I’m moving to a new area to build a home for myself and will probably be dealing with water wells and septic systems for the first time. I know nothing about them and my wife is freaked (City girl). A friend explained that probably most of the country is on these systems which makes sense.
Does anybody have any advice about purchasing land serviced by these systems and how/where to learn more about them so that I know what to expect and ask for in a sub contractor?
Thanks
Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
It will have alot to do with the state and municipality you're located in. There are rules and regulations regarding septic systems and wells, and I believe in most areas well drillers and septic system installers need to be licensed and inspected.
You will recieve alot of information with Google etc searches, on "well and septic regulations {your state}"
Both wells and septic vary a great deal from one area to another. The first thing everybody's gonna want to know is where you'll be moving to.
Make sure the soil perk tests before you agree to buy the property. Go to the inspector's office and ask for the guidelines for wells/septic systems and make sure you keep all these factors in mind when you're shopping for the property.
I've got a 185 foot deep well through granite and shale. Works great and the water tastes better than any municiple system. My septic has been pumped once in 15 years, the service said it looked brand new, I went ahead and scheduled service anyhow, 10 years from now.
Really no maintenance to speak of if you drill deep and go through plenty of bedrock. Don't use a garbage disposal or put food scraps in the dishwasher.
NCtim
timc,
If you go to the top of this post and click on your name, you will get your profile to pop up. Fill in at least what state you live in and more readers will be inclined to give you area specific answers.
If you bought, or are buying, your property from a realtor you might ask him/her for information on local requirements as well as names of competent contractors and soil engineers.
Good luck!
oldfred
No reason to be freaked out about either. Both can work just fine--but remember that when you are connected to public utilities someone else is the "operator" and responsible for maintenance; with a septic and/or well, the homeowner is the operator. Good move to try to learn early what you'll be dealing with.
Here are two sources of info that I think are very good:
1. For wells, the Waster Systems Council, http://www.watersystemscouncil.org
2. For septic, the National Small Flows Clearinghouse, http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/nsfc/nsfc_index.htm (start by clicking on the "septic system info" link on the right side of the page.
In most areas, wells and septic systems are regulated locally by the health department, so you should start by contacting the local health department (if they aren't they should be able to refer you). Local Ag Extension offices usually can provide information as well.
Before buying property, you should investigate whether or not a septic permit can be permitted/installed on the property (and what type of system may be required for that particular property; if an "alternative" system is necessary, it means more $).
In some areas, the ability to install a sufficiently producing well may be a problem. So, you might want to find a source of local info (e.g., health department, well driller, builder) who has experience in the area where your property is located.
Very broad topic. This isn't even scratching the surface. You may want to post more specific questions, although some answers depend very much on local conditions.
Around here most purchases of raw land are done with a septic design on file with the county, and a well already drilled. Or, you can do your deal with a well contingency, which means that you drill the well but if it doesn't produce at a specified rate then the deal is off. Having the septic design on file means that you know what type of system will have to be installed and can find out what it will cost. Get the seller to handle these things before closing. Your realtor can tell you if this is customary where you are.
I lived on city utilities for 40 years and now have a well and septic. There's no monthly water bill but if your well pump dies or your drain field fails then you get a shock in the wallet. It's worth it not to live in town, in my opinion.
before you buy......!!!!!
go to the county and find out if there are any future plans of them bring public utilities your way.
ie...
public water
public sewer
Cause if they do? if they are going to.... More than likely its going to cost you more than you bargained for.
GoodLuck
Timc,
Another thing to remember is that you will have to do most of the servicing on these systems. The septic systems are pretty trouble free if you keep kitchen waste and powdered laundry soap out of them. The water system needs a lot more maintenance.
I still remember having to replace a pressure pump on my system in 110 heat just to get the evaporative cooler working. Your wife will have to be able to do at least basic troubleshooting if you are away. You will have to be able to determine where a problem is and to fix it if possible. The well pump was the only thing that I was not capable of replacing.
That also means that you will have to have basic plumbing and electrical tools. You will need pipe wrenches; fairly good sized ones. You will also need, and know how to use, a multimeter. The well and pumps will probably use 220V services, so the multimeter needs to be rated for that.
Erich