Whenever you’re buying or selling a home with a septic system, you’ll want to ensure that all its components are functioning correctly. Depending on where you live, you may even be required to have your septic system inspected before selling.
Specifically, if you live in King, Pierce, or Thurston County, you must comply with Operational and Maintenance (O&M) inspection requirements. That means that an approved and qualified professional must perform the inspection and file the report with the county office in order to obtain the necessary Report of System Status Report (RSS) to complete the sale.
Do You Need An O&M Septic System Inspection?
Before you sell your home, you’ll need to have a qualified professional complete an O&M inspection. Your local regulations may vary depending on where you live, so it’s a good idea to check with your county office first. Still, throughout most of Washington state, you’ll most likely need to have the septic system inspected and pumped before selling the property.
Even if it’s not required, a full inspection and pumping can put your buyers at ease. They will be glad to know that everything is working correctly, and they shouldn’t need to worry about any septic emergencies in their new home.
What To Expect During An O&M Septic System Inspection
When you hire a septic professional to inspect your home’s septic system, a knowledgeable and qualified technician should arrive at your home ready to answer all your questions about the process. They should be fully informed about your area’s local regulations and requirements.
During their visit, the technician (or technicians) should first perform a thorough visual inspection of the septic tank’s exterior. They’ll look for any signs to indicate areas of concern. They’ll also check the system’s pumps and ensure they operate properly.
Next, the inspector will locate the tank’s lid and check it for any damage. They’ll open the cover and do a visual inspection of the interior.
Afterward, they’ll hook up the truck’s hose and pump out your septic tank. The pumping process should only take about thirty minutes, depending on your tank’s size.
This step is required in many counties before you sell your home, so you may want to wait until you have a prospective buyer before scheduling the service.
Once the tank is emptied, the technician will ensure that the system is fully operational. They’ll look for cracks, leaks, and damage from tree roots. The inspector will also verify the septic tank’s capacity and note any problems with the access ports.
Then, they’ll check the drain field for any potential issues that may need to be addressed. If the septic system has any additional features or equipment like an alarm system or pumps, the inspector will also check those.
What Happens After The O&M Septic System Inspection?
After the inspection is complete, the inspector will file the appropriate paperwork with your local government officials. One such requirement is the Report of System Status (RSS). Using only an approved O&M inspector will ensure that all requirements are carried out properly, avoiding potential delays in your home’s sale.
The RSS is typically submitted electronically, and it includes all the findings from the inspection and your septic system’s details and specifications. It also verifies with the county that an authorized professional pumped the septic system before the sale.
If You’re Selling Your Home, Contact All Septic & Sewer For Your O&M Inspection Needs
Selling your home is stressful enough without worrying about last-minute delays due to mishandled inspections or reports not filed timely. Not to mention, if there’s an issue with your septic system that needs to be addressed prior to closing, you’ll want to find that out sooner rather than later.
The professionals at All Septic & Sewer have decades of combined experience serving homeowners in King, Pierce, and Thurston Counties. That means they know exactly what’s required to proceed with your home’s sale and can help guide you through the inspection process.
They’ll handle the initial inspection and pumping services and be able to perform any necessary repairs so that you don’t have any unexpected problems on closing day. Plus, you won’t have to worry about whether your required reporting was filed with the county or not.
Contact All Septic & Sewer today for a free quote, whether you’re buying or selling. Of course, you can also contact us online anytime.
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