Many rural homeowners in Alberta forget about their septic system until something feels wrong. Septic issues are no joke, and many of them can be avoided with regular septic tank inspections.
While septic tank inspections are not legally required in Alberta, they are necessary for homeowners who want to maintain and protect their property and avoid costly repairs. Though they are designed to last decades, septic systems need regular inspections and maintenance to ensure their efficiency and longevity. Failing to inspect your septic tank could lead to problems that harm your property and pose health and environmental risks.
Why Regular Septic Inspections Matter
Septic systems are hidden underground, making it easy for homeowners to miss potential issues. Without regular inspections, problems like blockages, leaks, or drain field malfunctions may go unnoticed until it’s too late. A septic tank inspection can help catch these issues early, extending the life of your system and preventing unexpected repair bills.
Common issues identified during inspections include:
- Clogged drain fields
- Cracks in septic tanks
- Plumbing blockages
- Excessive scum or sludge build-up
- Baffle wall issues
- Crossover of solids within the tank
Addressing these issues early can save homeowners thousands of dollars in repair services or replacement costs and the stress of a septic backup and emergency repair services.
Protecting Your Investment with Routine Inspections
Your septic system is arguably one of the most important parts of your home’s infrastructure. Just like any other system in your home, regular maintenance is key to its performance. A professional inspection provides detailed information on the condition of your septic system, helping you make informed decisions about repairs and ongoing maintenance.
Holding onto your septic tank inspection records proves that you’ve had ongoing inspections and maintenance, which may be helpful at the time of sale and could also benefit any future insurance claims.
A septic inspection is essential for homebuyers before closing a sale on a rural property. While home inspectors may assess the home’s general structure, they often lack the expertise to inspect septic systems. Hiring a septic professional ensures you know the state of the system and avoid potential future issues.
How Often Should You Inspect Your Septic System?
Regular yearly inspections are often the key to avoiding costly emergency repairs or complete system replacements. By catching problems early, we can usually restore your system to optimal performance. Our recommendations focus solely on what your system truly needs – we will never push for unnecessary repairs or replacements.
What Happens During a Septic Inspection?
Septic system inspections assess the overall health and condition of your entire system, not just the tank. Choosing an inspection service that offers an exhaustive review of your system will provide you with the most accurate information.
A comprehensive septic system inspection should include:
- The condition and size of the tank
- A full assessment of the drain field
- Any landscaping or grading concerns that could affect system performance
- System size in relation to home occupancy
- The condition and functionality of mechanical and plumbing components, including alarms, with performance testing
The entire system should be thoroughly inspected, including current and potential future usage. Inspectors will review each aspect and provide recommendations for any necessary repairs, maintenance, or replacements.
A failing septic system may present in many ways, from minor wear and tear to more severe problems requiring urgent attention. Regular inspections can help catch these issues, preventing them from escalating into more expensive repairs.
The Cost of Skipping Inspections
While septic inspections aren’t mandatory, skipping them can result in hefty repair costs down the road. Issues like leaking septic tanks or malfunctioning drain fields often go unnoticed until they cause significant damage. Septic system failures can cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair, while regular inspections cost only a few hundred dollars.
In addition to financial costs, septic system failures can lead to:
- Property damage
- Health hazards
- Environmental contamination
Regular inspections can prevent these issues and save you from unexpected costs and stress.
Why Septic Medic Recommends Septic Tank Inspections in Alberta
At Septic Medic, we know how important septic systems are in rural Alberta homes. Even though inspections aren’t legally required, especially in real estate transactions, they are a wise investment in the long-term health of your system. Our certified professionals provide thorough inspections, detailed reports, and recommendations for any necessary maintenance. Schedule your septic tank inspection today and ensure your system operates smoothly for years to come.
