What To Do With Old Septic Tank On Land To Sell Arizona? (TOP 5 Tips)

  • When you are selling a home in Arizona that has a septic tank, you must have your AZ septic tank pumped of all solids and all liquids prior to close of escrow. This is called an inspection and is to be performed by the seller.

Can you sell a property with a septic tank?

If you’re selling a property with a septic tank, then you must be transparent with buyers about the fact the property uses a one and provide a detailed specification of the system. In fact, You are required by law to inform a buyer in writing about the presence of a septic tank. The age of the system.

Can you leave an old septic tank in the ground?

Tanks can be completely removed or they can be destroyed and buried in place. The decision depends on if you plan to use the land for something else, such as a home addition or pool, and need the remains of the tank out of the way.

How much are septic transfer fees in Arizona?

The transfer fee is $50 per parcel, regardless of the number of treatment facilities on the parcel. When submitting an Onsite Wastewater Septic Treatment Facility Notice of Transfer (NOT) by mail, please complete the entire NOT form.

Do old septic tanks need to be registered?

Many homes are not connected to mains drainage, instead having sewage treatment systems or septic tanks or occasionally cesspools. If your sewage treatment system or septic tank discharges to a river or stream it must be registered immediately.

Do septic tanks lower property value?

The research shows that having a septic system as opposed to a standard sewage system does not increase or decrease the value of your home, although there are some things about that septic system that can affect resale.

What is the law for septic tanks?

According to new regulations passed in 2015, if your septic tank discharges to surface water such as a ditch, stream, canal or river, you will have to upgrade your system to a sewage treatment plant or install a soakaway system by 1 January 2020.

How do you deal with an old septic tank?

Decommissioning Your Old Tank If you’ve got an old tank on your property, then you’ll need to bring in a professional septic tank service company to deal with it. In most cases, you can decommission an old tank by breaking it up or filling it in, depending on the material.

How do I get rid of an old leach field?

Abandoning Septic Tanks and Soil Treatment Areas

  1. Remove and dispose of the tank at an approved site (normally a landfill).
  2. Crush the tank completely and backfill. The bottom must be broken to ensure it will drain water.
  3. Fill the tank with granular material or some other inert, flowable material such as concrete.

Who pays for septic inspection in Arizona?

Septic Inspections Home Seller – Who Pays For The Septic Tank Inspection? It’s Arizona law that the seller/owner is responsible for requesting septic tank inspections in Arizona. ADEQ says that the owner/seller if the home must obtain a septic inspection.

Can a homeowner install a septic system in Arizona?

SITE EVALUATION – Although conventional septic systems may be installed by the homeowner if certain criteria are met, the site evaluation must be done by an Arizona- registered professional engineer, geologist, sanitarian, an appropriately licensed septic or plumbing contractor (K-41 or L-41) who has completed training

How much is a well transfer fee in AZ?

How much does it cost to transfer a well? The cost to change ownership of a well is $30.00 per well.

Does heavy rain affect septic tank?

It is common to have a septic back up after or even during a heavy rain. Significant rainfall can quickly flood the ground around the soil absorption area (drainfield) leaving it saturated, making it impossible for water to flow out of your septic system.

Do cesspits need to be emptied?

A cesspit is a sealed underground tank that simply collects wastewater and sewage. Cesspits need to be emptied regularly. The time between empties depends on the size of the property, number of occupants and the size of the tank itself – it may need to be emptied monthly, quarterly or annually, or any point in between.

How do I find out if my septic tank is registered?

Check if your septic tank is already registered You can check if your tank has already been registered by contacting your environmental regulator. If you are unsure then it is best to check and avoid making an unnecessary payment. The NIEA and SEPA have records of all registered septic tanks.

Onsite Wastewater (Septic Systems) – Ownership Transfer

When a property served by an on-site wastewater treatment facility (including a conventional septic tank system or alternative on-site wastewater treatment facility) is sold or transferred, the seller or transferee must retain a qualified Inspector to inspect the facility within six months of the sale or transferee transferring ownership (Arizona Administrative Code, A.A.C. R18-9-A316). Typically, an examination of this nature is precipitated by the owner’s decision to sell their house. The requirement to have the on-site wastewater treatment facility inspected within six months of the property transfer is a provision of Arizona rule that takes precedence over any conflicting terms that may exist in any contract pertaining to the property transfer.

In accordance with Arizona Administrative Code R18-9-A309(A), it is unlawful for anybody to use a cesspool for sewage disposal (4).

What is required to transfer ownership of my on-site facility?

Inspection reports must be completed and submitted to the seller by an inspector who has been qualified under A.A.C. R18-9-A316, in accordance with the Code. Moreover, any large amount of waste must be drained out of each tank as well. A Report of Inspectionform must be completed for each on-site system that is in use on the property if there is more than one on-site system in use on the property. Sellers are required to provide the buyer with a completedReport of Inspectionformas well as any other documents they may have in their possession that relate to the permitting, operation, and maintenance of septic tank systems or an alternative on-site wastewater treatment facility.

Within 15 calendar days of the date of the property transfer, the Buyer must submit a completedNotice of Transferformfor the change of ownership and file it with the appropriate agency as specified on page ii of the Filing Instructions for the Transfer of Property.

Filing Instructions

A Notice of Transfer is subject to a charge of $50. It is necessary to file a Notice of Transfer for each individual property, which may contain information about one or more treatment institutions located on the lot. Each individual package must be charged a separate transfer fee, which must be filed separately. When filing a Notice of Transfer, please ensure that the entireNOT form is filled out completely. Sending the Report of Inspection form to Maricopa County is not recommended.

Incomplete forms and payments will be returned to the individual or firm that submitted the Notice of Transfer through postal mail if they are not completed. Ensure that all checks are made payable to the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department (M.C.E.S.D.).

Filing by mail

ThisNotice of Transferformmust be filled out entirely and accurately to the best of the submitter’s knowledge by the property buyer or anybody else on their behalf. Please submit the Notice of Transferform and fee to:Maricopa County Environmental Services Department301 West Jefferson Street, Suite 170Phoenix, AZ85003 if you want to file by paper form.

Filing by e-mail

If you want, you may send your Notice of Transfer by electronic mail. Once the form has been received and processed, you will receive an email with details on how to make your payment. Send the forms, both filled and scanned, to us through email.

Filing online

You can also submit your Notice of Transfer over the internet. The following buttons will take you to various online filing choices.

Septic System in Arizona

When a residence is not linked to a sewer system, a septic system is utilized to treat the wastewater that accumulates on the property. Septic tanks are available in a variety of sizes (usually holding 1500 gallons of effluent), are normally buried 18 to 24 inches below the surface, are properly marked with an identifying pole, and should not be driven over or parked in. Septic systems in Arizona are also surrounded by either a leach field or sit on top of a leach pit, which allows for even more effluent from the septic tank to be collected.

It requires seller to provide buyer with copies of all documents pertaining to the septic tank that are in seller’s possession within 5 days of contract acceptance, to have septic system inspected at seller’s expense within 6 months prior to close of escrow (but no later than 3 days prior to close of escrow) and to deliver completed report of septic inspection to buyer upon receipt.

If seller needed septic repair costs exceed previously agreed upon amount, buyer may terminate contract or agree in writing to pay the excess repair cost.

Buyer responsibilty includes delivering to escrow company a complete Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Notice of Transfer of Ownership of an On-Site Wastewater Treatment Facility prior to close of escrow, which instructs escrow company to file the notice and filing fee and indicates who will be paying filing fee.

Can An Old Septic Tank on Your Property Kill the Deal?

Is it possible for an old septic tank on your property to derail a real estate transaction? I was recently tasked with determining the market worth of a parcel of property. This was a one-acre parcel of land that had formerly housed a mobile home. Knowing the surrounding neighborhood, I inquired about the septic tank right away. Was it still there, and was it up to date with the building codes? It was indicated by the would-be seller that he had no clue whether or not the septic system would pass inspection, and he went on to declare that he would be selling the property “as-is.” This meant that he would not be responsible for the cost of a septic inspection or any remedial work that might be required as a result of the examination.

  1. He went through his arguments once more.
  2. I then explained to him that, in my experience, the majority of property buyers who would be required to build their own septic system would not agree to pay for the removal or demolition of an existing septic system as part of the purchase price.
  3. The seller decided to hold off on listing the property until he could find out a way to avoid having to pay for the removal of the old septic system on the property.
  4. I informed him that if I were to accept this listing, I would be required to reveal all of the information he requested.

I’m not sure whether he’ll ever contact me again, but if he does, I’ll be prepared with those septic disclosures in hand! – Is it possible for an outdated septic tank on your property to derail a real estate transaction? It very certainly can.

Selling a House with a Failed Septic System: Will Buyers Even Consider It?

In our minds, a world in which every real estate transaction is straightforward, certain, and rewarding is what we are working toward. As a result, we strive to maintain high standards of journalistic integrity in all of our postings. Your septic system is designed to safely treat the wastewater generated by your home’s plumbing system. Your septic system takes the wastewater produced by your toilets, kitchens, and laundry systems and breaks down organic matter in a safe manner, while also separating it from potentially hazardous grease and solid stuff that may be present in wastewater.

  • The majority of the time, when your septic system performs as expected, you are unlikely to notice how hard it is working or give it a second thought.
  • This occurs at a convenient moment for you since life is always handy, and these red flags appear exactly around the time you’d planned to sell your property.
  • After receiving a failing grade on your system’s report card, you could be tempted to simply cut and run, selling the house as-is rather than attempting to correct the problem.
  • Is it legal to sell your property in this condition, and will any buyers accept it in its current state?
  • Here’s what you need to know about selling your house if your septic system has failed or is in the process of failing.

Can you repair your failing septic system rather than replace it?

Consider hiring a plumber who specializes in septic systems to come out and inspect your system before jumping to any assumptions regarding its condition. If any of these typical problems are discovered, this plumber can decide whether or not your system can be saved. It is possible that:

You’ve neglected to maintain the system.

Washington State Department of Health recommends that homeowners employ a professional to examine and pump their septic system at least once every three to five years, or more frequently if the system is very problematic. If you can’t recall the last time you had your system serviced, it’s possible that inadequate maintenance was the cause of the problem. What to do to repair it: A professional can pump and clean your septic system, which will help to reverse its failure. Depending on the size of the tank, the cost of cleaning a system may vary, but it will typically cost between $295 and $610.

The cost of this replacement will range between $300 and $500. However, if the system has been ignored for an extended period of time, this is unlikely to be effective.

Too much water is rushing your septic system at once.

Septic system tanks are built to handle the amount of water required by the size of the home. As a result, when your water use exceeds the system’s capacity, the system fails. This can cause wastewater to back up into your pipes and drains, as well as into your home and the neighboring land. What to do to repair it: Pump and clean the system in the manner described above. It is possible, though, that if your septic system is insufficiently large for your home, you may need to consider a complete replacement (more on that below).

Tree roots or other outdoor landscaping has damaged the system.

Tree roots in search of moisture and nutrients, as well as some paving materials placed in the wrong location, might cause inadvertent harm to your septic tank. In other cases, roots may grow inside the system, or even just adjacent, and as a result, they may crush and damage components of the system either directly or indirectly compacting the soil surrounding the system, limiting correct discharge or causing pipe damage. It is possible to cause comparable harm by placing a paved road or car park too near to the drain field.

The cost of replacing a pipe that has been crushed or damaged is around $1,520.

Your septic tank was never installed correctly.

If a septic tank was installed incorrectly, there is nothing that can be done to prevent it from failing. It might be the incorrect size, at the wrong place, or not completely watertight, among other things. What to do to repair it: It may be necessary to replace the drain or leach field in order to avoid future failure from occurring. It is necessary to dig up your septic system and relocate it to a new, uncontaminated field on your property in order to replace the field. This might cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on the size of your system and where it is installed.

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You may be able to repair your septic system with one of these fixes, depending on the state of your system.

However, in terms of cost and scope of labor, a repair is frequently better than a replacement in most cases.

Inspecting your septic system

Aside from an inspection when the house is put on the market, the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors suggests regular examinations to ensure that your system does not reach the point of failure before it becomes necessary. If you have received an offer on your house, you may be obliged to have your septic tank inspected before the sale can be finalized. Some mortgage firms need a septic examination before issuing a loan. If it is not your mortgage company that requires an inspection, it is possible that your state or local government will.

In some cases, two specialists may be required to examine the system, depending on the inspection method in place.

Most of the time, this is only a superficial glance and not a thorough examination. Second, you may be needed to do a specialized septic check as part of your job. A professional septic examination will cost between $100 and $250 and should take less than three hours to complete.

How to tell if your septic system is beyond repair

A septic system that has failed is one that is no longer capable of treating or distributing wastewater. You can be dealing with clogged pipes and drains, or you might be dealing with a flooded field. This puts your health and the health of others in your immediate vicinity at danger. Unsafe drinking water may result from a malfunctioning septic system, as well as an increased likelihood of the presence of germs and pollutants in the surrounding environment. Septic system failure can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Toilets that are difficult to flush or drains that are clogged
  • Drains, toilets, and sinks clogging and allowing water and/or sewage to back up into the home water pooling near the tank or in the vicinity of the drain field Near the tank, there is a strong odor of sewage. Green, springy grass is sprouting out all around the tank at a quick pace. It is very uncommon for brown, or practically dead, grass to grow over the tank, which is indicative of a good septic system (funny enough!).

If you experience a number of the difficulties listed above, it is probable that your septic system has failed. That means that not only is your system a health danger, but any standing water in your house or on your land is at risk of causing more harm. (Photo courtesy of Patrick Tomasso / Unsplash)

Your septic system has failed. Now what?

When you realize that your system has failed, there is no going backwards. Now is the moment to gather as much information as you can and decide on the best course of action, taking into consideration prices, local regulations, and the needs of your neighborhood and family.

Check your local laws.

In order to sell your property, with a broken septic system and everything, you’ll need to consult with your real estate agent first. When your house’s system isn’t up to code — which includes a failing system — it may be unlawful to sell your property in some areas. Legality may also differ from county to county, so check with your realtor to ensure that he or she is familiar with the rules in your region before you begin preparing for a sale. If you reside in a state or region where it is not possible to sell a property without a functioning septic or sewer system, you will have to fix it before the sale can be completed successfully.

Get an estimate for replacement.

The cost of replacing a septic tank will vary depending on the size of the tank and the cost of obtaining permits in your location. You may anticipate paying, on average, the following amounts:

  • The tank will cost between $600-$3,000
  • Permitting will cost $1,000 or less
  • The installation of the new system will cost between $3,123 and $9,404
  • And excavation and site preparation will cost between $1,200 and $4,500.

You’ll have a better sense of how to proceed after you’ve received an estimate in hand.

Consult with neighbors.

Instead of repairing the septic system, you may be able to connect your home to an existing sewer line that was not in place when the house was originally constructed. It is necessary to decommission your septic tank and install new plumbing pipes on your property as part of the procedure. It is possible that you will be required to pay additional expenses such as permitting and connection fees imposed by your city or municipality. According on where you reside, the cost of connecting your property to the sewage may range from $1,292-$4,795, and the costs associated with the city’s hook up can range between $500 and $20,000 each year.

Despite the fact that Martinez has sold 69 percent more single-family houses than the typical realtor in his region, he admits that the expense of constructing a sewage connection down the street would have been prohibitively expensive.

However, depending on your relationship with your neighbors, this may or may not be a practical solution for your situation.

Replace the septic system, or sell as-is.

Following the receipt of an estimate, as well as a greater grasp of the applicable legislation in your region, it is up to you and your real estate agent to determine how to proceed with the sale. You have two options: pay to get your septic system replaced and sell your property the usual way, or sell your home for cash as-is.

If youcanlegally sell your house, here’s what you need to keep in mind.

Selling a property with a broken septic system is viable in some locations, but it will come at a high cost in other areas. Consider the following items as you prepare your property for potential buyers’ interest:

Price your house to reflect the failed system.

You’ll need to reduce the price of your property significantly in order to make it more appealing to purchasers. Martinez advises “being aware of the costs up front.” As a result, the customer is aware of what they are getting themselves into. When confronted with the uncertainty, they are less inclined to back out.” The fact that you have estimates in hand before the house goes on the market means that your buyer won’t have to run out and acquire quotations without your extensive knowledge of the property.

For prospective buyers, a proper estimate should include not only the cost of replacing the system, but also a guarantee that there is enough space on the property to construct another system, because it will need to be installed in a different part of the property than the previous tank and the ground will need to be tested.

If the reduction is to cover the entire expenditure, it should include an additional mark-down to recognize the difficulty that the customer has experienced.

Expect buyer interest to be limited.

Millennial homeowners are seeking for turnkey residences in greater numbers than any other generation. The prospect of purchasing a property in which they would be unable to flush the toilets will be unappealing to many buyers. Expect many purchasers to view the broken system as a burden, even if the home is being offered at a discounted price.

Offer upfront replacement costs.

Offering a discount will almost certainly not be sufficient in some areas. You are not required to repair the system, but you may be required to pay for the replacement of the septic tank as a deduction from the sales price of the home if the system is not in working order. Not enough money on hand to rebuild the septic system? No problem. It’s doubtful that you’ll be able to deal with a traditional buyer and seller. In many cases, lenders will not approve a loan for a home that does not have an operational septic system or a plan to rebuild it.

Navigate an escrow holdback if the lender requires one.

If the buyer’s timeframe does not allow for septic system repair, their lender may force the seller to make an escrow holdback from the sale proceeds. As a result, the seller places enough money in escrow to cover the cost of replacing the septic system for the buyer.

In order to incentivise the seller to complete the renovation, the lender may frequently demand the seller to deposit 1.5x the projected cost of repair into escrow. This caveat might differ depending on the state and lender. (Photo courtesy of Steven Ungermann on Unsplash)

What if my septic system is OK, but not perfect?

When it comes to selling a home, properties with inadequate septic systems or even merely adequate septic systems are in a different league. Homes with septic systems are required to be “rated” for a specific number of bedrooms in order to be constructed. In certain states, over-stating the number of bedrooms in your home is against the law since your septic system isn’t large enough to manage so many people in one place. A similar situation occurs when a property is put on the market and the seller has to be creative about what counts as a bedroom and what does not.

In other cases, you may need to change the listing of your property to reflect the “actual” number of bedrooms, which may necessitate a reduction in the asking price.

Water treatment systems are required to be disclosed in many states, and the level of data required varies depending on the jurisdiction in question.

States that do not have special septic disclosure forms normally adhere to the ” Caveat Emptor” principle, which compels the seller to disclose anything that might risk the health and safety of the buyer before the sale is completed.

Get expert advice on how a failing septic system will impact selling your home

If your septic system is barely passing inspection or is failing completely, it is time to bring in the professionals. You should talk with an experienced realtor about how to sell your property when you have a serious septic problem, and there is no better time than now to do so. If you choose an agent in your region, they will be knowledgeable with the local legislation governing septic system requirements in real estate transactions and can assist you in making the best selection for your property.

10 Things REALTORS® Should Know About Septic Systems

As long as humans have lived in somewhat densely populated areas, there has been a need for hygienic disposal of human wastes to keep the environment clean. Residents of the Indus Valley had toilets with water-flushed latrines that flowed into pits comparable to contemporary septic tanks more than 3,000 years ago, according to archaeological evidence. Early sanitation in the United States consisted of outhouses with earthen pits for waste disposal. Today, many residences are connected to public sewage systems; properties that are not connected to public sewer systems typically have their own onsite treatment systems that process and distribute domestic wastewater on their property.

  1. The Operation of a Septic System Septic systems are meant to collect, treat, and distribute the wastewater generated by a home.
  2. If left untreated, all of these pollutants have the potential to induce health-related problems.
  3. Wastewater from toilets, sinks, showers, and other drains is channeled down a domestic sewer drain and into an underground septic tank, which collects and treats it.
  4. Grease and fatty substances rise to the surface of the water, generating a scum layer.
  5. Solids will accumulate in the tank as a result of normal use and will need to be removed on a regular basis by a skilled contractor.
  6. The effluent goes from the septic tank outflow to the earth, where the majority of the treatment process takes place.
  7. The effluent from the septic tank outlet is received by this subterranean part of the sewage system.
  8. Small suspended solids and organic materials are filtered out by soil particles, while soil bacteria break down potentially dangerous microorganisms and other organic components in the soil environment.
  9. The treated effluent continues to flow through the soil layers after it has been treated.

A septic system that has been properly planned, constructed, and maintained should protect the environment while providing your clients with many years of reliable service. Septic systems are a complicated topic that Realtors® should be familiar with.

  1. Is it possible for you to tell the difference between a conventional and an alternative Arizona energy system? A conventional septic system in Arizona is defined as one that consists of a septic tank followed by a trench, bed, chamber, or seepage pit, as defined by the state. An alternate system is something that is outside the norm. What if I told you that in Arizona, utilizing a cesspool as the property’s wastewater system is against the law? Cesspools collect and transport the wastewater from a property to a hole in the ground, where it may be treated. Since the 1970s, many systems have been considered unlawful. What if I told you that the purpose of your septic system is to treat and disseminate the sewage from your property (rather than simply making it “go away”)? If the septic system on the property is in good working order, the sewage will be prepared so that the effluent is safe for humans and the environment. Did you know that your septic system functions in a similar way to your body in terms of how it handles and disposes of waste materials? If something shouldn’t be taken into your body, it’s generally not a good idea to flush it down the toilet and into your sewer system. You may potentially make your septic system sick or even kill it if you do not take proper precautions. Did you know that a septic system is more than simply a tank in the ground, but is also a system? System longevity is directly proportional to the efficiency with which the soil treatment component is implemented. The system will not function effectively if it has been built on, covered over (especially with bad landscaping), or otherwise disturbed
  2. It will also not endure very long if it has been built on, covered over, or otherwise disturbed. Was it ever brought to your attention that septic systems have a finite lifespan? The design life of a septic system is typically 20 years in length. It is possible to extend the life of the system significantly with proper administration and maintenance. However, if the septic system has been overloaded or otherwise misused, it may not be able to function properly for the whole design life. Do you know what the two most prevalent reasons for a septic system to malfunction are? 1) Using excessive amounts of water
  3. And 2) failing to inspect the septic tank for particles and scum. Using an excessive amount of water can cause the settling of the septic tank to be disrupted, causing particles to be pushed into the soil treatment area and blocking the soil pores. Septic tanks should be inspected periodically to determine the amount of particles and scum present in the tank. The pumping of a tank that does not have an extensive buildup of solids and scum layers is not essential (and it is expensive), but it is just as terrible not pumping out a tank that is becoming overflowing. Was it ever brought to your attention that an improperly operating septic system might pollute groundwater and have a negative impact on public health as well as the environment? Did you know that septic tanks aren’t intended to have any leaks in them? Since 2005, all wastewater tanks, including septic tanks, have been required to be waterproof in order to comply with federal regulations. Many older tanks have leaks that allow untreated sewage to get into the environment. For example, degradation of concrete, fissures produced by settling, being driven over, and the rot of fiberglass or steel tanks are all possible reasons for this phenomenon. It should be possible to see liquid all the way up to the outflow pipes while looking into a septic tank. If there is effluent below the exit pipe, it is possible that the septic tank requires inspection for leakage. Was it ever brought to your attention that all septic systems, conventional and alternative, are required to be examined when a property is sold? The sole exception is for systems that are brand new and have not yet been put to use.
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REALTORS® are a buyer and seller’s first and most important source of information. The purpose of this essay is to assist you in informing your customer. More information about residential septic systems may be found on the Arizona Extensionpublications website. Please accept our sincere thanks for their contributions to this essay, which include Dave Bartholomew, Jonathan Catlin, Brian Chiordi, Jake Garrett, and Randy Phillips.

RELATED AAR FORM

Addendum to the Onsite Wastewater Treatment Facility The buyer is informed that an onsite wastewater treatment system exists on the property, and a timeline is set up for what information the buyer will get from the seller and in what time period the buyer will receive it. (This page was last updated on October 6, 2006)

Are You Aware of Arizona Septic System Transfer of Ownership Regulations & Responsibilities?

Our company, SMART PlumbingSeptic, has determined that it is necessary to revisit the transfer of ownership responsibilities of all parties involved as a result of recent experiences with customers selling and/or buying property (and their REALTORS®) with on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems. Whether you are selling or purchasing a home with a conventional septic tank system or an alternative on-site system, it is critical that you be aware of the laws and regulations that must be followed both before and after the transfer of title.

A properly completed Report of Inspection (ROI) form must be provided to the seller or transferor by the trained inspector.

Buyers/transferees are required to complete and submit the ADEQ Notice of Transfer form, together with the required fee ($50), within 15 days of the date of the transfer of ownership.

The inspectors must certify on the ROI form that any septic tanks and/or wastewater treatment vessels on the property to be transferred have been pumped/serviced in order to eliminate solid, floating, and liquid waste accumulation and that the property has been properly maintained (unless circumstances meet criteria for specific exceptions outlined in the ADEQ pdf.) The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s transfer of ownership inspection program is designed to work in conjunction with the inspection standards outlined in the standard Arizona Association of REALTORS® real estate contract.

Sellers and purchasers will be assisted in the submission of needed documents on a regular basis by their REALTOR®.

All parties involved in the transfer of ownership inspection program – sellers/transferors, buyers/transferees, ADEQ qualified inspectors, seller and buyer agents/REALTORS® – should be aware of their respective responsibilities in order to avoid misunderstandings, conflicts that may escalate to and include litigation, unnecessary expense, and system failures.

  1. Sellers/transferors and/or their REALTORS® must consider the timetable of the sales process in light of current market circumstances in order to arrange the transfer of ownership inspection in a strategically timely way, according to the National Association of Realtors.
  2. It is also necessary for sellers and transferors and/or their REALTORS® to prepare for the likelihood that the inspection could find issues with the system that will either need to be repaired or will most likely have an impact on current discussions.
  3. The seller/transferor team has the option of repairing the issues prior to completing the Return on Investment (ROI) form.
  4. The issues with the system will be included in the ROI report provided to the seller/transferor team, which will then be provided to the buyer/transferee team prior to the transfer of ownership.
  5. It is the responsibility of the buyer/transferee team to determine how best to proceed with the transaction after receiving the signed ROI from the ADEQ qualified inspector, which has been submitted to them by the seller/transferor team.
  6. At SMART PlumbingSeptic, we have always adhered to our obligations under the ADEQ’s transfer of ownership inspection program and will continue to do so in the future.
  7. We are a locally owned and operated business.

If we sound like the type of company/people you’d want to do business with, please give us a call at (928) 227-2091 for all of your plumbing and septic needs, including inspections and after-hours emergencies.

Septic Systems

Systems for Septic TanksClaire Ninde2022-01-21T14:04:13-07:00Septic Systems La Plata, Archuleta, and San Juan counties, as well as the southern half of Hinsdale County, are all regulated by the San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH). The SJBPH is the regulatory authority for on-site wastewater treatment system (OWTS) permits (by Williams Reservoir). Since 1967, the South Jersey Board of Public Health has controlled OWTS, commonly known as septic systems. Transfer of Title (property sales), Permitting, Inspections, Installers and Cleaners, and the availability of Personal Information in our database may all be discovered by clicking on the respective tabs to the right.

  • (Preferred) Open the form in Adobe Acrobat, complete the form, then sign it digitally using the “Fill and Sign” function in Acrobat (see Resources). Save a PDF copy of the form and send it to [email protected] with the subject line “Name of Form and Address of Property” in the body of the email. Print the form and fill it out by hand, then scan the completed and signed form and send the scanned PDF file [email protected] with the subject line “Name of Form and Address of Property” in the body of the email. To make a submission in person, please bring the completed and signed form to any of our office locations: 281 Sawyer Drive in Durango or 502 South 8th Street in Pagosa Springs. Send the completed and signed form to San Juan Basin Public Health, ATTN: Environmental Health, 281 Sawyer Drive, Durango, CO 81303
  • Or mail it to the address shown above.

Make a payment for septic system applications, inspections, or other services by completing any one of the following procedures:

  • (Preferred) Pay using a credit card or an e-check through the internet. Select “Onsite Wastewater” in the Payment forfield, type the name of the form in theDescriptionfield, and provide the address of the property in the Invoice Number/Customer Namefield
  • Then click “Submit.” Make a payment in person at any of our office locations: 281 Sawyer Drive in Durango or 502 South 8th Street in Pagosa Springs. You can pay by check, credit card, or cash. Send a check to San Juan Basin Public Health, ATTN: Environmental Health, 281 Sawyer Drive, Durango, CO 81303 or mail it to the address shown above. On the note line, provide the name of the form and the address of the property

Beginning on January 1, 2019, all properties in Archuleta, La Plata, and San Juan Counties that are served by a septic system will be required to undergo an examination prior to being sold. This requirement aids in the identification of defective and potentially hazardous systems, as well as the protection of property buyers from unexpected repair responsibilities. You should perform the following measures if you are selling property that has a septic system that is more than four years old (as of the anticipated closing date):

  1. Use the green banner link above to get a copy of your current septic system permit before putting your house on the market. The approved use should be checked, as should the permitted number of dwellings, bedrooms, and other details. Look for a final signature at the bottom or bottom-right corner of the permit (typically under “this system has been inspected and found to conform to the above requirements” or similar language). If the system is officially allowed for the present usage on site (as recorded by the County Assessor), or if the system looks to be older than 1967, have it inspected by a third-party NAWT-certified inspector (see our courtesy list of local inspectors).
  • Please see the “Permits” tab on this page to discover how to apply for a valid permit for the system if the system is not legally allowed for the purposes that will be carried out on site. If the inspection cannot be completed prior to closing due to snow cover, frozen ground, or other factors, you may still be able to legally sell the property if the buyers agree to have the inspection performed as soon as conditions allow and to be financially responsible for any deficiencies that are discovered. To apply for a Conditional Transfer of Title Acceptance Document (see submission instructions above), complete and submit this form, with a fully executedBuyers Agreement to Inspect, as an attachment.
  • If the inspection reveals that your system is operating well, complete this form and submit it at least two weeks before your planned closure date (see submission guidelines above), along with a copy of the Inspection Report you received from your inspector.
  • As a result, if the inspection reveals that your system is not operating properly, you should consult the “Permits” tab on this website to determine if you need to submit an application for a repair or alteration permit, or whether you merely need to do routine maintenance on the system. You should have the indicated maintenance conducted by a certified expert and submit proof showing the work is complete together with your Application for a Transfer of Title Acceptance Document if you just need to undertake maintenance that does not necessitate a permit. Provided repairs or renovations are unable to be performed prior to closing, you may still be able to lawfully sell the property if the buyers agree to make the required repairs or modifications themselves. To apply for a Conditional Transfer of Title Acceptance Document (see the submission requirements above), complete and submit this form, together with a copy of your Inspection Report and a fully executedBuyers Agreement to Repair or Alter (if applicable).
  1. Once you have submitted your application for an Acceptance Document, you must pay a $90 administrative charge (see payment instructions above). If you pay online, enter “Transfer of Title” in the “Description” field and the address of the property in the “Invoice number/Customer Name” area
  2. If you pay by check, enter “Transfer of Title” in the “Description” field. It typically takes SJBPH around three business days to analyze an Application for a Transfer of Title Acceptance Document and determine whether to issue an Acceptance Document or seek further information from the applicant in response to the application. Acceptance Documents are sent out through email to all of the email addresses that were supplied on the application for consideration. As soon as the document is issued, you should either bring it to your closing or give it to your title firm.

Depending on the age of the septic system (as of the planned closing date), you may be able to avoid the Transfer of Title Inspections Requirement if you are selling a property with a system that is less than four years old. To obtain a copy of your current permit, click on the green banner link provided above. Additional inspections are not required at the time of sale if the date of the final signature at the bottom right is less than four years old on the closing date.

  • Recognize the possibility that some buyer’s agents will include an obligation to get a Transfer of Title Acceptance Document in real estate contracts, even though the property is exempt from the legal necessity to obtain one.

Transactions that fall under the following categories are excluded from the Transfer of Title Inspections Requirement:

  • A transaction in which the parties are not at arm’s length (for example, an inheritance that includes a spouse)
  • When a transfer occurs, joint ownership is established or terminated, with one original owner remaining on the title. Trusts and limited liability companies (LLCs) with the same name as the original owner
  • Foreclosure
  • Keep in mind that sales of bank-owned and public trust-owned assets are not excluded from the exemption rule. Inspections may be required in certain instances, and the buyer may be required to order them.

The following is a comprehensive collection of Transfer of Title forms and supporting documentation:

  • Transfer of Title Inspections: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers
  • Transfer of Title Inspections: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers Application for a Transfer of Title Acceptance Document
  • SJBPH Transfer of Title Inspection Form
  • SJBPH Transfer of Title Acceptance Document
  • Repair or Alteration of an OWTS Agreement (attach this form to an application if it is determined that identified repairs or changes will not be done before closure)
  • Buyers’ Agreement to Inspect an OWTS (attach this form to an application if an inspection could not be performed prior to closing)
  • Buyers’ Agreement to Inspect an OWTS (attach this form to an application if an inspection could not be performed prior to closing)
  • Buyers’ Agreement to Inspect an OWTS (attach this form to an application if an inspection could A register of local certified inspectors is maintained by the SJBPH as a convenience to the public. This is not an official or comprehensive list, and you should always check to see whether an inspector’s certificate is still valid before hiring them to do an inspection on your property. Additionally, there may be other qualified inspectors listed on the NAWT website who are not included on SJBPH’s courtesy list.
  • On the NAWT website, you may look for an inspector by clicking here.

The San Juan Basin Public Health Department requires that anybody who desires to build, construct, amend, or repair an on-site wastewater treatment system (OWTS) in Archuleta, La Plata, or San Juan Counties first get a permission from the department. Learn more about how to get an on-site wastewater system permit and how to prepare for a site review by visiting the following websites:

  • How to Obtain an OWTS Permit
  • Como Obtener un Permiso para un Sistema de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales in el Lugar
  • OWTS Permit Application
  • How to Obtain an OWTS Permit
  • Como Obtener un Permiso para un Sistema de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales en el Lugar
  • SJBPH Regulations for 2018
  • Regulation 43 of Colorado (which provides the majority of the design rules for OWTS)
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding OWTS
See also:  How Far Can You Build A House From A Septic Tank? (Solution)

Remember that submitting an application for the installation of an OWTS does not guarantee the approval of a permit on marginal lots; marginal lots may be small in size, contain steep slopes, have shallow bedrock or shallow groundwater, or do not comply with setback requirements; please keep this in mind. Professional engineering must be included in the design of OWTS that will service commercial premises or multifamily houses, as well as all OWTS that will be positioned on unsuitable soil, high groundwater, high bedrock, or steep slopes.

Site and soil evaluations must be carried out by Soil Technicians who are registered with the state. SJBPH may be reached at 970-335-2030 if you believe you possess the appropriate credentials to do soil evaluations and would want to be included to the registration of Soil Technicians.

  • Professionally Certified Soil Technicians (as of January 2020)

Regulations require that all OWTS be installed by a System Contractor who is currently licensed and that the Contractor has a permit to build, amend, or repair the OWTS that has been signed by SJBPH before breaking ground. Please keep in mind that contractor licenses expire on December 31 and may not have been renewed promptly. Check with your contractor to ensure that their license is valid for the year 2020. Construction inspections of new OWTS facilities are planned as part of the permitting procedure for the facility.

Click on theTransfer of Titletab above to learn more about the obligatory inspections of existing systems required for the purpose of transferring ownership of the property.

  1. A new construction permit application or modular house permit application that plans to utilize an existing OWTS must be accompanied by a request for inspection. For the aim of gathering information or investigating a potential problem, a voluntary inspection of an existing system may be requested. To request an inspection for the purpose of concluding an expired permit (be sure to check with SJBPH first to ensure that a new permit is not necessary prior to continuing)

If you find yourself in one of these circumstances, take the steps outlined below. First and foremost, a qualified system cleaner must pump out the septic tank (if the tank was pumped within the last year, provide SJBPH that receipt and do not re-pump the tank). The cleaner will conduct a check of the system and provide a report on its current state. This report will include a description of the activity(s) performed, the volume of the septic tank, the number of chambers in the septic tank, and any system deficiency(s), malfunction, or broken equipment that was observed, such as cracks, infiltration, overflows, or equipment that was not in accordance with industry standards.

To request an examination of the surface characteristics of your septic system, fill out the form below and submit it to the SJBPH.

  • Form for requesting an OWTS inspection (Do not use this form for transfer of title inspections. ) (See “Transfer of Title” above for further information.)

Please keep in mind that for both volunteer inspections and inspections for construction permit applications, a five-day notice is necessary. Additionally, inspections of existing systems with an Inspector who has been qualified by the National Association of Wastewater Technicians might be planned (NAWT). You may find a list of qualified inspectors in your area by visiting theTransfer of Titletab above. SJBPH requires that anybody planning to install an OWTS in 2022 get a license from the SJBPH.

The System Contractors Class is offered by SJBPH on a regular basis throughout the year.

If you did not receive one, please contact SJBPH at (970) 335-2054.

  • Please keep in mind that for both volunteer inspections and inspections for construction permit applications, a five-day notice is necessary prior to the inspection. Additionally, inspections of existing systems by an Inspector qualified by the National Association of Wastewater Technicians can be arranged (NAWT). You may find a list of qualified inspectors in your area by clicking on theTransfer of Titletab up there. Individuals who wish to install an OWTS by the year 2022 must first apply for a license with the SJBPH. In order to be licensed for 2022, those who do not already have a 2021 license are need to complete a class in 2022 contracting. The System Contractors Class is offered by SJBPH on a regular basis throughout the year at various locations. Renewal of a 2021 contractor’s license is not contingent on attending the class
  • All 2021 contractors got a renewal package via mail or email in December. If you did not receive one, please call SJBPH at (970) 335-2054. Courses will be offered in the following subjects in 2022:

For the foreseeable future, lessons will be conducted online as a result of COVID-19. It is necessary to register in advance!

To register, please call 970-335-2054 or email [email protected]. After enrolling, you will get an email with a link that will allow you to participate in the online training session on the designated day. Licenses expire at the end of the calendar year in which they are issued.

  • Licensed contractors by license
  • Licensed contractors alphabetically(updated May 2021)
  • Installation Fundamentals
  • Las bases de la Instalacion de Sistemas Septicos
  • Registered Soil Technicians(updated April 2021)
  • Licensed contractors by license
  • Licensed contractors by license, alphabetical(updated May 2021)
  • Licensed contractors, alphabetical(updated May 2021)
  • Licensed contractors,

Cleaners who are licensed by the SJBPH include:

  • Septic companies in the area include: Superior Septic Services (Durango, CO), Ball Septic Tank Service (Durango, CO), Alpine Septic Service (Pagosa Springs, CO), Rocky Mountain Sanitation (Pagosa Springs), Southwest Septic (Mancos, CO), Mountain Septic (Durango, CO), Durango Septic (Durango, CO)
  • Mountain Septic (Durango, CO)
  • Durango Septic (Durango, CO)
  • Mountain Septic

Information on On-site Wastewater Treatment System permits (including the name of the original permittee and their address) is available on our website, thanks to a grant from the San Juan Basin Public Health Department. We will accept written requests from law enforcement officials who wish to have their personal information withheld from our website in order to comply with Colorado Revised Statutes 18-9-313 regarding the online availability of a law enforcement official’s (and their live-in immediate family’s) personal information on our website.

Permits will only be removed from the public database if they are related with the name of a law enforcement officer or the name of their live-in immediate family, according to the SJBPH.

  • You may request that your personal information be removed from our website.

You can request that your personal information be removed from our website.

  • Postal correspondence should be addressed to San Juan Basin Public Health, ATTN: EH, 281 Sawyer Drive Suite 300, Durango, CO 81303
  • Email should be addressed to [email protected].

The most recent version of the OWTS rules. For services offered by San Juan Basin Public Health, including all OWTS permit, licensing, and transfer of title costs, please see the current pricing structure below.

Permit Compliance

On July 1, 2007, the State of Vermont established universal control over the design, permitting, and installation of all new wastewater treatment facilities and potable water supply infrastructure. The installation of new wastewater systems and drinkable water supplies is subject to the requirements of the Wastewater System and Potable Water Supply Regulations. Construction of a new building (including single-family residences) that requires a wastewater system (also known as a sewage disposal system or a septic system) or water supply; and repair and/or replacement of a failed wastewater system or water supply are all examples of activities that require a permit from the city.

In the event that you want to purchase a property that already has a licensed wastewater system or water supply, or if you intend to build a new wastewater system or water supply, you should be familiar with the laws that apply to the property or system in question.

If any of the following apply to your property, you should learn more about wastewater system rules that apply to it:

  • It is your intention to purchase a home that has a wastewater system
  • You’re selling a house that has a wastewater system on the property. You are acquiring a property that will require the installation of a wastewater treatment system. In the event that you want to renovate a building or structure that is subject to a wastewater permit, You have a hunch that you might wish to modify an existing structure on your land

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Wastewater System and Potable Water Supply Permit, and why do you need one.

  • Obtaining a permit means that the Agency of Natural Resources has given its permission for the design, location, and construction of a wastewater system and potable water supply for a structure. The permit approves a specified use and occupancy of the structure
  • Many permits contain construction criteria that must be met prior to the subdivision of land, the occupancy of a building, or the change in use of a facility. The permit is valid for a specific period of time. Among these requirements are an examination of the wastewater system and potable water supply, and/or the submission to the Agency of a final water supply design and/or water quality testing results. Some permits have permit restrictions that are in effect for an extended period of time. The permit condition may stipulate that an examination of the wastewater system or water supply be carried out by a vendor-approved licensed designer, professional engineer, or service provider before the permit application may be submitted to the Agency. Ongoing permit conditions are most frequently included in permits for wastewater systems that include anInnovative/Alternativeproduct as part of the wastewater system
  • A wastewater system that meets the performance standards of the Rules
  • Or wastewater systems that are designed to dispose of a large volume of wastewater
  • And

What is the best way to locate information about a specific wastewater system or water supply that has been approved for a certain property?

  • If you need assistance locating information on your wastewater system or water supply, your Regional Office can assist you, and a Permit Specialist can answer any questions you may have about whether or not state permits are required. The Regional Office Project Database of the Wastewater Management Division may be used to search for documents and/or plans linked with permits issued by the Regional Offices. The database is maintained by the Wastewater Management Division. Make use of the site’s search tool to discover the Wastewater (WW) permit that corresponds to your property. It is possible that a QualifiedLicensed Designer was engaged in the design of your system. The designer’s name will appear on the wastewater permit that is on file at the Wastewater Management Division’s Regional Office Project Database, which is accessible online. Having the necessary abilities and credentials to evaluate a wastewater treatment system is something that the designer possesses. Inspection of the wastewater system or water supply required by permits most commonly demand that the inspection be undertaken by a licensed designer, professional engineer, or service provider who has been recognized by the permit granting authority. A landowner may hire the licensed designer who created the water supply or wastewater system, as well as any other licensed designer or service provider who has been approved by the vendor. Prior to January 1, 2014, I/A permits with yearly inspection and maintenance obligations required that the inspections and maintenance be overseen by a licensed designer or professional engineer who had been approved by the vendor prior to the inspection and maintenance being performed. Since the first day of January 2014, permit holders (both those with previously issued permits and those with newly issued permits) will be permitted to use vendor authorized service providers, as well as licensed designers or professional engineers, to supervise inspections. This simplification should result in lower expenses for homeowners as well as a more straightforward inspection and maintenance compliance procedure.

What information do I require to determine if I have an Innovative/Alternative or Performance-Based System? When developing a wastewater system, the State of Vermont permits the use of Innovative/Alternative(I/A) systems. Integrated/assisted systems (I/A systems) are used to either help overcome site restrictions that would otherwise prevent the installation of a wastewater system on the property or to reduce the size of a wastewater system on the land. The systems that have been approved are subject to certain permit restrictions that must be met in order to be installed and operated.

Permit criteria linked with the specific system in use include vendor and owner requirements, which will need the following actions:

  • Annual reporting, maintenance contracts, annual inspections, and testing are all required.

A Performance Based System is one that is designed on the basis of site specific hydrogeological testing that demonstrates the ability of the wastewater system to function in compliance with the Wastewater System and Potable Water Supply Rules. The permit conditions associated with performance based systems will require the following actions:

  • For the first three years of operation, the wastewater system was subjected to annual inspections and reporting.

What resources can I use to learn more about testing a wastewater system or a drinking water supply system? An annual wastewater system inspection and report is required by many permits, and the inspection and report must be completed by a certified licensed designer or service provider in most cases. It may be necessary to have the effluent examined by a laboratory that has been accredited. Only laboratories that have been accredited by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Council (TNI) are permitted to conduct wastewater testing and analysis.

Depending on the pollutants, the Department of Health or a laboratory certified by the Department of Health can examine your water.

What are the ramifications of failing to comply with the terms of my Water/Wastewater (W/W) License Agreement?

When new licenses are sought for, it is possible that non-compliance will be discovered.

In order to ensure that a landowner complies with a permit requirement, the Agency may also initiate enforcement action against the landowner.

Failure of a wastewater system is defined as wastewater surfacing, backing up into a building, or discharging into state waterways.

A homeowner must take steps to alleviate the health hazard and bring their system or supply up to code compliance.

In some cases, financial aid is available to qualified homeowners who are in need of upgrading their systems.

Health Officers are responsible for enforcing health regulations, investigating any public health hazards and dangers in their communities, and taking action to address any problems that arise. What resources can I use to learn more about how a septic system operates and how to avoid failures?

  • What is a Septic System
  • Fact Sheets for Homeowners
  • And What is a Septic System are all good places to start.

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