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How Often Do You Pump?

By Jay McGillicuddy

Real Estate Agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty

March 16, 2007 08:00 AM

Leachfield rejuvinates after 8 years.

Monika and I listed a Condex last week in Derry, NH and we received an offer on it after the first showing. We came to terms Condex pretty quickly and then the appraisal was yesterday and the home inspection this morning.

When I arrived ten minutes early the buyer, seller and home inspector were there and I could see the septic inspector drilling in the back yard. The last few days have been pretty mild but overnight the temps have plummeted and he needed a drill to dig into the leach field. When he was done I was surprised to hear him tell the buyer that the leach field was in better condition than it was when he inspected it for our seller back in 1999.

I asked him how could this be?

When this unit was purchased in 1999 it was 15 years old and the leach field was in fair condition. Now 23 years old it is in good condition. A lot of it has to do with how many people use the system and how often the septic tank is pumped out.

The old saying is true. You learn something new everyday.

Jay and Monika

Jay and Monika McGillicuddy

Serving Southern New Hampshire and Rockingham County

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Don Fabrizio-Garcia

Fab Real Estate - Danbury, CT

Owner/Broker/Trainer - Fab Real Estate

Septics are not exactly my favorite topic of conversation, but this was interesting to hear. Good reason to remind our clients to pump out their septics regularly.

Mar 16, 2007 08:25 AM

As an aside, what is a "Condex?"

Mar 16, 2007 08:26 AM

Jay McGillicuddy

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty - Exeter, NH

Real Estate Broker

A condex is slang for condo. These were duplexes that were converted into condo's with no association fees. A condex has each side individually owned. A duplex is owned by one owner and they usually rent out both sides or live in one side and rent out the other. I hope that helps.

Most condex's around here are 2 units in one building with 2 bedrooms on each side. Each property would have a 4 bedroom septic design.

Thanks for stopping by.

Mar 16, 2007 08:37 AM

Sue Argue

Staged First Impressions - Hampton, NH

NH Home Stager

Jay, Congratulations on such a quick sale...you did a wonderful job for your seller.

Mar 16, 2007 11:36 AM

Thanks Sue, our seller listened to us about pricing. He wanted a quick sale and we positioned his house right at market in comparison to what was still available on his street that hasn't sold. Yippee.

Mar 16, 2007 01:01 PM

George Souto

George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT

Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Jay, I did not realize that a septic system could improve, so I also learned something about this today.

Mar 16, 2007 02:47 PM

Rick & Ines - Miami Beach Real Estate

Majestic Properties - Miami Beach, FL

Jay - I've heard that pumping out septics is a misconception and it makes sense to me (from a design point of view) - when you pump out the septic, you also remove essential bacteria and enzymes needed to break down waste. The best and most effective way to keep and maintain a septic, as I understand it, is to buy enzymes (from you local hardware store) that are placed periodically down toilets. Any contrary opinions to this?

Mar 16, 2007 04:36 PM

George, I was shocked as I forgot that the leach field was fair back in '99 as it was Monika's client.

Ines, true, septic tanks require bacteria to eat the solids. The key in this situation is the saturation of the leach field, by emptying the tank twice a year and the reduction of people living in the two units has reduced the water flow to the leaching field, therefore, the field has become dryer and working better and looking better. It was a surprise to me.

Thanks for stopping by George and Ines.

Mar 16, 2007 11:00 PM

Monika McGillicuddy

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty - Hampstead, NH

Southern NH & the Seacoast Area

Man...what a crappy topic! LOL sorry I couldn't resist

Mar 17, 2007 12:45 AM

Ann Cummings

RE/MAX Shoreline - NH and Maine - Portsmouth, NH

Portsmouth NH Real Estate Preferrable Agent

Jay - who knew that leach fields could actually improve with age???? Interesting to learn this - thanks!

Ann

Mar 17, 2007 12:37 PM

Moni he is your seller and just think if I didn't let you sleep in you would have gained this great knowledge of of septic tanks and leach fields. LOL

Ann I am just surprised as you are.

Thanks Jay

Mar 17, 2007 11:55 PM

Chris Hogan

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Hudson, NH

Fine wine, Realtors, and leaching fields...we all imrpove with age.

Mar 18, 2007 12:20 PM

Great points Kevin and I appreciate you stopping by and commenting. In our area we see just a few pre-listing home inspections. When we were with a C-21 firm we encouraged it until a lot of sellers refused to take part in them.

Mar 21, 2007 10:50 AM

How Often Do You Pump?

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