I am checking a bank owned property for buy and hold so that I can rent it out. This property was constructed in 1975. It has septic tank and well water. I dont have experience with houses built at this time and septic tanks and well water. Looking for help on what am I supposed to due diligence before offering and what are all the things involved in maintaining a property with septic tank and well water. Appreciate any help in this regards. Thanks in advance !!
As far as a well, there are a couple of types. If it's a deep well generally that is better. Also if the well casing is plastic that is also better. Old galvanized steel wells end up rotting and getting clogged. If you have to drill a new well its going to be quite expensive. You should check the well water for chloroform and bacteria, contaminats etc. Also make sure the well isn't 3" pipe, pumps that fit in 3" wells are quite a bit more money.
septics you should look out for age. Generally the older it is the more prone to have problems. Watch out for cesspools and high ground water. If the lot has high ground water then, you'll most likely need a mound system which can cost thousands more because of pump tanks.
Moral of story don't rely on just a home inspector. Have a well guy and a local septic guy come look at them.
As far as a well, there are a couple of types. If it's a deep well generally that is better. Also if the well casing is plastic that is also better. Old galvanized steel wells end up rotting and getting clogged. If you have to drill a new well its going to be quite expensive. You should check the well water for chloroform and bacteria, contaminats etc. Also make sure the well isn't 3" pipe, pumps that fit in 3" wells are quite a bit more money.
septics you should look out for age. Generally the older it is the more prone to have problems. Watch out for cesspools and high ground water. If the lot has high ground water then, you'll most likely need a mound system which can cost thousands more because of pump tanks.
Moral of story don't rely on just a home inspector. Have a well guy and a local septic guy come look at them.
I have done 4 projects with septic systems and 3 of the 4 were major problems with 2 of those 3 being major disasters at big losses. I don’t care how cheap the property is moving forward, I will pass in the future. That said, that is my experience here in CA which is likely different than septic rules and regs in other states.
Best advice, get a professional well inspector and septic inspection. On wells, you likely want a flow test as well as identifying any contaminants in the well. For septic, if you have a high water table, you may have issues in the future. If you are not experienced with wells and septic systems, either avoid them for now or get informed first before you make a purchase decision. They can be deal breakers.
Good, experienced input from others. Don't be scared off from a good deal, just do the needed due diligence. Also, ensure the septic has a record of approval at the county. Also check to ensure nothing was built on top of the tank or drain field at a later date. For example, a deck, gazebo, stairs, etc. Technically, that would make it unsafe, in violation of code and difficult for you to sell later.
George/Will and Terrell, thanks a lot for your expert advice. I am near Princeton, NJ. Do you have any references for any well and septic guys in this area.