When buying or selling a home, a thorough inspection of the septic and sewer systems is more than just a formality—it’s a critical step to ensure the safety, functionality, and longevity of your property. For homeowners in King, Pierce, and Thurston Counties, adhering to local requirements for Operational and Maintenance (O&M) inspections is not just a best practice; it’s often a legal necessity.
This guide outlines the key aspects of O&M septic inspections and sewer system evaluations, detailing why these services are indispensable for protecting your investment.
An O&M septic inspection is a detailed evaluation of your home’s septic system to ensure it meets both operational standards and local regulations. In Washington state, this process often includes a mandatory inspection and septic tank pumping before completing a property sale. When you work with All Septic & Sewer, one of our certified professionals will also file a Report of System Status (RSS) with your county office to ensure compliance with local requirements.
This step is crucial for transferring ownership of the home and providing peace of mind to potential buyers that the system is functioning correctly. Even in cases where it’s not required, a proactive inspection conducted by our team can reveal hidden issues that might otherwise become costly surprises down the line.
At All Septic & Sewer, we follow a meticulous process to ensure every component of your septic system is thoroughly evaluated. Our approach guarantees compliance with local regulations while reducing the risk of costly repairs or unexpected failures in the future.
Our team begins by carefully assessing the external structure of your septic tank. We’ll check for visible signs of wear, cracks, or leaks, as well as root intrusion that could compromise the system’s functionality.
In addition, we inspect the surrounding area for signs of stress, like pooling water, uneven soil, or foul odors, which may indicate deeper issues with the tank or its components.
Once we locate the septic tank, we’ll pump out the accumulated waste to provide a clear view of its interior. Pumping helps maintain the tank’s efficiency and prevents solids from clogging your drain field, which could lead to failure.
During this step, we’ll carefully inspect the tank’s walls, baffles, and outlet structure for cracks, deterioration, or other signs of damage. Our team ensures that every aspect of your system is functioning properly before proceeding.
If your septic system includes mechanical components such as pumps, alarms, or other equipment, we’ll test them to ensure they are operating within their intended specifications. Any signs of wear or improper installation will be identified and addressed.
For advanced systems, we also verify that additional features are in good working condition to prevent disruptions.
Finally, we evaluate your drain field to identify any issues that might impact its performance. Our team will check the soil for proper absorption and filtration capabilities and assess whether the drain field shows signs of saturation or improper drainage.
We’ll also look for invasive roots, vegetation, or damage caused by overuse. Properly managing drain field basics is essential to keeping your septic system functioning effectively and avoiding long-term issues.
Septic systems aren’t the only crucial infrastructure in a home. Sewer inspections focus on underground lines that connect your home to municipal systems, ensuring there are no hidden issues such as root damage or corroded pipes.
Key benefits of a sewer inspection:
By inspecting sewer lines, we can identify problems like broken or improperly installed pipes and leaking joints, which can cause significant damage if left untreated.
Large trees near your home may have roots that invade and damage sewer lines. Our inspections identify these risks early, saving you from costly repairs later.
Sewer systems have a limited lifespan. Our inspections provide insight into how much longer your system is likely to last, especially in older homes.
With a detailed inspection report, buyers gain leverage to negotiate repairs or adjust the purchase price based on the condition of the sewer system.
By addressing common sewer system problems, our inspections ensure that homeowners are better equipped to maintain their systems effectively and avoid costly surprises.
After completing an inspection, our team at All Septic & Sewer files the necessary paperwork, such as the RSS, with your local government. These documents serve as official confirmation that your system complies with all regulations and is in good working order.
For sellers, this ensures a smooth closing process by eliminating potential delays caused by incomplete paperwork. Buyers benefit from knowing their new home’s septic and sewer systems have been properly inspected and documented. Having this information on hand also protects against future disputes regarding the system’s condition at the time of purchase.
It’s best to schedule your inspection after securing a buyer but before finalizing the sale. This timing helps avoid delays and ensures compliance with local regulations. For newer homes, inspections are still beneficial since reused or improperly installed components may not be visible without a professional evaluation.
By using our checklist for septic inspections, homeowners can identify potential issues early and address them before listing their property for sale.
At All Septic & Sewer, we specialize in providing thorough O&M inspections and comprehensive sewer evaluations to ensure your property’s septic and sewer systems are in optimal condition. Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or need an inspection for peace of mind, our experienced team is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your inspection and ensure your system meets all local requirements.
