Buying a Home With a Septic Tank? Here are the Pros and Cons

In this article, Rooter Man Plumbing looks into the pros and cons of buying a home with a septic tank. Here at Rooter Man Plumbing, we pride ourselves on providing professional septic services to homeowners and businesses in the areas we serve. From septic tank installation to drainfield repair and septic tank repair, we do it all. If you’re looking for a trusted septic company, look no further than Rooter Man Plumbing.

PROS

• Cost-effective

Septic systems typically cost less to install compared to connecting to a municipal sewer system, especially on larger properties. The upfront cost of connecting to an existing public sewer system ranges from $2,500 to $10,000, while installing a septic tank would cost about $6,000. There are also no monthly sewer bills to pay.

• Environmentally Friendly

Properly maintained septic systems treat wastewater naturally through a process involving soil filtration. This can be beneficial in areas where municipal sewer systems strain treatment plants. The key to keeping your septic system environmentally friendly is staying on top of maintenance.

• Potential for Lower Property Taxes

Some localities offer tax breaks for properties with septic systems due to the reduced strain on municipal sewage systems. Check your local government website to see if there’s any information about tax breaks or programs specifically for properties with septic systems.

• Increased Independence

Public sewer systems can be disrupted by fatbergs, heavy rainfall, and infrastructural issues. For a home with a septic tank, you are not reliant on municipal sewer systems that might experience occasional disruptions or maintenance issues. Your septic system will be in good working order as long as you keep up with maintenance.

CONS

• Maintenance Requirements

Septic systems require regular maintenance, including septic tank pumping every 3-5 years, septic tank cleaning on a regular basis, and having the system inspected periodically. These maintenance costs can add up over time.

• Potential for Septic System Failure

For a septic system, the owner is responsible for all aspects of maintenance and upkeep. This includes septic tank repair, septic tank cleaning, drainfield repair, and addressing any system failures. If your septic tank fails, it may set you back hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in repairs. Improper use, neglecting maintenance, or external factors like tree root intrusion and cold weather can lead to costly septic system failures. Some of the signs of septic failure include sewage backups, slow drains, or foul odors. It’s advisable to stay on top of septic system maintenance to keep all the components in top shape and get the most out of it.

Here are some of the measures you can take to keep your septic system in tip-top shape:

• Be mindful of what goes down the drain.
• Schedule regular septic tank pumping.
• Space out laundry loads to avoid overwhelming your septic system.
• Schedule regular drain line cleaning and maintenance.
• Protect your drainfield from damage.

If you’re buying a home with a septic system and looking for a trusted septic company to perform an inspection, call Rooter Man Plumbing. We are the go-to company for all of your septic system needs, including septic tank installation, septic inspection, drainfield installation, and more.