Leach field only replacement (Topsham: sale, house, buyers)

[BobinMaine]

Has anyone had any experience with replacing only the leach field of a septic system? Our situation is that we bought a home in Topsham 5 years ago and one of the conditions was that the seller had to replace the entire septic and leach field system. The owner did this properly with an approved design and local contractor, installing an enviroseptic system, which passed three different inspections by the town. We are now in the process of selling the house and the least of our worries was the septic inspection. Wrong! The inspector said that while the system was currently operating satisfactory the grade of sand used in the construction was not what was specified in the plan. The grade used was medium to fine while the plan called for course gravelly. He said this has reduced the absorption capacity of the field and could cause premature failure. Needless to say we were stunned and we are now looking for a way to save the sale but we can’t afford to replace the entire system at least not at some of the prices we have heard 10k and up. It seems like since the system is relatively new and according the inspector working properly that replacing the leach field would be the worst case scenario. One problem is that there is no other site on the property suitable for the field so it would have to remain on the current site. Also, has anyone run into an overzealous inspector? Our buyers are already in a rush because the original house that they had under contract fell through because of a septic inspection by the same guy which seems kind of strange. We are having the system inspected by different company this week. Figured I post here because since this happened I have found a lot of good info on this board.

[Maineah]

We replaced our septic tank and added on to the existing leach field about 6 years ago. It was expensive. Well over 10K as I recall. Partly due to the temporary road they had to build to get the trucks into the site. It is quite a messy operation and ripped up the back yard for most of the summer. They finally got it all installed ,graded , loamed and seeded but did not use enough loam so when ever we get a dry summer all the grass on the top of the leach field baffles dies off and turns brown. If it was a bad install can you go back to the original installer? Sounds like he's the liable one.

[Zarathu]

Don't you wonder if these inspectors don't have better things to do? Jee, the system works, why is it necessary to hassle the poor land owner with some new picyune regulation?

The people who bought my house in western pa were building a house in Northeastern pa and were being hassled unmercifully by inspectors who complained demaned more outlets, less windows, and other stupid items over and over again until they finally just sold it to someone else and moved to a place where the township has no money for picyune inspectors.

Z

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by Zarathu

Don't you wonder if these inspectors don't have better things to do? Jee, the system works, why is it necessary to hassle the poor land owner with some new picyune regulation?

The people who bought my house in western pa were building a house in Northeastern pa and were being hassled unmercifully by inspectors who complained demaned more outlets, less windows, and other stupid items over and over again until they finally just sold it to someone else and moved to a place where the township has no money for picyune inspectors.

Z

For some people any authority is their little power trip. They get to make up for being beat up on the playground and having their lunch money taken away.
You just wait.......someday I'll be sewer inspector and THEN you'll pay by golly ...I'll reject your leach bed AFTER it's all installed he he he. !!!!

[7th generation]

First thought is to check with the local Code Enforcement Officer to determine what the code is there. Could be the Inspector is wrong.
If he's correct and the field needs to be replaced the CEO will prompt you on any permit that is needed along with setbacks etc.
Home inspectors are hired by the buyer and are only looking out for him/her.
Good luck!

[BobinMaine]

Originally Posted by 7th generation

First thought is to check with the local Code Enforcement Officer to determine what the code is there. Could be the Inspector is wrong.
If he's correct and the field needs to be replaced the CEO will prompt you on any permit that is needed along with setbacks etc.
Home inspectors are hired by the buyer and are only looking out for him/her.
Good luck!

We did check with the local code inspector unfortunately he is not the one who acually inspected the system when it was installed. That guy is no longer with them and they had nothing good say about him which doesn't help me. The code inspector did say that the grade of sand is very important in our type of system. At this point we are hoping that we do not have redesign the system and start from scratch.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

I have been on local planning boards since 1973. I have never heard of anybody walking away from a deal with a functioning septic system that passed three town inspections. It looks like your buyer hired somebody to find a way out of the deal. Having septic systems inspected with no evidence of a problem is very unusual.

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by Northern Maine Land Man

I have been on local planning boards since 1973. I have never heard of anybody walking away from a deal with a functioning septic system that passed three town inspections. It looks like your buyer hired somebody to find a way out of the deal. Having septic systems inspected with no evidence of a problem is very unusual.

NMLM seems to have a valid point here. From what you posted about the inspector having no friends he may very well be a plant by the potential buyer to get something for nothing or at least sweeten the deal toward the buyer's side.

[JC3]

Good idea to have the system inspected by an inspector that you hire. They will have no incentive to give you innacurate info.