What to Know About Buying a House with a Septic System

In the market for a new home? When you’re dreaming about your new home, chances are they don’t include homes with septic systems. Homes with septic tanks aren’t uncommon, particularly in more rural areas.
If you’ve found the perfect property but you’re unsure of what to make of the septic system, here’s what you need to know.

What is a septic system?

Septic systems treat sewage waste from the home using a septic tank and drain field. As you send wastewater down the drain or flush your toilets, it’s sent through your home’s pipes and into a septic tank.

In the septic tank, the liquid that separates from the sludge and scum is sent out of the tank through the pipes and into the drain field. The soil in the drain field naturally filters out contaminants, while helpful bacteria break down all organic matter. The sludge and scum remain in the tank, requiring periodic pumping to prevent overfill.

The pros of septic systems

Septic systems are simply a fact of life for most rural homeowners, as homes with septic systems are only common outside of the city. Luckily, there are many benefits to having a septic system instead of traditional plumbing. They include:

• Financial savings, since you’ll save money by eliminating public sewer expenses
• Eco-friendly operation, providing natural breakdown of waste and eliminating reliance on harmful chemicals to treat wastewater
• Reduction of your property taxes
• Repairs are easier to diagnose and correct on-site when compared to traditional plumbing

What to do if you’re interested in a home with a septic system

Not sure how to verify the condition of a home’s septic system? Before you buy, have the system inspected by the professionals. They’ll check pipe integrity and proper drainage and ventilation. They’ll spot any potential problems with the system before they become bigger ones in the future.

You should prepare for regular maintenance when you buy a home with a septic system. You’ll need to pump the tank every few years, which can cost several hundred dollars depending on the size of the tank.

Also, you need to understand the specs of the system before you decide to purchase the home. Your technician will tell you the size of your system, as well as how often it needs to be drained. A final consideration to keep in mind is the age of the system. Systems need to be replaced every 20 to 30 years, and you’ll need to prepare for the expense of replacement if your tank is nearing that figure.

Septic systems can actually save you money and protect the environment—so long as yours is working right. It pays to have a group of septic experts on your side, like Countryside Construction Inc. We’re the team you can rely on to make sure your new home’s septic system is in working order, and we’ll keep your system maintained for worry-free operation for years to come. Reach out today to schedule a service appointment.

Categorised in: Septic Services

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