Buying A Home With A Septic System

When buying a home with a septic system there are several types of systems, including conventional systems, alternative systems, and innovative systems. The most common type is the conventional septic system, which includes a septic tank and a drain field.

Size of the Septic System:

• The size of the septic system should match the number of bedrooms in the home, as well as the water usage. A system that is too small will not be able to handle the waste water, while a system that is too large will be more expensive to install and maintain.

Components of a Septic System:

• Septic tank: The septic tank is a watertight container that is buried underground. It is designed to separate solid waste from liquid waste, and to allow the liquid waste to flow into the drain field.
• Drain field: The drain field is a system of pipes and trenches that are buried underground. The liquid waste from the septic tank flows into the drain field, where it is filtered and eventually absorbed into the soil.
• Leach field: Leach fields are similar to drain fields, but are designed for homes that are not located near a suitable area for a traditional drain field.

Maintenance and Regulations:

• Septic tank pumping: The septic tank needs to be pumped out periodically, generally about every 3-5 years to remove the solid waste that has accumulated in the tank.
• Septic system maintenance: Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that the septic system is working properly. This includes checking for leaks and blockages, and making sure that the drain field is not becoming saturated.
• Septic system regulations: Septic systems are regulated, it’s important to check with your local health department to ensure that your septic system is in compliance with regulations.

Septic System Failure:

• if a septic system fails, it can cause environmental damage and be costly to repair and/or replace. Common causes of septic system failure include overloading the system, a lack of maintenance, and improper installation.

Inspection and Evaluation:

• Septic system inspections: It’s important to have a professional inspect a system before buying a house or before selling a house, this will help identify any potential issues and give an estimate of the remaining life of the system.