If you only live in an area with a local sewer system, the idea of buying a house in a septic tank may be unfamiliar. But one in five people in the US use a cleanup system, so you could run into them, whether you’re looking at your home in Atlanta, Georgia or rural areas outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A purification system is an underground tank that collects and treats wastewater instead of sending it to city sewers. Below are answers to the pros and cons of septic systems, why testing is important before purchasing, and general questions to help you determine whether a home with a septic tank is right for you.
The advantages of buying a house in a septic tank
1. Cost-effective utility invoice
A home with a purification system does not require connection to a city sewer system. This means that no monthly sewer fees will be added to your utility bill. Over time, this can lead to significant savings, especially in areas where sewer costs are high.
2. Self-maintenance
With proper care, the purification system can last for decades. Lifestyle choices, such as saving water, limiting bleach use and paying attention to those that go down the drain, protect not only the septic tank but also the environment.
3. safety
In unlikely events, there is a blockage that backs up waste into the home. In the septic tank, you can see where the waste comes from. In local government systems, backups can bring pathogens from across the community into bathtubs, basins and toilets, depending on the location and severity of the backup.
4. Environmentally friendly
In addition to promoting environmentally friendly behavior on the part of homeowners, the designed cleanup system is an eco-friendly home feature. If a leak occurs, it affects only the local property. If a leak occurs in the city’s system, the damage becomes more widespread.
5. Possibility of larger lot sizes
Characteristics with purification systems often lie in larger lots, as they require space for drainage fields and tanks. This is attractive if you are looking for a home with more outdoor space for gardening, recreation, or privacy.
6. Independence from urban services
Cleanup systems are beneficial in rural areas where it is not possible to connect to urban sewer systems. You can manage real estate wastewater without relying on urban infrastructure. This is useful in areas that are caused by service disruptions or lack of access to sewerage.
The disadvantages of buying a house in a septic tank
1. Necessary maintenance and responsibility
The purification system requires regular maintenance from a professional. Solid waste is pumped every 3-5 years and the tanks need to be inspected for damage. The cost of the service ranges from $200 to $400 depending on the geographic location.
2. Repair is your responsibility
If the city’s sewer pipes leak or back up your property, the government is responsible for correcting it. However, if the purification system backs up or the pipe is leaking, there is a cost for repairs. However, knowing how the system works and being vigilant about seeking service when drains slow or flooded patches appear in your yard prevent serious problems.
3. Drainage failure
The success of the purification system is as good as the drainage plant. The soil that has compressed the area’s soil due to the car driving on it, the invasion of tree roots, or the saturation of groundwater can cause the drainage magnetic field to break down.
4. Limited usage
A purification system can only treat a certain amount of wastewater at a time. To prevent overloading the system, you should be aware of the use of water, such as by increasing the washing load and avoiding running multiple water-rich appliances at once.
5. Possible test problems
During the purchasing process, a sepsis system failure can lead to purchase complications. If the inspection reveals an issue, repairs or replacements may need to be negotiated before closing. This may delay the process or require additional financial planning.
Why you should get a septic tank test before buying a house?
If you are considering purchasing a home with a septic tank, include the septic system in your home inspection. Sepsis testing provides peace of mind and prevents costly headaches after moving in.
Date of last inspection To determine whether the sepsis system is properly maintaining the level of sludge in the tank location of the drainage field, a check of the near well or water body should not be ensured that it is large enough for the presence of the house that serves the presence of liquid waste on the ground.
What to do before buying a house with a septic tank?
Get your septic tank inspected: Hire a specialist to inspect your septic system before purchasing to catch leaks or damage early. Check your system’s age and maintenance records. Ask the seller for pumps and inspection records, check the age of the system and assess future replacement needs. Review local cleanup status regulations: Investigate local and state rules for septic tank inspections, upgrades and replacements to understand your responsibilities as a buyer. Estimate the cost of pumping and replacement: It costs money to pump your system every 3-5 years and replace it in your area.
Tips for maintaining your purification system after purchase
Pump and inspect regularly. Schedule septic tank pumping every 3-5 years and undergo regular inspections to prevent expensive issues. Be careful of things that go down the drain. Do not wipe, grease, or clean harsh chemicals to keep the system clear. Increase your water usage: To remove laundry space and prevent overloading the system, avoid using multiple water-heavy appliances at once. Beware of warning signs: check for slow drains in your garden, sewage smells, or wet spots that may indicate sepsis problems.
Is buying a house with a septic tank perfect for you?
A home with a septic tank is suitable for those who are happy with regular maintenance and live in rural or suburban areas where local sewer systems are not accessible. Purification systems help to save monthly sewer bills and be suitable for households who manage their water use responsibly. However, if you are not interested in maintaining it, or if your home uses a lot of water, a home with a purification system may not be the best for your lifestyle.
More Cleanup Systems FAQ
1.How long does the purification system last?
If properly maintained, the purification system should last for decades.
2. Do I need to pump a septic tank?
Inspect the purification system and pump the tank every 3-5 years. Check with your local health department to see what is recommended for your area.
3. What can I put in a septic tank?
Hopefully, only your greywater and blackwater will enter your septic tank. Do not flush or send the drains out or send them to the drains, such as cigarette butts, diapers and wipes, hygiene products, paper products other than toilet paper, or high-level cleaning products that destroy healthy bacteria in tanks.
4. Do they need to dig my lawn to pump my septic tank?
If your tank does not have an exposed lid, yes, they will need to remove the grass to access it. However, this is a small section of your garden, not the whole thing.
5. Do I need additives like RID-X in my septic tank?
no. A well-maintained system has everything you need to break down solids and create a healthy septic tank. However, seasonal homes may not provide enough solid waste to produce the microorganisms needed for a healthy system. Only in that case is it recommended that the use of additives in septic tanks. Check with your local septic tank servicer for recommendations for your home.
6. Can I plant anything in the drainage channel?
Yes, but be careful. Trees and shrub root systems can damage underground pipes. The vegetable garden can also be contaminated from the drainage. However, landscaping above and around drainage sites in septic tanks with native plants makes good use of the space.
