

Many homeowners maintain their homes, but if you overlook the septic tank entirely, this can be a costly mistake. Arranging to have a dedicated septic tank inspection is a good way for you to pinpoint issues like cracked tanks, damaged baffles, root intrusion, or even overloaded systems. Township requirements also come into play. Some townships require a septic inspection or documentation to be provided before the sale can proceed. Some boroughs or townships within the Schuylkill County area dictate that a full septic tank inspection has to be done by an SEO, or Sewage Enforcement Officer. This has to be done before the property can be transferred. If you want to find out if this is the case for the property you’re looking at buying, you can contact the Schuylkill County Planning & Zoning Commission, or you can use this helpful map to find the contact details for your local township.

Red Flags when Buying a Home with a Septic System

If you would like to move ahead with buying a home with a septic system, then there are several warning signs you can look out for. If you look out for these warning signs before you arrange an inspection, you can prepare yourself as well as gaining a more accurate picture of the property. Some of the things you need to pay attention to include gurgling toilets, sewage odor outside, extra-green patches of grass on the lawn, soggy areas in the yard, standing water, and warning lights on the septic system. Some sellers may go as far as to avoid heavy water use before arranging a showing so that they can hide issues, which is why it’s important to arrange a septic tank inspection to be done.

If you would like to arrange a septic tank inspection, you can do so through our website. We also offer $10 off if you sign up with your name and email address. 

How Old is the Septic System at your New Property?

Not all septic tanks are made the same. Some homes may be operating on a system installed over 30 years ago, while others may have state-of-the-art septic tank systems with advanced drainfields. Although it’s easy to think that a property with a newer system is automatically better, this is not necessarily the case. Issues can still happen, even with new systems, which is another reason why regular inspections are essential. Older systems are not inherently bad, but inspections still matter.

If you know the septic tank system is nearing the end of its life, even if it passes inspection, you should prepare for the long-term cost of replacement. Often, repairs can extend the life of your septic tank. We offer a range of repair services at  Sonlight Services, with clear and transparent prices. As most of the jobs we do fall within the $275-$500 range, you can feel confident knowing you'll be given a fair price while working with some of the finest septic tank experts in the business.

Septic Tank Repairs can Escalate Quickly 

If you buy a property with a number of issues, you need to address them as soon as you close the sale. Knowing that repairs have to be done, and then leaving them is one of the worst things you can do. A small clog, a slow drain, or even wastewater buildup can cause significant issues, like major system failure.  When making an offer on the property, it’s a good idea to account for the cost of repairs you’ll need to make. In some instances, you may also be able to have money deducted from the property's price to cover repairs like this. When a drainfield fails completely, the cost becomes significant, and it becomes an emergency situation. With that said, you can use a repair to your advantage if you act quickly. When you come to us, you’ll find that 80% of drain failures are repairable, and with our advanced technology, we can save the drainfield without replacing the system. 

Protecting Your Property Value with Regular Septic Maintenance Inspections

A healthy septic tank isn’t just about keeping your property in good condition. If you make the decision to sell your home in the future, buyers will probably ask the same questions that you are asking right now. Opting for a service that provides you with digital reports and is able to carry out regular inspections is so important. Neglected systems can reduce offers and create issues with financing as well. When putting an offer in on a home with a septic system, you also need to account for the cost of maintaining the system yourself down the line. The best way for you to ensure your new home is going to maintain its value, while eliminating emergencies, is to choose a local septic company that you can count on. 

Soil conditions, township requirements, weather, and even your property layouts can also influence how long your septic tank lasts and how well it performs over the years.

Arranging an Inspection before Buying a Home with a Septic System in Schuylkill County

If you are buying a home with a septic system Schuylkill County, PA, then we strongly recommend you arrange an inspection before signing on the dotted line. You can arrange an inspection through our website, which will give you a quote for anything you need. If a repair is required, and you would like to proceed with purchasing the property, then we also offer 0% APR for 24 months. You will pay no interest if you pay the full amount within the allotted time, and you can also submit payments through our website, making us one of the top choices for septic tank inspection in Schuylkill County.