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Septic System Inspections

Selman Home Inspection provides Septic System Inspection services in Dallas County, Ellis County, Collin County, Tarrant County and surrounding North Texas including all of the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex with a home inspection. A Septic System Inspection is essential to good health, property value, aesthetics and the ecology. If a property has a septic system, lenders will require that it be inspected by a certified, licensed inspector and that a Septic System Inspection report be completed. 

The purpose of a septic system is to dispose of the waste water in such a manner that the soils on the property can disperse it without causing an adverse effect on ground water and, in turn, on public health and the environment. The simple fact is that a neglected septic system or aerobic system will become blocked, it will have an obnoxious order, it will overflow and it will contaminate and pollute. When buying a home, a Septic System Inspection is highly recommended by trusted realtors, brokers and lenders. Selman Home Inspection is certified to perform Texas Septic System Inspections.

How Does A Septic System Work

A septic system receives, treats and disposes of unwanted wastewater and solids from a building’s plumbing system. Solids are partially broken down into sludge within a septic tank and are separated from effluent (water) and scum (fat, oil and grease). Effluent regularly exits the tank into a drain field where it is naturally filtered by bacteria and reentered into the groundwater. Scum and sludge must be pumped periodically and should never enter the drain field. Learn more from our Homeowners Guide To Septic Systems.

When Should A Septic System Be Inspected?

• As soon as a house is put on the market. This enhances the home’s value and helps avoid any liability issues that might result from a malfunctioning septic system. 
• In the interest of a prospective buyer, insist that a Septic System Inspection be performed before purchasing a home.
• A new inspection is needed if prior inspection documentation is not available or more than 6 months old.
• Depending on your county, many are required to be inspected quarterly.

What Is A Septic System Inspector Looking For?

• If available, we would like to find the date that the tank was last pumped. Ultimately, sludge level should determine whether a tank should be pumped, but knowledge of previous pumping dates can be a helpful reference.
• Check the sludge level with a “sludgejudge” or a similar device. Sludge accumulates on the tank bottom and should not occupy more than 1/3 of the tank’s total volume or rise to the level of the baffles.
• The septic tank and drain field should be far from water sources such as wells and streams.
• We perform a calculation to determine if the system is large enough for the home and occupants that it serves. A four-bedroom home, for instance, typically requires a 1,200-gallon tank. The more occupants living in the home, the larger the tank that is required. Capacity in gallons can be calculated by tank dimensions. For rectangular tanks, length x width x depth in feet x 7.5 = capacity in gallons. For round tanks, 3.14 x radius squared x depth in feet x 7.5 = capacity in gallons.
• We check for liquid waste that has made its way to the ground surface known as ponding. This condition is unsanitary and indicates that the system is overloaded. It is important to make sure that the tank is watertight so that wastewater does not contaminate groundwater, and groundwater does not flow into the tank and cause it to overfill.
• If riser lids are present, they should be inspected for cracks and made sure they are secure.
• Make sure that the baffles are firmly connected to the tank’s inlet and outlet pipes when accessible.
• Check that drain lines appear to be receiving the same amount of wastewater.
• Check for solids covering the baffle. This should be reported immediately, as it indicates overflow.
• Check baffles for erosion from chemicals and water flow.
• Check for evidence of previous overflows, repairs or potential system failures.
• Check sewage levels which should be several inches below the baffle top. A lower level indicates leakage and a higher level indicates blockage.

Septic System Dangers

Septic systems are designed to handle dangerous household waste and can pose serious health hazards to homeowners and home inspectors. Septic system inspection, repairs and maintenance should be left to certified, licensed professionals. The following are a few important precautions:

• A professional septic tank pumping service, not an inspector, should remove solid waste.
• No one besides a licensed, equipped professional should enter a tank. Noxious fumes such as methane can cause rapid asphyxiation and death.
• If a septic tank shows signs of weakness, tread with caution! Collapse can be fatal. Beware of tanks with rusting metal, homemade lids, or anything else that appears unstable.

In summary, a Septic System Inspection should be performed on an annual basis to ensure proper function. The septic tank is the most expensive household fixture and its lifespan will be shortened significantly if it is not properly maintained. Knowing the condition of the septic system in a home you intend to buy is important. Understanding the importance of a Texas Septic System Inspection as part of a home inspection is also important.

New Questions For Today's Home Inspector

Peace of mind is the top reasons that home buyers hire a professional home inspector. People want to know that the home they are buying is not a money pit. They want to know that the home they buy is safe and in the best condition possible for their family. And, if there are repair needs, buyers want to have an idea about what to do about the defects, what the repairs will cost and how soon they need to be done. Asking the right questions of a perspective home inspector is important.

There are many traditional things that are suggested qualities for a great home inspection. And, there are lots of questions that people have been told for years to ask a home inspector before they hire one. Some of these are questions like;

• What gets inspected?
• How long have you been an inspector?
• How many inspections have you done?
• Can I attend the inspection?
• How long will the home inspection take?
• What will the inspection cost?

In addition to these questions, you may also want to ask if the inspector has any referrences. Today, video referrences are preferred by many.

Buying A Home From The Home Inspectors Perspective, Condos & Townhouses

Part 6 - Buying A Condo Or Townhouse From A Home Inspectors Perspective

If you dislike doing yard work and other outside chores, then a condo or Townhouse may be right for you. Condos and townhouses are also normally associated with inner city living for those who enjoy the benefits of being in the middle of it all. With little or no yard work and convenient to shopping, dining, schools and work, they may be a good fit for your lifestyle.

Keep in mind that condos and townhouses have many of the same attributes as most homes and should be professionally inspected when they are bought or sold. As a buyer, you will still want to know the condition of everything from the foundation to the shingles. And, the condition of these items on the units that attach to yours.

Condos and Townhouses normally have adjoining or continuous foundations and roofing structures much like an apartment. The unit you are considering should still be inspected for these elements as well as the traditional items included in today's home inspections. Attics and fire rated blockage should be checked as well as the condition of the roof coverings down to the slab. So, yes, you will want to hire a Professional Home Inspector who is experience in inspecting these kinds of properties. 

If your condo or townhouse is a two story, you will also want to fully understand the condition of stairways and balconies. Are the balusters property spaced? Are the hand rails properly mounted? Are balconies safety cantilevered into the building structure? How well has the condo or townhouse you are considering been maintained and kept up with today's Texas Standards of Practice? A certified, licensed Professional Home Inspector is trained to know and report these conditions to you.

In an apartment, the building owner is responsible for repairs, maintenance and upgrades. When you buy a condo or townhouse, you are the owner and are responsible for the home just like any other structure. And sometime, there are HOAs (Home Owner Associations) which govern everything from the pets you can have to what kinds of vehicles you can park in your driveway.

Is a condo or townhouse right for you and your family? Maybe so, but, what ever type of housing you choose, please, for your own well being, don't neglect the importance of a home inspection.

Buying A Home From The Home Inspectors Perspective, Manufactured Homes

Part 5 - Buying A Manufactured Home, From A Home Inspectors Perspective

In my experience as a North Texas Professional Home Inspector, I have seen some very nice manufactured homes that were well maintained and in great condition. But just like "stick built" houses, I have also seen many that are in desparate need of some TLC.

Yes. Manufactured homes should have a Professional Home Inspector provide a complete report. And like other homes, WDI reports (wood destroying insects) and septic system inspections are also prudent. In addition, it is now mandatory in Texas that any time a manufactured home is bought, sold or moved, that it receive a Foundation Certification from a licensed engineer. The state requires it and all reputable lenders require it. It is important to note not only because it is smart and a requirement, but because it is a cost consideration in buying a manufactured home.

As I said, a home inspection, WDI report and a septic system report are just as important when considering a manufactured home as any other type of housing. And on top of it, you will need the engineers foundation certification as well which can cost as must as $700.

Selman Home Inspection is a certified field agent for several leading engineering firms and provides the required foundation inspection. The manufactured home foundation report which includes photos is sent to the engineering firm for analysis. 

In general, the field agent or inspector takes photos of the foundation including the footers, blocks, beams and tie downs. The inspectors report of the foundation along with the photos are sent to the engineering firm. If the foundation is satisfactory, the engineering firm issues a "Foundation Certification" which is provided to the lender and sometimes, the insurance company.

Because of the nature of the way manufactured homes are installed at their location, lenders and inspectors believe that it is important to insure that the structure is sound, level, properly supported and, properly tied down so as not to be damaged by severe weather. Sometimes the purpose of a manufactured home is the ability to move it from one location to another. Because unlike other housing, a manufactured home is sometimes moved, it is another reason that lenders and insurers want to "certify" the foundation and tie down system of manufactured housing.

So, if you are considering the purchase of a manufactured home, you will want to understand that at least in Texas, it will require a foundation inspection not normally required of other structures. And, there are other considerations:

• Plumbing is often APEX or PVC
• There is no attic space
• The crawl space should be well protected from entry but well ventilated.
• Replacement doors and windows are often not the same size as those in other structure and must be special ordered.
• The HVAC duct work is normally in the crawl space.

Buying A Home From The Home Inspectors Perspective, Rural Homes

Part 4 - Buying A Rural Home, From The Home Inspectors Perspective

I love living in my rural home. There is plenty of space to raise cattle, horses, chickens ( which my wife loves ), a garden and kids. My nearest neighbor is a quarter mile away. The nearest town is 5 miles away. The main city areas that I serve as a Professional Home Inspector are only about 30-40 miles away which is well within driving distance. But, a house in the country or rural suburbs is still a house. It will still require maintenance, updates and care. And, it may have a few items that a home in the city may not have.

One of the biggest things to understand is that a rural home will most likely have some type of a septic system instead of being on a city sewage system. When buying a rural property, it is important to have the septic system inspected by a certified, licensed Septic System Inspector. Most lenders now require that the septic system be inspected. And, there are few certified, licensed septic system inspectors in North Texas. When hiring a Professional Home Inspection firm to inspect your rural property, try to find one like Selman Home Inspection Company which is certified and licensed to inspect all of the items in your rural property.

Rural properties often also have outbuilding such as barns, sheds and workshops. These outbuildings should also be inspected to insure that you as a prospective buyer understand their construction, use and repair needs. Many outbuilding have plumbing and electrical wiring which should be thoroughly inspected to identify any safetyt hazards or needed repairs. Remember too that these outbuildings, like the house itself will also require routine maintenance.

Ever build or repair a fence? Most rural properties have fencing styles that are unlike those in town. Rural fences like barbed wire, steel pipe, cattle panels or no-climb horse fence will require maintenance and care, almost every year. So when buying a rural property, keep in mind that you may also need to "ride fence" just like the cowboys of days gone by.

Another consideration when buying a rural home is drive time and the fuel costs to get anywhere else. With the price of fuel these days, driving to and from town can add up. Two trips per day to town to pick up and drop of school age kids takes time and fuel costs. Trips to the grocery store, hardware store, feed store, and everywhere else you need to go to get the things you need will take a little longer and cost a little more.

So, if you are thinking that you want to live in a rural home, great! As I said before, my family and I love it and would not change a thing ( except the price of fuel ). But, as your friendly neighborhood Professional Home Inspector, I thought you may want to give some thought to a few of the things that are different from living in the city.

Buying A Foreclosure Home, From The Home Inspectors Perspective

Part 2 - Buying A Home From The Home Inspectors Perspective, Foreclosed Homes

Today, with foreclosures on homes at an all time high, those in the market for a home often consider buying a home that has been foreclosed on. The idea for the buyer is to buy a home at a substantially lower price than a property would go for as a normal home on the market today. In other words, the buyer's money will buy more home for less. However, from the perspective of a Professional Home Inspector, there are many things to consider before buying a foreclosure.

Over the coarse of time when a home owner becomes in financial distress, home maintenance is often among the first things to stop. Home maintenance is expensive. And when someone is in financial distress and facing foreclosure, home maintenance usually stops in an attempt to save money by the current owner. The lack of maintenance may cause many defects some of which including:

• Foundation problems from inconsistent watering
• Tree limbs and shrubbery causing damage to the roof and exterior structure
• Rain gutters filled with debris
• Damaged or missing appliances
• Damaged or missing HVAC components
• Damaged floor coverings
• Damaged interior wall paint and texture
• Missing and damaged doors and door hardware
• Broken glass in windows
• Plumbing and vent issues
• Fireplace and chimney damage
• Damaged or missing light fixtures and other electrical devices

Let's face it. Foreclosure is not a pleasant thing for someone to go through. Often, through no fault of their own, the home becomes neglected. Sometimes, the property is severely damaged when an angry owner moves out. What ever the reason, homes in foreclosure may have significant defects.

Buying A Newly Constructed Home, From The Home Inspectors Perspective

Part 1 - Buying A Home From The Home Inspectors Perspective

Considering a newly constructed home? Good idea, for the right buyer. Everyone thinks that buying a newly constructed home will eliminate all of the possible defects that one would expect to find in other homes such as foreclosures and older homes. While it is true that in a general sense, a newly constructed home should have fewer defects that other home choices, even newly constructed homes are not perfect and, it is indeed a prudent decision to hire a professional inspector. 

From a Professional Home Inspector perspective, performing a home inspection on a newly constructed home is normally one of the easier types of home inspections to perform. Newly constructed homes normally have met almost all of the newest building codes and safety standards as well as being in the best possible condition. The carpets and other floor coverings are in new condition, the appliances are working, the exterior and interior walls are in new condition and so on.

But, a Professional Home Inspector will still find defects, even in a newly constructed home. New homes are not exempt from deficiencies and builder oversights. Here are a few of the defects professional inspectors find in newly constructed homes:

• Free standing oven ranges with missing anti-tip devices
• GFCI electrical receptacles at all kitchen countertops including the island
• Settlement cracks between different types of exterior veneer finishes (brick & stone)
• Damaged or broken window locks, broken glass, damaged or missing screens
• Lack of smoke detectors in all sleeping rooms and adjacent hallways
• Missing or damaged gas fired appliance vents
• Vents that discharge into the attic space (should all vent to the exterior of the structure)
• Defects in fire safety between the garage and living space
• Damaged shingles
• Exposed post tension cable ends on foundations
• Poor grading and drainage
• Damaged weather striping on doors and windows
• Air gaps which allow conditioned air to escape the living area
• Insulation covering eave vents

Buying A Home From The Home Inspectors Perspective

If you are considering buying a home, you will soon discover that there are an overwhelming number of companies out there clamoring for your attention. Everyone in the real estate industry has something to sell or something to profit from regarding your interest in purchasing real estate. For homeowners wanting to sell, to banks wanting to unload REO properties, to agents wanting to help you find the perfect home (which does not exist), to contractors, insurance agents and, Professional Home Inspectors like me.

There is a vast amount of soul searching that must happen when considering the purchase of a home. Just a few of these difficult questions may include:

1. Why do I want to buy a home
2. Where do I want to live
3. What can I afford
4. What financing do I qualify for
5. Should I buy a newly constructed home
6. Should I buy a foreclosed home
7. Should I buy an older home
8. Can I afford to maintenance on a home
9. Do I want a house or a condo
10. How do I choose a Realtor
11. What about a home inspection
12. Can I get a home warranty
13. Suburbs, inner city or rural
14. What can I get for my money
15. How do I sell my current home