When you purchase a mountain home or land, you may not have access to the public sewer system. Don't let the thought of a sand mound or septic system intimidate you. Sand mounds and Septic systems are the most common form of waste disposal in mountain and rural areas. If you are not familiar with either of these see the definitions below.
Sand Mound: Literally, a large mound of sand that functions as a drainfield for effluent waste water that is discharged (typically) from a septic tank. The process of biodegradation is enhanced by having the effluent pass through the sand before it reaches the natural soil
Septic System: a domestic wastewater treatment system (consisting of a septic tank and a soil absorption system) into which wastes are piped directly from the home; bacteria decompose the waste, sludge settles to the bottom of the tank, and the treated effluent flows out into the ground through drainage pipes.
By using a Certified Home Inspector either system can be tested for proper functioning by performing a dye test and the home inspector should provide you with a written report of the results. Below are a few websites that may help you better understand the Sand Mound and Septic System
http://www.psats.org/factsheets/Importance_of_Soils_Siting_Onlot_System.pdf
http://www.abe.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/f/F164.pdf
http://www.soil.ncsu.edu/publications/Soilfacts/AG-439-22/
When searching for a mountain or rural property it is best to use a Realtor who specializes in this type of property because they are familiar with these types of systems and the inspections that should be performed.If you are searching for a mountain or rural property in the Laurel Highlands area of Pennsylvania visit my website at http://www.ronlovelace.com/ to search the local MLS.
RE/MAX Professionals
Ron Lovelace, Realtor
Specializing in Mountain Property and Luxury Homes
217 W. Main Street
Uniontown, PA 15401
724-437-9812 Office
Cel 724-366-7428 or direct 724-438-1304
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