When you need a septic inspection
Septic inspections are common when a home with a septic system is being bought or sold, when a lender asks for one, or when you're planning to add a bedroom, a guest house, or a pool. Bell County sees a lot of home sales on short timelines, including military families relocating, and many buyers are moving from city sewer to septic for the first time, so an inspection is a smart way to learn how the system works.
What's typically checked
- Tank condition, lids, risers, and baffles
- Sludge and scum levels
- Pumps, floats, alarms, and the control panel
- For aerobic systems: the air pump, chlorinator, spray heads, and the maintenance records
- The drain field or spray area for wet spots or surfacing water
Tips for buyers and sellers
Ask for the system's permit and any past maintenance or pumping records. The Bell County Public Health District may have the original permit on file if the seller doesn't. For an aerobic system, make sure the maintenance contract will be transferred or renewed after closing. Ask the inspector what their report covers and whether pumping is part of the inspection.