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 Swarthmore 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 Swarthmore Homes

If a home in Swarthmore 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 Swarthmore 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 an inspection pays for itself

An inspection is most valuable before money changes hands: when buying, selling or refinancing a home in Swarthmore. It is also worth doing after a backup, before adding a bedroom or bathroom, and when you move into a home and do not know when the system was last serviced.

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.

How to prepare for an inspection

Gather any septic permits, past pumping receipts and repair records. Mark the tank location if you know it and make sure the area is clear. If you are selling, avoid pumping right before the inspection unless the inspector asks for it, since a freshly pumped tank can hide how the system has been performing. Make sure water is on in the house so the inspector can run fixtures.

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 Swarthmore and Morton, Rose Valley, Ridley Park is a plus.

Septic inspections for Swarthmore home sales

Buyers and lenders near Swarthmore often ask for a septic inspection before closing. The inspector checks the tank, baffles, pumps and the drain field and writes up what they find. A clean report helps a sale move quickly. If problems turn up, the report gives both sides something concrete to negotiate.

What inspectors look at closely around Swarthmore

Because most mapped soils near Swarthmore 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 Swarthmore that affect septic inspection

Among the mapped soils within about two miles of central Swarthmore, the USDA soil survey rates 95% as very limited for septic absorption fields, 5% 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.

Swarthmore averages about 48 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 Swarthmore means for septic inspection

By drainage class, the USDA soil survey maps the land around Swarthmore as 66% well drained, 21% moderately well drained, 8% poorly drained, 3% somewhat excessively drained, 2% somewhat poorly drained. A good inspection here checks the drain field as well as the tank.

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

Septic companies near Swarthmore

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

B Martin Wastewater Service, Garnet Valley, PA, 7.8 mi
Joseph Walls Septic Service, Upper Chichester, PA, 7.8 mi
Hickman Sanitation Service, West Chester, PA, 13.0 mi
Eldredge Septic Service, West Chester, PA, 14.0 mi
Ace Disposal, Malvern, PA, 17.1 mi
J L Natoli Excavating, West Chester, PA, 17.5 mi

Septic Inspection in nearby towns

We also cover septic inspection in these towns near Swarthmore:

Morton, 1.3 mi
Rose Valley, 2 mi
Ridley Park, 2.1 mi
Media, 2.4 mi
Prospect Park, 2.5 mi
Parkside, 2.9 mi

About Swarthmore, PA

Swarthmore is in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. About 6,536 people live there, across 1.4 square miles of land (about 4,669 per square mile).

Septic Inspection questions in Swarthmore

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 Swarthmore 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.