Top Questions To Ask When Buying A Home With A Septic Tank

Do Not Fear A House With A Septic System. A Maintained Septic System Can Be A Worry Free Thing.

If you're in the market to buy a home with a septic tank, there are several things you need to know before making an offer. While septic systems are a reliable and cost-effective alternative to public sewer systems, they require regular maintenance and inspections to ensure they're working correctly. In this article, we'll outline the top questions you should ask when buying a home with a septic tank, so you can make an informed decision.

1. What Type of Septic System Does the Home Have?

There are several types of septic systems, including conventional systems, aerobic treatment units, and mound systems. Each system has its own unique set of advantages and disadvantages, and it's essential to understand which type the home you're interested in buying has.

• Conventional systems being the simplest system rely on strictly gravity and bacteria to operate. Service the tank often and you wont run into problems.

• Mound systems are conventional systems with and additional tank where an electric discharge pump discharges water to an elevated drain field or mound. These systems are commonly found in areas with high water tables. These are good systems the added tank creates more processing power for the tank to breakdown solids. The only draw back is the complication of an electric pump these pumps will need service every 4 to 5 years depending on usage. These systems will have a pump control box or alarm box mounted to an exterior wall or mounted in the yard.

• Aerobic systems are the most complicated and are usually required when property size is limited or there is an elevated water table. These systems produce the highest quality or most filtered wastewater that gets to the drain field. These systems use an air pump to add oxygen to the tank keeping bacteria at high levels to clean and process the wastewater.

2. How Old is the Septic System?

The age of the septic system is crucial when buying a home, as it can affect the cost of maintenance and repairs. A well-maintained septic system can last up to 30 years or more, but an older system may require more frequent pumping or even replacement.

3. When Was the Septic System Last Pumped?

A septic system should be pumped every 2-3 years, depending on the size of the tank and the number of people living in the home. If the system hasn't been pumped in several years, it may be a red flag that the system hasn't been well-maintained.

4. Any issues flushing toilets?

It's important to ask the current owner if the septic system has ever had any issues. Frequent plumbing line blockages are a red flag. A septic system that is not working properly will almost always cause blockages.

5. Where is the Septic System Located?

Knowing the location of the septic system is crucial, as it can affect landscaping and future construction plans. Some septic tanks are located under the home or partially under the home when additions are done without permits. If the owner can’t show you a pumpout invoice or repair invoice be wary and get the system inspected.

6. Regulatory restrictions on the Septic System?

Some areas do not allow simple gravity flow septic systems. More complicated systems with pump systems and aerators may be required. It's important to check with the health department to ensure that the septic system is up to code and meets any necessary regulations. Some regulating bodies have made it extremely difficult to install new systems due to space requirements and set backs from wells and bodies of water.

7. What is the Soil Type on the Property?

The soil type makes a big difference in drain field efficiency. It's important to know what type of soil the property has. Areas with sandy soil are better for septic systems. Areas with clay or non porous earth are more problematic for system installations. In areas with mucky soil that does not drain well loads of sand may have to be hauled in to have a functional drain field that will pass inspection.

8. Has the Property Been Tested for Contaminants?

Septic systems can sometimes leak, which can contaminate nearby soil and groundwater. It's essential to know if the property has been tested for contaminants and if any remediation was done if contamination was found.

9. Is the Septic System Covered Under Any Warranty?

Some parts of a septic system may be covered under a warranty. The tank may have a manufacturers warranty. The drain field will be less likely to have a warranty because operating usage varies and systems can be abused. If the septic system has a lift station or aerator these parts are usually covered under a manufacturers warranty.

10. What is the Cost of Maintaining the Septic System?

While septic systems are generally less expensive than public sewer systems, they still require regular maintenance and inspections. It's important to know what the cost of maintenance is and if there are any additional costs associated with the system, such as repairs or replacements.

11. Can I Add or Expand the Septic System?

If you're planning to make any changes or additions to the property, it’s nice to know where the system is. If you plan to add a swimming pool for example most counties or municipalities require you to have a contractor map where the septic tank and drain field is on a survey. You can ask the current owner where the system is but, you need an expert to map it out accurately.

12. How often is the system being maintained?

There are many types of septic systems, some require more attention than others. A simple gravity flow system may only need to be pumped every 2-3 years. That same system with an effluent filter installed may have to be serviced every year depending on usage. A mound septic system with an elevated drain field may require pump replacement every 5 years along with regular pumpouts. Aeration systems in some municipalities are required to have an operating permit and need to be inspected every year.

13. What is the Condition of the Drainfield?

The drain field is the usually the most expansive part of the system because of factors like soil replacement and labour intensive installations. The current homeowner may have on record if it was repaired or replaced. The cost of septic inspections pale in comparison to drain field replacement. It is important to get the drain field tested and inspected before purchasing.