If you are considering the sale of your house and you have a private septic system, it is vitally important to have your septic system checked BEFORE you put your house on the market.
It may seem like an unnecessary expense as a septic inspection can run between $500 and $700, but it is imperative to know upfront whether or not your system is functioning properly. Septic systems are one of the most expensive components to a home. New systems can cost anywhere from $15K to $30K, and an unconventional system can cost even more.
While it may seem better to "not know" if there is a problem, a potential buyer will most likely have the system inspected. And it would only be after going down the path of selling the home, possibly be in the process of purchasing a new home, and having contract obligations in place, when the knowledge of the problem would come to light. This is a far more stressful and undesirable situation to be in.
So how does a septic system work? A private onsite septic system means that the waste from your building drains (sinks, showers, toilets) goes into a holding tank which retains solid waste and grease from household waste water and lets the liquid wastewater or "effluent" flow into the absorption system or "leach field" for absorption below ground into soils at the property.
Properly designed and installed these systems are functional and sanitary. Private septic systems serve more homes in the U.S. and many other countries than any other waste disposal method. But the components are costly and do not have an indefinite life. Because of the potential repair/replacement costs involved, and because the system is buried and cannot be exhaustively inspected and tested, it is always recommended that buyers do what they can to evaluate the condition of the septic system before completing the purchase of the property. But sometimes when sellers have a recent inspection report showing a septic system in good working order, they will waive the inspection which makes the road to settlement that much smoother.
Time and again we have seen first hand how problems with a septic system can completely derail the sale of a property. If you are considering the sale or purchase of a home in Southeastern PA, please give us a call.
~Lisa
Contact Scott Loper, Associate Broker, Realtor®, RE/MAX Realty Group at 215-513-1333 for help buying or selling a home in Lansdale, Harleysville, Hatfield, Souderton, Skippack, Collegeville, North Wales and the surrounding areas of Montgomery County Pennsylvania. To Search for Homes For Sale in Montgomery County Click Here.
Selling a House with a Private Septic System Copyright © 2010, The Scott Loper Team, All rights reserved.
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The Scott Loper Team
Scott Loper - Associate Broker
Lisa Loper - Sales Associate
Gina Wherry - Sales Associate
RE/MAX Realty Group
439 Main Street
Harleysville, PA 19438
Ph: 215-256-1200 x-213
