Septic Inspection

[Steve Bruza]

I have found a house that I am considering purchasing as a Buy and Hold.  We are still in negotiations and I have a pretty good idea of my costs and what I want to invest in the property to update and rehab it.

My question is about the septic system.  The house is being sold as a 2 / 1, when it has a third bedroom.  There seem to be some questions regarding the septic system and whether or not it is rated as a two or three bedroom "system".  I am not familiar with this perspective and would like to know if anyone has encountered this before.  The septic system did have some work on the "paddlebox" about 15 years ago.  The house is 60 years old, but is in generally good shape.  I was provided a form from the "environmental office" and they are stating it is only a two bedroom house.  I have never seen this entity decide how a house can be designated.  

I usually perform my own inspections, but I was thinking of getting a septic inspection performed.  Does anyone know what kind of cost I can expect for an inspection?  Or what kind of costs I may be looking at to improve or replace the system?  Thank you for your input.

[Kinley Puzey]

@Steve Bruza,

In my area septic tanks are usually sized by number of bedrooms as a simple way of calculating the occupant load that would impact the septic system. Usually it is sized as follows:

750 gallon septic tank for one and two bedroom homes less than 1,500 square feet

1,000 gallon septic tank for three bedroom homes less than 2,500 square feet

1,250 gallon septic tank for four bedroom homes less than 3,500 square feet

This is a quick way of calculating it. It really depends on your local jurisdiction and what they will allow in your area. 

I'm not privy to how much it costs to have them maintained or replaced.

Good luck,

Kinley