Today’s real estate market is beyond hot, with far more prospective buyers on the hunt than homes available for purchase. Such a strong seller’s market means buyers can often find themselves considering properties they might not consider under other circumstances, especially in more rural locations. Living a bit off the beaten path means more privacy and often more room to roam, but it also means sacrificing connection to a municipal sewer system managed by the city. So, if you’re thinking about buying a home with a septic system, here are three things you should know.
If you’ve never lived on a property with a self-contained septic system, the prospect can be daunting. But the truth is, with a few very simple habits, caring for and maintaining a septic system is relatively simple.
What You Flush Matters
For most people, if it fits down the toilet and doesn’t create a clog, it seems like fair game for flushing. While this isn’t always the wisest approach, even with a city sewer connection, it’s particularly problematic after buying a home with a septic system. Solids that are slow to break down or never break down are especially off-limits, like cigarette butts, feminine care products, and diapers. In addition, you shouldn’t flush anything except waste and toilet paper, and you should make sure that toilet paper is labeled as “septic safe.”
Chemicals matter, too, though. Bleach and harsh chemical disinfectants can be especially damaging, as your septic system relies upon the activity of bacteria and other microorganisms to break down solid waste. Killing these bacteria can upset this delicate microbial balance.
Maintenance is Essential
You have the oil in your vehicle changed, and the engine serviced on schedule. You change the air filters and the smoke detector batteries in your home because you know maintenance is vital. The same is true for your septic tank. When you are buying a home with a septic system, it’s important to work with knowledgeable and experienced septic care professionals to avoid being unpleasantly surprised by trouble with your system.
There are plenty of red flags you might want to avoid in the current real estate market but buying a home with a septic system doesn’t have to be on that list. With proper maintenance and the right people on your side, it’s far simpler to manage than you may imagine. Sunset Septic brings more than three decades of experience to every inspection and service call. Those expert professionals are standing by to help you get the hang of owning a brand new home off the municipal sewer system.
