? on Septic Tanks (house, buyers, inspection) - City-Data Forum

sandy414 · 03-05-2008, 10:29 AM

We are looking at a house that has a Septic Tank and we know nothing about Septic. Can someone please tell me what I would need to know about this...upkeep in general. Thank you

alleycat · 03-05-2008, 11:00 AM

You might enjoy this fun-filled discussion:

The Tennessee Septic Tank / Too Many Bedrooms Gotcha

;-)

gbone · 03-05-2008, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandy414

We are looking at a house that has a Septic Tank and we know nothing about Septic. Can someone please tell me what I would need to know about this...upkeep in general. Thank you

Sandy,
You can "Google" septic tank and find a most any information you need on them at any number of links.

wordsmith680 · 03-05-2008, 11:38 AM

Know Your Septic System There are many other sites. Check w/ the local U extension service. Main point...Don't waste / overload system. Pay into a emergency fund so you have repair expesnse if and when nesesary (pumping) it will be less than municiple.

bernerscotty · 03-05-2008, 12:39 PM

[quote=sandy414;3039655]We are looking at a house that has a Septic Tank and we know nothing about Septic. Can someone please tell me what I would need to know about this...upkeep in general. Thank you[/quote
This is our 3rd house with septic. You do not want to overload system. Such as pouring extra stuff down the toilet. Do not want to use tons of extra toilet paper. There is bacteria that actually eats all the garbage away. Never had trouble with our septic systems. You do not want to pour like old food down your drains. I hope this helps, it is mainly using common sense.

denawilliams · 03-05-2008, 02:56 PM

When purchasing a home, you will need to have an extra inspection for the septic system.

MarkDaugherty · 03-05-2008, 03:32 PM

Sellers in Tennesse are required to provide a disclosure to prospective buyers about their septic system. If this has not been provided to you, proceed with caution.

johnrex62 · 03-05-2008, 03:35 PM

Top items on list:

Limit paper
eliminate bleach from daily use
limit household chemicals
watch water wasting

and for your peace of mind, get a annual inspection of the system and pump the holding tank every few years. I think 3 yrs is the most common recommendation.

pixies · 03-07-2008, 08:34 PM

I live in Old Hickory and we had to go on sewer. It was the LAW and they went crazy on us until we finally forked out the $3000 to do it.

barger · 12-23-2008, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnrex62

Top items on list:

Limit paper
eliminate bleach from daily use
limit household chemicals
watch water wasting

and for your peace of mind, get a annual inspection of the system and pump the holding tank every few years. I think 3 yrs is the most common recommendation.

I would rate pumping the septic tank ensuring ALL solids are removed to be the most important in that list. A good list of suggestions to be for sure.

Septic System Information including a FAQ

Moderator cut: deleted