Septic systems inspection (Sarasota, Venice, Palmetto: for sale, lender, house) - Sarasota - Bradenton - Venice area - Florida (FL) -Manatee and Sarasota Counties - City-Data Forum

Salty Dave · 10-22-2010, 06:43 AM

Hi,
Read an article about a law that has been passed in Fla. that will require all
septic sewer systems to be brought up to code. My question is this. How can you make sure that the property you are considering is up to code?
The article did not state what code was, but did say that property owners would have to bring them to code at there expense.

Thanks
Dave

d4g4m · 10-22-2010, 11:41 AM

Basically, if you view a property that has a 'raised' hill on the front lawn, it is probably up to code. The new code has been in existence for about 15 years. If you view a property that has a septic field that is level or lower than the front door, be concerned. Not only is the system suseptible to flooding but the tank may be too small and the field may be too small. Also the field was layed out with bell tile on the existing sand. [no gravel]
According to the ground elevation, ground conditions, the house elevation, upgrading may also require a lift pump for the new tank/field.
You're looking at more than $6000

Salty Dave · 10-22-2010, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d4g4m

Basically, if you view a property that has a 'raised' hill on the front lawn, it is probably up to code. The new code has been in existence for about 15 years. If you view a property that has a septic field that is level or lower than the front door, be concerned. Not only is the system suseptible to flooding but the tank may be too small and the field may be too small. Also the field was layed out with bell tile on the existing sand. [no gravel]
According to the ground elevation, ground conditions, the house elevation, upgrading may also require a lift pump for the new tank/field.
You're looking at more than $6000

So does the Health department require the updated system before a sale can be completed. If not when would changes need to be done. Is Harbour Heights on sewer system?

ladyflyfsh · 10-23-2010, 06:37 AM

Sarasota County is making their way around to neighborhoods that are on septic and putting in county sewer which will be mandatory to hook up to as soon as it is in place. My neighborhood is next to get done and I'm not looking forward to the $3,000 expense to hook up and destroy the tank etc. Then the monthly expense added to my water bill!

sfw55 · 10-23-2010, 07:08 AM

I'm looking at a property in Venice w/ septic w/ "drainage field problems". Who would be good for inspection? Does anyone have experience w/ aerator systems? Thanks.

d4g4m · 10-23-2010, 01:02 PM

The back section of my subdivision was only partially developed. The existing homes had well/septic. The county installed 3.5 miles of water/sewer. The home owners on well/septic were told they had to hook up to the county water/sewer. That was 11 years ago. They are still using their well/septic. And one of the homes is for sale and there is no 'must hook up to county system' disclcosure. BUT all home owners were charged $6500 to install the water sewer in the street. This was in addition to the $2450 to have the street paved/sidewalks.
If they decide to hook up to the county system, they will not allow only water. They want and require both.

ladyflyfsh · 10-23-2010, 01:09 PM

interesting, I called the county because my lender was going to make me hook up to sewer if it was already here on my street before I could buy the house. They said it was not here yet but would be heading this way in about November of this year and it would be mandatory to hook up to it. Frankly I'm just fine with the way things are now and I'm not in a flood zone so leave it be is how I feel. Now that I got a replacement pump for the well that the former owner removed and gave to her daughter, I can now water my yard with the water from the well and I'm a happy camper.

d4g4m · 10-23-2010, 01:28 PM

In areas getting county water and/or sewer and you have a well but only using it for lawn watering, don't be surprised if you get a 'plug the well' notice. [they want the water you use going thru a meter to pay for the water AND sewer charges]

Skunk Workz · 10-23-2010, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d4g4m

In areas getting county water and/or sewer and you have a well but only using it for lawn watering, don't be surprised if you get a 'plug the well' notice. [they want the water you use going thru a meter to pay for the water AND sewer charges]

That's the way it was here in Palmetto when they ran reclaimed. You can't install a new well at all if reclaimed is available on your property.

If they do make you remove the well then I'd look at getting a second meter for the sprinkler system. I know that a lot of the newer sub divisions are built with two meters so that you don't have to pay sewage for the sprinklers.

ladyflyfsh · 10-23-2010, 07:11 PM

I was already thinking that skunk workz. I don't have a sprinkler system but I do have a well and it's going to be a fight to get me to get rid of it!