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Old Nov 7, 2015 | 05:53 PM
  #1  
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Septic System Question

Hey guys, looking at buying a house that has a questionable septic system. Im not sure if this is the correct section to post this so if its not Mods could you please move ?

I have some pictures here from the setup that is currently at the house. Has anyone ever seen anything like this?

Right now the pipe comes off the house and runs into the center of the circular driveway. There is three cleanouts then it dumps into what looks like the solids tank. After that the bigger tank looking is next down the line. Im hoping that this was just neglected and the wiring would need to be redone. House has been abandon for about 1.5 years. I think this worked before the guy left but the little roof thing over this hole rotted away and rusted the stuff below.

















 
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Old Nov 7, 2015 | 10:28 PM
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I'd suggest gettomg an expert to look at it. Septic regulations have tightened up a lot in the last 20 years or so -- at least around here. You really want to know what you might be in for. They may decide that the type of system that's there is no longer allowed ($$$).

Good Luck,

hj
 
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Old Nov 8, 2015 | 01:12 AM
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I have worked on more septic systems then I really would prefer to have ever touched, (6/7) and haven't run across anything like that..... Find someone that knows the local septic laws to inspect the system before any bid on the house is done, it will affect the end price of the house depending on the results.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2015 | 07:25 AM
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Thanks guys, I put my offer in contingent upon septic so I should be ok. I have a feeling the drainfield runs back behind that up the hill. Hopefully it just needs to be pumped and have a few pumps installed
 
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Old Nov 8, 2015 | 08:39 AM
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Originally Posted by twigsV10
I have worked on more septic systems then I really would prefer to have ever touched, (6/7) and haven't run across anything like that..... Find someone that knows the local septic laws to inspect the system before any bid on the house is done, it will affect the end price of the house depending on the results.

i agree. i have never seen a septic system with any pumps in it, all the ones i have done were gravity run.
and i have replaced or installed at least 25 systems over the years.
 
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Old Nov 8, 2015 | 11:24 PM
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Reference to septic pumps made it click, it's a "modernized" old-school septic system. The buried part with the cleanout lid is likely the original tank and the pit is what the tank drains into and is then pumped up to the lateral field.
It could possibly be repaired and used if it is within local code guidelines but it could also be a big problem a couple years down the road.... I can't give you an honest answer as to which it will be and would still reference a knowledgeable septic system service technician.
 
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Old Nov 9, 2015 | 08:14 AM
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The newer systems here ( in AAounty Md) have a circulating pump, and a fan, they make the water for the field lines almost pure.
They are called a Nitrogen reducing system
It looks like maybe someone has converted your tank to that system
 
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