Estimating septic costs

[Bienes Raices]

Is there a ballpark way of estimating septic costs for rentals (yearly cost to pump out, replacement of tank and drainfield if necessary after a certain number of years) when deciding to make an offer? These are usually small 3/2 houses (1300 square feet heated or less) and the soil is sandy.

I called a septic company but they said they would need to come out and see the house to give an estimate, but I am really just looking for a rough way to estimate this when deciding to make an offer or not.

[James H.]

Septic tanks in my area are relatively low maintenance as long as they are not areobic. I think the companies might need to come out to see how ful they are. I grew up on a septic all my childhood in the northwest (live in texas now) and we never had ours serviced. With sandy soils in florida, I would think it would be low maintenance as long as your tentants aren't flushing non-biodredable stuff. Ther are certain toilet papers that are better for septics (a little less comfortable on the bum) but good luck enforcing that.

Our biggest concern was being careful not to drive or park cars over the tank and drainage field. That can bust the tank or pinch drainage field pipes.