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A Septic Cheat Sheet for your clients

By
Home Inspector with Precision Home Inspection

Let's face it - NO ONE (not even inspectors) like talking about, looking at or even thinking of septic systems (let alone inspecting them!)

With that in mind, it is one feature that is unfamiliar to many buyers and there are lots of good questions...but unless you are pretty well versed in taking care of a septic system, you may be short on answers.

Here is a cheat sheet that I compiled from a variety of sources that I have been giving clients.  It is an amalogmation of information collected from pros I have encountered and various websites that many clients (and Realtors) have found useful.

I hope you find it useful as well! 

 

How to Care for Your Septic Tank and Septic System

Taking care of your septic system isn't difficult you just need to follow a few basic guidelines.  A typical tank is about 1000 gallons, although larger homes with more bathrooms can have larger or multiple tanks.  THEY DO NEED TO BE PUMPED OUT PERIODICALLY!!! (About every 5 years on average).

Use less water to reduce the load on the system

  • The septic field can only handle so much water - repair any leaky faucets or toilets ASAP (the small leak can add up to a lot of water!)
  • Use low flow toilets, fixtures, and showerheads to help lower water use.
  • Use only as much water as needed for laundry (don't keep the washer setting at large for a small load).
  • Wait until the dishwasher is full to run it.

Divert water away from the septic field

  • A soggy drainfield won't absorb and neutralize liquid waste. Plan landscaping, gutters, and foundation drains so that water is diverted away from the septic drainfield.

Be careful not to flush or drain garbage and solid waste

  • It sounds like common sense, but disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, paper towels, facial tissues, coffee grounds, or cigarette butts and filters will quickly clog your system.

Use a new garbage disposal designed for septic use, and minimize solid waste

  • A garbage disposal can double the amount of solids added to a septic tank.
  • Choose a "septic safe" disposal designed specifically for this use (or do without one).

Avoid harsh cleaners and chemicals

  • Harsh cleaners and chemicals can kill beneficial bacteria in the septic tank, so solids won't break down as well.
  • Varnish, paint thinners, motor oils, gasoline and other harsh chemicals can ruin your system and are a hazard to groundwater. (a REAL problem if you have a well)

Do not pour grease down the drain

  • Grease can clog the septic field, making it impossible for soil to absorb liquids. If that happens you'll need a new drainfield.

Plant grass on the septic field to prevent erosion

Keep trees and vegetaion under control and way from the septic system as much as possible.

 

 

Hope these tips help!

Comments (5)

Pat Enterrios
Coldwell Banker SkyRidge Realty - Lake Arrowhead, CA
Thanks for sharing this... I live in a mountain area that has surrounding homes that do have septic tanks and I just tell my buyers that they need to make sure an have the sellers give us a tank cert. This is so informative that I've just printed it and will share it with my next client....Thanks
Mar 11, 2008 01:49 PM
Jim Albano
Prudential Damiano Realty - Little Falls, NJ
Team - Jean-Marie Vantuno / Realtors North Jersey Real Estate
Good, sound, practical tips for those buyers purchasing a new home serviced by a septic system.
Mar 11, 2008 01:53 PM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News
I just had the ultimate septic experience.  The owner extended their driveway right over the distribution boxes.  Opps!  Now I'm going to make sure that I asked owners before we list if they know where there distribution boxes are!
Mar 11, 2008 03:44 PM
Jason Sardi
Auto & Home & Life Insurance throughout North Carolina - Charlotte, NC
Your Agent for Life
Joseph - While I'd personally never want to inspect my septic system, these all seem like very good pointers.  Something to keep in mind as we strive to maintain our homes as best as we can.  Excellent information amigo.
Mar 11, 2008 04:00 PM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

That's one of the best and most complete lists I've seen in quite some time.

Apr 21, 2009 08:42 PM