Septic tanks belong to one of the two types of sewage treatment systems commonly found in the USA. Generally speaking, most sewage systems can be categorized as either decentralized or centralized systems, says Drew Doheny Team. Most people are familiar with centralized sewage treatment systems.
A centralized sewage treatment system is what you find in most cities. In this model, sewage is collected from individual homes via a network of underground pipes and channeled to a central treatment plant via the municipal sewer lines found deep below the city streets.
Although this is the most popular sewage treatment system used in the USA, it is not the only one. There are decentralized systems where the entire sewage treatment system is installed on the property. Unlike centralized systems, decentralized systems are owned by the homeowner.
Septic tanks are a type of decentralized sewage treatment plant usually found in areas where there is no central sewage management system. Septic tanks operate on the same principles as municipal sewer systems. The main difference between the two is scale.
Should you buy a home with a septic system?
When shopping for a new home in Illinois, it is not uncommon to find homes with a septic tank installed on the property. If you find such a home, is it a good idea to buy it? Buying a home with a septic system has its advantages but there are lots of challenges that come with that decision.
For most of us buying a house that is linked to the government sewer system is going to be the best option. This is because septic systems are highly-sensitive to abuse. Also the maintenance regimen for these systems is more than most homeowners can handle.
For these reasons, it is better to buy a home that is hooked up to a centralized sewer system instead of one with a septic tank. To help you make better sense of why buying a home with a septic tank is a bad idea, here are some of the cons of owning a home with a septic system.
6 reasons not buy a home with a septic system in Illinois
- A significant risk of system failure
Septic systems are specifically-sized for the exact number of people who will reside in a home. If the home has a tank designed for four people but now has six people living in it, the septic system will not perform to expectation. An overloaded septic tank will malfunction frequently.
- Water-use restrictions
Considerable water-use restrictions are imposed on homes with septic systems installed. Using too much water can overwhelm the system even when you have the right number of people for that specific septic tank residing in the home. As a result you must carefully balance your activities to maintain the optimal function of the septic system. This can impose serious limitations on everyday activities like using the washing machine.
- Septic tanks must be pumped periodically
Depending on the size of the tank and the pumping schedule mandated by the municipality your septic tank should be pumped between 2 and 5 years. This is an additional cost that you won’t have to deal with if your home is connected to a government sewer system. Also, after pumping the tank it takes time for the system to return to previous levels of efficiency as the anaerobic bacteria have to establish themselves all over again.
- Problematic regulations
Septic systems are subject to many regulations because of the potential for soil and water pollution. What is more, these regulations are constantly changing and obtaining permits for repairs and installations can be a lengthy process. In some municipalities strict zoning laws restrict what you can do on your land if there is a septic tank on the property.
- Potential for costly repairs
If your septic system fails you could be looking at repair or replacement costs in the range of $3,000 to $10,000 or more. Since you do not know how the system was designed and if it was installed properly, there is a real possibility of this happening. Unlike municipal sewer systems where homeowners are only responsible for their main sewer line, if your septic system fails, you must pay the full cost to repair or replace it.
- Property value and marketability
Finding a buyer for homes with septic systems can be hard. Most buyers will shun these types of properties because they view them as high-risk. Typically, the only buyers willing to buy a home with a septic tank are those who have had prior experience with such systems. Since you will be marketing your home to a very small pool of potential customers it can have a negative impact on its value.
Given the above, is there any situation where it makes sense to buy a home with a septic system? You should only consider buying a home with a septic tank if it is the only sewage treatment option in the area. But make sure to get a full inspection before you part with your money.