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.

Does Glenolden require a septic inspection when a home is sold?

Rules differ by county and state. Some areas require an inspection or certification when a home changes hands and others do not. Check with the Delaware County health department to confirm what applies.

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 Glenolden Homes

If a home in Glenolden 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 Glenolden can inspect for a sale, a refinance or simply because you want to know how your system is holding up.

What the inspector checks

Expect the inspector to look at four main things. First is the tank's structure and water level, then the inlet and outlet baffles. Next come any pumps, floats and alarms, and finally how well the drain field is absorbing water. On older Glenolden homes they also look for signs that the system was changed or repaired without records. The goal is a clear picture of whether the system works today and what it may need soon.

Visual inspections and full inspections

A visual inspection is a quick check of how the system seems to be working, often by running water and looking for problems. A full inspection goes further: the tank is opened, levels are measured and the drain field is evaluated. For a home purchase in Glenolden, a full inspection is usually the better choice because it finds problems a quick look can miss. Ask the company which type they are quoting before you book.

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 a septic inspection report

The report should say where each part of the system is, how big the tank is and what it is made of, how full it was, and the condition of baffles, filter, lids and any pumps. It should describe how the drain field looked and list recommended repairs, with photos where possible.

Getting the property ready

Clear access to the tank lid and drain field, unlock gates and keep pets inside. Let the inspector know about any past backups, alarms or repairs. If the home is vacant, ask whether water should be run ahead of time. the Delaware County health department may have records for the system that the inspector can use, so it helps to request them early.

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 Glenolden and Norwood, Folcroft, Prospect Park is a plus.

Inspections for buyers and sellers near Glenolden

Real estate deals in Glenolden and nearby towns such as Norwood, Folcroft, Prospect Park 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 Glenolden

Because most mapped soils near Glenolden are rated very limited for septic absorption, inspectors pay special attention to how the drain field is handling water. With about 48 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 Glenolden that affect septic inspection

Among the mapped soils within about two miles of central Glenolden, the USDA soil survey rates 98% as very limited for septic absorption fields, 2% 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.

Glenolden averages about 48 inches of precipitation a year, and June is usually the wettest month. Average temperatures stay below freezing for about 1 month a year, with January averaging 30°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 Glenolden means for septic inspection

By drainage class, the USDA soil survey maps the land around Glenolden as 57% well drained, 18% moderately well drained, 11% poorly drained, 8% very poorly drained, 3% somewhat excessively drained, 3% somewhat poorly drained. A good inspection here checks the drain field as well as the tank, since 22% 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 Glenolden

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

Joseph Walls Septic Service, Upper Chichester, PA, 10.1 mi
B Martin Wastewater Service, Garnet Valley, PA, 10.7 mi
Hickman Sanitation Service, West Chester, PA, 15.9 mi
Eldredge Septic Service, West Chester, PA, 16.8 mi
Billy's Septic Service, Monroeville, NJ, 17.3 mi
Ace Disposal, Malvern, PA, 19.7 mi

Septic Inspection in nearby towns

We also cover septic inspection in these towns near Glenolden:

Norwood, 1 mi
Folcroft, 1.2 mi
Prospect Park, 1.2 mi
Collingdale, 1.3 mi
Sharon Hill, 1.4 mi
Aldan, 1.6 mi

About Glenolden, PA

Glenolden is in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. About 7,168 people live there, across 1.0 square miles of land (about 7,352 per square mile).

Septic Inspection questions in Glenolden

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.
Does Glenolden require a septic inspection when a home is sold?: Rules differ by county and state. Some areas require an inspection or certification when a home changes hands and others do not. Check with the Delaware County health department to confirm what applies.
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.