4 Things to Consider Before Buying a Home with a Septic Tank

A septic system may last for about a quarter of a century. For someone looking to buy a home, this is an important consideration. Septic systems pose a number of unique questions and concerns for home buyers, so it helps to have the facts before making a final decision.

Past, Present, and Future Questions

Canadian homeowners have strict requirements if they hope to keep their septic system up to code. Not only do they have to know the state of the septic system at the time of purchase, but they also have to plan ahead if requirements become even more stringent in the years to come. Ideally, septic systems will need to be inspected several times a year to ensure peak performance.

Homeowners need to know how well the system was maintained, where the water goes, and how the soil affects it. If tree roots are growing toward the pipes, homeowners need to be aware of how fast they're growing and how exactly it will impact the system. Ideally, septic systems will need to be inspected several times a year to maintain their optimum efficiency.

Common Repairs

The most common septic tank repairs include the following:

• Rerouting backwash from water conditioners or softeners
• Eliminating any leftover solids from field plumbing
• Replacing or installing risers, filters, or other components

If any of these repairs need to be made prior to moving into the home, the buyer may be able to renegotiate the price with the seller. This is recommended even if the seller believes the septic system to be in good shape. Just because the septic system works, doesn't mean it's efficient enough to handle the buyer's daily needs. Buyers should compare their water usage with that of the previous homeowner's before making an offer.

The Cost of Providers

Most homeowners will hire a specialist to maintain their septic system, which may become expensive depending on the area in which the home is located. Price comparing services in the neighborhood can help buyers map out their budget before they make an offer on the home. If the septic system is too old, a buyer should also factor in the cost of a full replacement. This is a major expense, but it may be the only way to keep everything running properly. Ideally, septic systems will need to be inspected several times a year to ensure peak performance.

Learning the Ropes

Even if a homeowner won't be performing the maintenance themselves, it's helpful to know how the septic system works. The best way to learn is to actually follow the inspector through the inspection and ask questions about how the water moves, where the pipes are, and how often the tank will need to be emptied. The inspector will include this information on their report, but being there gives buyers a chance to clarify the information in the moment.

The bottom line is that Evanston new home buyers may need to plan ahead more if they want a home with a septic tank. An expansion, a garden, a deck: these may not be possible depending on where the pipes are located. Once buyers understand how the septic tank functions and what the upkeep will look like, they have a better chance of making the right decision.