Keystone Castle Inspections Blog

When it comes to maintaining a property, one of the most important yet often overlooked components is the septic system. Whether you are buying, selling, or simply owning a home or commercial property in Western Pennsylvania, understanding the septic inspection process is essential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about septic system inspections, why they matter, and how to keep your system running smoothly. What Is the Septic Inspection Process?

Owning a home with a septic system means taking on a unique responsibility. Unlike homes connected to municipal sewer systems, septic systems require regular care to function properly. Understanding septic system maintenance and inspections is essential to protect your property, avoid costly repairs, and ensure a safe environment. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about keeping your septic system in top shape. Why Septic System Maintenance Matters S

Selling a home is a major decision that involves many steps. One of the most important, yet sometimes overlooked, steps is the seller home inspection . This process can save sellers time, money, and stress by uncovering potential issues before the property hits the market. Understanding why a seller home inspection matters can help you make informed decisions and present your property in the best possible light. Why a Seller Home Inspection Matters A seller home inspection is

When most people think about a home inspection, they picture roofs, furnaces, and electrical panels. But one of the most expensive and disruptive systems in a home is completely underground and out of sight  — the sewer lateral line that connects the house to the municipal sewer or septic system. In Western Pennsylvania, where we have a large number of older homes and aging infrastructure , sewer scopes are not just a “nice to have.” They are often one of the most valuable in

When clients see the amount of equipment that comes out of my truck during an inspection, one of the most common questions I get is: “Do you really use all of that?” The short answer is yes—but not because there’s a “perfect” tool list or because more expensive tools automatically mean better inspections. Over time, I’ve learned that the best tools are the ones that are reliable, practical, and fit the type of inspections you actually perform. I put together the video below t

Owning a property with a septic system means you have a crucial part of your home’s infrastructure working quietly underground. This system handles wastewater safely and efficiently, but it needs care to keep running smoothly. Regular septic system checks are essential to avoid costly repairs, health risks, and environmental damage. Understanding why these inspections matter can help you protect your investment and maintain a safe, healthy property. The Importance of a Septic

Your roof is one of the most important components of your home. It protects everything beneath it—your structure, your insulation, your electrical system, and your personal belongings. But like every building material, roofs don’t last forever. During home inspections around the Pittsburgh area, I frequently run into roofs that are “nearing end of life.” But what does that actually mean? In a recent roof inspection, I made a short video showing real examples from a Pittsburgh

Basement walls in Pittsburgh see a lot of moisture—especially in older homes built with stone, block, or poured concrete foundations. One of the most common things I point out during inspections is efflorescence , a chalky white substance that forms on masonry surfaces. Here’s a quick video I recorded during a recent Pittsburgh home inspection explaining what it is and why you shouldn’t ignore it: So… What Exactly Is Efflorescence? Efflorescence is a mineral deposit  left beh

If you’re seeing organic growth and asking yourself,“Is this toxic black mold?” I can help you find out quickly and accurately.

When it comes to buying, selling, or maintaining a property, understanding its true condition is crucial. Property inspections provide a clear picture of what you’re dealing with, helping you make informed decisions. Whether you own a home or commercial space in Western Pennsylvania, knowing the health of your property can save you time, money, and stress. Understanding the Importance of Property Inspections Property inspections are more than just a routine step in real estat

If you’re buying or refinancing a home in Pennsylvania with a VA or FHA loan and your property uses a private well , your lender will likely require a well water quality test before closing. The goal is simple — to ensure the water in your home is safe, clean, and free from contaminants that could affect your family’s health. At Keystone Castle Inspections , we provide VA and FHA loan-compliant well water testing for homeowners, buyers, and lenders across Western Pennsylv

When you’re buying or maintaining a home, you don’t want to schedule five different companies to test your water, inspect your sewer line, check for mold, and perform a radon test — you just want one trusted professional  who can handle it all. Keystone Castle Inspections | Property Health Inspection That’s exactly why Keystone Castle Inspections  created the Property Health Inspection , a truly comprehensive home inspection package that covers every system and every concern

Most homeowners assume that if the water runs clear and the toilets flush, everything must be fine. But what you can’t see  is often what matters most. We’ve seen it all — from wells running dry under stress to septic systems quietly failing underground. That’s why a true evaluation takes more than just a “look around.” A Real Well & Septic Inspection Story Not long ago, I inspected a property north of Pittsburgh where the buyer asked, “Can’t we just run the water for a few m

When most homeowners hear the word radon , their first thought is: “Should I be worried?” And the honest answer is — it depends on how much is in your home and how long you’ve been exposed. But let’s back up for a second. A Real Story From the Field A few months ago, I inspected a home in Cranberry Township where the sellers were confident their basement was safe. They’d lived there for 20 years without a single test. Out of curiosity, they added a radon test to their pre-lis

If you’ve discovered mold in your home, don’t panic. Mold is common — especially in damp basements, bathrooms, and around windows — and small areas of growth can often be cleaned safely by the homeowner. Example of a small area of organic growth According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if the affected area is less than about 10 square feet  (roughly a 3x3 section), you can usually manage cleanup yourself — as long as you take proper precautions an

As temperatures drop in Western Pennsylvania, your home’s exterior seal becomes the first line of defense against water intrusion, pests, and energy loss . Small cracks or gaps may seem harmless, but over time they allow moisture, drafts, and insects  to find their way inside — leading to expensive repairs and higher utility bills. Every fall, it’s a good idea to walk around your home  and inspect the seals around windows, doors, and any penetrations through the walls (like p

Winter in Pennsylvania brings beautiful snow, cozy evenings, and — if your home isn’t ready — a long list of potential headaches. From frozen pipes to roof leaks and ice dams, cold weather can quickly reveal weaknesses in your home’s structure and systems . A little preparation now can prevent costly damage later. Here are practical steps every homeowner should take to winter-proof their home , based on guidance from PA.gov . 🏡 Outside Your Home: Prevent Damage Before It Hap

Mold reproduces through microscopic spores that float through the air — both outdoors and indoors. When mold grows indoors, these spores can accumulate to levels that may trigger health effects when inhaled or touched. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, mold exposure can cause: Allergic reactions (sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, skin irritation) Asthma attacks in people with asthma who are sensitive to mold Eye, nose, throat, and lung irritatio

Mold is sneaky. While some growth is easy to spot — like black or green patches on a bathroom wall — other times, mold hides behind drywall, under carpets, or inside HVAC systems , slowly spreading and affecting your air quality without obvious signs. In Western Pennsylvania, where high humidity, frequent rain, and older housing stock create ideal mold conditions, identifying mold early is key to protecting your home and health. Here’s how to spot visible mold and how to dete

When it comes to protecting your family’s health, the air inside your home matters just as much as what’s outside. If you’re searching for the best place to get indoor air quality testing in Cranberry Township , look no further than Keystone Castle Inspections LLC . Our certified inspectors help homeowners and buyers across Cranberry Township, Wexford, Mars, and the Greater Pittsburgh area  identify hidden air quality issues—before they lead to health problems or expensive re