Why Septic System Maintenance Is Critical for Property Value
Why Septic System Maintenance Is Critical for Property Value
When buyers look at a home, they’re not just interested in how many bedrooms it has, or how big the yard is. They’re also interested in what’s going on underground with your septic system. Septic systems quietly maintain your home’s wastewater, and most people don’t think too much about them unless they’re faced with a problem. But when they’re neglected, they can start to fail. And a failing system can mean foul odors, plumbing backups, and costly repairs. All of this can easily scare buyers away from your home: after all, who wants to deal with the extra expense, hassle, and mess of fixing a failing septic system?
On the other hand, a well-maintained septic system signals peace of mind– for you and your potential buyers. It shows you’ve invested in your property, and it also prevents future buyers from inheriting nasty septic surprises.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the importance of regular septic system maintenance, and explaining how it can protect your property value.
The Hidden Impact of Septic Issues on Property Value
Regular septic system maintenance does more than just keep your drains flowing smoothly. It also helps identify small issues before they become major ones. Regular checkups can help prevent buildups (which can lead to backups or overflow), so they’re a good idea whether you’re planning on selling your home or not.
If you address any potential issues early, you’re saving yourself a lot of hassle, such as a complete system failure or needing a full drainfield replacement. Routine inspections are also a lot cheaper than the alternative — which is paying tens of thousands for a full replacement.
From a real estate point of view, if the potential buyers decide to conduct a septic system inspection and see that the system is badly-maintained, it will definitely delay the sale. If you haven’t kept on top of your septic system maintenance then you’re looking at stalled inspections, a lower property value, and a slower closing. If your septic system is well-maintained, then buyers will feel a lot more confident and will be more likely to meet you at your asking price.
And let’s not forget: septic system maintenance also protects you personally. A failing septic system can cause pollution, health problems, and property damage– all expensive problems that could be avoided with regular septic system maintenance.
Signs You Need to Schedule Septic System Maintenance
There are a few signs of a failing septic system, for example:
- Foul odors in your house or yard
- Toilets flushing slowly
- Gurgling sinks and showers
- Backed-up drains
- Needing to pump your tank more frequently than usual.
These are all warning signs that your septic system needs maintenance. Other clues are puddles in your yard (often with a bad smell), or really green areas above the field.
If you notice any of these issues, you need to call for septic system maintenance. And if you’re unsure whether or not you need septic system maintenance, our team at Free Flow Environmental can perform a professional on-site analysis to see what condition your septic system is in, and if anything needs repairing. Again, this is a much cheaper solution than waiting until your septic system fails and needs to be replaced! We even offer a FREE on-site inspection.
How Maintenance Supports Property Value
Septic system maintenance helps to support your property value because you’ll be able to avoid major repairs (which can cost time, money, and your peace of mind). Making sure you stay on top of your septic system maintenance is a huge money-saver: replacing a septic system can run from $10k–$30k, vs. just a few hundred dollars for maintenance. Regular septic system maintenance is also a green flag for future buyers: it shows that you’ve taken care of your property responsibly, and they’re more likely to invest in a well-maintained home. If your septic system is functioning well, this also increases your land value, because a working septic system prevents toxins from seeping into the soil and water on your property. And nobody wants to buy a home if there’s a risk of contamination.
When Sellers Should Prioritize Septic Maintenance
The best time to schedule septic system maintenance is before you have a problem. Restoring an existing septic system is far less invasive– and less expensive– than replacing the entire system. And if you’re thinking of selling within the next year, that’s another reason to arrange septic system maintenance today; so that future buyers won’t be put off by potential problems, and so that you can preserve your property value.
Maintenance vs. Replacement: Making the Right Call
If you’re weighing up the difference between septic system maintenance and a full replacement, we’d really encourage you to get a professional opinion. Our team at FreeFlow Environmental can perform a septic inspection in order to give you a clear picture of the health of your septic system, and if it doesn’t absolutely have to be replaced, we’ll save you a lot of time and money by coming up with quick and simple solutions to repair it. (And we can do it without tearing up your entire yard.) Buyers tend to find a restored septic system appealing because it’s already proven to work, whereas if you completely replace it they might worry about the new system failing.
Final Takeaway—Protect Your Home, Preserve Value
Regular septic system maintenance is 100% the best way to keep your property value up and remove any risks or doubts from a future buyer’s mind. Don’t wait until issues surface: prevention is a LOT less expensive than cure. To replace your septic system you’d be looking at thousands of dollars, so septic system maintenance is a much better preventative measure (that won’t break the bank). If you’re looking to sell your property soon, then the money you invest in septic system maintenance now would be nothing compared to how much more your property can be valued at once the septic system is working well.
If you’d like to schedule a septic system inspection, or get an estimate on septic system restoration, give the team at FreeFlow Environmental a call to arrange a free on-site inspection. One quick inspection today could save you a lot of time and money tomorrow!
