The Homebuyer’s Guide to Septic Inspections: Don’t Buy a "Lemon"
Buying a home is the ultimate endurance race, but many buyers make the mistake of ignoring what’s under the hood—specifically, the septic system. A standard home inspection is a great "visual check," but most home inspectors are not licensed septic specialists. They might flush a few toilets and check for surface leaks, but that doesn't tell you if the drain field is at the end of its life or if the septic tank itself is structurally compromised.
At First Turn Grading & Septic, we believe in "pre-race" diagnostics. Investing in a professional septic inspection before you close on a property can save you from a $20,000 "DNF" (Did Not Finish) just months after moving in.
What Our "Pit Crew" Inspection Covers:
Camera Line Inspections: We use high-definition sewer cameras to travel from the house to the tank. We look for "bellies" in the line, root intrusions, or collapses that can cause immediate backups.
Tank Structural Integrity: We locate and open the lids to inspect the baffles and the tank walls. A cracked tank can allow groundwater to leak in (overloading your system) or sewage to leak out (contaminating your soil).
Flow and Load Testing: We run water for an extended period to simulate a "full house." This allows us to see if the distribution box and drain field are actually absorbing liquid or if the water is backing up into the tank.
Sludge Level Analysis: We measure the accumulated solids. If a tank is packed with sludge, it’s a sign the previous owner neglected maintenance, which could mean the drain field has been "poisoned" by solid waste.
The First Turn Advantage: Because we have over 5 years of project management experience prior to this company, our reports are digital, clear, and easy to understand for lenders and real estate agents. We give you the data you need to negotiate repairs before you sign the papers. Don’t buy a money pit—get a professional diagnostic from the team that knows these systems inside and out.
