If you’ve only lived in areas with municipal sewer systems, the idea of buying a house with a septic tank might feel unfamiliar. Yet about one in five U.S. homes use septic systems, so you’re likely to encounter them whether you’re looking at homes in Atlanta, GA, or a rural area outside Philadelphia, PA. A septic system is an underground tank that collects and treats wastewater on your property instead of sending it to a city sewer. Below, you’ll find the pros and cons of septic systems, why inspections matter before buying, and answers to common questions to help you decide if a home with a septic tank is the right fit for you.
The pros of buying a house with a septic tank
1. Cost-efficient and lower utility bills
Homes with septic systems don’t require a connection to the city sewer system, which means you won’t have monthly sewer fees added to your utility bills. Over time, this can lead to noticeable savings, especially in areas where sewer costs are high.
2. Self-maintaining
With proper care, a septic system lasts for decades. Lifestyle choices like conserving water, limiting the use of bleach, and being careful about what goes down the drains, not only protects your septic but also the environment.
3. Safe
In the unlikely event you have a blockage that causes waste to back up into your home, with a septic tank you know where that waste came from. On a municipal system, a back-up can bring pathogens from the entire community into your tubs, sinks, and toilets, depending on the location and severity of the back-up.
4. Environmentally friendly
In addition to promoting environmentally conscious behavior on the part of the homeowner, a septic system by design is an environmentally friendly home feature. If a leak were to occur, it would affect only the local property. If a leak occurs in a municipal system, the damage is more widespread.
5. Potential for larger lot sizes
Properties with septic systems are often located on larger lots since they need space for drainfields and tanks. This can be appealing if you’re looking for a home with more outdoor space for gardening, recreation, or privacy.
6. Independence from city services
A septic system can be beneficial in rural areas where connecting to a city sewer system isn’t possible. It allows you to manage your wastewater on your property without relying on city infrastructure, which can be useful in areas prone to service disruptions or lacking sewer access.
The cons of buying a house with a septic tank
1. Required maintenance and responsibilities
Septic systems require periodic maintenance from a professional. The solid waste should be pumped every three to five years and the tank inspected for damage. The cost of the service ranges from $200-400 depending on your geographic location.
2. Repairs are your responsibility
If a municipal sewer pipe leaks or backs up on your property, the government is responsible to fix it. But if your septic system backs up or a pipe leaks, the cost of repairs is on you. However, knowing how the system works and being vigilant about calling for service when a drain slows or a soggy patch appears in your yard will prevent significant problems.
3. Failed drain field
The success of the septic system is only as good as the drain field. Compacted soil in the area due to cars driving over it, tree roots encroaching, or groundwater saturation can cause a drain field to fail.
4. Limited usage
Septic systems can only handle a certain amount of wastewater at a time. You’ll need to be mindful of water use, such as spreading out laundry loads and avoiding running multiple water-heavy appliances at once, to prevent overloading the system.
5. Possible inspection issues
During the buying process, a failing septic system can lead to complications with your purchase. If the inspection uncovers problems, you may need to negotiate repairs or replacement before closing, which can delay the process or require additional financial planning.
Why you should get a septic tank inspection before buying a house
If you’re considering buying a house with a septic tank, include the septic system in your home inspection. A septic inspection will give you peace of mind and prevent any costly headaches after moving in. According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, a septic inspection includes the following:
- Date of the last inspection to determine if the septic system is properly maintained
- The level of sludge in the tank
- Location of the drain field, it should not be located near the well or any body of water
- Confirmation that the system is large enough for the home that it serves
- Presence of liquid waste on the ground surface
- Tank and lid are free of cracks or leaks
- Baffles are firmly connected to inlet and outlet pipes
- Drain lines each receive the same amount of water
What to do before buying a house with a septic tank
- Get a septic inspection: Hire a professional to inspect the septic system before you buy to catch leaks or failures early.
- Check the system’s age and maintenance records: Ask the seller for pumping and inspection records and confirm the system’s age to assess future replacement needs.
- Review local septic regulations: Research local and state rules for septic inspections, upgrades, and replacements to understand your responsibilities as a buyer.
- Estimate pumping and replacement costs: Find out how much it costs to pump the system every 3–5 years and what a replacement would cost in your area.
Tips for maintaining a septic system after buying
- Pump and inspect regularly: Schedule septic pumping every 3–5 years and get regular inspections to prevent costly problems.
- Be mindful of what goes down the drain: Avoid flushing wipes, grease, or harsh chemicals to keep your system clear.
- Spread out water use: Space out laundry and avoid using multiple water-heavy appliances at once to prevent system overload.
- Watch for warning signs: Check for slow drains, sewage smells, or wet spots in your yard that could indicate septic issues.
Is buying a home with a septic tank right for you?
A home with a septic tank can be a good fit if you’re comfortable with periodic maintenance and live in a rural or suburban area without access to a municipal sewer system. Septic systems can help you save on monthly sewer bills and work well for households that manage water use responsibly. However, if you’re not interested in the upkeep, or your household uses a high volume of water, a home with a septic system may not be the best fit for your lifestyle.
More septic system FAQs
1. How long does a septic system last?
Properly maintained, a septic system should last for decades.
2. How often should you pump a septic tank?
Have your septic system inspected and the tank pumped every three to five years. Check with your local health department to see what they recommend for your area.
3. What can I put in my septic tank?
Hopefully, only your greywater and blackwater will go into your septic. Things like cigarette butts, diapers and wipes, sanitary products, paper products other than toilet paper, or a high level of cleaning products that will destroy the healthy bacteria in the tank should never be flushed or sent down the drain.
4. Do they need to dig up my lawn to pump my septic tank?
If your tank doesn’t have an exposed lid, yes, they’ll have to remove the grass to access it. Though this will only be a small section of your yard and not the entire thing.
5. Does my septic need additives like Rid-X?
No. A well-maintained system has everything it needs to break down the solids and create a healthy septic flora. However, seasonal homes may not get enough solid waste to produce the microbes needed for a healthy system. Only then, do experts recommend the use of additives in your septic tank. Check with your local septic tank servicer to find out their recommendations for your home.
6. Can I plant anything over my drain field?
Yes, but be careful. The root systems of trees and shrubs can damage the underground pipes. Vegetable gardens could also become contaminated from the drainage. However, landscaping over and around a septic drain field with native plants is an appropriate use of the space.
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