Can a septic system fail an inspection?

Inspectors usually describe condition rather than giving a simple pass or fail, but a report can show a system is not working or needs major repair. Ask what standard the inspector uses and what the findings mean for your situation.

Is a home inspection enough for a septic system?

Usually not. General home inspectors often do only a quick look at the septic system. A septic company opens the tank and evaluates the drain field, which gives a much more complete picture.

Who pays for a septic inspection during a sale?

It depends on your contract and local practice. Buyers often pay for their own inspection, while some sellers order one before listing. Your real estate agent can tell you what is typical in Atglen.

How often should I inspect my septic system?

A professional inspection every few years is a good habit, often at the same time as pumping. Systems with pumps, aerobic units or known problems may need more frequent checks.

Septic System Inspections for Atglen Homes

If a home in Atglen uses a septic system, the condition of that system can change what the house is worth. An inspection looks at the tank, the pipes and the drain field so there are no surprises after closing.

Local septic companies that serve Atglen can inspect for a sale, a refinance or simply because you want to know how your system is holding up.

The checklist an inspector works through

Expect the inspector to locate every component, measure how full the tank is, check inlet and outlet baffles for damage, and watch whether water flows the right way. Many also run water through the house to see how the system responds and walk the drain field for wet spots or odors.

Choosing the right kind of inspection

A walk-through inspection is fine as a routine check on a system you know well. For a home sale, a refinance or a system you know nothing about, choose a full inspection that opens the tank and looks at the drain field. Some lenders and counties specify which type they will accept.

When to get a septic inspection

Get an inspection before buying a home with a septic system, before listing your own, and when you refinance if the lender asks for one. It also makes sense every few years as part of routine care. Other good times are after a major backup, before adding a bedroom or bathroom, or when the home has been empty a long time. Many owners schedule an inspection at the same time as pumping to save a trip.

Reading your inspection report

Look for three things: what was inspected, what was found, and what is recommended. Pay attention to notes about parts of the system that could not be reached, since those are unknowns. Ask the inspector to explain any term you do not understand and to rank repairs by urgency. If you are buying, share the report with your agent so it can be part of the negotiation.

Before the inspection day

Make the inspector's job easier by locating the tank lids or marking where you think they are, and moving vehicles away from the area. Have a list of questions ready. If you are a buyer, ask the seller for any septic records the Chester County health office may have on file.

Choosing a septic inspector

Look for an inspector who explains the process clearly, provides a detailed written report and is not rushing to sell you repairs. It is reasonable to ask whether the same company performs repairs and how they handle that. Experience with the types of systems common around Atglen and Christiana, Parkesburg, Coatesville is a plus.

Inspections for buyers and sellers near Atglen

Real estate deals in Atglen and nearby towns such as Christiana, Parkesburg, Coatesville often include a septic inspection as part of due diligence. Some lenders and counties have their own requirements, so check with your agent early. Scheduling the inspection soon after an offer is accepted leaves time to handle any repairs.

What inspectors look at closely around Atglen

Because most mapped soils near Atglen are rated very limited for septic absorption, inspectors pay special attention to how the drain field is handling water. With about 47 inches of precipitation a year, an inspection after a dry spell can look better than the system really is. Ask how recent rain affects the results. Frozen ground in the colder months can limit what an inspector can see, so plan inspections for a home sale early when you can.

Local conditions in Atglen that affect septic inspection

Among the mapped soils within about two miles of central Atglen, the USDA soil survey rates 86% as very limited for septic absorption fields, 14% as somewhat limited and 0% as not limited. The most common drainage class is well drained. Soils like these often call for careful system design, such as a larger drain field, a mound or another engineered system, and a site evaluation before any new installation or replacement.

Atglen averages about 47 inches of precipitation a year, and June is usually the wettest month. Average temperatures stay below freezing for about 2 months a year, with January averaging 29°F, so tank lids and shallow lines benefit from a layer of snow or mulch rather than being cleared bare.

Sources: USDA NRCS Soil Survey (SSURGO), Soil Data Access; NASA POWER long-term climatology. Soil ratings describe mapped soil types near the city center and do not replace a site evaluation of your property.

What the soil around Atglen means for septic inspection

By drainage class, the USDA soil survey maps the land around Atglen as 60% well drained, 15% poorly drained, 13% moderately well drained, 6% somewhat excessively drained, 6% somewhat poorly drained. A good inspection here checks the drain field as well as the tank, since 21% of the soil drains poorly and that is where fields tend to show trouble first.

Source: USDA NRCS Soil Survey (SSURGO), Soil Data Access

Septic companies near Atglen

These are the septic companies in our directory closest to Atglen, with straight-line distance. Call any of them directly, or send one request and we will pass it to the best match.

Chester County Septic LLC, Atglen, PA, 1.5 mi
Greenwick Septic System Service, Parkesburg, PA, 3.4 mi
Horblinski Septic Service LLC, Coatesville, PA, 6.7 mi
Septic Solutions LLC, Kirkwood, PA, 8.5 mi
Ken Rottman Exgavating, Honey Brook, PA, 9.3 mi
Sharp Norman L Septic Tank, New Holland, PA, 9.6 mi

Septic Inspection in nearby towns

We also cover septic inspection in these towns near Atglen:

Christiana, 1.3 mi
Parkesburg, 3.2 mi
Coatesville, 8.7 mi
South Coatesville, 8.8 mi
Quarryville, 10.5 mi
Honey Brook, 10.6 mi

About Atglen, PA

Atglen is in Chester County, Pennsylvania. About 1,304 people live there, across 0.9 square miles of land (about 1,490 per square mile).

Septic Inspection questions in Atglen

Can a septic system fail an inspection?: Inspectors usually describe condition rather than giving a simple pass or fail, but a report can show a system is not working or needs major repair. Ask what standard the inspector uses and what the findings mean for your situation.
Is a home inspection enough for a septic system?: Usually not. General home inspectors often do only a quick look at the septic system. A septic company opens the tank and evaluates the drain field, which gives a much more complete picture.
Who pays for a septic inspection during a sale?: It depends on your contract and local practice. Buyers often pay for their own inspection, while some sellers order one before listing. Your real estate agent can tell you what is typical in Atglen.
How often should I inspect my septic system?: A professional inspection every few years is a good habit, often at the same time as pumping. Systems with pumps, aerobic units or known problems may need more frequent checks.