Inspecting Septic Systems for Peace of Mind
Buying or selling a home? Know what’s happening below the surface.
Thorough septic inspections backed by generations of hands-on experience.
- Residential septic inspections
- Pump-out included with inspection
Septic Inspections for Buyers & Sellers
A septic system is a major part of a property and one you can’t fully evaluate from the surface.
C.E. Taylor & Son provides septic inspections for home buyers and sellers throughout Lexington and the surrounding Midlands. Our experienced technicians evaluate the system as it is operating today, looking for signs of damage, improper function, or failure.
An inspection can help uncover major concerns and give you a better understanding of the system before closing. While we can identify signs of failure, no inspection can predict exactly how long a septic system or drain field will last. Water usage can vary greatly from one family to the next and plays a major role in how a system performs.
Our job is to explain what we find and give you a clear picture of the system’s current condition so you can make a more informed decision about the property.
What We Check During a Septic Inspection
A septic inspection looks at how the system is functioning under current use. Our technician will locate and expose the tank, pump it, inspect the tank and accessible components, check wastewater flow from the home, and evaluate the drain field for visible signs of problems or failure. Pumps, floats, and alarms are also checked when applicable.
Pumping the tank is an important part of the inspection because it allows us to see areas that would otherwise be hidden and identify cracks, deterioration, damaged components, or other concerns.
For the most accurate evaluation, the septic system needs to be actively in use. We can pump a tank at a vacant property, but without regular wastewater flow, we cannot fully evaluate how the system is performing or provide the same complete inspection report.
Experience Matters When You’re Making a Big Investment
Septic systems aren’t one-size-fits-all, and knowing what to look for comes from experience.
C.E. Taylor & Son has worked with septic systems throughout Lexington and the Midlands for generations. We understand how these systems are installed, how they fail, and what warning signs can look like in the field.
When the inspection is complete, we’ll explain our findings and provide an inspection report so you have a clearer picture of the system you’re buying or selling.
Septic Inspection FAQ
1. What does a septic inspection include?
A septic inspection includes pumping the tank to allow for a thorough inspection of the interior. We assess the condition of the tank and baffles, locate the drain field, check for signs of leaks or wastewater surfacing, and look for any obvious issues with the system. If your system has a lift station, we’ll also test the pump, float switches, and alarm to ensure they’re operating properly.
2. Do I have to pump my septic tank for an inspection?
No. You do not need to schedule a separate septic tank pump-out before your inspection. Our septic inspection includes pumping the tank as part of the service, allowing us to thoroughly inspect the tank's interior, baffles, and overall system condition. This ensures we can accurately identify any signs of damage, wear, or potential issues that may affect your septic system's performance.
3. Why is septic inspection important before buying a home?
A septic system can be an expensive component of a home to replace. A septic inspection can help identify any current major issues before you buy. While it can’t guarantee how much life the system has left, it can reveal signs of existing or potential failure, giving you a better understanding of the system’s current condition before closing.
4. How long does a septic inspection take?
Most septic inspections take 60-90 minutes depending on accessibility
5. Will I receive a report after the inspection?
Yes, as long as the property is occupied and the septic system is currently in use. Because a vacant home isn’t generating normal wastewater flow, we can’t fully evaluate how the system is performing. For that reason, we do not issue an inspection report for vacant properties.
6. Can a septic inspection predict how much life my system has left?
No. A septic inspection can tell you the current condition of your system, but it can’t accurately predict how many years it has left. The lifespan of a septic system depends on factors like maintenance, household water usage, soil conditions, and the age of the system. An inspection helps identify any current issues and gives you the best picture of how your system is performing today.