If you live in a city, your house is most likely connected to a public sewer line that transports wastewater away from your place. If you live in the country, however, there’s a good chance you’ve got a property that has a septic tank buried near the house, and that’s where your wastewater goes.
If you’re thinking about moving to a new area– a more rural one– and the house you’re interested in has a septic tank, then the question is this: “Should I buy a home with a septic tank?”
Buying a Home With a Septic System
When you buy a house that has a septic tank, you are responsible for its care and maintenance. The local utility company is not responsible for it. You’ll also have to be careful about what you put down your drain– you don’t want to clog the pipes to the tank or put any harsh chemicals into the system.
The benefits of a home with a septic tank include no (rising) monthly sewer bill, a smaller environmental footprint, and, best of all, the ability to build a home just about anywhere, even in the remote wilderness. Maintenance costs average a couple hundred dollars every five years or so– you might need to get your tank “pumped out” every few years, for instance. That said, most tanks last 20 to 40 years (or more) with little if any issues.
When buying a house with a septic tank, here’s some advice: know how it works, the shape it’s in, the type of maintenance it needs and any local rules, regulations or ordinances regarding its upkeep.
Are you thinking about moving to a home that has a septic tank and you want it inspected before you sign the contract, to make sure it’s working well? Carolina Septic Pro, serving parts of North Carolina and South Carolina, can do the professional inspection; Call 980-500-1022 for more information.