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April 17,2025

Buying a Home with a Septic System?

Here’s What You Need To Know

Septic Inspection for new homeowners in Jerome, ID
Septic Inspection for new homeowners in Jerome, ID
You’re buying a new home! Congratulations! Have you ever lived in a home with a septic tank system? While many homes are connected to municipal sewer systems from the city, a significant number of homes rely on private septic systems, especially in rural or semi-rural areas. You qualify under that category if you live in Idaho's Magic Valley.

It is important that, as a new and proud homeowner and a septic system, you understand how septic tanks work and how to manage them. Bill’s Sewer and Drain Service is here to educate and help you to take care of your system and understand why septic tank inspections matter and what red flags to watch out for.

What is a Septic Tank and Septic System?

First off, let’s go over what a septic system is and what it really does for your home. A septic system treats and then disposes of household wastewater on-site. That includes water and waste from your sinks, toilets, tubs, washing machines, and showers; anything that goes down the drains.

There are two main components in a septic system and a few key terms:

 
  • Septic Tank: The septic tank is a buried, watertight container. It collects both solids and liquids. This is where wastewater is held, allowing solids to settle to the bottom (this becomes sludge) while fats, oils, and grease (FOG) float to the top (this becomes scum).
 
  • Drainfield or Leach Field: A drainfield is a network of perforated pipes that are buried where the treated wastewater (effluent) is slowly released into the soil for further treatment and dispersal.


You might be wondering, “How does it work?” or “How is the water treated?” Here is an overview of how your septic system will work.

 

Septic Tank Treatment


1. Inside the tank, the forming of the sludge and scum happens. Sludge settles at the bottom, scum floats to the top.

2. Anaerobic bacteria, a type of naturally occurring bacteria that doesn’t need oxygen, breaks down the organic matter that is in the sludge and scum.The breaking down converts it into simpler substances.

3. The remaining effluent (liquid) then flows out of the tank into the drainfield.


Drainfield Dispersal


4. The effluent, which is now partially treated, slowly flows into the drainfield.

5.  As it seeps into the soil, further natural filtration and breakdown of pollutants occur. These processes include:

Soil microorganisms: Other bacteria continue to break down pollutants in the soil.

Physical filtration: The solid particles act as a filter, trapping solids and pathogens.

Absorption and degradation: The soil absorbs and degrades remaining contaminants.
 


Groundwater Recharge


6. The treated wastewater slowly filters down to the water table and replenishes the water supply over time.

Luckily, septic maintenance is a breeze with Bill’s Sewer and Drain here to help you. We can help you when it is time for a septic tank pumping, which is commonly needed every 2-5 years.

Why a Pre-Purchase Septic System Inspection is Crucial

Hopefully you have found this guide before you have finished your home-buying process. If you are buying a home with a septic system already in place, along with all of the other home inspections that take place, we highly recommend getting a pre-purchase septic tank system inspection as well. Why? Oftentimes, septic issues are not visible during a standard home inspection. A separate, licensed septic inspection can reveal potential problems before you buy.

Having the septic system inspection before the purchase has many benefits. Some lenders or insurance companies may require an inspection to be done before closing. Some of those benefits include:
 
  • Ensuring the system complies with local regulations, protecting you from possible legal issues down the road.
 
  • Confirming that the septic system is properly sized for the household.
 
  • Identifying hidden problems like cracks, leaks, blockages, and other problems that could lead to costly septic repairs or replacements. A simple inspection can protect your investment.
 
  • Providing a negotiating tool in the buying process if the inspection reveals problems, whether that is a lower purchase price or requesting the sellers to make septic system repairs prior to closing. Here is a tip: Schedule the septic tank inspection before finalizing the purchase contract to include a contingency.

Bill’s Sewer and Drain Service in Twin Falls can perform inspections and any septic repairs necessary following your inspection. You may also be able to request a septic tank pumping and cleaning to be done prior to your purchase. The inspection can tell you what the current state of your system is, so take advantage of that before purchasing your home.

Septic System Red Flags

These are red flags when it comes to septic tanks. Whether you are buying a new home or not, you should take note of these issues so you can be on top of your septic tank maintenance.

1. Foul odors or standing water: Especially near the drain field, these problems could indicate leaking and overall system failure .

2. Slow drains and backups: These could mean that the system is overwhelmed (too small) or needs to be emptied and cleaned from being overfilled.

3. Lush, green grass over drainfield: It may sound like a good thing, but it may mean untreated wastewater is leaking into the soil.

4. No record of recent septic system pumping: A lack of records may suggest neglect as tanks should be pumped every 2-5 years.

5. Previous home additions without a septic tank upgrade: If the home was expanded with additional bathrooms, the septic system may no longer be adequately sized.

With these things to watch for and be aware of, we will leave you with a list of questions to ask before you finalize your home purchase. They will prepare you to know your septic system and maintenance history and to be sure it is working properly.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Home with a Septic Tank

  • When was the last septic tank inspection and pumping?
     
  • Can the seller provide a septic system maintenance log or service records?
     
  • Where are the tank and drainfield located?
     
  • Are there any warranties or recent septic repairs?
     
  • Has the septic system ever failed or been replaced?

When you are ready for your pre-purchase septic system inspection, call Bill’s Sewer and Drain in Twin Falls, Idaho, at (208) 733-2607. We will take care of you and all of your septic tank maintenance needs. 

 
No After Hours or Emergency Fees!

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for septic tank pumping and cleaning services.

24-7 septic tank pumping and cleaning services
24-7 septic tank pumping and cleaning services
If you have a toilet backing up, clogged sewer line, sewer water backing up into your tub, give us a call at (208) 733-2607 or contact us online.