Keeping Your Priorities In CheckKeeping Your Priorities In Check

There is a lot to be said for living off the main water supply, but there are certain issues that can cause you a problem. Having to rely on a septic tank and know that you could need septic services at any time can make the premises seem a little less desirable. The good news is that there are a number of checks you can carry out to prevent yourself from being left with a large bill once you move in.

Current procedures

Check with the seller how often they use septic service and if necessary, ask them to show you receipts – you can say that this is for cost analysis rather than not trusting them. Don't just check on the regularity of emptying, but also how often the parts are serviced. If it is being emptied too often, this could be a sign that there is a problem.

Pre-purchase actions

A general survey will not give all the details required and you should be prepared to get a lot more information. You should ask:

• Can the tank be emptied while you are surveying the property? You then get to see the condition of the pipes and inside of the tank.

• Ask to see how the drainage system works and where the pipes run to. Is the waste disposed of in a legal and environmentally responsible way?

• Find out if the entire system is on your land. It will be much better than that is the case. Fallout with the other party can mean it is hard to access the system when there is a problem. The courts can deal with this, but that is a lot to go through for septic services to be carried out.

• Do you have your own system, or will you be sharing? If it is a shared system are the costs shared equally? Is this legal or just an agreement?

Most of the time there will not be an issue with regards to the septic tank, but you want to be sure of what your rights and responsibilities are. In the same way, be prepared to be grilled about the system if you are the person selling the property containing the tank. For this reason, you will be well advised to carry out any work necessary so that you are not left with the lost sale or requirement to do the work before the sale goes through. Look for a company like Mr Bob for septic tank cleaning.