Septic Tank on a multifamily property? Yes or No go?

[David Liu]

What are your opinions on having a septic tank for a multi-family property? I'm evaluating a deal and the sewer doesn't go to the city, it's a septic tank property. Owner said they just replaced it with a brand new septic tank. Does it last long? Do you stay away from it due to maintenance? Or is it ok? 

[David M.]

@David Liu

Did they also install the leach field?  Or just the tank?  The tank and the system can last 30, 40+ years.  While they are expensive to install, its a one time cost.  You just need to pump out the tank every few years normally.  Overall, it CAN be much cheaper than sewer...

The issue lies in what your tenants may send down the drain.  The big no-no is oils, e.g. cooking oils and grease.  In a septic system, the "water" drains from the tank into the leach field, i.e. usually some grassy section of your lawn.  If the oil gets out there, it plugs up the soil and it can no longer drain.  Then, the solution is digging it up and getting a new leach field.. $$$

I normally would stay away from septic, but thats tough since most of the property around me is septic.  If its common for your area, then people will know how use it.  Its the "city-folk" get "shocked" --- although, you aren't supposed to pour grease down a sewer either since it can/will harden and plug up the sewer lines.

How many units are you talking about for your multi-family?