Rural Property Needs Rural Expertise.
Homes on private well and septic systems require inspection beyond what a standard home inspection covers. FTGU evaluates both systems so buyers of rural and acreage properties in Southeast Texas know exactly what they're taking on.
- Well pump, pressure tank & controls
- Flow rate evaluation
- Water pressure at fixtures
- Visible well components & casing
- Septic tank opened & inspected when accessible
- Distribution box & drain field location
- Aerobic systems: aerator, pump & spray heads
- Drain field surface & setback clearances
- VA/FHA compliant water sample testing
- Full photo-documented Spectora report
Your Private Water Source Deserves Scrutiny.
A private well is the sole water source for the property. Pump failure, low flow rate, or water quality issues affect daily livability and property value. VA and FHA loans require well inspection and water testing — we handle both.
Pump & Pressure System
Well pump operation, pressure tank condition, pressure switch settings, and overall system function evaluated at the time of inspection. Signs of short cycling, low pressure, or pump stress documented.
Water Sample Testing
VA and FHA compliant water samples collected and sent to a certified lab. Results for bacteria (coliform), nitrates, and other standard parameters — required for government-backed loans.
Flow Rate
Adequate flow rate is critical for household use. A well that can't sustain normal household demand is a significant deficiency that affects daily living and property financing.
What You Can't See Can Cost You Thousands.
Septic system failure is one of the most expensive repairs a rural property owner can face — and one of the most easily identified with a proper pre-purchase inspection.
Tank Inspection
Septic tank access, lid condition, inlet and outlet baffles, liquid level, and visible signs of backup or failure. When lids are accessible, Troy opens the tank for a direct look. Buried lids are not excavated.
Drain Field Evaluation
Surface evaluation of the drain field for saturation, odors, standing effluent, and signs of system failure. Vegetation patterns often reveal distribution issues invisible to the untrained eye.
Distribution System
Distribution box condition, lid integrity, and visible pipe connections evaluated where accessible. Uneven distribution is a common precursor to drain field failure.
Aerobic Systems
Common across Southeast Texas. Aerator operation, dosing pump, control panel and alarm, chlorinator, and spray head coverage are checked, along with setbacks from wells, water lines, pools, and property lines.
Well & Septic Inspection FAQ
Yes. VA and FHA loans require well inspection and water testing as a condition of financing on properties with private water systems. FTGU provides VA and FHA compliant inspections and water sample collection.
No. FTGU does not pump septic tanks or arrange pumping. Troy opens the tank when the lids are accessible and evaluates the visible components, but doesn't dig to uncover buried lids or determine tank size. If you want the tank pumped, that's done separately by a licensed septic contractor.
Standard water testing checks for total coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrates, and other parameters required by lenders. Additional tests for iron, hardness, pH, and other minerals are available on request.
Well-maintained conventional septic systems can function for 25–40 years. Age alone doesn't determine failure — design, soil conditions, usage, and maintenance history all matter. Troy documents age where known and evaluates current observable condition.
Documented septic failure findings give buyers grounds for seller negotiation, repair credit demands, or contract exit. Septic repairs range from relatively minor component replacements to full system replacement costing $10,000–$30,000 depending on system type and soil conditions.
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Buying Rural Property? Don't Skip Well & Septic.
Available 7 days a week · Reports within 24 hours · Serving Southeast Texas since 2004
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