Should You Purchase a Home on a Shared Septic Tank System?

A shared septic tank system is a wastewater management system that serves multiple properties or buildings. This system is designed to collect and treat sewage from several sources, usually located within a relatively small geographic area. It is typically installed in areas where municipal sewer systems are not available or economically feasible.

The shared septic tank system consists of a septic tank, a distribution box, and a series of drain or leach fields. Each property is connected to the septic tank via a lateral line, which carries the wastewater from the property to the tank. The septic tank is a large underground container designed to separate solids and oils from the wastewater, allowing the effluent to pass through to the distribution box.

The distribution box is a concrete or plastic container that evenly distributes the effluent from the septic tank to the drain or leach fields. The drain or leach fields are underground systems of perforated pipes or chambers that distribute the effluent over a large area, allowing it to percolate through the soil and be naturally filtered and purified.

In a shared septic tank system, all the property owners connected to the system are responsible for its proper use and maintenance. This includes regular inspections and pumping of the septic tank, as well as following proper maintenance procedures to prevent overloading the system. Because multiple properties are connected to the same system, the costs of installation, maintenance, and repair can be shared among all the owners.

One of the advantages of a shared septic tank system is cost savings. By sharing the costs, each property owner can save money on installation, maintenance, and repair expenses. Additionally, a shared system can be more environmentally friendly than individual septic systems because it is designed to handle a larger volume of wastewater, reducing the overall impact on the environment.

However, there are also some disadvantages to a shared septic tank system. One of the main concerns is the dependency on other property owners to properly use and maintain the system. If one owner is not following proper procedures or is overloading the system, it can cause problems for all the other owners connected to the system.

Another potential drawback is the risk of system failure. With a shared system, the risk of failure is higher due to the increased volume of wastewater that it must handle. A system failure can be costly and time-consuming to repair, and it may be difficult to get all the owners to agree on the necessary repairs.

Buying a house on a shared septic tank system has both pros and cons

Pros:

Cost savings: One of the biggest advantages of a shared septic tank system is cost savings. With multiple properties connected to the same system, the costs of installation, maintenance, and repair can be shared among all the owners, resulting in lower expenses for each individual.

Environmental benefits: A shared septic tank system can be more environmentally friendly than individual septic systems. The shared system is designed to handle a larger volume of wastewater, which can help reduce the overall impact on the environment.

Less maintenance: With a shared septic tank system, the property owner is typically responsible only for the lateral line connecting their property to the system. This means that the overall maintenance responsibilities are shared among all the owners, resulting in less maintenance work for each individual.

Cons:

Dependency on others: One of the biggest disadvantages of a shared septic tank system is that you are dependent on other property owners for the proper use and maintenance of the system. If one owner is not following proper maintenance procedures or is overloading the system, it can cause problems for all the other owners connected to the system.

Risk of system failure: With a shared septic tank system, the risk of system failure is higher due to the increased volume of wastewater that it must handle. A system failure can be costly and time-consuming to repair, and it may be difficult to get all the owners to agree on the necessary repairs.

Difficulty in making changes: If you want to make changes to your property that require modifications to the septic system, such as adding a bedroom or bathroom, you may have to get approval from all the other property owners connected to the shared system. This can be a time-consuming and potentially contentious process.

Question to ask before purchasing a home on a shared septic tank system:

Buying a home on a shared septic tank system can be a cost-effective solution for managing wastewater in areas without access to municipal sewer systems. However, before making such a purchase, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure that the property is suitable for your needs and that you understand the responsibilities and potential risks involved.

How many properties are connected to the shared septic tank system?

Knowing the number of properties connected to the system is important because it can impact how often the septic tank needs to be pumped, and how well the system can handle the volume of wastewater. A larger number of properties can also increase the risk of system failure or backups.

What is the maintenance schedule for the shared septic tank system?

Understanding the maintenance schedule for the system is crucial because it can affect the overall cost of owning the property. You need to know how often the septic tank needs to be pumped, what maintenance tasks are required, and how much those tasks will cost.

What is the history of the shared septic tank system?

It’s important to ask about the history of the shared septic tank system to determine if there have been any major problems or failures in the past. This information can help you assess the overall condition of the system and identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed.

What is the condition of the septic tank and drain fields?

The condition of the septic tank and drain fields can have a significant impact on the system’s functionality and lifespan. It’s important to have these components inspected by a qualified professional to identify any issues that may need to be addressed before purchasing the property.

What are the responsibilities of each property owner connected to the shared septic tank system?

Each property owner connected to the shared septic tank system is responsible for maintaining their lateral line and preventing any excessive strain on the system. It’s important to understand these responsibilities and ensure that all property owners are aware of their obligations.

What happens if there is a failure or malfunction in the shared septic tank system?

Knowing the plan for addressing a failure or malfunction in the shared septic tank system is important because it can affect the overall cost and responsibility of owning the property. It’s important to understand who is responsible for paying for repairs, and how long it may take to resolve any issues.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a shared septic tank system can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for managing wastewater in multiple properties or buildings.

However, it is important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages before buying a home on a shared system.

Asking the right questions about the number of properties connected, maintenance schedule, system history, and responsibilities of each property owner can help ensure that the property is suitable for your needs and that you are aware of any potential risks involved.

Ultimately, careful consideration and due diligence can help make the decision to buy a home on a shared septic tank system a successful one.