Buying a older home, they say the septic is bad. Been inspected but only found it empty/rusty. Help Please.?

Question

Hi, We are buying a house and it already had a septic inspection. The inspection letter said that the tank was dry and rusted so they could not check the drainfield. It is an older septic tank.

It did not say whether it was usable or not just that what they found.

Is it possible for the septic to be good yet, just older and could last many more years without putting a new one in? It just wouldnt pass inspection if it had to be brought up to code but it is grandfathered in now?

How do I go about finding out how bad it really is, does is really need replacing or is that just something they are saying to have us put a new one in?

If the tank is dry - the house has been empty for a while, how could we tell if it is good or not. I understand old septics rust because of the metal. But that doesnt necessarily mean it is bad...correct?

I hate to spend lots of money on one if this one is fine and can be used.

The house we live in now has had the same septic for many moons. Thank you.

Answer 1

Being rusted like that it tells me that it is time to be changed...They haven't even allowed  metal septic systems in years and years..most are concrete or thick fiberglass now..You will have nothing but heartaches if you stay with that old of a system...If you haven't paid for the house yet..You can ask for a reduced price due to this for the house, or give the sellers the option to have a new one installed..last one I had priced cost 8 thousand to do...They are more than likely 2 to 5 thousand more now

Answer 2

It is possible that the septic is fine. Usually with certified home inspectors , such as an ASHI certified one they are not allowed to refer or do work on a home they have inspected. So, I doubt the inspector is trying to create an unnecessary bill. I would contact a septic professional and ask his or her opinion on a dry, rusty septic. They will probably tell you to try it and see.

Answer 3

I agree with the others in that an inspector cannot refer work, nor do it himself, thus it is not likely they are just saying it to have you put a new one in.

What they are doing, is what they are supposed to.... if they cannot give a 'clean bill of health', they give you a warning, they couldnt verify it was in good operating status.  The tank itself might be fine.... but with it dry, they could not verify the drain field was good... meaning the drain field pipes may need to be replaced, even if the tank itself is good.

My biggest concern would be what is the tank made of, and how old is it?  The report says it is rusted... that means it is steel... but what kind of steel?  Many years ago, in rural reas, it was quite common to use old 55 gallon steel drums as septic tanks.  These are thin walled containers, and over time, rust out, and collapse.  Modern steel septic tanks are made of thicker steel, than you find in those old drums.

You're almost going to have to start using the system, in order to determine whether or not it can operate sufficient to your needs.  I'd suggest starting it with a couple of boxes of RidX, since it is dry, and follow up by adding a box every month, for regular maintenance.  RidX can be found at any hardware store, and most department stores that serve rural areas.

My best advice would be to assume the worst....

Assume the whole thing will have to be replaced, and factor that into the purchase agreement, and/or financing.  Get some estimates for replacing the system (tank and drainfield entire).  Be AWARE -- installing a new system may mean you'd have to bring it up to code... a 'grandfathered' system may not be up to code requirements.  Current code requirements may call for a larger tank, more and longer drain lines in the drain field, and possibly even mean lining the drain field with gravel, to assist with the leaching.

Ive seen a few cases where there actually was NOT ENOUGH ROOM on a property to meet new code requirements, hehehe.

You may also consider insisting that the seller bring the septic system up to code before you purchase the property.

Personally, I'd rather make the decision about where and how to place any new system myself, than have the seller make those decisions.  So my choice would be to make them drop the price by what it would cost to have it all replaced and brought up to code, or, if you think the price is really low enough to cover it already, then add the amount to the financing.  Another option would be to have the seller 'rebate' the amount to you.

Dont just assume it will be ok....if its not, then in 3 to 6 months, you're going to have a right nasty mess to deal with.

Good Luck

Answer 4

Inspectors won't get down and dirty and find the problem. They also are not trying to get you to buy a new one.  They just make you aware of possible and definitive problems. If you are sincerely worried about it call a septic expert and get an opinion and estimate.  Use this estimate and other estimates for problems with the house  in reducing the price of the house. I have bought many houses and if the home is older expect to have a budget for stuff that will go wrong.  Trust me stuff will go wrong, I promise you that.

Answer 5

if it made of steel its more than likely no good