If you’re buying a home, there’s a good chance that it has a septic system. In 2015, more than 21 million households in the U.S. had septic systems. They’re most common in rural areas, but they can also be found in urban and suburban homes.
If you’ve fallen in love with a home that uses a septic system, there are some things you should know.
A Bad Septic System Doesn’t Have to be a Deal-Breaker
If the home has a bad septic system, you might assume that your best bet may be to walk away from the deal. And you may be right. But you should consider having the septic system looked at by a professional before you write off a home that you love.
One of the most common problems with septics is tree root invasion impacting the soil near the drainfield. The solution may be as simple as removing the roots. The tank baffle may also need to be repaired – another common issue.
Minor repairs can cost a few hundred or a few thousand dollars.
Signs of a failing septic system include:
- Bright, spongy grass along the drainfield.
- Wastewater backups in the home’s drains.
- A foul odor around the septic tank and drainfield.
- Muddy soil or pooling water near the septic tank.
In some cases, the septic system may be beyond repair and will need to be replaced. The cost of replacement can range from $10,000-$15,000.
Most states will require the seller to pay for the cost of septic repairs. If it’s irreparable, you may be able to persuade the seller to cover the cost of replacement.
It will be difficult – or impossible – to get approval for a loan if the home’s septic system is in disrepair. Lenders want to know that the home has a working septic system before they’ll go through with the loan.
Negotiation is key here, and the sellers may be willing to replace the entire system if necessary. If not, you may be able to negotiate a better price and get a steal on the home.
The Cost to Connect to the Public Sewer System Can Be Astronomical
If you have hopes to eventually connect to the public sewer system, you should know that the costs will likely be astronomical if you’re in a rural area.
It’s not unusual for costs to reach tens of thousands of dollars to connect to the local sewer system, depending on where your home is located. The farther you are from the nearest connection, the higher the price.
Septic Systems Require Maintenace
A septic system will require maintenance to keep it working properly. This means:
- aving the system inspected every year.
- Pumping your system when necessary, typically every 3-5 years.
