Buying a house with a septic system.

Let's get to it!

Septic Systems cost about $30,000 - $50,000 to replace. Understanding what is written on this page can be the difference between you being responsible for replacing a bad septic system or the current owner being responsible for it. 

Understanding what a Compliance Inspection is and more importantly, what it is not.

A Compliance Inspection is required in Dakota County for anyone that is selling a home.  A Compliance Inspection is required in Scott County when you pull a permit on the property. But even though it's not required for the sale of a home in Scott County, it is still often requested by the buyer.   

Now, what is a Compliance Inspection

A Compliance Inspection is verifying that the water from your system will be cleaned properly before it gets into the ground water and that it will not reach the well. They will do a look around to see if a fluid is surfacing on the yard.  It also makes sure the septic tanks are watertight and in good condition and that the manhole covers are in good condition so that someone doesn't stand on them and fall in the tank. It checks a few other things out that we won't get into here, but we covered the bulk of what they are for.  A compliance inspection is good to have done if you're looking to buy the home however most of the information is stuff the state wants to know so they can get rid of bad systems. 

Here's where people get confused

They think because the system passed a Compliance Inspection, it must be a great system that will work for the family. That is where they are wrong.  It doesn't tell you how well the drain field is taking fluid which is probably the most important thing to know when buying a house with a septic system. Just because a system is working properly for the elderly couple that spends half the year in Arizona, doesn't mean it's going to work for your family of six who loves hosting parties every other weekend.  Unfortunately, a Compliance Inspection won't help you here. 

Even though they don't give you the full story of how the system will work or how the system has been treated, a compliance inspection should be requested if you are buying a home on septic. 

You'll want to know as much as you can about the system because as stated about, they are VERY EXPENSIVE!  A compliance inspection could reveal that the septic system is non-compliant and needs to be replaced. Wouldn't you rather know that before you buy the property?

Please contact us if you have any questions. 

We're always happy to help. 

If you're looking to buy or sell your house and don't have a Real Estate Agent.

  Reach out to Lindsay Reddy with The Property Geeks brokered by eXp Realty

651-895-4284

Lindsay@thepropertygeeks.com

www.lindsayreddy.com

We take pride in the work we do, and it was very clear that she did as well. We're happy we chose her to help us find our new home.  Also, she has a home on septic and realizes the importance of what you just read.