Buying a Home With a Septic System? Here’s What You Should Know

When you’re looking at a new home, there’s a lot competing for your attention.

The roof, heating system, foundation, kitchen, property and everything in between.

If the home has a septic system, that deserves a place on the list too.

For anyone used to municipal sewer service, buying a home with a septic system can come with a few extra questions. The good news is that septic systems are common throughout Nova Scotia, and knowing what to ask can make the process a lot less intimidating.

What to Ask When Buying a Home With a Septic System

You don’t need to become a septic expert before buying the property, but you should try to learn a little about the system that will become your responsibility.

Are There Records for the Septic System?

Ask the seller what septic documentation is available.

In Nova Scotia, there may be a Certificate of Installation or other records from when the system was installed. These documents can help provide information about the system and its approximate location.

If records are available, make sure they’re passed along with the other important property documents.

If you’re completely new to septic systems, our article “What Are the Main Parts of a Septic System? A Homeowner’s Guide” is a helpful introduction to what’s actually underground.

When Was the Tank Last Pumped?

This is one of the simplest questions to ask—and one of the most useful.

Find out:

• When the tank was last pumped

• Whether there are service records

• If any repairs have been completed

• Whether the system has ever backed up or had recurring problems

If nobody knows when the tank was last serviced, that’s useful information too. It gives you a starting point for establishing your own maintenance routine after you move in.

Where Are the Tank and Disposal Field?

Ideally, you should know where both are located.

This makes future pumping and maintenance easier, but it also matters if you have plans for the property.

Thinking about adding a garage? Changing the driveway? Building an addition? Planting trees or doing major landscaping?

It helps to know what’s already underground first.

Our article “How to Find Your Septic Tank — and Why You Should Know Where It Is” goes into this in more detail, and DJPH – Your Septic Guide gives homeowners a place to map the system and keep maintenance information together.

Should the Septic System Be Assessed Before You Buy?

If the system is older, there’s very little documentation available, or something about its condition raises concerns, it may be worth having it assessed before purchasing the home.

A general home inspection may not tell you everything about an on-site septic system.

Ask your real estate professional or home inspector what kind of septic assessment is appropriate and who is qualified to complete it in Nova Scotia.

Dalton Jodrey does not perform septic inspections, so this is something that would need to be arranged with an appropriately qualified professional.

The goal is simply to have as much information as possible before taking ownership of a major part of the property.

Think About How You Plan to Use the Home

When buying a home with a septic system, it’s also worth thinking beyond how the current owners use the property.

Are you moving in with a much larger household?

Planning an addition or secondary unit?

Considering a major renovation that could increase wastewater use?

In Nova Scotia, changes that affect an on-site sewage system can involve specific requirements, so it’s a good idea to find out what applies before making major plans.

That’s much easier to deal with during the planning stage than after construction has started.

Start Your Own Septic Records After You Move In

Once the sale is complete, keep the septic information with the rest of your important home records.

Record things like:

• System documents

• Tank and disposal-field locations

• Pumping dates

• Repairs and maintenance

• Service providers

Our DJPH – Your Septic Guide was created to make that a little easier, with space for mapping your system, tracking maintenance and keeping service information together.

And when it’s eventually time for your first pump-out as the new homeowner, our article “What to Expect During a Septic Pumping Appointment” can help you know what to expect.

Knowing Your System Is Part of Knowing Your Home

Buying a home with a septic system doesn’t need to feel complicated.

Ask about the system’s history, collect whatever records are available, know where it’s located and find out whether there are any concerns before you buy.

Once you move in, keeping a simple maintenance record can make managing the system much easier going forward.

If you’ve recently purchased a home and need to have the septic tank pumped, contact Dalton Jodrey Plumbing & Heating to schedule service.