- Buying a house with a Georgia septic tank should not be a worry. If you’re getting your house ready to sell, there are some items you should inspect before you put it up for sale. Likewise, if you are looking to buy a property, you will have to do more than just checking out how the home looks like on the inside.
What are the regulations regarding 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.
Can you sell a house with septic tank?
If you currently have a septic tank that discharges to surface water then the sale will trigger the requirement to replace or upgrade the system. Buyers should satisfy themselves that any system is in good working order and does not cause pollution.
Should seller pump septic tank?
Typically, septic systems only have to be pumped every 3-5 years. Despite this, however, county law mandates the system to be cleared out before the sale of a home. Thus, it’s in the best interest of the seller to wait until there’s a prospective buyer to begin the process.
How far does a septic tank have to be from a house in Georgia?
Normally, the distance a septic tank should be located from a building foundation is at least ten feet (10′) but, lesser distances may be allowed by the County Board of Health.
Are septic tanks still legal?
Septic Tanks Explained… Septic tanks cannot discharge to surface water drains, rivers, canals, ditches, streams or any other type of waterway. you are required to upgrade or replace your septic tank treatment system to a full sewage treatment plant by 2020, or when you sell a property, if it’s prior to this date.
Do you need building regulations for a septic tank?
The short answer is yes. You will need planning permission from a local authority in order to have a septic tank installed, no matter if it’s at your own home or on a business site.
Do I need consent to discharge septic tank?
You will require a ‘Permit to Discharge’, however you may qualify for an exempt status if your system meets certain requirements such as amount of discharge, septic tank or sewage treatment plant model (only EN 12566-3 2005 Certified plants accepted), plant location, intended discharge point, installation and
How close to the house can a septic tank be?
Local codes and regulations that stipulate the distance of the septic tank from the house vary depending on the locale, but the typical minimum distance is 10 feet.
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 a septic RSS?
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD) requires all real property with an on-site septic system to have a Report of System Status (RSS) inspection done prior to transfer of property. Expect a visit from Health department staff to inspect OSS and to ensure your system complies with requirements.
What is SWPI in real estate?
Form SWPI, Septic inspection, Well Inspection, Property Monument, and Propane Tank Allocation of Cost Addendum.
What is the biggest reason to make your offer contingent on a professional home inspection?
The primary reason why a buyer should make their offer contingent on a home inspection is to ensure the home does not have any major deficiencies. It’s almost a guarantee that a home inspector will find issues with every home.
Can I install my own septic tank in Georgia?
Septic tanks installed after February 20, 2000 are required to have two compartments and an effluent filter. The minimum size septic tank approved for use in the State of Georgia is a 1000 gallon tank, which will serve a 3 or 4 bedroom house.
How do I know if my house has a septic tank?
A surefire way to confirm whether or not your home has a septic system is to check your property records. It is likely that the building permit and blueprints for your home and property will contain information about the presence (or lack) of a septic tank.
Can you have a septic tank without a leach field?
The waste from most septic tanks flows to a soakaway system or a drainage field. If your septic tank doesn’t have a drainage field or soakaway system, the waste water will instead flow through a sealed pipe and empty straight into a ditch or a local water course.
What you need to know about buying a home on a septic system
Some residences are not connected to city services; instead, they have their own systems for delivering water and removing garbage from the premises. Please continue reading if you are thinking of making an offer on a home that has a septic system. You will learn all you need to know.
General septic system anatomy
Whatever pollutants are flushed down the drains of the residence end up in the septic tank. This includes everything that is flushed down the toilet, everything that swirls down the sinks’ drains, and everything that drains from the washing machine and from the shower. A waterproof tank is constructed in order to retain solids that are received and then discharge what is left (wastewater) into the system’s drain (or “leach”) fields, which are designed to be watertight. If you’re looking for a more in-depth look into septic systems, try out homeadditionplus.com or the U.S.
If you buy it, you’ll need to maintain it
All of the chemicals that are flushed down the drains of the residence end up in the septic tank. All of the waste that is flushed down the toilet, swirls down the sinks’ drains, and is drained from the washing machine and shower falls into this category. A waterproof tank is constructed to retain solids that are received and subsequently discharge the remaining water (wastewater) into the system’s drain (or “leach”) fields. If you’re looking for a more in-depth look into septic systems, try out homeadditionplus.com or the U.S.
In fact, the national average cost for septic system repair is $1,472
According to the website homeadvisor.com So, what exactly is required in keeping a septic system in good working order? Ongoing maintenance consists of the following tasks:
- Inspect the system on a yearly basis — A professional will check for leaks, inspect the scum and sludge levels, inspect the effluent filters, and inspect the mechanical and electrical components, amongst other things. Every three to five years, the tank should be pumped out.
According to HomeAdvisor.com, the average cost of pumping or cleaning a 1,000-gallon septic tank is $378 on a national level.
On the flipside, you’ll save money by not having to pay the city for sewer services (and, possibly water since many homes on septic have well water)
We can ask the homeowner for an estimate of how much he or she spends on septic system maintenance each year, and then compare that number to what comparable homes who rely on city services spend on the same services.
Think you can put off taking care of the system?
You’re not very interested in finding out. A leaky septic tank has the potential to fill the leach field if left unattended. If the field floods, it is possible that sewage will rise to the surface. Almost certainly, it will make its way back into the house, perhaps to the bathtub or sink. ” This is neither a beautiful scene nor a healthy condition. Despite the fact that you may be inclined to put off the system inspection, this is not a good idea. You have no means of knowing whether or not everything is functioning properly or whether or not groundwater is being poisoned.
If you require a new tank, the cost will range from $600 to almost $4,000, depending on the size and material used.
The cost of establishing a new drain field varies depending on the nature of the problem that caused it to fail in the first place. Plan on spending between $5,000 and $20,000 on your project.
Don’t let this scare you off
If you’ve fallen in love with a home that comes with a septic system, don’t allow the upkeep needs frighten you away from purchasing the property. As previously stated, the yearly charges may be less than what you would pay to be connected to a public sewer system. We’ll order a septic inspection before you finish the transaction and notify the seller of any issues that are discovered. Make a decision on how often you’ll examine the system and how often you’ll have the tank pumped out. This will help you avoid any major surprises down the road.
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Buying a Home With a Septic Tank – What Buyers Need To Know
Keep in mind that if you fall in love with a property that comes with a septic system, you should not allow the maintenance needs frighten you away. For the reasons stated above, annual expenditures may even outweigh the price of using a municipal sewer system. A septic inspection will be ordered before the closing, and any issues discovered will be brought to the attention of the seller’s attention. Make a decision on how often you’ll examine the system and how often you’ll have the tank pumped out.
As a result, the expense of living off the grid will not come as a great surprise in the form of a bill later on down the road.
Plan to conduct a professional septic inspection.
Make certain that the septic system of the property you’re considering purchasing is properly inspected during your due diligence phase. If the home is on a septic system, this is an absolute necessity. In general, you should anticipate paying anywhere from $200 to $500 for this service, depending on the size of the septic tank/system and whether the tank is also required to be pumped at the time of inspection (if the tank has not been pumped recently, the septic inspection company may inform you that it is necessary for them to pump it in order to conduct an effective inspection).
Seek information from the seller but don’t necessarily take it as gospel.
When selling a home, we’d like to believe that every seller maintains detailed home maintenance records and is completely honest about all aspects of the transaction. However, Georgia is a “Buyer Beware” state, and you should always exercise caution and complete all of the necessary due diligence to ensure that you receive all of the information possible during your Due Diligence Period. Although we request information about the seller’s septic system, such as the date of the last pumping or service, and we make every effort to obtain as much of that information from the seller and their agent as possible, you as the Buyer should rely on professionals you hire to conduct inspections and assessments on your behalf rather than on information provided by the seller.
It is possible that information on previous maintenance may be useful to the inspector; nevertheless, we should keep in mind that many vendors are well-intentioned but do not keep records as scrupulously as they could.
If the house has been vacant more than 30 days, the inspection may not be conclusive.
Our favorite septic firms have informed us that if a property has been empty for more than 30 days, the septic tank may not be able to be properly examined owing to the lengthy time of inactivity, according to their experience. Is this a sign that you shouldn’t carry out the inspection? Is this a sign that you shouldn’t go ahead and buy the house? Even though we are not septic system professionals, we are unable to provide definitive answers to those queries. Instead, we recommend that you speak with a septic inspection firm and obtain their expert advice.
Buying a home on sewer doesn’t necessarily mean less money spent on inspections or less maintenance cost as a homeowner.
We’ve been warned by our favorite septic firms that, if a property has been empty for more than 30 days, the septic tank may not have been adequately examined as a result of the protracted time of inactivity. This means you shouldn’t go through with the inspection, do you think. So, is it a no-go for you to purchase the property? Even though we are not septic system professionals, we are unable to provide definitive answers to those queries. Instead, we recommend that you speak with a septic inspection firm to obtain their expert advice.
Blog – Septic Works LLC.
Purchasing a home that has a Georgia septic tank should not be a source of concern. If you’re preparing your home for sale, there are a few things you should look for and check before putting it on the market for sale. The same holds true for those interested in investing in real estate. You must do more than simply inspect the property’s outside to determine whether it is a sound investment. Septic tank inspections are performed by Septic Works LLC prior to the purchase of a home. Also included in our list of septic tank services are septic tank pumping, septic tank repair/cleaning/replacement, septic tank installation, designed septic systems, alternative septic systems, and porta potty rentals (portable toilets).
We will take care of all of your needs, and we are available for emergencies.
1. Should I Get My Georgia Septic Tank Inspected?
One thing that many Georgian sellers and buyers forget to do is to get their septic tank inspected before selling or purchasing a home in Georgia. If you are a seller, you will almost certainly want to provide a septic certification to the prospective buyer in order to avoid any future liability concerns that may arise as a result of a faulty septic system. If you are a buyer, on the other hand, you surely don’t want any unpleasant surprises once you have completed your real estate acquisition transaction.
2. Hire the Best Septic Tank Inspector
In order to offer oneself peace of mind, what should you do is as follows: Talk to a professional septic tank inspector who is familiar with the ins and outs of the septic system whether you are a buyer or a seller. Make an appointment with a septic inspector to visit to your home and assess the system for any faults or defects that need to be repaired or replaced. Septic tank inspectors check and test all components of your septic system, including the septic tank, leach field, and soil. This manner, the septic tank inspection procedure will assist you in identifying any leaks or concerns, allowing you to save both time and money by avoiding the need for expensive repairs.
It is only carried out by septic inspectors who are certified and permitted to do so.
On the website of the Georgia Department of Public Health, you may discover further information regarding septic tank regulations in the state.
3. Georgia Septic Tank: Types of Septic Tank Inspection
At Septic Works LLC, our knowledgeable septic tank inspectors undertake a wide range of inspections for residential, commercial, and municipal clients, as well as for any type of Georgia septic tank, including but not limited to: The first stage of inspection for a Georgia septic tank is a visual check that entails flowing water from various drains and flushing toilets throughout the house. When the septic tank inspector arrives, he will check to see how properly everything is draining. During the visual examination, it is important to search for any septic leakage that has reached the top of the drain field area.
- This inspection can aid in the identification of problems, but a level two inspection can provide our septic inspectors with a more in-depth understanding of the difficulties with your septic system.
- Septic tank covers are removed from the tank.
- The level of the water determines whether or not the water is adequately draining.
- This is done in order to ascertain if the water level rises as a result of the addition of extra water.
- If there is an issue with the leach field, we will be notified by the backflow.
- Georgia septic tank inspection level 3: If you are acquiring a new house, we highly recommend that you select this option.
- The difference between level three and level two is that baffles have been placed.
- There are two different areas where baffles are inserted in a septic tank.
- Using an entrance baffle, water may flow into your septic system without disturbing the scum layer that has formed.
- It directs the water to flow down, across, and then back up.
- It is critical to have this baffle installed in order to avoid obstructions that might damage your drain line.
- If the location of the septic tank and drain field was previously unknown, this information will be provided.
4. Georgia Septic Tank: Who Pays for Septic Certification?
If you are buying a property in Georgia that has a septic tank, you are probably wondering who is responsible for the septic tank inspection and testing.
Which is better: being a buyer or a seller? When it comes to septic inspections, it is normally the seller’s obligation to cover the costs. Alternatively, they both sit down and debate who will be in control, which might be both of them or just one of them.
5. Can You Inspect a Georgia Septic Tank Without Pumping It?
During our septic tank examination, we’ll make a decision on whether or not to proceed. The realtor or the home owner will occasionally arrange for a septic tank pumping to be performed soon before a septic inspection is performed. Precautions must be taken! Septic tanks that have been pumped in advance of an inspection will not be able to be checked for leach field problems. This can conceal any problems that the septic system may be experiencing.
6. How Often Should Septic Tanks Be Inspected?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the average residential septic system should be evaluated by a professional septic inspector at least once every three years. Septic tank pumping, on the other hand, is normally done every three to five years.
7. Georgia Septic Tank Components
Keep in mind that your septic system is located underground and therefore cannot be seen with the naked eye. It is a building that treats sewage that is discharged from your home’s toilets and drains by utilizing wastewater technology and natural resources as a treatment method. The water is then discharged into the subsurface water beneath your house.
Any septic system mainly has four units:
One of the pipes that links your home to your septic tank. 2. A septic tank or an underground container for sewage disposal. Concrete, fiberglass, and polyethylene are the most often used materials for septic tanks in Georgia. The function of a septic tank is critical to the overall operation of your septic system. By means of the connecting line, all of the wastewater and sediments that leave your home are sent to the septic tank. The septic tank is responsible for ensuring that the wastewater contained inside it remains in place until particles have accumulated at the bottom of the tank and formed sludge.
- As soon as the septic tank has settled, only the wastewater is released into the drain field through the septic tank exit baffle.
- A drain field/leach field is a collection area for just the wastewater from the septic tank that has passed through the effluent filter.
- 4.
- It is responsible for removing any leftover germs or particles from wastewater before it enters the groundwater.
8. Georgia Septic Tank Laws
- According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, the number of bedrooms in a house affects the size of the septic tank in Georgia.
- Any septic tank that serves more than three or four bedrooms must have a capacity of at least 1000 gallons.
- All septic tanks are required to have an exit baffle installed. In order for it to be maintained on a timely basis,
- You are not permitted to dump the effluent from your septic tank or the contents of your septic tank into a road, street, gutter, ditch, water course, or onto the surface of the land.
- An examined septic tank should be performed by an accredited septic inspector / expert.
- An examined septic tank should be performed by an appropriately licensed septic inspector or expert
- And
- An examined septic tank should be performed by an accredited septic inspector / expert
- Septic tanks should be examined by a registered septic inspector or expert
Work with the Best Georgia Septic Tank Inspector
Septic Works LLC is a company that specializes in everything related to septic systems. For more over two decades, we have provided services to clients throughout the United States, including Georgia. We have all of the necessary licenses and insurance. We provide low pricing for our specialist services, which are in high demand by residential, commercial, and municipal clients alike. Our septic inspectors make the inspection process simple and straightforward. Our customer support representatives are available at all times if you want assistance.
We are pleasant and educated, and we will answer to any questions or comments you may have as soon as possible. If you have any questions regarding our septic tank services, please do not hesitate to contact us at (678) 326-3591.
Buying a Home with a Septic System
Whenever a potential home buyer comes upon a house that has the attributes they’ve been looking for, it’s normal for them to become excessively enthusiastic. According to the listing, the property is quite inexpensive, it is located in a secure area, it has enough of space for your children to play, and the electrical system and security system are in great working order. As a prospective investor, however, you should not allow your emotions or enthusiasm to prevent you from asking important questions regarding the plumbing and wastewater management system of the property you plan to acquire.
These stand-alone tanks are hidden below and are the most often overlooked house component while evaluating a property.
If the property you are considering purchasing has a septic tank, you should obtain the following information.
- Septic tank service and repair records
- The tank’s service and repair history
- The tank’s capacity, or its overall size
- An original or duplicate of the septic system permit prior to installation
- And The age of the septic tank, as well as the age of the leach field Fees associated with pumping a tank in a neighborhood or county
Septic system maintenance is dependent on various aspects, including the accessibility of the tank and the distance between the tank and the drain field. You should also inquire about the estimated cost of septic tank maintenance, which should be disclosed upfront. Insist on having a septic tank examination performed. However, despite the fact that some realtors may advise against spending money on a septic tank check, the truth is that such an examination is advantageous in the long term. A standard house inspection does not involve an in-depth review of the septic tank, which is something that should be done.
- It will provide you with extensive information on the condition of the septic tank in relation to the plumbing system of the building.
- Besides the baffles, filter, septic tank lid, and pipes, it will also indicate how well the other components of the system are working.
- Another reason why you should seek a septic tank examination is because lenders demand one before they would approve a home loan application.
- Septic Blue can provide you with a septic tank examination by a trained technician.
- We have state-of-the-art technology that will be utilized to offer you with a full report on the septic tank located on your property.
Call us today to receive inexpensive septic tank inspection services because we are committed to assisting you in making decisions that will leave you with no regrets.
Keller v. Henderson
KELLER et al. v. HENDERSON et al., No. A00A1779. 545 S.E.2d 705 (2001) 248 Ga. App. 526KELLER et al. v. HENDERSON et al., No. A00A1779. Georgia’s Court of Appeals issued its decision on March 9, 2001. *706 Attorney William F. Brogden represents the appellants. Calvin M. McMullen represents the appellants. BARNES, the Chief Justice. An action for fraud was brought by Franklin and Petra Henderson, the purchasers of a house, against Darnell Phillips Keller and Alva Lionel Phillips Jr., the sellers (collectively “Keller”), who were acting as executors of the estate of Alva L.
- This appeal arose out of that case.
- Keller denies the allegations.
- Keller has denied the allegations.
- Moreover, Keller argued that the Hendersons were not accountable since the Hendersons purchased an empty and older house, they acknowledged the sales contract, and the Hendersons’ property was in such poor shape due of an act of God.
- Specifically, Keller claims that the trial court erred in dismissing their motion on the matters of disclosure of the water heater, the septic tank, and the flooding.
- v.
- 491 (S.E.2d 474) sets forth the principles that must be followed when a petition for summary judgment is brought up (1991).
Affirmed in Moore v.
594 (595-596), 370 S.E.2d 843 (1997).
When reviewing the grant or rejection of an application for summary judgment, appellate courts conduct a “de novo” assessment of the law and the evidence in the case at hand.
*707 Silver Dollar City, 229 Ga.App.
*707 Silver Dollar City, 229 Ga.App.
“(1) false representation made by defendant; (2) scienter; (3) purpose to induce plaintiff to act or stop from acting in reliance by plaintiff; (4) reasonable reliance by plaintiff; and (5) damage to Plaintiff” are the five components of fraud and deceit in this state.
Butler (Ga App 175, S.E.2d 865), 175 Ga.
816, 817 (2), 334 S.E.2d 865 (1985).
(Citations, punctuation, and emphasis have been left out.) The case of Webb v.
732, 733 (1), and 391, S.E.2d 709.
Assuming the Hendersons have the benefit of any reasonable doubt and construing the facts, as well as all inferences and conclusions, the record demonstrates that the Hendersons agreed to buy and Keller agreed to sell a residence that had previously belonged to Alva L.
The Hendersons discovered that their basement had flooded amid heavy rains shortly after closing on the house and taking ownership of it.
In addition to the terms that are directly linked to the sale, the contract signed by the parties contains other clauses that are relevant to this particular situation.
Despite this, the Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement was not attached to the contract when it was signed since it had not been completed until more than a month after the contract was signed.
Any representation, promise, or incentive that is not expressly stated in this Agreement shall not be binding on any of the parties to this Agreement.
Purchasers who allege they were duped into entering into a sales contract have two options: (1) rescind the contract and sue in tort for the recovery of the purchase price and any additional damages resulting from the alleged fraud; or (2) affirm the contract and sue for the damages resulting from the fraud, whichever option they choose.
- Due to the fact that these proceedings entail the affirmation of the contract, the deceived party may be able to retain the advantages of the contract while still pursuing an action for the damages incurred as a result of the fraud.
- Because the allegedly deceived party chose to affirm the contract, that party is bound by the terms of the contract and is subject to any defenses that may be asserted against it on the basis of the contract.
- 522, 523-524(1), 448 S.E.2d 271 (Hightower v.
- To rescind a contract, one must return or make a promise to return the subject matter of the contract in order to leave the seller in the same position that he was in before to the transaction.
- Diamond was decided in Georgia on April 4, 2003, by the Georgia Court of Appeals (144 Ga.App.
- (1977).
- Therefore, they are obligated to follow all of the provisions of the contract, including the sections mentioned above.
Specifically, Keller claims that by signing a “Amendment to Remove Inspection Contingency,” the purchasers renounced any claims they may have had over the water heater.
However, the modification just demonstrates that the heater was not functioning at one time and makes no mention of any venting problems.
As a result, the trial court’s decision must be overturned on this point.
There is no indication that Keller represented to the Hendersons that the house was linked to the city sewer system, as is often believed.
The Hendersons have not been able to identify any instances in which the vendors, in their individual capacity, made such misrepresentations.
Keller was the first person to do so.
Specifically, the contract states that representations, promises, or inducements that are not included in the agreement are not binding, and it also states that the buyers acknowledged they had not relied on any “advice, representations, or statements” made by the brokers before making their decision to purchase.
- As a result, the disclaimer provision in the contract bars the Hendersons from claiming that they relied on any misrepresentations that were not included in the contract.
- Data Gen.
- 790, 791-792(1); Guernsey Petroleum Corp.
- They are “constrained by the provisions of the contract and subject to any defenses that may be asserted in reliance on the contract.” (The reference has been omitted.) Hightower v.
- at 524 (1), 448 S.E.2d 271, is a case from Georgia.
- Bill Heard Chevrolet, 166 Ga.App.
- Bill Heard Chevrolet (1983).
- 5.
- As this court stated in Wilhite v.
816, 817, 232 S.E.2d 141, fraud in the sale of real estate can be based on a wilful misrepresentation, in which the seller tells a lie; active concealment, in which the seller does not discuss the defect but takes steps to prevent the defect from being discovered by the purchaser; and thirdly, passive concealment, in which the seller does nothing to prevent the Traditionally, the rule of caveat emptor prevailed, and the sales contract was integrated into the warranty deed, thereby prohibiting the purchaser from bringing a claim against the seller once the transaction was concluded and the deed transferred to him.
Case in point: Holmes v.
262, 282 S.E.2d 919 (Ga.App.
With the decision in Wilhite, supra, the standard of disclosure was altered, and the builder-seller was required to disclose a defect that he was aware of but was unaware that the purchaser was unaware of, and which was likely to have an adverse effect on the purchaser’s decision to proceed with the purchase and/or close the transaction.
- Waggoner, 177 Ga.App.
- Mulkey v.
- According to the Hendersons, the Seller’s Property Disclosure Statement, which is an integral element of the deal, states that Keller agreed that the basement flooded, but blamed the leak to a broken air conditioner drain pipe that had been fixed.
- This evidence was sufficient to raise a genuine question of material fact as to Keller’s knowledge of the leaky basement, and the trial judge found Keller guilty.
As a result, the judgment of the trial court must be reversed, and the case must be remanded to the trial court with instructions to grant Keller summary judgment on the issues of water heating venting and septic tank, and to conduct further proceedings on the Hendersons’ remaining claim concerning the basement flooding.
With the change of course, the judgment was reversed. Blackburn, C.J., and ELDRIDGE, J., join in this decision.
Septic Tank Inspections When Selling Your Home
Are you going to sell your home this spring, or are you just thinking about it? This time of year is ideal for putting your property on the market. Buyers are more inclined to come out and look at properties for sale when the weather is more pleasant in the spring. In the words of Zillow, “the best two-week window for house sellers is the first half of May: Properties advertised in the United States between May 1 and May 15 sell on average over two weeks quicker than the typical listing throughout the year, and they fetch a final price that is $2,400 more on average than homes listed at other times of year.” In order to sell your property during the peak selling season in May, you must prepare your home as soon as possible.
- Those of you who reside in the state of Georgia will be pleased to hear this.
- Whether you’re preparing your home for sale or just cleaning it up, there are several things you should have checked out before putting it on the market.
- Septic Service Pro provides high-quality septic inspections for homeowners and real estate agents.
- Septic Service Pro can provide you with high-quality septic inspections right away.
- Septic Service Pro has provided this advertisement.
The Pros and Cons of Buying a House with a Septic Tank
The 9th of July, 2020 The date is September 16, 2021. byOn September 16th, 2021, the latest update For those who grew up in a city or town, they were presumably raised in a home that was serviced by the municipal sewage department, and they may be wary of purchasing a home that has a septic tank installed in it. Did you know that one out of every five households in the United States is reliant on a septic tank for waste disposal? This is something that you will almost certainly come into while looking for a home in Philadelphia, PA or when relocating to Atlanta, GA, regardless of where you are shopping for a property.
A septic tank, in contrast to a public sewer, which serves the entire municipality, serves only one residence.
A system of subterranean pipes built out in a grid pattern on the land collect the fluid and discharge it into the tank, where the solids fall to the bottom.
Microbial action in the tank breaks down the particles, resulting in the formation of sludge, which is collected on a regular basis by a company that provides septic system maintenance.
The pros of buying a house with a septic tank
Residents that live within the town borders pay a monthly utility rate to cover sewage expenditures, which is a cost-effective solution. With a septic tank, you won’t have to worry about this kind of price. A septic system is self-maintaining, and with appropriate care, it may survive for decades. Lifestyle choices such as saving water, using bleach only when absolutely necessary, and being cautious about what goes down the drains not only maintain your septic system, but they also help to protect the environment.
If you have a municipal system, a backup can introduce germs from the entire community into your tubs, sinks, and toilets, depending on where the backup occurs and the severity of the backlog.
If a leak were to occur, it would only have an impact on the surrounding property.
The cons of buying a house with a septic tank
Maintenance is required: Septic systems must be checked by a qualified specialist on a regular basis. Every three to five years, the solid waste should be pumped out and the tank should be examined for deterioration. Prices for the service range from $200 and $400, depending on your geographic area. It is your obligation to make repairs: If a municipal sewer line bursts or backs up on your property, it is the government’s responsibility to repair the problem and restore service. However, if your septic system becomes clogged or a pipe bursts, you will be responsible for the repair costs.
Drainage field that has failed: Only the quality of the drain field will determine how successful the septic system will be.
Get a septic tank inspection before buying a house
If you’re thinking about buying a house that has a septic tank, make sure to have the septic system inspected as part of your home inspection. A septic inspection can provide you with piece of mind and will help you avoid any costly hassles once you have moved home. Septic system inspections are performed in accordance with the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors and comprise the following steps:
- The date of the most recent inspection to evaluate whether or not it has been properly maintained
- The amount of sludge present in the tank
- The location of the drain field should not be near a well or any other body of water, since this might cause flooding. Confirmation that the system is large enough to serve the residence that it is intended for
- The presence of liquid waste on the surface of the earth
- There are no fractures or leaks in the tank or lid. The input and output pipes are securely attached to the baffles. Drain lines receive the same quantity of water from each other.
More septic system FAQs
What is the average lifespan of a septic system? A septic system, if properly managed, should survive for several decades. The frequency with which you should pump your septic tank is up to you. Every three to five years, you should have your septic system tested and the tank drained out. Consult with your local health authorities to find out what they recommend for your particular location of the country. What can I put in my septic tank to make it work better? The hope is that just your greywater and blackwater will enter your septic system.
- Is it necessary for them to dig up my lawn in order to pump my septic tank?
- In spite of the fact that this will only be a tiny portion of your yard and not the complete thing, Is it necessary for my septic system to use chemicals such as Rid-X?
- A well managed system has all of the components necessary to break down materials and sustain a healthy septic flora.
- The usage of chemicals in your septic tank is only recommended after this point, according to specialists.
- Is it permissible to grow anything over my drain field?
- The root systems of trees and bushes have the potential to cause harm to subsurface pipelines.
In addition, polluted vegetable gardens might result from the drainage system. Native plants may be used to landscape over and around a septic drain field, which is a suitable use of the available area in this case.
Septic Tank vs. Sewer (buying a home, buying, inspection) – Atlanta – Georgia (GA) – Page 3
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We had 3 kids and 2 adults in our house and never had any issues.We just made sure to get it pumped every couple of years (I think it was like every 7 years).I am sure there are different size tanks so you may need to get it pumped more often or less.But in the 28 years we have lived in our house we never had any problems, never used rid-x, and never bothered with what type of toilet paper we used.| Location: Savannah GA13,709 posts, read19,593,195timesReputation: 10066 |
- expensive) subdivisions down there, and practically ZERO high-density or multi-family developments – or even commercial properties – outside of the city limits.
- But Peachtree City does not allow tap-ons to its sewer system and also has a history of rejecting annexation requests.
- However, it took winning a very bitter 10-year legal battle with Fayette County to do so.Schools built in the unincorporated county must either tap into a municipal line or utilize a septic “field” which is the case for the three schools that make up the Whitewater High School complex.
- Or that property owners and developers will force the issue bydemanding they be allowed “best and highest use” of their land, i.e.
- But as long as everybody is happy with low density, and the county can legally maintain that via zoning and land-use regulations, I don’t see it changing anytime soon.
Fayette County will NEVER have the urban density of the northside. Ever. And that’s a good thing, in my book.
Last edited by Newsboy; 11-17-2010 at02:35 AM.
| Location: Reno843 posts, read2,075,502timesReputation: 585 |
| 05-02-2012, 08:54 PM |
| Quote:Originally Posted bysweettea1Have been looking at a bunch of houses. Most are on sewer lines but a few have septic tanks. Am curious to know if there are major drawbacks to purchasing a home with a septic tank, both in terms of living in the home as well as resale. Thanks!There are a few more drawbacks with the septic tank, but both have their issues.City Sewer:-You never stop paying for your sewage disposal. (I’m sure it won’t get cheaper over the years)-If there is a problem with the City Sewer Main, it is now your problem also.Septic Tank:-You really have no easy way to proactively check the integrity of the system as a whole to make sure it is operating properly.-Unknowingly paving or planting trees or other plants over the leech field will quickly compromise the system.-You do have to watch what you regularly put into any drain in your house.Anything that will kill or harm you if you were swimming in it (bleach, ammonia, acid drain cleaners, solvents, etc) will kill the needed bacteria in your tank, reducing its ability to eat the solid waste and force you to pump out the tank.-If you have a large party at your home where a lot of people are constantly flushing the toilets and sinks you may find your system can’t keep up and your yard could start to become water-logged with effluent.Depending on the septic system you have and how healthy you.and the people before you treated it.you may never have to have it pumped.edited
Last edited by atlantagreg30127; 05-03-2012 at10:22 AM. |
| 10-07-2012, 05:54 PM |
| Septic tanks are good when you don’t live close enough to the city to hook up to the sewer. They take in so much water, but hardly give any water back into one of the earth’s aquifers. The septic tanks only give off a little water at a time, and about 9 feet into the ground the likely hood of a little dose of water going back into are aquifers about 200 feet in the ground and not getting absorbed by the dirt is very slim. Septic tanks are broken very easily and are a pain to repair why waste the time and money.On the other hand sewers are good to use when you have easy access to them. When you do have easy access to them they help save are limited supply to fresh water by reusing it over, and over again. This water is saved instead of pulling more and more water from our fresh water supplies it is reusing it. Some people think it is gross to use water that has gone through other people, but to save money a lot of people buy filter that are cheep and have an easy access to them.In a town I live in forces the people to use septic tanks and I don’t like it one bit! If you have any more information you could tell me or you think this is interesting please comment below. |
- Check to see how many bedrooms is on the permit versus thenumber of bedrooms the seller is advertising.
- You might want to askthe local health department if there were any septic complaints on theproperty.
- The complaint, if still open, cannot be released.
- The complaint may give details as to what happened –high water usage; maybe someone drove a moving van over the septicsystem and caused component failure.
- Maybe bedroom upgrades were done to the home without properpermits.
- The lotmight not be able to accommodate five bedrooms.
You say:*It is fraud to advertise a home for morebedrooms than approved for on the on-site sewage inspection report.Again, it is a “red flag” if the report says, for example, 3 bedroomsand there’s 6 bedrooms being represented by the seller.Can you tell me where you found this info?I’m worried about what the implications are for us if we decide to sell the house.
| Location: Atlanta738 posts, read1,263,665timesReputation: 332 |
| Location: Ono Island, Orange Beach, AL10,632 posts, read11,257,848timesReputation: 6794 |
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