RISMedia
  • News
  • Premier
  • Reports
  • Events
  • Power Broker
  • Newsmakers
  • More
    • Publications
    • Education
No Result
View All Result
  • Agents
  • Brokers
  • Teams
  • Marketing
  • Coaching
  • Technology
  • More
    • Headliners New
    • Luxury
    • Best Practices
    • Consumer
    • National
    • Our Editors
Join Premier
Sign In
RISMedia
  • News
  • Premier
  • Reports
  • Events
  • Power Broker
  • Newsmakers
  • More
    • Publications
    • Education
No Result
View All Result
RISMedia
No Result
View All Result

What Homebuyers Need to Know About Septic Systems

Home Agents
By Bill Gassett
February 7, 2023
Reading Time: 4 mins read
1
What Homebuyers Need to Know About Septic Systems

It could become a turnoff when you search property listings and find a home with a septic tank. If you aren’t used to septic system installations, it’s easy to imagine that they will be costly and difficult to repair.

While this doesn’t need to be the case if you take certain precautions, the cost of septic systems could be significant if everything needs to be replaced.

We look at the things you need to know if you are considering buying a home with a septic system.

How septic system installations work

The wastewater leaves your home through pipes under your yard and into the tank, where the solids settle on the bottom.

Bacteria break down these solids releasing grease and fats that rise to the top. Filters prevent these by-products from leaving the tank, while the remaining wastewater exits the tank and into the drain field, where it filters into the soil.

Septic tank myths

There are many misconceptions about having this type of installation in your home. Let’s clear up some of these incorrect assumptions about septic systems.

  • Septic systems are rarely used nowadays. It is estimated that around 20% of homes in the United States use a septic system to deal with their wastewater.
  • Septic systems fail a lot. While they require maintenance, these systems should be able to last for many decades if this is done properly.
  • Septic systems create an unpleasant smell. The odor shouldn’t be a problem if the system has been maintained. If there is a bad smell, it is likely maintenance hasn’t been done regularly.
  • Septic systems cause contamination. A correctly installed system should not cause contamination of well water. It is recommended that there should be a gap of 50 feet or more between a septic system and a well.

Septic system maintenance

Like any other part of your home, the septic system will require maintenance to ensure it functions correctly. The following precautions will reduce the likelihood of things going wrong:

  • You need to be careful with what you put in the septic tank. Diapers, feminine products, disposable wipes, kitty litter, and paint shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet or poured down the plughole. Chemicals should not be allowed to enter the septic tank either, and this includes additives that are designed to break down solids in the tank.
  • Avoid planting trees or bushes near the drain field. Some plants can have long roots that will enter the drain field and even the septic tank, causing damage.
  • Do not park vehicles above the septic system. The weight of the vehicle could damage the pipes.
  • The septic tank needs to be pumped out every few years. You will need to hire a professional every 2 or 3 years to pump the tank to ensure it continues to work.

When does a septic tank need to be replaced?

If you notice any issues like odors, toilets not flushing correctly, and damp areas above the drain field, these could be signs of serious problems with the septic system.

If you notice any of the following issues, call in a professional to check:

  • Sinks and bathtubs that take a long time to empty
  • Toilets taking longer to flush
  • Exterior drains making gurgling noises
  • An odor from the drain field or septic tank
  • Water pooling above the drain field
  • Vegetation above the drain field growing faster than in surrounding areas

Have the septic tank inspected

When you make an offer on a home, it is normally contingent on the home inspection. However, home inspections don’t check the septic system, and you must hire a specialist inspector.

Like inspecting a well, a septic system inspection is crucial. Your buyer’s agent should be able to provide a referral to an inspector.

The septic system cost to replace everything could be considerable, so you want to ensure there aren’t problems before buying the home.

The inspection should involve either using cameras to inspect the drain field and pipe work or they might dig inspection holes.

If you don’t want the inspector to make holes in your yard, check which method they will use before you hire them.

During a septic tank inspection, maintenance and pumping records should be checked. The inspector will look for any indication of leaks and check the levels of sludge in the tank.

The age of the septic tank is also important and shows if it is nearing the end of its useful life, the inspector will find the age of the tank.

Final thoughts

Buying a house with one might be off-putting if you aren’t familiar with septic systems. While a septic system does require additional maintenance, if this is done correctly, the system could go for 50 years or more without replacement.

If you find a listing you like with a septic system, it shouldn’t put you off, and make sure you get it inspected before closing on the home.

Bill Gassett is a nationally recognized real estate leader who has been helping people buy and sell MetroWest Massachusetts real estate for the past 35 years.

Tags: Bill GassettHomebuyingRE/MAXseptic systems
ShareTweetShare

Bill Gassett

Bill Gassett is the owner and founder of Maximum Real Estate Exposure.

Related Posts

Existing-Home Sales Surged 14.5% in February—the Largest Increase Since July 2020
Agents

Existing-Home Sales Surged 14.5% in February—the Largest Increase Since July 2020

March 21, 2023
Anywhere Shakes Things Up, Names Lane New Coldwell Banker Realty CEO
Agents

Anywhere Shakes Things Up, Names Lane New Coldwell Banker Realty CEO

March 21, 2023
Amid Some Positive Signs, Housing Affordability Struggles Continue to Affect Buyers and Homeowners Alike
Agents

Amid Some Positive Signs, Housing Affordability Struggles Continue to Affect Buyers and Homeowners Alike

March 21, 2023
Altrata Reveals Evolving Residential Footprint of the Ultra-Wealthy
Agents

Altrata Reveals Evolving Residential Footprint of the Ultra-Wealthy

March 21, 2023
OneKey MLS Reports Decreased Median Sale Price in southern New York
Agents

OneKey MLS Reports Decreased Median Sale Price in southern New York

March 21, 2023
Top 500 Power Brokers Revealed in Exclusive Release
Latest News

Top 500 Power Brokers Revealed in Exclusive Release

March 21, 2023

Comments 1

  1. B Todaro says:
    1 month ago

    Mr Gassett’s article fails to address two critical areas: 1) septic systems fall under county or municipal health regulations. Many jurisdictions require that the system be inspected and a “pass” certification be issued (or have been issued within a short period of time) prior to the passing of papers. When repairs to a home’s septic system cannot be made because of frozen ground during winter months, for example, it is quite normal for funds to be held in escrow to cover estimated repairs which must then be made by the new owner in the warmer months that follow; 2) Buyers should be aware of real estate listings that advertise more bedrooms than are recorded on the property record at Town Hall. Septic systems are typically rated by number of bedrooms in the home. A septic system rated for a four bedroom home could fail inspection if the owner decides to construct a fifth bedroom in the unfinished basement (with or without the addition of an extra bathroom). Unfortunately, many new home owners don’t fully appreciate the consequences of this additional bedroom until a problem arises, requiring the re-design of the entire septic field before the required certifications can issued. Listings in townhouse or condominium communities often reflect more bedrooms than what the septic system design allows. In addition to any sanctions against a brokerage and its agent(s) for violations of the REALTOR Code of Ethics, the ruling in Dewolfe vs. Hingham Centre, 464 Mass. 795. (2013) and similar cases, has established that a brokerage and its agents may be liable to those buyers who incur damages because of the inaccurate disclosure of information that the buyer has relied upon when purchasing a property. No longer may the list agent simply take the seller’s word for certain disclosures or representations. All agents (both listing and buyer) should verify things like number of bedrooms with the Property Card and ensuring a septic system design has not been overloaded with extra bed or bathrooms, for example.

    A third item which should go without saying, is that few, if any, real estate agents are qualified septic system experts. A buyer should always consult a licensed expert in the field concerning issues such as drainage, ventilation, odors, cleaning and maintenance, etc. Articles are often authored by real estate agents, like Mr Gassett, who are “Jacks of all trades; Master of none.” As with everything else in real estate, “Buyer Beware.”

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tip of the Day

How Can You Better Support Your Servicemember Clients?

There are around 20 million veterans in the United States. Are you equipped to help them achieve their homeownership dreams? Learn more.

Business Tip of the Day provided by

Recent Posts

  • Existing-Home Sales Surged 14.5% in February—the Largest Increase Since July 2020
  • Anywhere Shakes Things Up, Names Lane New Coldwell Banker Realty CEO
  • Amid Some Positive Signs, Housing Affordability Struggles Continue to Affect Buyers and Homeowners Alike

Categories

  • Spotlights
  • Best Practices
  • Advice
  • Marketing
  • Technology
  • Social Media

The Most Important Real Estate News & Events

Click below to receive the latest real estate news and events directly to your inbox.

Sign Up
By signing up, you agree to our TOS and Privacy Policy.

About Blog Our Products Our Team Contact Advertise/Sponsor Media Kit Email Whitelist Terms & Policies ACE Marketing Technologies LLC

© 2023 RISMedia. All Rights Reserved. Design by Real Estate Webmasters.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Premier
  • Reports
  • News
    • Agents
    • Brokers
    • Teams
    • Consumer
    • Marketing
    • Coaching
    • Technology
    • Headliners New
    • Luxury
    • Best Practices
    • National
    • Our Editors
  • Publications
    • Real Estate Magazine
    • Past Issues
    • Custom Covers
  • Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • Podcasts
    • Event Coverage
  • Education
    • Get Licensed
    • REALTOR® Courses
    • Continuing Education
    • Luxury Designation
    • Real Estate Tools
  • Newsmakers
    • 2023 Newsmakers
    • 2022 Newsmakers
    • 2021 Newsmakers
    • 2020 Newsmakers
    • 2019 Newsmakers
  • Power Broker
    • 2023 Power Broker
    • 2022 Power Broker
    • 2021 Power Broker
    • 2020 Power Broker
    • 2019 Power Broker
  • Join Premier
  • Sign In

© 2023 RISMedia. All Rights Reserved. Design by Real Estate Webmasters.

X