Expert: Dottie Worthington - 1/25/2008

Question
I would like to know if there is some real problems with living out in the country where there is a septic tank.  I have seen two beautiful houses but both have a septic system. One of the houses even has two.  What do I have to look for or what should I check for when it comes with sepric tanks.  One of the houses is located on 1/2 acre land and my husband wasn't too convinced about the information that he was provided.  One of the residents says that the septic tank has never been pumped since they've been living there(2003) and the other one says it was pumped two months ago.  My husband did not like the fact that it looks like  the septic tank is sinking and there seems to be lacking dirt.  The other house is on almost an acre(38something almost an acre.)  It has two septic tanks and the house is brand new (two years old). It is a foreclosure and I would really want to buy either house, although the first house is lacking a garage, carport, porch.  The latter one has a garage, carport, and porch. The only thing is that the area is not one to be proud of. It has great potential, because we would landscape the place and that would be remedied.  However, the neighbors are not very tidy and that bothers both of us.  Can you explain how the septic system works.  We know literally nothing about it.  The realtor says that if you put in Rid X once a week that would take care of the problem , but my husband is not convinced.  Can you respond asap as the house is on the market as foreclosure and I want to take advantage of the land size and the house as well.

Answer
I have never lived in a home that did not have a septic tank. I have never had a problem with any of mine. You can have the septic inspected and that would be my best advise, then the inspector can explain to you how they work at that home. Some homes have more than one and some homes are required to have a aerobic system. The location and resale is affected more by the location than a septic. That is one of the perks of living in the country. You don't have a sewer bill!