Septic tank ???

[Bryson Williams]

Recently came across a property for a great price. Only one thing, it sits on a septic tank. Ive heard many horror stories about these things being disastrous. Should I proceed with the deal or just chalk it up as a loss? Thanks!

[Bruce Woodruff]

Quote from @Bryson Williams:

Recently came across a property for a great price. Only one thing, it sits on a septic tank. Ive heard many horror stories about these things being disastrous. Should I proceed with the deal or just chalk it up as a loss? Thanks!

I've had 5 properties with septic. Including  a few primary residences. Absolutely nothing wrong with it, it's superior to City sewer in many ways.

The seller will have get it pumped and certified during escrow, so you'll know the condition.

Buy it!

[Theresa Harris]

I have a rental with a septic.  As Bruce said have the seller get it pumped, you get it inspected.  I did that with the one I bought and the seller had to replace the entire system as the drainage field was full of roots.  I also let the tenants know and not to pour bleach down the drain or flush hygiene products (which they shouldn't flush anyhow).

[Chris Seveney]

@Bryson Williams

Most of the northeast / New England is on septic systems where I grew up. If you have them pumped every year they can last a long time. Depending on location they can cost a lot to replace but when you factor in what you save from paying sewer bills it’s cheaper in long run.

It would not stop me from buying a house

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Bryson Williams:

Recently came across a property for a great price. Only one thing, it sits on a septic tank. Ive heard many horror stories about these things being disastrous. Should I proceed with the deal or just chalk it up as a loss? Thanks!

Educate yourself. There's nothing "disastrous" about a septic tank. They are very common, they have been around forever, they will continue to be around forever. I currently manage dozens of homes with septics and have bought/sold dozens more. They are only "disastrous" when people use them improperly, which can also happen with a city sewer system.

[Bruce Woodruff]

And if you live on a big city sewer system, and the grid ever goes down for very long. You will wish you had septic. ;-)