Pros Of Buying a Home with a Septic System

So, you are considering buying a house in the Lakeland area but are unsure because it has a septic system. It can be confusing if you have never dealt with a septic system, and you may have some misconceptions about how they work. No need to worry; here are some pros of buying a home with a septic system.

What Is A Septic System?

Understanding a septic system is not complicated; it’s a mini version of a sewage treatment facility that manages wastewater from home. A septic system has two parts-

The Septic Tank

A septic tank is an underground watertight tank usually made from concrete and occasionally from plastic. It absorbs all of the sewage from your home. Inside the septic tank, solid particles drop to the bottom and make a putrid sludge. The lighter particles rise to the top of the septic tank; the layer of water in between is forced out of the septic tank into a drain field in your yard.

The Drain Field

The drain field usually has a number of perforated pipes stretching out through buried gravel-filled trenches. Sewage from the septic tank gradually empties through the perforated pipes. The soil in your yard removes harmful bacteria and viruses by filtering it with valuable bacteria before wastewater seeps into your groundwater.

The Pros of Buying a House That Has a Septic System

Now that you know how a septic system works, let’s consider the upside of buying a house with one.

Lower Utility Bills

With a well-maintained septic tank, you won’t have to worry about repairs or the monthly cost of the sewer bill. Without a sewer bill, you can focus on putting the money into other projects.

Septic Systems Can Be Long-Lasting

As we just mentioned, a well-maintained septic tank means you won’t have to worry about constant repairs. What does that mean? It means your septic system can last decades if you take care of it, giving you peace of mind that it won’t be a constant drag on your bank
account.

You may think that a well-maintained septic tank requires a lot of work, but it doesn’t. What really matters is having your septic tank pumped at least every three years and not flushing things down the toilet you shouldn’t.

Septic Systems Are Safer Than Sewers

If you encounter a backup in your septic tank, you know exactly what was in it. With sewers, people flush chemicals and other toxic liquids down their toilets. When a backup occurs, you don’t know if something in it is flammable or even poisonous. So, a house with a septic tank is safer for you and your family.

A Word of Caution Before Buying A House With a Septic Tank

Just because you will be responsible for owning a septic system doesn’t mean the previous owner was. As with any house you buy, have it inspected. Make sure the inspector is an expert with septic systems, so you know the information you get is accurate. Demand that the current owner make any required repairs to the septic system before purchasing it.

Ask the current homeowners how often the tank has been pumped so you can keep it on the same schedule. If it has been over three years since it was pumped, then request they pump the tank before you take possession of the house.

Trust Lakeland Septic to Inspect and Maintain Your Septic System

If you reside in the Lakeland, Plant City, or greater Polk County area and are buying a house with a septic system, let us inspect and maintain it for you. We can ensure that your septic system remains in good shape for years. Contact us today to find out more.