foreclosure property - new "septic tank and field"

[Nick S.]

i have been looking at my first property to hopefully flip (or rent as an exit) and i found one that was high on my list. the property uses a well (not public water), so a septic tank is required/needed. after talking to neighbors, they told me about how the property would reek. they concluded that the property needed a new septic tank and field in the backyard, which could cost somewhere around $15k. can anyone who is familiar with this explain this repair? the property already needs $10-15k according to my dad, who is a general contract, so an extra $15k will not help especially given the low offer we would have to give on a competitive property such as this. thanks.

[Ron S.]

Originally posted by @Nick S.:

@Ron S.

Thanks for the reply. You missed the second part

“....and field.”

Apparently it is replacing the septic tank but because of leaks(?), the tank has to be reconnected(?) and a new field has to be done/redone in the backyard where water is overflowing and reeks of the smell. Just need additional clarification 

Yeah, apparently I missed the second part.  Leach field. There is a septic tank and there are leach lines, which span out into a leach field, which is a portion of your property that basically has pipes with holes in it coming from the septic tank for the water, to "leach" into the ground.

As nasty as it sounds, it's a pretty cool thing when you think about it. Your septic tank holds your crap (literally), your shower and laundry water, and every other solid and fluid coming from your plumbing system. Bacteria breaks the solids down and the fluids overflow into a system of pipes into the ground.

If you aren't shoving hot grease down your drains and/or toxic chemicals and/or sanitary napkins, you can go for years without having to have a tank pumped.