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[SXMGirl]

Being a city girl, I have always had public water/sewer.  Even moving to a more rural area, still public water.  I am now looking at property at the beach and most land lots are septic.  If you have a septic system, how difficult is it to keep up?  I do not even know the right questions to ask since I have never even thought about it.  All info is greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

[ValuSkr]

Well, the septic tank needs to be cleaned out every so often, depending on usage and the size of the tank.  The leach field should last a long, long time unless something happens, like an invasion of tree roots.  If it needs to be replaced / relocated, that could set you back a bit.

[lolakimono]

@SXMGirl 

My experience is also yours.

When I was house hunting for my first house, there was a really great house with a septic tank problem.  Back then, in 2000, it was going to be 15K to fix, so I walked away.

[Mom2Dogs]

@SXMGirl   I would have a septic expert check the tank before you purchase....I know where I live there are a lot of hoops to jump thru when putting in a NEW septic system....you deal with the health department where I live.  

Make sure it's big enough for your family and if you would need a new one installed what type and how big.  Ask lots of questions.

[Foxxee]

I had one years ago when I lived in the middle of woods and farmland.   

My only suggestion is to make sure it is installed correctly and not too close to the house, particularly if you will be using well water.  

The one I had was not installed correctly and too close to the house and around 3 years later water was accumulating on top of the ground in a soppy mess.

Had to have a new system installed. If I had one installed now, I would learn everything I could about proper installation, then ask the company installing it to tell me how they do it.  Don't trust anyone.  Sometimes contractors cut corners.  Watch them like a hawk if that's possible.  

The new installation was fine for the next 14 years I lived in the house.  It worked so well, we only had  it cleaned out once, right before we moved out.  

[sarahpanda]

We've had trouble in past years so I decided to do what is suggested in the tv commercial from RID-X...Once a month...no more problems yet.

[SXMGirl]

Thanks, everyone, for your replies.   Septic might not be in my future.   I think that I will stick to public water/sewer and make my life easier.

[wagirl]

I lived with a septic system for 35 years--never had any issues--just need to pump it every 3 years--can't have a garbage disposal tho--when I sold my house in Jan it had to be inspected, as per county rules  and ended up replacing a few things due to age and it was about $4000 to fix . the hubs replaced a pump a few times , maybe $100 a time----but it has been just fine. Just make sure you get someone who deals with septic systems.Nothing to really keep up, just pump the thing regularly.

[Carolina925]

I have a septic system. They have to be heavily inspected here before approved for a move-in. For existing homes, I would definitely have it inspected. It's best to flush only toilet paper, nothing else, even wipes, and don't use the garbage disposal.  I have a disposal but was told by a few plumbers to never use it, so I rarely do. Getting it pumped out probably every 10 years is normal, depending on how big your family is. Many people drain their washing machines into a different line to keep too much water from going through the tank. It's more expensive to have public sewer and not all areas have it. If you're looking at beach property, they probably do not have public sewer at all. I would be concerned about rising water levels, a septic tank can easily get flooded. Good luck.

[candyagain]

Regular pumping and inspections should keep it problem free. Your water bills are low if you also have a well but there's some maintenance. I've had both for over 35 yrs with minimal problems.

If you add a washing machine and dishwasher you'll need more frequent pumpouts which also depend on how many people use the water and facilities in your household.

DO NOT buy anything until you have a pumper and inspector of your choosing check out the system, tank and leach field (if an older system). Also, have a well pump specialist check out your well.

You may be able to see septic and well records at the town hall. The Town Clerk may be able to recommend excellent pumpers and well firms. Those people probably will have records and can advise you.

If it's a brand new house you may want to call the state environmemtal agency. They can advise you on the newer septic systems.

Good luck and I hope you find a great home.