I don't know where you are, but in AZ, a septic system needs to be certified and pumped during a real estate transaction. If financing, lender will likely require it.

Again not knowing where you are, it is customary in AZ for the seller to provide the septic cert. It can be negotiated that the buyer pays for it -- in a lot of foreclosure transactions they do.

No matter who pays for it, you need to have it done.

The good news is that a 25 year old septic system can be perfectly functional, and conversely, a two year old septic system may not pass muster.

You need to hire a qualified certified septic contractor to go over your system with a fine-toothed comb and make sure it is fine no matter the remaining terms of your contract. It is quite important.

ALSO, how big is your lot? How close is the tank to a well or swimming pool? Or the next door neighbor's fence? If that septic was to fail, is there room to install another septic & leach field?

Again, these are important questions for a qualified professional to figure out.

If I were buying a house with a septic system I'd ask for a clean out and pumpers report from the seller.  That being said I have lived in homes with septic tanks for most of my life... since I was 9 years old and never had an issue at any of them.  Not planting trees for roots to get in the drain field and not not flushing thing not appropriate for septic tanks is key to a maintence free system

Absolutely, the last septic system one of my clients installed was $30,000.

Since we do not know your location, check with your trusted real estate agent( yours, not the listing agent).  Private sewage disposal systems in our area should be tested, pumped(if necessary) and certified). The costs are negotiatble but should be a part of your inspection duty/ due diligence time period.   Again, check with your local real estate representative for specific details to ensure this is handled properly. Good luck.

Absolutely! Separate inspection by a company who specializes in septic systems.

Also, have the sellers request that it be cleaned out while they are there to inspect it. It's cheaper to do it now than wait until after Closing. (You'll have to pay a separate service call fee if you do it later.)

 Pumped.

 Inspected, including the drain field, and the pipe from the house.

 Also, check with city/county building department or health department to make sure it is grandfathered in.  In some cities in Florida (including northeast Tallahassee, and south of Tallahassee in Wakulla County), the government is forcing people onto central sewer systems.  That can be VERY expensive.

It would be wise and prudent to have it inspected by a local and reputable company. 

Yes have it pumped and inspected.

HAVE IT INSPECTED! And yes I meant to shout. I also prefer having a master plumber check the septic system.

in MA, the seller is required to provide a title 5 certificate that says the septic system is in good working order....

find out what your state laws are.... a septic company does the inspection....you MUST have it done.... the life of a system is usually 20-25 years....depending on how well it was maintained...

If you were my client I would advise having the septic pumped and inspected by a competent company.

If not too late I would also make your contract contingent on the results of the inspection.

It's good to get it inspected. Inlet and outlet T's, seals, access caps should be looked at, and distribution box should be dug up and inspected. Sometimes a dye test will be done to check drain field. Tank should not be pumped until after it's inspected. it's also a good idead to go to health dept and get copy of file which should show history of any repairs, location of drain field, etc.

Absolutely you need a septic inspection.

Yes, have the septic tank inspected and ask when was the last time it was serviced. Request documentation.

I hope you are using a good agent because you have no awareness of contractsd and inspections. You also might need to consult with what your lender requires.

Look at what Candice A. Donofrio responded with.

My short answer is YES!

Here in my State, it requires to pass inspection, also it is needed the inspection, to have the power turned on. So have it inspected and cleaned. 

Depends on your state laws as far as certification is concerned - it might be required for the seller to do this. Pumping and inspection are highly recommended. Talk with your Realtor!

Yes to haveing it inspected and by a company who does these things

My advice is to ask your real estate agent...assuming you have an honest professional guiding you in your purchase.

Failing that...the advice from other agents who have answered your question here are unanimous.

Yes

Yes. I have had many septics system tests fail inspection

If you're obtaining financing for this purchase you'll probably need to have it certified by a licensed & reputable company anyway. When you're kind to it there should be no problems.

YES!  Absolutely.  Things are not always as they "appear".  

Hey to the yeah! Talk to your agent about certified inspectors/ reputable septic companies and go from there.

If you hired one, that is...

I would be asking for the system to be certified to county specks

Almost all houses in my area have private septic systems. Sometimes buyers want them tested, sometimes not. They often want them to be cleaned out. If you want a septic inspection and cleanout, those items should be specified in the offer.

In our area, it's always good to ask for a septic inspection and a clean out. That will reveal most issues. 

Absolutely!

yes, yes and yes.  I don;t know where you are located but in El Paso County - Colorado the seller has to have the septic checked, certified and if necessary pumped prior to closing - not the buyer - by law, the seller.  Also sometimes you have a well with septic - if you do have a water flow check done and potability i.e. drinkability of the water.  But do have that septic checked either way

Yes absolutely have a septic company pump and inspect. -K

The age of the property should have no bearing on your positive choice for a septic inspection. We have had recentl;y built homes with septic systems that failed their inspections. We saved our buyers Thou$$sand$$!

Yep... inspect, inspect, inspect.

I would use a company that services/installs septic systems.  Ask around to find "reputable" companies that aren't going to be self-serving.

Get it inspected and serviced. 

Any home with a septic system, we include a condition for pump out and inspection at the Sellers expense.  You don't want to buy a home full of another persons stuff do you?  And, if there is a problem, a septic system can cost upwards of $30K to replace - YIKES!

Your agent should be able to answer all your questions and be familiar with local businesses who can do this.

If you don't have an agent, please get one to write the offer and look out for your best interests. If you plan to go it alone, at a minimum get a real estate attorney to review the proposed offer and any counteroffers and related documents.

Absolutely I believe some states have a separate addendum for a septic system ... If it needs to be replaced it may be very costly

Many good responses.

We don't have septic in my part of the world.  I'd say for any type of inspection make sure the inspector knows that someone else will do the remediation.  That way they don't write their own meal ticket.

Yes & also have the well water tested by the county.

YES it is a must. They can easily check the leach field, the tank and the baffles. 

I would

Septic systems are standard fare in our market... I'd definitely encourage you to have it inspected.  My "go to" inspector does not install new systems so I know there's no hidden agenda with him.  Don't be afraid of the system; just don't abuse it!  ;0

Yes.

What does your agent advise?

If it is that old it spells trouble or EOL.

Yes a report. Often I can spot it looking at evidence of leaking, vegetation from organic fertilizer.

Yes Yes Yes that could be an expensive replacement.

Yes have it inspected and pumped given the age!

https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/is-the-seller-obligated-to-get-a-septic-system-inspection-on-a-home/

In Denver if there is a septic system Tri-County needs to put their "seal of approval" on it too.

Yes for sure.

ABSOLUTELY!!! I live in an area of septics and it's a standard inspection item, in fact one that sellers of older homes often fear the most. Professional septic inspection company should do the work. They will give you the real picture, they are not at all assured of being the ones to be selected to do the work if any is needed. It might be as simple as replacing a cap for example, that is no longer to code, or a recommendation to have it pumped (should be done before closing, but not before inspection). However, if the 25 yo system is at risk for failing or there are other serious issues with its aging structure, to replace a septic system is very costly, could be up to $35K or more, depending on size and soil, so PLEASE  have the inspection to find out  the condition of the system.