The Importance of Home Maintenance, Issue # 2, On Site Sewage Systems.
Areas in MD and Northern VA with large areas with septic systems. Generally, septic drain fields require about 1/4 acre of land. In addition to that, the septic tank and drain field will have to be a minimum distance from the house, usually about 50 feet. If there is a well, it will also have to be a minimum distance from the septic system. So, for home buyers seeking lots on which to build homes, unless the lot is within the city or town public sewer system, the lot may not be suitable for construction and permit may not be issued.
REAL ESTATE IN MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA IS A LOT MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO LIVE.
YOUR HOME IS A SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT. PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT WITH GOOD MAINTENANCE.
HOME INSPECTIONS ARE TOUGH and if there are defects, they are likely to be discovered. Properties in rural areas with on-site sewage systems will be inspected and repairs can be costly. Protect your real estate investment with good maintenance.
ON-SITE SEWAGE SYSTEMS. Things that a home owner may take for granted when you live in the city present special maintenance requirements for homes in rural areas. Maintenance for on-site sewage systems are the responsibility of the home owner. This maintenance is important for good trouble free service, long life and to protect your investment if you decide to sell your property. On many occasions, we have shown homes with septic systems for on-site sewage and the seller may never have performed any system maintenance. If testing is done, the systems always require pumping and often the septic tank itself has become defective with leaking concrete tank or broken drainage pipes. These replacements are many thousands of dollars and usually could have been avoided if the system had been maintained during the seller's occupancy.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE should be performed on schedule and local septic installation and maintenance companies will provide maintenance contracts. In many counties, these services are recorded with the Health Department and become a part of the records for the property. These services cover the following:
Pump septic tank. This is recommended to be scheduled every 2 years. All other maintenance and inspections below are recommended to be performed every 6 months, usually covered by a maintenance contract.
- Cleaning of filter.
- Inspecting exterior sewer line.
- Inspection of tanks for leaks.
- Inspection exterior control panels, pumps, electrical components that may include floats, lights, alarms, blowers, hydraulic units, phone line, septic electrical boxes, timers, etc.
- Inspection of gravity flow or force mains to and from drain field.
- Inspection of drain field lines, D-boxes and all components required for drain field.
- Interior control panel or electrical components.
The approximate cost of a septic system maintenance contract is about $350 a year. Cost of pumping a system is about $200 every 2 years. The cost of a septic replacement system can be $15,000 to $50,000. Maintenance is very cost effective.
TIPS FOR A LONGER SEPTIC SYSTEM LIFE:
- Use the garbage disposal sparingly for dishwasher drainage and washing fruits and vegetables. Added solid waste of coffer grounds, peels, etc. puts solids in the tank that causes the need for more pumping.
- Don't use chlorine bleach in the laundry.
- Don't flush paper towels, feminine products, diapers, or other biodegradables in the toilets.
- Don't flush chemicals, paints, pesticides, etc.
- Don't plant large shrubs or trees over the drain field.
- Don't drive over the drain field with anything larger than a lawn tractor.
- Don't pave over the drain field or install patios, driveways, etc.
Filters to clean every 6 months. Cleaning the Filters Pumping the Septic Tank
Issue #1: The Importance of Home Maintenance. 
Issue #2. On-Site Sewage Systems.
Issue #3. Freshen the Landscaping
Future issues to be determined.
Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.
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