Buying a new home in Riverside County is an exciting milestone. However, if that dream home relies on a septic system, you need to do more than just a standard home inspection. A failing septic system can cost tens of thousands of dollars to replace—a surprise no new homeowner wants.

At Davis Plumbing, we’ve helped countless 951 buyers navigate the “underground” portion of their home purchase. Here is your essential septic checklist before you sign on the dotted line.

1. Request the Pumping Records

Ask the current owners for their septic system maintenance history. A healthy tank should have been pumped every 3 to 5 years. If they can’t provide records, assume the system has been neglected and proceed with caution.

2. Order a Professional Inspection

A standard home inspector usually just flushes the toilets and looks for surface puddles. A professional septic tank inspection involves opening the lids, checking the sludge levels, and using a camera to inspect the condition of the pipes and the septic riser.

3. Locate the Drain Field

Ensure the drain field isn’t located under a recently built deck, driveway, or pool. We often see homeowners unknowingly build structures over their septic system design, which can lead to crushed pipes and total system failure.

4. Check for “Add-ons”

If the house has been expanded—such as adding a bedroom or a guest suite—check if the septic well was also upgraded. A system designed for a 2-bedroom house will quickly fail if it’s now serving a 4-bedroom household.

5. Look for the “Green Spot”

Walk the property. If one area of the lawn is remarkably greener or soggier than the rest, the drain field is likely failing. This is a major red flag that requires a professional opinion before you close the deal.

Don’t Buy a Plumbing Problem

Knowledge is power when it comes to septic systems. Before you commit to a home in the 951, let the experts at Davis Plumbing give you a clear picture of what’s happening underground.

Call Davis Plumbing at (951) 657-0393 to schedule a pre-purchase septic inspection today.