Buying a home is a major financial decision. You’ve probably spent months — even years — preparing for this moment. The time has officially come. All the appliances are in place, the walls are painted, and all you need to do is sign on the dotted line. Not so fast. Did you have the septic system inspected?

Septic systems are most common in areas that lack a municipal sewer system. All of the homes waste funnels through plumbing pipes, into the septic tank where solid waste settles at the bottom and liquid waste or effluent flows through the outlet. The treated wastewater is directed to the drain field where it is distributed back into the soil.

Hurricane season is in full swing. Storming and flooding are more common this time of year than any other, which is why it is most important to be aware of how storms affect your septic system. Flooding sufficiently saturates the soil and puts all septic system components in danger of dismemberment. The septic tank itself is at risk of surfacing during a flood, especially if the tank is lightweight and was recently pumped. Take heed to these post-flood septic care tips to best protect your septic system during this storm season.

Homeowners insurance can be tricky. People are often left in the dark when it comes to what exactly their current plan protects. More frequently than not, homeowners do not discover the details of their insurance plan until after a tragedy occurs.