One of the first steps before buying a piece of property to live on is to have a percolation test or soil analysis performed if a sewage system is not available to tap in to. This information is needed to confirm that a septic system will properly work and that the local environmental health department will issue a permit for a system. Soils that have a lower level of absorption may require work in order to percolate such as adding topsoil.
Here is a part of an actual report:
When purchasing an existing home with a septic system in place it is highly recommended and in some cases may be required that the system have a qualified company do an inspection. Buyers that choose to do their own inspections should also take the time to look at the drain field area for any sign of deficiencies(wet spots, dips), or intrusions such as tree roots and plants. Many times problems with drainage and back-ups are in this area and not the tank.
Living with a septic system is easy and common sense and general maintenance will keep the problems away. Any products flushed should be septic tank compatible, and that includes toilet tissue.
When entering into a home warranty contract this type of sewage system is typically not in the standard coverage but is offered as an add-on at an additional cost.
Installing a septic system is costly up front but in most areas, you will avoid the charge of a monthly sewage fee from a public or private company.
In full disclosure for writing this, I am stating that I am not a plumber or an environmental expert, just a person who lived with this type of system for twenty years and tackled some of the issues.
Easy Real Estate
Thanks to:
fivedotoh.com/2019/03/06/fowc-with-fandango-percolate/ for hosting the word challenge
We are having septic issues that have to be fixed and we’re back and forth on it. We are ride outside of town limits and can be hooked up to the sewer system, but it’s thousands of dollars. We have no idea if it’s going to be cheaper to do that or replace our septic. Ugh! Homeowner problems. 🙂
If you plan to stay in your home for a long time I would tap in. For the most part if you ever plan to sell folks prefer sewer, thats been my experience, here’s an idea. If you live in an area that sewer has recently been run, see if other neighbors would change over and maybe you all can negotiate a better price
That’s a good idea! I never thought of that. Thank you!