If you live outside of a city, instead of a sewer system you might be dealing with a septic system. Over the years I have had to deal with this issue when listing a home or representing a buyer.
What are some of the septic issues I have encountered
- Homeowners total failure to ever pump the septic.
- Can't locate the septic
- Old metal tanks
- Septic backup
- Problem with the leach field.
- Homeowners adding bathrooms without permit
The recommendation for pumping the septic is: every 2 to 10 years. This will be determined by usage. If you like to throw a party every week then you will have to pump more often.
So where is the septic? It is usually located about 10 feet from the home. Check to see where the pipe exits the home, doing so you will get a good idea of the location. When you schedule a cleaning the service person will have equipment to help locate it.
Do you have an old metal tank? If you do, make sure to replace it before putting your house on the market; this really scares buyers.
Have you ever experienced a septic backup? This I am sure is not pleasant,and would fall under the gross category. I spoke with a serviceman and was told it was not uncommon to get a call in the middle of the night to take care of septic backup. Not only is it messy but extremely cosly; having the tank pumped would have been much cheaper.
Problem with the leach field is a good indication the system was not maintained, this could cost thousands of dollars and a potential buyer usally walk away. Buyers also see this as evidence that the rest of the home was not maintained.
Homeowner adding bathrooms and bedrooms. So you are handy and you have a vision of making your home bigger? Did you know the size of your septic will be the deciding factor? Yes you need the input of the Department of Health; trying to get approval after the fact will be a major headache.
Besides the periodic pumping you can add stuff to the system to encourage the growth of bacteria which is a vital part of the maintenance of your septic system.
Is this a gross subject matter? Not everything in life is pleasant, but there are things you just have to deal with. Stop and think of how fortunate we are, we have sewer and septic systems. Just think of the millions of people living in condition without such systems.
The service person not only pump the system but will manual check to see it is functioning properly
Here is one of the many video you will find on the reason for maintaining your septic.